Tracing the Origins of School There is still debate among historians as to who invented school. There is no question that knowledge was passed down by the Egyptians, but it was probably limited to a select few. But the concept of gathering students to teach them various subjects began in Greece. Education in Ancient Greece The concept of a school system originated in the Byzantine Empire and Rome. But they were influenced by the Greeks. This is because the Greeks were always pursuing knowledge. That is why people say they were the ones who originated the school concept. But in Greece it was more of a discipleship, not the school used today. They had a teacher with disciples. Unlike today, the teacher and disciples would travel and lecture in various places. The Byzantines The Byzantines took the Greek idea of teacher and disciples. However, they preferred to use a system and study in an enclosed and permanent area. While the Greeks talked about random subjects, the Byzantines sought to teach more specific matters. Some of the subject matters they taught were history, mathematics, philosophy and many others. Horace Mann As the concept of education evolved, Horace Mann would go on to establish a system of school. Born in Franklin Massachusetts, he studied Law at the Brown University. He set up a system in Bridgewater and Lexington, Massachusetts around the mid 1830s. While he was not the man who invented school, he was very influential in the way schools operated. The Middle Ages During the Middle Ages, there were many schools in existence. During this time, the goal of these establishments was to teach the Latin language. From this practice, the school evolved to include other subjects like math, languages, sciences, religion and other subjects. Eventually the schools would include practical, artistic and specialized subjects. Modern Schools While there is still speculation on who invented school, there is no question that it has evolved. In the early days in the US, the schools consisted of one teacher who instructed seven grades of girls and boys. In the 1920s, the schools were transformed into classrooms with several features. School buses would eventually become common. Schools today have cafeterias where they eat.
The more highly developed ones have gyms, playgrounds and athletic fields. It is also not uncommon for schools to have a hall or auditorium where students stage plays. There is also an office where administrative work is done. References: http://www.whoinventedit.net/who-invented-school.html http://www.everydayguide.com/who-invented-school/