who invented schools

The invention of schools as formal institutions is complex and evolved over time, but Horace Mann (born in 1796 in Massachusetts) is widely credited as the inventor of the modern school system. He is known as the "Father of the Common School Movement" in the United States and advocated for publicly funded, non-sectarian, and professionally staffed schools accessible to all children regardless of background. His efforts in the 19th century shaped the schooling system as we know it today, with standardized curriculum and teacher training that aimed to provide equal educational opportunities to all children. However, the concept of schooling itself dates back to ancient civilizations. Ancient Greece, for example, had informal groups of students learning from tutors, and formal schools have existed since at least 283 BC with Plato's Academy. Other cultures, such as those in ancient Egypt, Rome, India, China, and the Islamic Golden Age, also had early forms of organized schooling to teach various subjects and skills. In summary, while formal schools have ancient origins, Horace Mann is often credited with inventing the modern system of schooling focused on universal access and public education in the 19th century.