A school (from Greek ????? (schol?), originally meaning "leisure", and
also "that in which leisure is employed", "school"),[1] is an institution designed to allow and encourage students
(or "pupils") to learn, under the supervision of teachers. Most
countries have systems of formal education, which is
commonly compulsory. In these systems, students progress
through a series of schools. The names for these schools vary by country
(discussed in the Regional section below), but generally include primary school for young children and secondary school for teenagers who have completed
primary education.
In addition to these core schools, students in a given country may also
have access to and attend schools both before and after primary and
secondary education. Kindergarten or pre-school provide
some schooling to very young children (typically ages 3-5). University, vocational
school, college or seminary may be
available after (or in lieu of) secondary school. A school may also be
dedicated to one particular field, such as a school of economics or a
school of dance. Alternative
schools may provide nontraditional curriculum and methods.
There are also non-government schools, called private schools. Private
schools may be for children with special needs when the government does
not supply for them; religious, such as Christian Schools, Khalsa Schools, Torah Schools and others; or schools that have a
higher standard of education or seek to foster other personal
achievements. Schools for adults include institutions of corporate
training and Military
education and training.
In homeschooling and online
schools, teaching and learning take place outside of a
traditional school building