Schools and colleges are both educational institutions, but they cater to different levels of education and have distinct characteristics. Here are some of the key differences between schools and colleges:

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1. Level of Education:
   • Schools typically refer to primary and secondary education institutions, covering grades from kindergarten to high school. These are attended by children and teenagers.
   • Colleges, on the other hand, usually refer to higher education institutions beyond high school. They offer undergraduate (bachelor’s) and sometimes postgraduate (master’s and doctoral) degrees. Colleges are attended by students who have completed their high school education.
2. Age Group:
   • Schools cater to a younger age group, typically children between the ages of 5 to 18 years.1
   • Colleges have older students who are usually 18 years or older, as they require a high school diploma or equivalent to enroll.
3. Curriculum:
   • Schools follow a structured curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects to provide a well-rounded education for students.
   • Colleges offer specialized programs and degrees, allowing students to focus on specific academic areas or fields of study.
4. Teaching Approach:
   • In schools, the teaching approach is generally more hands-on, and the emphasis is on providing a foundation in various subjects to build a solid educational base.
   • Colleges often have a more independent learning approach, where students take on greater responsibility for their studies and may have more control over their class schedules.
5. Degree Programs:
   • Schools offer diplomas and certificates at the completion of various grade levels, but they do not offer bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
   • Colleges offer a wide range of degree programs, including associate’s degrees (two-year programs), bachelor’s degrees (usually four-year programs), and advanced degrees at the graduate level.
6. Campus Size:
   • School campuses are generally smaller in size and designed to accommodate younger students within a local community.
   • College campuses can vary widely in size and may have multiple buildings, dormitories, libraries, and sports facilities to support a larger student population.
7. Admission Criteria:
   • School admission is typically based on residence in a specific catchment area or district, while private schools may have additional criteria.
   • College admission is based on academic performance, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and other factors.
8. Cost:
   • Public schools are usually funded by the government and are tuition-free or have nominal fees.
   • Colleges, especially private ones, often require tuition fees to cover educational expenses.

These are some of the main differences between schools and colleges, but it’s important to note that educational systems can vary between countries and regions.