What is School: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A school is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students (or "pupils") under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of formal education, which is sometimes 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 (Elementary in the US) and secondary (Middle school in the US) education. Kindergarten or preschool 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 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.
Non-government schools, also known as private schools may be required when the government does not supply adequate, or specific educational needs. Other private schools can also be religious, such as Christian schools, gurukula (Hindu School), madrasa (Arabic schools), hawzas (Shi'i Muslim schools), yeshivas (Jewish 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, military education and training and business schools.
In homeschooling and distance education, teaching and learning take place independent from the institution of school or in a virtual school outside a traditional school building respectively. Schools are commonly organized in several different organizational models, including departmental, small learning communities, academies, integrated, and schools-within-a-school.

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  1. P

    Other Should I research outside of my school?

    Currently I am at the University of Texas at Arlington where I am studying the physical and chemical properties of supernova remnants to figure out the state of its progenitor star. Now, I was thinking of going someplace else to research for the summer, not because I am not interested in the...
  2. W

    Studying Should I expect myself to "know everything"?

    I'm not sure how to put this into words but...here goes. After going through chapters and chapters of introductory mechanics, I think I can say that I at least some of the basics down. However, when I introduce myself to extremely novel problems, I get stunned at their complexity and have to...
  3. G

    Schools Is It Better to Take Grade 12 Physics in High School or Wait Until University?

    I am currently picking out my courses for grade 11 next year. I have the opportunity to take both grade 11 AP Physics 1 and grade 12 AP Physics 2 in the same year (semestered). If I do I won't have any physics courses in grade 12 instead I'll be taking grade 11 Pre-AP Chemistry and grade 12 AP...
  4. T

    Math Do Math-Intensive Careers in Computer Science Offer Many Industry Opportunities?

    Hello PF, I'm a high school student in a math and science program. I'm currently planning on doing a double major in math and computer science, and I have a couple questions. Firstly, are there areas of computer science that heavily use math and require originality? I understand that most likely...
  5. J

    Schools Grad school application advice

    My questions are regarding admissions at top universities in Europe. Many of them are of a rather general nature, I hope that is okay. I am from Austria (EU) and I currently studying for a BSc in Physics from the University of Vienna. I will graduate in July 2017 after three years of full time...
  6. A

    Engineering Engineering Career Guidance needed

    Hi Everybody, I have often found myself reading through the discussions on these forums but never ended up taking part. I came here today because I desperately need career path/education advise. Many of the people who regularly post on these forums appear to be very knowledgeable so I can't...
  7. Whitefire_Nomura

    Job Skills What side job in school looks good on a resume?

    Good morning everyone, Just a simple question. I plan to work while going to school. I want to build something relevant to an entry level resume when I graduate College. The only question is what? I had been sending out feelers in order to get back into the electronics field. But I've also been...
  8. Dishsoap

    Schools Intelligence necessary for graduate school?

    Hey all, This is a really embarrassing question, but one that I feel is necessary. I am not too intelligent, but feel as though for most of my life it could be made up for by work ethic. My senior year, when having an honest discussion with my advisors about my capability for grad school, I was...
  9. M

    Schools Is math/physics dual major worth it?(to get into grad school

    Hi everybody! To be concise -My undergraduate majors are math and physics -I want to go on and do research in physics (probably theoretical/mathematical physics) and be a professor. -My GPA is a 3.98 and Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra will likely drag down my GPA (I'm currently in these...
  10. andrewkirk

    B Can you solve this geometry problem for nine year olds?

    I was in a primary school class room the other day and the teacher asked me for help with this geometry problem, that he had set for his class as an extension challenge, but then realized he couldn't do. The known angles are marked in degrees. We have to find the angle x. I spent five minutes...
  11. Mayan Fung

    Introducing SHM to high school students

    I need to introduce Simple Harmonic Motion to a group of high school students studying physics. They don't know anything about differential equation except the method of separation of variables. Also, they have limited knowledge on complex numbers like eiωt. However, I don't want to just give...
  12. C

    Schools Will my minor affect grad school admission?

