A
school is an
institution designed for the teaching of
students (or "pupils") under the direction 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. An institution where
higher education is taught, is commonly called a
university college or
university.
In addition to these core schools, students in a given country may also attend schools 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 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.
