A school is an educational establishment designed to offer learning spaces and academic learning environments for students under the guidance of qualified teachers. Most developed countries have such systems of formal school education, which may be completely obligatory or voluntary. In these systems, children progress from a series of elementary schools to higher secondary schools. In some countries, there are special public schools as well as private schools, both of which are intended to train children for higher education. Private schools can also be used by parents as a mechanism to send their children to school, especially if the parents wish to avoid attending school.
In the United States, the tradition of sending children to public or private school has long since died out. Today, a child may attend a public or private school based on his/her religious affiliation, or a family’s financial ability. Some states also require parents to get their children admitted into one of these institutions based on their child’s academic performances in the regular school.
Since the primary purpose of a school is to impart knowledge to children, the school environment should be both encouraging and productive. Physical stimulation and social interaction are fundamental aspects of any school environment. Such interaction is necessary to promote a sense of well-being among children and foster a sense of loyalty and community responsibility among students. These institutions should have adequate facilities including adequate supply of water and electricity, appropriate and convenient parking lots, proper teachers and staff, clean and safe classrooms, well-maintained playgrounds, organized and controlled transportation, safe drinking water, well-lighted classrooms and quiet study rooms.