# SchoolBrowse Education Glossary — 104 terms > Definitions of school types, special education, testing, curricula and more, written for parents and educators. > HTML version: https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary ## Categories - [Special Education](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/special-education) — 20 terms - [School Types](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/school-types) — 16 terms - [Uk Education](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/uk-education) — 12 terms - [Testing](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/testing) — 11 terms - [College Prep](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/college-prep) — 8 terms - [Curriculum](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/curriculum) — 8 terms - [Admissions](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/admissions) — 7 terms - [Grade Levels](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/grade-levels) — 6 terms - [International](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/international) — 5 terms - [School Operations](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/school-operations) — 5 terms - [Safety Wellbeing](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/safety-wellbeing) — 3 terms - [Teaching Learning](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/category/teaching-learning) — 3 terms ## All terms ### 5 - [504 Plan](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/504-plan) — A plan providing accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. ### A - [A-Levels](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/a-levels) — Advanced academic qualifications taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, typically at ages 16-18. - [Academy](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/academy) — A state-funded school in England that operates independently of local authority control. - [Academy School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/academy-school) — A state-funded school in England that is independent of local authority control, often part of a multi-academy trust. - [Accommodations](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/accommodations) — Changes in how students access and demonstrate learning without altering what is being taught or expected standards. - [ACT](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/act) — A standardized college admissions test measuring English, math, reading, and science reasoning, with an optional writing section. - [Admissions Interview](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/admissions-interview) — A conversation between applicants/families and school representatives as part of the private school application process. - [Advanced Placement](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/advanced-placement) — College-level courses and exams offered in high school that can earn students college credit. - [Alternative School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/alternative-school) — A school offering non-traditional approaches to education, often serving students who have not thrived in conventional settings. - [Assistive Technology](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/assistive-technology) — Equipment or systems that help students with disabilities access curriculum, communicate, or complete tasks they could not otherwise do. - [Autism Spectrum Disorder](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/autism-spectrum-disorder) — A developmental disability affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior, qualifying students for special education services. ### B - [Behavior Intervention Plan](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/behavior-intervention-plan) — A plan developed for students whose behavior impedes learning, outlining strategies to address challenging behaviors positively. - [Benchmark Assessment](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/benchmark-assessment) — Periodic assessments administered throughout the year to measure student progress toward learning standards. - [Bilingual Education](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/bilingual-education) — Educational programs that use two languages for instruction, developing proficiency in both languages. - [Blended Learning](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/blended-learning) — An educational approach combining traditional classroom instruction with online digital media and activities. - [Boarding School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/boarding-school) — A residential school where students live on campus in dormitories during the academic year, receiving education, meals, housing, and extracurricular activities in an immersive learning community. - [BTEC](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/btec) — Vocational qualifications offered in the UK as alternatives to traditional academic qualifications like GCSEs and A-Levels. ### C - [Catchment Area](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/catchment-area) — The geographic boundary determining which public school students are assigned to attend based on their residence. - [Charter School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/charter-school) — A publicly funded school that operates independently of the traditional public school system under a charter or contract with the state. - [Child Find](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/child-find) — The legal requirement for schools to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities who may need special education services. - [Common Application](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/common-application) — A single college application accepted by over 1,000 schools, allowing students to apply to multiple colleges efficiently. - [Common Core State Standards](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/common-core-state-standards) — A set of academic standards in mathematics and English language arts adopted by most US states. ### D - [Day School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/day-school) — A school where students attend during daytime hours and return home each evening, as opposed to a boarding school. - [Demonstrated Interest](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/demonstrated-interest) — Ways students show genuine interest in a college, which some schools consider in admissions decisions. - [Diagnostic Assessment](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/diagnostic-assessment) — Assessment designed to identify specific learning gaps, strengths, and needs to guide targeted instruction. - [Differentiated Instruction](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/differentiated-instruction) — Teaching that adapts content, process, or product based on student readiness, interests, and learning profiles. - [Dual Enrollment](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/dual-enrollment) — A program allowing high school students to take college courses for both high school and college credit simultaneously. - [Dyslexia](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/dyslexia) — A specific learning disability affecting reading, characterized by difficulties with word recognition, spelling, and decoding. ### E - [Early Action](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/early-action) — A non-binding early application option that allows students to receive decisions earlier without commitment to attend. - [Early Decision](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/early-decision) — A binding college application option where students commit to attending if accepted, with applications typically due in early November. - [Elementary School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/elementary-school) — The