21 Century
Many different structures exists for gaining knowledge in our modern era. There are eSchools, homeschooling, universities, and public and private schools.
Public Schools
Public schools for the most part consist of levels. First off, there is Elementary School from which both girls and boys start off with- usually around five or six years of age, and they stay here until about they're eleven. Kindergarten, the first level, is where students learn shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and basic reading. From here they go on through school, learning how to read, write, and do math. Around third grade is when students are introduced into the science, starting off with simple science experiments.
A kindergarten class.
After finishing fifth grade, Middle School comes in; which along with other changes, the classes get bigger. Most are here for three years, from ages 12 to 14. Here, the core classes get more complicated. For example, in math, the children learn the basics of Algebra, in science, doing a science experiment is required if you join certain classes, and in English, the students start to learn beyond simple grammar and syntax and go into the deeper meanings behind the texts. Not only this, but history, which was usually just grazed on in earlier educaion, is studied quite in depth. However, the biggest difference is that students now have a choice in joining electives- classes like orchestra and art that enrich their school career.
High School, where the students are 15 to about 18, is then reached, which is where things get serious. Not only are complicated maths and sciences studied in depth, like calculus and Chemistry, but the work loads get much larger, English goes far beyond analyzing grammar, history is studied and specified with such classes like American History and AP European History. But more importantly, electives are now chosen quite more seriously, as theses electives often show to which career path they will go into.
Universities
These schools, though optional and expensive, are for the most part useful and is what all the years of schooling were leading too. While most students go here from the time they get out of high school, there are also many students who are older and that are coming back to study. Here, specific careers are chosen among many, with many different schools specifying in certain careers. The reason why these schools are chosen instead of just going straight to work is because of money. With a college or university degree, a better job is more attainable which leads to more money. There are also some students who study just for the sake of learning who usually proceed to get higher honors in their career of choice. These schools, also, are usually the largest in size.
Gifted and Talented
Higher education is seen in modern schools and the Gifted and Talented Program is an example of that. There are countless AP classes available, honors, and Gifted and Talented programs to help students who are above the grade level. These classes stimulate and challenge the mind by pushing students to think grade levels above the ones they are in. The teachers hand out ideas that force the students to think about, to adapt, and to explain.