School facts for kids
A school is a place where students learn from teachers. It's both the building and the system that helps people gain knowledge. Most countries have a formal education system, and sometimes going to school is required by law.
In these systems, students move through different levels of schools. These schools can be run by the government or by private groups. The names for schools change from country to country. However, they usually include primary school for younger children and secondary school for teenagers. A place for learning after secondary school is often called a university college or university.
Before primary school, very young children (usually ages 3–5) might go to Kindergarten or preschool. After secondary school, students can attend a university, vocational school, or college. Some schools focus on one specific area, like a school for dance or economics. There are also Alternative schools that offer different ways of learning.
Schools not run by the government are called private schools. They might be needed if government schools don't meet certain learning needs. Some private schools are religious, like Christian schools, madrasas (Arabic schools), or yeshivas (Jewish schools). Others aim for higher education standards or help students develop special talents. For adults, there are schools for job training, military education, and business.
Some people believe that schools don't always prepare students well for life. They might say that schools limit creativity by telling students exactly what to do. They also suggest that things like grades and homework can make kids less naturally curious.
In homeschooling, learning happens at home, not in a school building. Distance education or virtual schools allow students to learn online from anywhere. Schools are organized in different ways, such as having separate departments or smaller learning groups.
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What Does "School" Mean?
The word school comes from the Greek word scholē. This word first meant "leisure" or "free time." Later, it came to mean "a group to whom lectures were given," which is how we use "school" today.
How Schools Developed Over Time
The idea of bringing students together to learn in one place is very old. Formal schools existed in ancient Greece, ancient Rome, ancient India, and ancient China. The Byzantine Empire had a strong school system starting from primary levels around 425 AD. This system helped make sure many citizens, including soldiers, had at least a basic education.
In Western Europe, many cathedral schools were started in the Early Middle Ages. These taught future church leaders and administrators. Some of these schools, like The King's School in Canterbury (597 CE), are still open today. Starting in the 5th century CE, monastic schools also taught both religious and everyday subjects.
Universities began in Europe in the 12th century. Here, a way of thinking called scholasticism was important. For a long time, schools mainly taught the Latin language. This led to the term grammar school. Today, in the UK, a grammar school selects students based on their abilities. Over time, school lessons grew to include reading and writing in local languages, as well as science, art, and practical skills.
Going to school became required in parts of Europe in the 1700s. For example, in Denmark-Norway, this started in 1739 to help more people learn to read and write. Many early public schools in the United States were one-room schools. A single teacher taught all ages in one classroom. In the 1920s, these small schools combined into larger buildings, and school buses started taking students to school.
Islam also developed a school system. Learning was very important, so special buildings were made for teaching. At first, mosques were used for both worship and learning. By the 9th century, the madrassa was created. This was a school built separately from the mosque, like al-Qarawiyyin (founded in 859 CE). These were the first public school systems controlled by a Caliph.
Under the Ottomans, cities like Bursa became major learning centers. The Ottoman system of Külliye was a group of buildings with a mosque, hospital, madrassa, and public kitchens. This made education available to more people by offering free meals, health care, and sometimes free places to stay.
Different School Names Around the World
The word "school" and the names for different education levels change depending on the country.
Schools in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Countries
In the United Kingdom, "school" usually means places before university. These include pre-schools, nursery schools, primary schools, and secondary schools. Secondary schools in England and Wales can be grammar schools or comprehensives. Scotland has one type of secondary school. Most UK schools are funded by the government and are free to attend. There are also private schools that charge fees. Some very old and expensive private schools are called "public schools," which can be confusing because in North America, a "public school" is usually government-funded.
Many countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, like Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa, use "school" mainly for pre-university places.
Schools in India
In ancient India, schools were called Gurukuls. These were traditional Hindu learning places, often in a teacher's home. Today, schools are known by names like Vidyashram or Vidya Mandir. In southern India, they are called Pallikoodam. During Mughal rule, Madrasahs were started for Muslim children. British records show that in the 1700s, many villages had schools near temples or mosques. They taught reading, writing, math, and other subjects.
Under British rule, Christian missionaries started many schools in India. These schools became popular and set the standard for modern schooling in India. Today, most schools follow a similar model for teaching and subjects.
Schools in India vary greatly. Some are large campuses with many students and high fees. Others teach children under a tree and are free. India has different school boards, like the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE). Typical subjects include languages, math, science, geography, and history. Students also do sports and cultural activities like music and dance.
Schools in Europe
In much of Europe, "school" usually means primary education, which lasts four to nine years. It also means secondary education. Secondary schools are often split into Gymnasiums (for academic studies) and vocational schools (for job skills). These can last three to six years. In Germany, after primary school, students go to a general education school like a Gymnasium before they can go to a vocational school. The word "school" is rarely used for university-level education, except for some "high schools" (German: Hochschule) which are colleges or universities.