first stage of formal education, typically covering kindergarten through 5th or 6th grade for children aged 5-11. - [ESL](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/esl) — Programs and instruction designed for students learning English as an additional language. - [Extended School Year](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/extended-school-year) — Special education services provided beyond the normal school year to prevent significant regression in critical skills. ### F - [FAFSA](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/fafsa) — The form students complete to apply for federal financial aid for college, including grants, loans, and work-study. - [FAPE](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/fape) — The legal right of students with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate public education tailored to their individual needs. - [Financial Aid](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/financial-aid) — Money to help pay for college, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs based on need or merit. - [Flipped Classroom](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/flipped-classroom) — A teaching model where students learn content at home through videos, then apply learning in class with teacher support. - [Formative Assessment](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/formative-assessment) — Ongoing assessment during instruction to monitor learning and provide feedback that guides teaching adjustments. - [Free School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/free-school) — A type of academy in England set up by groups such as parents, teachers, charities, or businesses in response to local demand. - [Functional Behavior Assessment](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/functional-behavior-assessment) — A systematic process to understand why a student engages in challenging behavior by identifying triggers and maintaining factors. ### G - [Gap Year](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/gap-year) — A year taken off between high school and college for travel, work, volunteering, or personal development. - [GCSE](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/gcse) — Academic qualifications taken by students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, typically at age 16. - [Gifted and Talented](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/gifted-and-talented) — Programs serving students with exceptional abilities who need differentiated instruction beyond the standard curriculum. - [Grade Point Average](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/grade-point-average) — A numerical measure of academic performance calculated by averaging grades across courses. - [Grammar School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/grammar-school) — A state secondary school in the UK that selects students based on academic ability, typically through the 11-plus exam. ### H - [High School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/high-school) — The final stage of compulsory education in the US, typically grades 9-12 for students aged 14-18, preparing them for college or careers. - [Homeschool](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/homeschool) — An educational approach where parents teach their children at home rather than sending them to public or private school. ### I - [IGCSE](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/igcse) — International qualifications for 14-16 year-olds, adapted from UK GCSEs for international schools worldwide. - [Inclusion Classroom](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/inclusion-classroom) — A general education classroom where students with and without disabilities learn together with appropriate supports. - [Individualized Education Program](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/individualized-education-program) — A legally binding document outlining specialized instruction and services for a student with disabilities under IDEA. - [Individuals with Disabilities Education Act](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/individuals-with-disabilities-education-act) — Federal law ensuring students with disabilities receive free appropriate public education through special education services. - [International Baccalaureate](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/international-baccalaureate) — A globally recognized educational framework offering rigorous programs for students ages 3-19. - [International Baccalaureate School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/international-baccalaureate-school) — A school authorized to offer International Baccalaureate programs, known for rigorous academics and international-mindedness. - [International School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/international-school) — A school offering an international curriculum, often serving expatriate families and local students seeking global education. ### K - [K-12 Education](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/k-12-education) — The complete span of primary and secondary education in the US, from kindergarten through 12th grade. - [Key Stage 2](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/key-stage-2) — The second stage of the English National Curriculum covering Years 3-6 (ages 7-11) in primary school. - [Kindergarten](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/kindergarten) — The first year of formal schooling in the US, typically for children aged 5-6, bridging early childhood education and elementary school. ### L - [Laboratory School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/laboratory-school) — A school affiliated with a university that serves as a site for educational research, teacher training, and innovative practices. - [Learning Disability](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/learning-disability) — A neurological condition affecting how the brain processes information, impacting skills like reading, writing, or math. - [Learning Management System](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/learning-management-system) — A software platform for creating, delivering, and managing educational content and tracking student progress. - [Learning Standards](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/learning-standards) — Statements describing what students should know and be able to do at each grade level or after each course. - [Lottery System](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/lottery-system) — A random selection process used by oversubscribed schools to fairly determine which applicants receive admission. - [LRE](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/lre) — The IDEA requirement that students with disabilities be educated with non-disabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. ### M - [Magnet School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/magnet-school) — A public school offering specialized curriculum focused on specific areas like STEM, arts, or languages to attract students from across district boundaries. - [Middle School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/middle-school) — A school serving students in the transitional years between elementary and high school, typically grades 6-8 for ages 11-14. - [Montessori School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/montessori-school) — A school following the Montessori method, emphasizing child-led learning, mixed-age classrooms, and hands-on educational materials. ### O - [Ofsted](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/ofsted) — The Office for Standards in Education, the government body that inspects and regulates schools in England. - [Open Enrollment](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/open-enrollment) — A