Have you ever thought about the difference between education and schooling? Many people assume they’re the same, but there are significant differences.
In this article, we’re defining education and schooling, explaining how they differ, and exploring why this distinction matters so much for our children’s futures.
Watch the video below to gain more insight into the differences between education and schooling.
Why It’s Important to Understand the Difference Between Education and Schooling
While many people use the terms ‘education’ and ‘schooling’ interchangeably, they represent different concepts.
- Education: A lifelong journey of learning, growth, and exploration that can take place anywhere—at home, in nature, through personal projects, or alongside mentors. It encompasses personal growth, life skills, critical thinking, and real-world experiences. The best education is driven by curiosity and a genuine desire to learn.
- Schooling: A structured form of learning that typically happens within an institution and follows specific rules, schedules, and curricula. Traditional school settings often emphasize standardized lessons, fixed routines, conformity, discipline, and memorization.
Understanding this difference is crucial. A person can be highly educated without ever attending a formal school. On the other hand, schooling doesn’t always guarantee a deep, meaningful education.
By recognizing these distinctions, parents can make informed choices about how to best educate their children, whether through traditional schooling, homeschooling, or other educational approaches that foster true learning and growth.
Video: Defining Education and Schooling
Definitions Matter: What Does It Mean to Educate?
When discussing education, it’s essential to understand the true meaning behind key words. By defining terms like ‘educate,’ ‘education,’ and ‘school,’ we can better grasp their distinctions and how they shape our understanding of learning.
To provide clarity, I’ll reference definitions from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, which have been paraphrased for ease of reading.
Educate:
- To provide instruction or schooling.
- To train by giving structured lessons and practice, especially for a specific skill, trade, or profession.
- To develop someone mentally, morally, or aesthetically.
- To persuade or condition a person to feel, believe, or act in a desired way.
Education:
- The process of educating or being educated.
- The knowledge and development resulting from the process of being educated.
- The field of study that deals mainly with methods of teaching and learning in schools.
School (noun):
- An organization that provides instruction (e.g., elementary school, college, or specialized training).
- A group of people studying a subject together.
- The place where instruction occurs.
- A source of knowledge.
- The regulations governing military drills of individuals or units.
School (verb):
- To teach specific skills or knowledge.
- To train, discipline, or accustom a person to a routine.
- To educate in an institution of learning.
Schooling:
- Formal instruction, typically in a school setting.
- Training and guidance.
A Brief History of Education and School
To understand how the meanings of ‘school’ and ‘education’ have changed over time, let’s explore their roots.
Etymology of School
The origins of the word ‘school’ reveal a fascinating shift in meaning over time, as highlighted by the Online Etymology Dictionary. The Greek roots, in particular, are quite intriguing.
The Old English word scol stems from the Latin schola, which referred to:
- An intermission of work
- Leisure for learning
- Learned conversation
- Debate
- Lecture
- Meeting place for teachers and students
- Place of instruction
- Disciples of a teacher
- Body of followers
- Sect
Meanwhile, the Greek word skhole originally signified:
- Spare time
- Leisure
- Rest
- Ease
- Idleness
- Activities occupying leisure time
- Learned discussion
- A place for lectures or learning
- Originally, “a holding back” or “a keeping clear”
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the original meaning of ‘school’ was rooted in the idea of “leisure. ” It evolved to signify “thoughtful discussion” and eventually “a place for such discussion.” Over time, the Latin term spread and adapted across various cultures.
Historically, schools focused on fostering thoughtful conversations and the pursuit of knowledge. In contrast, today’s schools often emphasize structured schedules and adherence to institutional norms.
Etymology of Educate
To keep it simple, here’s a brief overview of the word ‘educate’ based on insights from the Online Etymology Dictionary.
The word ‘educate’ derives from the Latin words ‘educaten,’ ‘educere,’ and ‘educare.’
- Educaten: To train or to bring up children. The word ‘educaten’ derives from the word ‘educatus,’ meaning “to bring up, rear, educate.”
- Educere: Emphasizes the physical nurturing or support of a child.
- Educare: Typically refers to the cultivation of the mind.
Timeline: Origins and History of ‘Education’
- 14th Century: “Education” derived from the Latin word “educationem,” meaning “rearing, training” (from “educare”).
- 1530s: “Education” referred to “child-rearing” and was even used to describe “the training of animals.”
- 1610s: “Education” expanded to include instruction in social codes and manners, emphasizing systematic schooling and work training.
Over time, the meaning of education shifted to represent places where people gathered to learn in a formal setting, like today’s schools.
Note: According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, as referenced in the 1889 Century Dictionary, there is no historical evidence to suggest that “education” originally meant to “draw out or unfold the powers of the mind.”
Comparing the Past and Present Meanings of School and Education
Let’s examine the meanings of ‘school’ and ‘education’ more closely. Historically, these words have had distinct definitions that have blurred over the centuries.
Originally, ‘educate’ meant to “bring up, rear, and train” children. Notably, the word ‘school’ was absent from its early meanings. Over time, however, ‘educate’ and ‘education’ became closely associated with formal schooling.
‘Education’ eventually came to refer to a “school system” designed as “‘training for work.’ It became widely assumed that this training and the mental, moral, and aesthetic development it encompassed would primarily take place within a school setting.
Interestingly, the word ‘school’ once carried a very different meaning. It referred to “leisure for learning,” a place for “otiose discussions” and an “intermission of work.” What was once a setting for thoughtful reflection and intellectual growth has evolved into a more structured, formal institution.
Education Should Go Beyond the Classroom Walls
For many families, focusing on schooling can mean missing out on what true education offers.
At HomeSchool ThinkTank, we believe education is about laying a solid foundation of skills, nurturing a love of learning, sparking curiosity, and supporting children’s growth as unique individuals.
This approach goes beyond formal lessons. Education is about creating an environment where children can explore their passions, ask questions, and develop practical, real-world skills.
Podcast Episode: Education vs Schooling
Reflecting on What Education and School Mean to You
How do you define education? Why do you want to educate your children? Take a moment to think about these questions. Is education about memorizing facts and passing tests, or is it about becoming the best version of yourself?
Ask yourself:
- What is education?
- Why do we educate our children?
- Where does education happen?
- When should education take place?
- Who decides how we are educated?
- How should we educate our children?
Now, replace “educate” with “school” and “learn” and see how your answers change. These reflections can help guide your decisions about what kind of education you want for your family.
Key Takeaways: Defining Education and Schooling
Considering the differences between education and schooling allows you to provide a richer, more personalized educational experience for your children.
- Education is a lifelong process of learning and growth that goes beyond school.
- Schooling is a structured form of education that follows specific rules, schedules, and lessons.
By exploring the history, definitions, and impact of education and schooling, I hope to inspire you to think about what education truly means for your family. Let’s work together to create an environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive beyond the confines of traditional schooling.
Take Your Homeschooling Journey to the Next Level
If you’re inspired to give your children a personalized, enriching educational experience that goes beyond traditional schooling, I invite you to join my free course on homeschooling. In this course, I’ll share my philosophy and strategies to help you succeed in creating a nurturing, dynamic learning environment tailored to your family’s unique needs.
You’ll learn how to foster a love of learning, empower your children to explore their passions, and build the skills they need to thrive—not just academically but in every aspect of their lives. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to refine your approach, this course is designed to support and guide you every step of the way.
Click here to sign up for your free homeschooling course.
2018-2025+. HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
2018-2025+. HomeSchool ThinkTank, LLC. All Rights Reserved.