In Eastern Europe, primary and secondary schools are often combined. Secondary education might be split into two parts. Schools are called middle schools of general education. They have "degrees" of education: primary, unfinished secondary, and finished secondary. The first two degrees (eight years) are always included. The last one (two years) allows students to go on to vocational or specialized studies.
Schools in North America and the United States
In North America, "school" can mean any educational place. This includes preschool (for toddlers), kindergarten, elementary school, middle school (or junior high school), high school, college, university, and graduate school.
In the United States, each state's department of education checks how schools perform up to high school. Charter schools are public schools that have more freedom from some rules. The terms "grammar school" and "grade school" sometimes refer to primary schools. There are also tax-funded magnet schools that offer special programs.
Schools in Africa
In West Africa, "school" can also mean "bush" schools, Quranic schools, or apprenticeships. These involve both formal and informal learning.
Bush schools are training camps that teach cultural skills, traditions, and knowledge. They are separate from the main community, located in forests. Students stay until their training is done, and visitors are not allowed. Boys and girls have separate bush schools. Boys learn crafts, fighting, hunting, and community laws. Girls learn domestic skills like cooking and childcare.
Qur'anic schools teach the Quran and Islamic faith. They also helped with reading and writing during colonial times. Today, they focus on reading, memorizing, and reciting the Quran. Children often attend both state schools and a Qur'anic school. In Mozambique, there are two types of Qur'anic schools: tariqa-based (controlled locally) and Wahhabi-based (controlled by the Islamic Council). They have different levels of education, from basic to advanced.
In Nigeria, "school" includes daycares, nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools, and universities. Primary and secondary schools can be private (funded by religious groups or companies) or public (government-funded). Students spend six years in primary school, three in junior secondary, and three in senior secondary. The first nine years are required. Universities can be funded by the government, religious groups, or private individuals.
Who Owns and Runs Schools?
Many schools are owned or funded by the government. Private schools operate independently. Private schools usually get their money from fees paid by families. However, some private schools also get government help, like through School vouchers. Many private schools are linked to a specific religion; these are called parochial schools.
What You Find in Most Schools
Schools are designed for teaching and learning. Classrooms are the most important part, where teachers teach and students learn. Some classrooms are special, like science labs or workshops for practical skills.
Typical schools have many other rooms and areas, such as:
- Cafeteria (Commons), dining hall, or canteen where students eat meals.
- Athletic fields, playgrounds, gyms, or tracks for sports and physical education.
- Schoolyards, often paved, for playing, especially in elementary schools.
- Auditorium or hall for plays, music shows, and school meetings.
- Office where the school's paperwork is done.
- Library where students can get books, magazines, and use computers.
- Computer labs for computer work and internet access.
- Areas for cultural activities like games, dance, and music.
School Buildings in Poorer Countries
In low-income countries, only about a third of primary schools have electricity. This means fewer schools have internet access. For example, only 37% of high schools in low-income countries have internet, compared to 93% in high-income countries.
Access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene is also not common everywhere. Only about half of high schools in low-income countries have basic drinking water. In high-income countries, almost all schools have water and sanitation.
School Safety
Keeping staff and students safe is very important for schools. Many schools are improving security. Some have added metal detectors or video surveillance. Others have students swipe ID cards when they get on the school bus. Schools also number doors to help emergency services find their way quickly.
Other safety worries for schools include bomb threats, gangs, and vandalism. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 aims to make school buildings safer and create a non-violent learning environment.
Health Services at School
School health services are provided by medical staff, teachers, and other professionals. They work to improve the health and well-being of children. These services help find, fix, prevent, or lessen diseases, disabilities, and abuse that school-aged children might face.
Online Schools and Classes
Some schools offer classes that students can access online from home. Online schools can also help traditional schools. Many universities offer online learning programs. Teachers lead these classes through online activities and assignments. Online classes follow the same lessons as in-person classes. Students can submit their work online by deadlines. This allows students to work at their own speed while still meeting requirements.
Taking online classes gives students more flexibility in their schedules. They can learn at a time that works best for them. However, it can be harder to ask quick questions without being face-to-face with the teacher. Online students can use other online resources for their work. They also don't have to leave their house for class or worry about attendance.
Learning from home is a big benefit of online schooling. Students can attend class anywhere they have a computer, like at home, in a library, or while traveling. Online classes are designed to fit a student's needs, letting them continue with other responsibilities. Online education is often divided into Online Elementary School, Online Middle School, and Online High School.
See also
In Spanish: Escuela para niños
- Bullying in teaching
- Educational technology
- Free education
- List of colleges and universities by country
- List of schools by country
- School bullying
- School meal
- School uniform
- Student transport
- Year-round school
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