    Hello, I am currently an undergrad aiming for a B.S in Physics and a minor in Space and Planetary Sciences. I have only had the chance to take one astronomy class towards my minor and I am wondering how much a minor is considered in grad school admissions? My end game is to continue on through...
  13. N

    Schools Graduate School Admissions for Astronomy Program

    Hi Everyone! I am a senior student going at a liberal arts college currently majoring in Physics. I am applying to graduate schools in Astronomy this fall semester. I would like to ask what are the odds of getting into the best astronomy programs with the following background: Major GPA: 4.00...
  14. S

    Schools How does my grade in a foreign language affect grad school?

    TL;DR: in over my head with study abroad program Hi. I have been doing a Physics + Computer Science Double Major at a college and right now I'm in the 2nd semester of my sophomore year. However, I'm wondering about this. One of the things I had wanted to do when at this college was to do a...
  15. T

    Schools Double majoring in Mech E and Physics - Grad school

    I'm currently an undergraduate sophomore at Rutgers double majoring in Physics and Mechanical Engineering. I've recently made the decision that I want to go for a master's degree in physics and then potentially a PhD. However, I'm doing research in mechanical engineering right now and I don't...
  16. I

    High School Level Physics Homework

    Homework Statement A highway is to be built between two towns, one of which lies 35.0km south and 72.0km west of the other. What is the shortest length of highway that can be built between the two towns, and at what angle would this highway be directed with respect to due west. Homework...
  17. F

    Schools Community college GPA and Chem grad school?

    Hi, I just have a quick question regarding Chemistry grad school admissions. If a student attended community college before transferring to a UC to finish a BS in chemistry, would chemistry grad schools look at both GPA's when considering them for admission? Basically, would a GPA of around...
  18. W

    I need to interview an engineer for a school project.

    For my engineering class I have to interview a person who is currently an engineer. I was hoping somebody could help answer some questions, it'd be greatly appreciated. • Please describe your engineering field. • What is your current job title? • Please describe your particular job and...
  19. B

    Classical High School physics textbook

    I have read that Feynman Lectures on Physics is pretty good; however, I also read it isn't a replacement for a good textbook. So I wanted a good physics(high school level) textbook that I could read Feynman Lectures on Physics along beside it. Regarding mathematics, I have completed Calculus I...
  20. Rachelle77

    Schools Elite School vs. Perfect Overseas Undergrad Research Opportunity

    Hi, thank you for taking the time to read my thread. Since the historic discovery by LIGO earlier this year and NASA's apparent intention to rejoin the LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) project being spearheaded by the ESA, I am considering studying and eventually researching...
  21. RooksAndBooks

    News School Shooting at Alpine High School

    There is a tragic story coming out today about a school shooter in Alpine, Texas. http://www.cnn.com/2016/09/08/us/texas-high-school-shooting/ Her name is not revealed, nor are her motives. The article just says she wounded a female student and that she shot herself. The wounded student...
  22. J

    Schools Apply Grad School: Nominated for JYA Programme at Cambridge

    Hi, I'm currently a final undergrad student and trying to apply for grad school. The thing is that on the application forms there is a section about "scholarships, prizes and distinctions" and last year I was nominated for the JYA programme at Cambridge by our university with a conditional...
  23. M

    Schools Does it matter what school I get my Master's at?

    My school has a 5 1/2 year masters program. You do a 4 year bachelors and you can a masters in 3 semesters instead of four. However, my school does not have many professors which specialize in what interests me, and there is another school nearby which has a lot of professors who specialize in...
  24. poincare

    Schools Competition and funding for graduate school in Mathematics

    In graduate school for physics, the competition in certain fields(for example High Energy Theory) is very intense. Does anyone know how the situation is in fields of mathematics. So, which areas of mathematics are the most difficult to get into for grad school ? I would be particularly...
  25. B

    B High School Physics Presentation Ideas?”

