What is Schools: Definition and 479 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. M

    Schools With so many schools to choose from, how do I decide which to consider / visit?

    Hi, I really appreciate this and thanks for any help before hand. I'd like to start looking at schools and I'm having trouble even finding an idea where to start. I want to go back to school as a 27 year old transfer that was a college drop-out but did get an associates degree in a...
  2. T

    Schools Should I apply to more reach schools for graduate studies?

    I have a question pretty specific towards my situation but I think its an interesting thing to think about anyways. I am in the process of applying for graduate programs for the fall, and from two professors I got slightly different advice. One said that I should apply to few top schools, few...
  3. Vorde

    Schools Undergrad Astronomy Safety Schools

    As part of my junior curriculum I'm taking a college prep course. As part of this course I am gathering a list of colleges I plan on applying to, including several safety schools. I have several schools that I am totally confident that I will be able to get in, but I wouldn't quite call them...
  4. Z

    Schools Non-prestigous schools and job opportunities

    I am currently a Music major at Metropolitan State College of Denver. I am considering switching my major to physics but I am wondering if where you get your bachelor's has an effect on you likely-hood to get a job/go to graduate school. Also, How is the job market for physicists? I don't...
  5. B

    Schools How/What should I ask professors at grad schools I'm checking out

    I've narrowed down a short list of a dozen or so graduate programs it looks like I'd like to apply to. I've heard that it helps to email professors involved in the work I'm interested in, but I'm doing the socially-awkward-penguin and am kinda at a loss for what to say or how to go about saying...
  6. K

    Schools Few questions about engineering( schools)

    Hi everyone, I am a grade 12 student and everyone I know is applying or already accepted into a university and I have no idea on where I want to go. I want to become an engineer, probably a civil engineer because I find that designing buildings and other big constructs would be very fun. I...
  7. O

    Schools Will top graduate schools look down up a light courseload?

    Hi there, I'm doing a double honours degree in Pure Math and Astrophysics right now and I'm finding taking 5 courses a semester, normally 5 science or 4 science and 1 humanities, a ridiculously draining challenge. A typical semester next year would be like: -Honours Real Analysis (PMAT)...
  8. J

    Schools Do grad schools consider varied research interests a sin?

    I'll be applying to grad schools in the coming months, and I'm mostly interested in programs that involve nonlinear dynamics, synchrony, and chaos. But, my undergraduate research is in two other areas, different from each other and not involving nonlinear dynamics at all. I've worked on...
  9. U

    Schools Planning on transferring schools, which classes to take for prep?

    Hi all, I have really enjoyed this forum and I appreciate all the interaction. I am planning to transfer to a different EE program (Great reputation, and a lot closer) and I am trying to plan my courses for next semester. Just wanted to see if anyone had any input. I am definitely taking...
  10. C

    Should Math Be Taught In Schools? (hilarious)

    This is a parody of the equally ridiculous replies of the Miss USA contestants about the theory of evolution (link to the original video in the description)
  11. G

    Drug Testing in Schools and Organizations: Addressing Adderall Abuse

    Should schools and organizations start drug testing students to monitor abuse of drugs like adderall, which is widely used recreationally by lots of kids to boost test scores?
  12. O

    Schools Question about mathematics and ivy league schools

    Im in the 8th grade taking algebra, I am going to take Geometry-Trig in 9th, algebra II is 10th, HOPEFULLY accelerated calculus in 11th, but if not, ill take advanced mathematics. and then somesort of advanced calculus if i do accelerated or just plain calculus I if I go the normal advanced...
  13. B

    Schools Best graduate schools for CMT or HEP-T

    Hi, thank you for reading this. I am applying to grad school this year and I'm basically torn between High Energy Physics (theory) and Condensed Matter Theory. Could you recommend me some universities that have good programs in this field? Also feel free to include school that aren't top tier...
  14. Q

    Schools Recommendations for graduate schools In TQFT

    I'm entering my final year as a math/physics undergraduate, and I'm looking into grad schools to apply to. In particular, I'm interested in topological quantum field theory. As a student, I'm fairly well-off academically and research-wise, and comparing myself to people who I've known the past...
  15. L

    Schools Do Grad schools care about your topic of undergrad research

    Hi everyone, So my question is, do grad schools care about the topic of your research when you're an undergrad? I'm interested in high energy/particle theory but obviously I'm not doing research in that since I'm an undergrad. I did a semester's worth of work with the high energy exp group...
  16. A

    Schools Schools in New York for Physics B.S. - GPA 3.4, 4.0 Major

    Hello I'm going into my second year of a community college and need to start looking at schools to transfer too. I live in New York and I know there's some good schools here so I'm thinking about staying local to save some money because I want to go to gradschool. I'm open to any suggestions on...
  17. L

    Schools What do graduate schools look like?

