A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students (or "pupils") under the direction of teachers. Most countries have systems of
formal education, which is commonly compulsory.[citation needed] 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 and secondary
education. Kindergarten or pre-school 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 also 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. There are also non-
government schools, called
private schools. Private schools
may be required when the
government does not supply
adequate, or special education. Other private schools can also
be religious, such as Christian schools, hawzas, yeshivas, 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 online schools, teaching and learning take place outside of a
traditional school building.