policy allowing families to choose public schools outside their assigned attendance zone or district. ### P - [Paraprofessional](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/paraprofessional) — A school employee who works under teacher supervision to provide instructional and support services to students. - [Parochial School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/parochial-school) — A private school affiliated with a religious parish or church, typically Catholic, providing education with religious instruction. - [Percentile Rank](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/percentile-rank) — A score indicating the percentage of test-takers who scored at or below a particular score, used to compare performance. - [Pre-Kindergarten](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/pre-kindergarten) — An early childhood education program for children typically aged 3-5, preparing them for kindergarten through play-based learning. - [Preparatory School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/preparatory-school) — A private secondary school designed to prepare students for college or university admission, often with rigorous academics. - [Private School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/private-school) — An independent school funded primarily through tuition, endowments, and donations rather than government funding. - [Project-Based Learning](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/project-based-learning) — An instructional approach where students learn by engaging in real-world projects that require critical thinking and collaboration. - [PSAT](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/psat) — A practice test for the SAT, also used as the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship recognition. - [PTA](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/pta) — A national organization of local groups that bring parents and teachers together to support education. - [Public School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/public-school) — A government-funded school that provides free education to all students within its designated attendance zone. - [Pupil Premium](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/pupil-premium) — Additional funding given to schools in England to help disadvantaged pupils achieve their full potential. ### R - [Regular Decision](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/regular-decision) — The standard college application timeline where applications are typically due in January with decisions in late March or April. - [Related Services](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/related-services) — Support services required for a student with a disability to benefit from special education, such as speech therapy or counseling. ### S - [SAT](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/sat) — A standardized college admissions test measuring reading, writing, and math skills used by US colleges and universities. - [SATs](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/sats) — National tests taken by pupils in England at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 to assess progress in core subjects. - [School Accreditation](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/school-accreditation) — A formal recognition that a school meets established standards of quality and continuous improvement. - [School Choice](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/school-choice) — Policies allowing families to select schools other than their assigned neighborhood public school. - [School Counselor](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/school-counselor) — A school professional who supports student academic achievement, social-emotional development, and college/career readiness. - [School District](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/school-district) — A local government unit responsible for administering public schools within a defined geographic area. - [School Safety](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/school-safety) — Measures and practices ensuring physical and emotional safety in school environments for students and staff. - [School Tour](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/school-tour) — An opportunity for prospective families to visit a school, observe classrooms, and learn about programs before applying. - [Scope and Sequence](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/scope-and-sequence) — A document outlining the breadth of content covered and the order in which skills and concepts are taught. - [Sixth Form](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/sixth-form) — The final two years of secondary education in the UK (Years 12-13) when students typically study A-Levels or equivalent qualifications. - [Social-Emotional Learning](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/social-emotional-learning) — The process of developing skills for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, and responsible decisions. - [Specific Learning Disability](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/specific-learning-disability) — A disorder affecting one or more basic learning processes, such as reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), or math (dyscalculia). - [Standardized Testing](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/standardized-testing) — Tests administered and scored in a consistent manner across all test-takers to allow fair comparison of results. - [State Assessment](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/state-assessment) — Standardized tests required by states to measure student achievement and hold schools accountable under federal law. - [STEM Education](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/stem-education) — An interdisciplinary approach integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in applied, real-world contexts. - [STEM School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/stem-school) — A school with curriculum emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through integrated, hands-on learning. - [Summative Assessment](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/summative-assessment) — Evaluation at the end of instruction to measure achievement and determine whether learning objectives were met. ### T - [Teacher Certification](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/teacher-certification) — The credential that allows an individual to teach in public schools, typically requiring education, testing, and background checks. - [Title I School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/title-i-school) — A school receiving federal funding under Title I to support educational programs for students from low-income families. - [Transition Services](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/transition-services) — Coordinated activities preparing students with disabilities for life after high school, including employment, education, and independent living. - [Tuition](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/tuition) — The fee charged by educational institutions for instruction and access to facilities. ### V - [Virtual School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/virtual-school) — A school that delivers instruction primarily or entirely through online and digital platforms rather than in-person. ### W - [Waldorf School](https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary/waldorf-school) — A school based on Rudolf Steiner's educational philosophy emphasizing creativity, imagination, and holistic child development. --- Source: SchoolBrowse Education Glossary (https://schoolbrowse.com/glossary). 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