    Is it just like a class where small number of people are gathered and taught by a professor like high school? Or is it simliar to 1 to 1 private tutoring?
  18. N

    Schools Do graduate schools (Physics) care if youre a 5th year undergrad?

    Title says it all. I've heard some schools don't like 5th year undergrads, is there a general truth to this from what you guys have heard, if you ever have? Thanks ^^
  19. S

    Schools Where Can I Find Top Physics Grad Schools with a Focus on Safety in California?

    Hello all, What are some safety physics grad schools, preferably in California. (I have 3.4 GPA). I'm going into spintronics/condensed matter. Right now I am applying to UCSB, Stanford, UCB, Caltech. Obviously all are quite a reach for me, so I am looking for some good safety schools...
  20. M

    Schools Categorising Phy. Grad schools

    Categorising Phy. Grad schools ... please help Hi, I am an indian student wishing to pursue physics grad school in us in about a couple a years time from now. i am having a hard time categorising schools. There are just so many of them. As a non-american it becomes really difficult to...
  21. B

    Schools What graduate schools should I be looking at?

    I posted this on Reddit and someone recommend I ask here: Also, where can I go to get an idea of fields of research? I know unless I get a 90%+ on the physics GRE I don't have a shot doing Unification stuff. Like I said I really enjoyed QM and Relativity, and the questions they try to answer...
  22. E

    Schools Phd advice good idea what schools?

    Phd advice...good idea...what schools? I'm a couple years out of grad school (M.S.) mathematics, and I am considering applying this fall for a phd program. My math UG math gpa is a 4.0 except for a b+, my grad gpa is a 3.8, and my physics gpa is a 3.7. My gpa dipped my last semester partly...
  23. T

    Schools Requirements for Applied Math Grad Schools

    Hi, I'm a math major coming to the end of my second year. Right now I'm leaning toward to studying Statistics or Probability in Grad School. From what I've read, Statistics doesn't use Algebra or Differential Equations at all, so classes in those areas aren't of much use. Would the same...
  24. L

    Schools Second language requirements at US schools

    I'm currently going through the process of looking at schools I might transfer to next year and I'm surprised at the number of schools that require you to either pass a second language proficiency exam or to take 4+ semesters of a second language. Personally, being an older student, I feel...
  25. M

    Schools Suggestions for Schools to Apply to (Engineering)

    I am making a list of all the schools I am applying to for spring 2012 tomorrow. So far, I have Colorado School of Mines, UC-Boulder, UT-Austin, Washington-Seattle. I am looking to live out west, preferably near/in a progressive city (I'm a vegan and want grocery store/farmers market...
  26. K

    Schools Schools and theoretical physics

    As many may know, the UC system recently released all of their admission decisions. I was able to get into UCSD, UCSB, and UC Davis, each with the physics major. I want to do theoretical physics (as the title states), or something involving applied mathematics and physics. My interest lies with...
  27. N

    Schools Who sends more students to prestigious US grad schools?

    Waterloo or Toronto? and what are better chances math or physics please don't bother lecturing me about "prestigious matters" "do what you wish" i have already had headaches thinking about those I was originally thinking UT can't send much people to US grad because of low GPA average...
  28. G

    Schools Which UK universities are best for science transfer students?

    I was hoping that someone had some experience with schools in the UK. I will be finishing my 2 year degree this fall semester and am planning on transferring to a university to finish my Bachelors degree the following fall. Right now I am studying at a community college in California. My GPA is...
  29. vela

    Differences between teaching at 2-year and 4-year schools

    I'm looking for a teaching job (physics and/or math) at the college or university level, and I was wondering of the pros and cons between teaching at a 2-year school vs. a 4-year school. I'd appreciate any insights people have to offer based on their experiences.
  30. P

    Comparing Student Ability Across Schools

    Which is better? Whose students are more capable?
  31. J

    Schools Do grad schools care about honor society memberships?

    I'm starting to get junk mail from honor societies asking me for money to join their ranks. I'm really not interested, and half of them sound like scams (well, at least one in particular does, the rest look legit). Do grad schools care what honor societies you've paid to join? Or can they...
  32. O

    Schools I post available courses of two prospective schools, you help me examine them

    Salutations math elders, Firstly, when i discovered this site i rejoiced because of all the amazing resources. You can expect to see more of me, asking lots of questions. I am about to make a (hopefully liberating) life-changing decision and I figured that this was the best place to...
  33. C

    Schools Deciding on an REU - What looks best to grad schools?