    Hey guys, I'm in high school and we have to do a presentation on any physics topic we like. The teacher is just trying to assess our class as it is only the beginning of the school year. It has to be a minimum of 3 min and maximum of 5 min. Are there any topics that aren't too complicated, but...
  26. 1

    Schools Double Major in Applied Math and CS, Might Go To Grad School

    Hello, I'm currently a college student that is a CS major. I'm thinking about doing a double major in applied math, because I really enjoy it. I also plan on going to grad school to get either a PhD or a Master's degree in applied math. Is this a good path? Or should I go to grad school for CS...
  27. S

    Schools Grad School: Distance Learning ? Theoretical physics

    I will be graduating with a bachelors degree in physics in the next year. Most of my professors have advised me that if I am considering graduate school (which I am), to just go straight for a PhD instead of stopping at a MA. Unfortunately, my family is currently in a terrible place...
  28. Biscuit

    Schools Should I Change My High School Senior Project to Something Related to Physics?

    So at my high school we have to do a senior project. My initial plan was to write a book and then a piano song to go with it but I'm having second thoughts. Although mine is plenty difficult enough I see people doing internships and all this stuff that looks great on a college app. For example...
  29. F

    Engineering Academic/Career advice for and old dude going back to school

    Hi. I'm 45 with a BSEE and BS in computer science, which I haven't really used. Actually I've worked mostly as a communications technician for most of my adult life. I've done IP/networking work, but most my experience is with wireless communications; two way, trunked radio, microwave, and...
  30. C

    Schools Taking a Fifth Year as an Undergrad in Physics Before Applying to Grad School?

    Hi there. I'm currently in my senior year for my physics degree. I was wondering whether it would be wiser to finish up my undergrad this year, or if I'd be better off taking a fifth year to complete it. My university does not grade with + or -, so a low B is represented exactly the same as a...
  31. P

    Schools Graduate School Advice: Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering?

    Hello, Sorry for the longer post, but I would appreciate any advice offered. I have been reading this site ever since starting my undergrad in physics, first time posting. I am posting as I have been having trouble gather info/opinions on a situation I find myself in and am looking for...
  32. RaijuRainBird

    Redesigning Mathematics Curriculum, thoughts?

    I've had a pretty poor experience going through the standardized education system in California, and now that I'm in college, I'm really fed up with how mathematics is taught (even at the college level). With this said, I thought it would be fun for me to redesign the entire math education...
  33. S

    Schools Going back to Grad School after working

    Hi Everyone, I have a double B.S. in physics and math from UMD. I graduated in 2012, and have since worked primarily in tech startups. I am considering going back to school to get a masters, likely in applied math or something computationally intensive. My concern is that I have no academic...
  34. A

    Schools Can I get into grad school with such a low GPA

    Hey, I'm an Electrical and Computer Engineering senior, studying at the American University of Beirut, one of the top schools in the region. I have recently realized that I really want to go to graduate school and study theoretical computer science, however, due to a general lack of motivation...
  35. Quentin_alex

    Chemistry Chemistry, material science, and med school

    Hello, I am currently a materials science major going into my junior year. I recently gained interest in medical school (specifically anesthesiology and radiology) However, I do not know if this is going to be the plan yet for me. I am thinking about changing my major to chemistry, so that I...
  36. Eclair_de_XII

    Other I want a second opinion on whether I should stop school for now

    I'm going to school right now to earn a mathematics degree to enter the actuarial field, but I'm just tired of learning. I want a break; perhaps I'd just go job-hunting if I'm not going to school. I'm tired of leaching off my mother for funds to go to college. She's nearing retirement age, and...
  37. Julianmm95

    Schools Applying to Study CFT in Graduate School

    I am going to be applying to graduate programs for theory in the fall, and after discussing research with a few of my professors, my top research topic choice is Conformal Field Theories. Are CFT's a large enough area of study to be the focus of research for a graduate student? Also, will saying...
  38. micromass

