Social Stratification: The school is divided along socioeconomic lines, reflecting the class divisions within the town. Children from wealthier families, such as the Ewells and the Cunninghams, attend school with the Finch children, Atticus and Jem. However, there is a clear distinction between these groups, and the novel highlights the discrimination faced by the poorer children, particularly the Cunninghams.
Racial Prejudice: The school also mirrors the racial segregation prevalent in Maycomb. The African American children attend separate schools, and the novel illustrates the harsh realities of the Jim crow laws and the injustices faced by African Americans in the town.
Moral Education: The school plays an important role in shaping the moral development of the characters. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion, as well as the need to stand up for what is right. Atticus Finch, who is a lawyer, often uses examples from literature to teach his children important lessons about morality and social responsibility.
Peer Influence: The school setting also shows the influence of peers on the children's behavior and understanding of the world. Jem and Scout Finch are influenced by their classmates' attitudes and opinions, which sometimes conflict with the lessons they learn from their father.
Overall, the school setting in "To Kill a Mockingbird" serves as a window into the social, economic, and racial dynamics of the town of Maycomb. It reinforces the themes of prejudice, social inequality, and the quest for justice that are central to the novel's narrative.