    I'm a sophomore this year at a small liberal arts school - I've heard back on most of my physics REU program applications now, and have narrowed it down to two I'm seriously considering. However, I was in one of the programs last summer. Further complicating things, if I go with the one I did...
  34. [Quadratic]

    Schools Academic forgiveness/Second chance and top graduate schools

    Hello, to make a long story short I had a couple bad semesters and killed my GPA. My personal life was pretty crazy for about 2 years and my motivation and focus on school suffered greatly. I've taken a couple years off from school to get my mind and personal affairs in order and will be...
  35. P

    International students and U.S. schools

    It's no big secret that there's a huge population of International students who come to America to get a college education. I think at my University something like 30% are international students (may be higher). I'm wondering though - how do they afford it? Education is expensive for...
  36. A

    Schools Alg. Geometry/Topology Grad Schools?

    I'm finding myself interested in studying something like Algebraic Geometry or Algebraic Topology for graduate school, and I'm just wondering what schools are out there at have strong programs in these areas? I already know about Columbia, Michigan, Texas, and Utah for AG, and about UChicago for...
  37. D

    Why do we keep ppl who should be in wards teaching and managin at our schools ?

    http://video.foxnews.com/v/4547418/six-year-old-forced-into-psych-ward-by-school It's not the kid who should be committed. Is the so called adults, the do gooders, which are an infestation to our society.
  38. J

    Schools Autumn deadlines for US grad schools?

    Hi I'm graduating for a european physics/applied maths M.Sc. around September. I thought about applying for US grad school already during last autumn but I couldn't be sure I would be done in time, and my application would really have lacked the final beefing up of good results in the really...
  39. D

    Schools Acceptance rates of canadian grad schools

    Does anyone know what the acceptance rate is for some Canadian grad schools in either physics or math
  40. R

    Schools Will the UC Schools' Physics Ph.D. Programs Be Affected by CA's Budget Crisis?

    I have been admitted to Berkeley and a couple of other UC schools for Ph.D. programs in physics, and I am concerned about how the budget crisis in California will impact these programs over the next few years. Berkeley, in particular, is still ranked very highly, but will this continue to be...
  41. qspeechc

    Teachin of Evolution in Schools

    Find the (short) article http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/08/science/08creationism.html?ref=education".
  42. K

    Schools Summer Schools for HEP PhDs: QCD Theory & Phenomenology

    Hey, I was wondering if anyone have some suggestions on good summer schools, or where I can find them, for PhD students in High Energy Physics? Europe based would be good but perhaps not necessary. More specifically I am working in QCD Theory/Phenomenology. Cheers!
  43. R

    Schools To what other graduate schools are you seeking admission?

    "To what other graduate schools are you seeking admission?" I noticed that the different programs (Financial Engineering) ask this question, but I don't understand what the reason for asking the question is. Can the info influence the decision of the admissions committee ? I think listing many...
  44. Z

    Schools Do grad schools look at if you majored or specialized in physics?

    For my school, a major involve taking 60% pre-selected physics/math courses. And a specialist invove taking 80% pre-selected physics/math courses. But you can go in between and take 70% physics/math courses to earn a major. This can definitely boost one's GPA and schedule flexibility. So I...
  45. A

    Schools Which Undergrad Engineering School in Texas Should I Apply to?

    So, it's getting to be deadline time for college admissions. I'm an aerospace engineering major, and I'm wanting to transfer to an engineering school in Texas; and yes, I know I've made several topics already, but I'd like PF's opinion on this. The problem I'm facing is which one to apply for...
  46. M

    Question regarding math schools

    I was always curious, what is the difference between getting a math degree at Arizona State University or MIT? In the long run, won't a person from MIT or ASU learn the same things in the long run? Or no?
  47. T

    Schools Good Graduate Schools in Physics (Astrophysics, HighEnergy) in Rural Areas

    Hi all, Due to medical reason, I have problem with noises, and I am graduating from M.Sc soon, I am looking for PhD program in US, Canada, Europe (Australia?) Can you please suggest which good school which is situated at rather rural area, yet strong in physics. My research interest is...
  48. Simfish

    Schools Emailing professors when applying to grad schools

    I know it's frequently done. Just a question - what sorts of questions do these professors ask when they reply to these emails? (and are there certain professors more likely to reply than others - maybe profs looking for grad students or professors in less competitive fields?) Do they ever ask...
  49. F

    Schools Schools recognizing grade inflations or deflations

    I know a lot of schools recognize that it is definitely easier to get a 90% in College A than it is in College B. The 96% in College C may only worth 70% in College D. But my question is, despite knowing these facts, do school really care? Like they know this, but how much do they care...
  50. C

    Undergraduate schools for theoretical/mathematical physics

    Hi, I am a senior in high school and I am in the process of applying to colleges. I want to major in theoretical or mathematical physics, and I want to know which schools are the best for this field of study. By "the best", I don't simply mean those schools that U.S. News ranks as top ten. I...
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