Schools are educational institutions that teach students. The term is most often used for primary (elementary) and secondary school, but may also be applied to tertiary education such as a university, vocational school or seminary.
Teachers often use different methods to teach the same subject matter to kids of varying ages. This is because teaching children at different ages requires tailoring their learning to their developmental age.
History
The history of schools goes back thousands of years. People have always found it necessary to pass knowledge, skills and values on to their children. They did this on an individual basis at first, then in groups and ultimately in societies. Educating children has become more important as populations have grown and civilizations developed.
Schooling started to take on its modern form in the 18th century with common schools that taught students of all ages in one room with a single teacher. Parents either paid tuition or contributed commodities such as food to help pay for their children’s education.
Horace Mann popularized the idea of public schools in America based on those in Prussia, and by the turn of the 20th century most states had made it legal for all children to attend school. There was a long struggle to make sure that schools were open to all, however, and it wasn’t until 1954 that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of desegregation.
Purpose
Schools serve many purposes, including academic (intellectual), political and civic, socialization, and economic. The latter includes teaching students to value work, which helps them succeed in a competitive labor market. Schools also help them develop the skills necessary for navigating the changing economic landscape, like communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and empathy.
Another function of schools is social control, which teaches students to obey rules and respect authority figures. This function is fulfilled in different ways, from requiring that students recite the Pledge of Allegiance to imposing discipline on delinquents.
Students also gain a sense of belonging at school, which can carry them through difficult times in their lives. For example, when a student’s parents lose their jobs, the support of peers can keep them afloat. Schools also provide a place where community members can come together to solve local problems, such as improving health services. This sends the message that school leaders care about the community.
Types
School is one of the most important parts of a child’s life. Not only do they learn the necessary skills to succeed in their future careers, but they also gain friends who will be with them throughout the rest of their lives. These friendships can be a great support system, and can help to teach children about how to work well with others.
There are many different types of schools, and it is difficult to know which one is right for your child. Some of the major categories are traditional public, charter, private and virtual schools.
Traditional public schools are government funded and operate according to regulations set by the state. They accept students from all over the district and provide a diverse educational experience. Private schools are funded by tuition and may have religious affiliations or be independent. They can have a wide range of curriculums and focus on specialized talents, such as music or science.
Locations
School locations are typically based on population centers. This is particularly true for secondary schools, which usually are grouped into geographically distinct regions or magisterial districts. Many larger schools have multiple smaller entities within the building, called “Campuses” or “Complexes”, which operate independently of one another. Some schools are located in rural areas. In these cases, students are generally required to have access to a vehicle to travel between schools and their homes. Some teachers prefer rural schools because they provide a quieter, cleaner environment and a strong sense of community. In addition, they tend to pay higher salaries than urban schools.