A school is an educational institution. It provides students with a classroom and a learning environment where they can study and be taught by teachers. Most countries have a formal education system, which is sometimes compulsory. In formal education systems, students move through multiple schools as they progress through their education. A school can be a single, multi-building facility or a collection of smaller buildings.
The school should focus on teaching students skills that will help them find a job once they graduate. It should teach students reading, writing, and arithmetic, among other skills. It should also provide students with vocational education, since not everyone enjoys academics. A school must prepare students for all types of careers, no matter what their interests are.
The concept of a school started in ancient times, when a small group of adults taught a larger group of children. Ancient schools were far different from modern schools, but they were still helpful in passing on religious values and skills. Early American schools, on the other hand, focused on teaching specific subjects. In the 17th century, the first schools in the United States were built in the thirteen original colonies. The Boston Latin School, for example, was founded in 1635 and is the oldest public school in the United States.
Education is a fundamental need in life. Every generation must pass on accumulated knowledge, skills, values, and traditions to the next generation. A school can play a vital role in this process.