* Ancient Civilizations: Formalized education existed in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome. These weren't exactly "schools" as we think of them today, but they involved structured teaching of reading, writing, arithmetic, and other subjects to specific groups (often elites). Think of scribes in Egypt or philosophers in Greece – their training involved elements of formal education.
* Religious Institutions: In many cultures, religious institutions played a major role in early education, teaching religious texts and doctrines. Monasteries in the Middle Ages, for example, were significant centers of learning.
* The Madrasah system: Islamic societies developed the Madrasah system, which provided religious and secular education. This system influenced later educational models.
* The Printing Press: Gutenberg's printing press in the 15th century revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge, making books more accessible and contributing to the growth of literacy and the need for more widespread education.
* The Reformation and the Enlightenment: The Protestant Reformation and the Enlightenment emphasized literacy and individual learning, driving further development of schools and educational systems. The idea of universal education – that everyone, not just the elite, should have access to schooling – gained traction during this period.
* 19th and 20th Centuries: The rise of nation-states led to the establishment of standardized public education systems in many parts of the world. Figures like Horace Mann in the United States played important roles in shaping these systems.
In short, "school" as an institution evolved over a long period, influenced by diverse cultural, religious, and philosophical factors. There is no single inventor, but rather a complex history of development and innovation.