    Challenge Micromass' big high school challenge thread

    Here is a thread of challenges made especially for high school students and first year university students. All the following problems can be solved with algebra, trigonometry, analytic geometry, precalculus and single-variable calculus. That does not mean that the question are all easy. For...
  39. Quantum_Gorilla

    Admissions Applying to Medical Physics School

    Hello everyone, I am posting here in this forum in order to get some insight on what my chances are on getting into a Medical Physics program. Here is a small summary of my academic background, I graduate from Arizona State University with a 3.4 GPA and have two Bachelors of Science one in...
  40. nmsurobert

    Other High School Teaching: Is It Possible?

    I was wondering if there was any high school teachers here. Have any of you guys gone right into teaching at a public high school after graduating. I've spoken to a couple different people. One of them being an ex-high school teacher (now university instructor) and he told me that with my...
  41. Zack K

    Admissions AP class didn't run this year for my school

    Hey guys and gals. So it's the end of the school year and I chose one of my courses to be AP physics 11 since physics is the career I want to pursue. Unfortunately the course didn't run because not enough people signed up and it's freaking me out. Should I take the May AP exam and self study...
  42. A

    Schools Am I too sensitive for graduate school?

    This is silly, you can say it's silly and I respect that. It also seems like a thread that I would roll my eyes at and say "if you have to ask this, you probably are." The situation is as follows. I'm a second-year graduate student working in an experimental lab. There is a postdoc here who is...
  43. Liam C

    Admissions What are the chances of getting into an Ivy School from CA

    I live in Canada but I want to go to a university in the US after I graduate HS. Does anyone have any experience similar to this? What are my chances of getting into an Ivy league school compared to those who already live in the U.S? Any data, statistics, personal or secondhand experience...
  44. E

    Physics Settling for a different field in grad school....

    I was wondering if anyone has had any experience in settling for a different field than what their first choice may have been? I am applying to physics grad school this fall, and am torn on which field to apply for. I have to choose between medical physics and high energy. On the one hand I...
  45. Liam C

    Schools Is it too late to turn around my grades (High School)?

    Let me preface this by saying I am in the ninth grade: I ended my grade 9 math course with a 60%. Why, one might ask? Because I was lazy and not thinking about my future. It's my own fault. I am going to retake the course online by correspondence and do my best. I think I have potential and...
  46. R

    Other Physics Principles and Application best book for high school

    The book Physics Principles and Application by Douglas C Giancoli can give me the full curriculum in physics from grade 9 to 12 ? Or I need another book to cover all physics learned in high school ? All equations laws ... ?
  47. Y

    Schools Is Astro/Math sufficient to succeed in physics grad school?

    I'm currently entering my second year in college so I'm kind of worried about declaring my major. Originally I was planning on doubling in astrophysics and physics but then I was wondering about combining astrophysics and mathematics. I thought this would be good because a) I like math and I...
  48. Dishsoap

    Schools Leaving graduate school for a semester?

    Hello everyone, I have a couple of questions. I'm an incoming graduate student starting in the fall, and working with a group at my future graduate school this summer. I do not want the pity of anyone in my department (especially as a new student) so I'm aware that the answers I get here may be...
  49. A

    Schools What are some factors to consider when applying to graduate school in physics?

    Hi, Little about me: I'm a fourth year physics major(graduating fall 2017). I currently have a 3.6 gpa with 164(verbal) and 165(math) . I took the physics GRE and got a 800 which sucks and I would like to score above a 920 which I am studying for next year. Two publications with a fair amount of...
  50. Sam I Am

    Other Peace Corps after graduate school?

    This may be a silly (and, as a first year grad student, premature!) question, but I am wondering about the possibility of going into the Peace Corps after getting my Ph.D. in physics. My field of study is condensed matter physics, and I have begun working with a group doing some nanotechnology...
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