Difference between revisions of "School"
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| − | A '''school''' is an educational [[institution]]. Schools can be either publicly- or privately-funded, and may have a secular or a religious mandate. | + | A '''school''' is an educational [[institution]]. Schools can be either publicly- or privately-owned, funded by public or private sources or a combination of both, and may have a secular or a religious mandate. |
| − | + | == Types of schools == | |
| − | + | Terms used to describe schools vary from place to place. Some of the following descriptions overlap with each other. | |
| − | '' | + | === State school === |
| + | |||
| + | A '''state school''' is one that is owned and funded by the state. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In the United States, government-controlled schools are supported by taxpayers, often in the form of a school tax on property. Prior to the 20th century, school attendance was only part-time, consuming only about half or less of the year. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Private school === | ||
| + | |||
| + | A '''private school''' is one that is owned by some body other than the state. Private schools are generally funded by fees levied on the parents of the students, which usually means that the parents are paying twice, once in direct fees, and once in taxes for state schools. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In Australia, the Federal government provides some funding to private schools, although the parents of the students provide most of the income of the school. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Some private schools aspire to very high standards, some specialize in certain modes and topics of instruction (such as a military school), and yet others provide a place for children who need curricula not available in the state systems. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In [[Nordic countries]] there are virtually no schools other than government schools.{{fact}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Public school === | ||
| + | |||
| + | In America, a '''public school''' is a ''state school''. In some Commonwealth countries, a '''public school''' is a church-run (i.e. run by a church denomination) school that is open to the general public. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In America, the curriculum in public schools is dictated by state governments. Public schools do not provide religious instruction to schoolchildren, nor do they allow teacher-led prayer. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Faith school === | ||
| + | |||
| + | A '''faith school''' in the [[United Kingdom]] is partially controlled by religious groups and have a predominance of pupils from that religious group. The government fund or partially fund faith schools. | ||
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| + | === Parent-controlled schools === | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Parent-controlled schools''' (in Australia) are private schools usually owned by churches, but with control being in the hands of a parent-appointed board. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Church schools === | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Church schools''' (in Australia) are the older denominationally-owned and run public schools which generally provide a secular education. | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Christian schools, Muslim schools, etc. === | ||
| + | |||
| + | What are known as ''Faith schools'' in the United Kingdom are known as '''Christian schools''', '''Catholic schools''', or similar in Australia. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Alternatives == | ||
Schooling also occurs (in smaller numbers) in various non-traditional and non-institutional environments. This is often due to concerns of parents about institutional schooling, such as a lack of quality in traditional schools and their hostility to religion and morality. | Schooling also occurs (in smaller numbers) in various non-traditional and non-institutional environments. This is often due to concerns of parents about institutional schooling, such as a lack of quality in traditional schools and their hostility to religion and morality. | ||
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| − | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Revision as of 00:15, June 18, 2007
A school is an educational institution. Schools can be either publicly- or privately-owned, funded by public or private sources or a combination of both, and may have a secular or a religious mandate.
Types of schools
Terms used to describe schools vary from place to place. Some of the following descriptions overlap with each other.
State school
A state school is one that is owned and funded by the state.
In the United States, government-controlled schools are supported by taxpayers, often in the form of a school tax on property. Prior to the 20th century, school attendance was only part-time, consuming only about half or less of the year.
Private school
A private school is one that is owned by some body other than the state. Private schools are generally funded by fees levied on the parents of the students, which usually means that the parents are paying twice, once in direct fees, and once in taxes for state schools.
In Australia, the Federal government provides some funding to private schools, although the parents of the students provide most of the income of the school.
Some private schools aspire to very high standards, some specialize in certain modes and topics of instruction (such as a military school), and yet others provide a place for children who need curricula not available in the state systems.
In Nordic countries there are virtually no schools other than government schools.[Citation Needed]
Public school
In America, a public school is a state school. In some Commonwealth countries, a public school is a church-run (i.e. run by a church denomination) school that is open to the general public.
In America, the curriculum in public schools is dictated by state governments. Public schools do not provide religious instruction to schoolchildren, nor do they allow teacher-led prayer.
Faith school
A faith school in the United Kingdom is partially controlled by religious groups and have a predominance of pupils from that religious group. The government fund or partially fund faith schools.
Parent-controlled schools
Parent-controlled schools (in Australia) are private schools usually owned by churches, but with control being in the hands of a parent-appointed board.
Church schools
Church schools (in Australia) are the older denominationally-owned and run public schools which generally provide a secular education.
Christian schools, Muslim schools, etc.
What are known as Faith schools in the United Kingdom are known as Christian schools, Catholic schools, or similar in Australia.
Alternatives
Schooling also occurs (in smaller numbers) in various non-traditional and non-institutional environments. This is often due to concerns of parents about institutional schooling, such as a lack of quality in traditional schools and their hostility to religion and morality.