* Focus on Latin Grammar: The core curriculum revolved around the study of Latin grammar, rhetoric, and sometimes logic. This was considered essential for advancement in church or secular life. The goal wasn't necessarily fluency in spoken Latin, but the ability to read, write, and understand Latin texts, crucial for accessing higher learning and participating in the intellectual life of the time.
* Preparation for University: Grammar schools primarily served as preparatory institutions for university study. Successfully completing a grammar school education equipped a student with the necessary linguistic and intellectual foundation to pursue further education at a university, typically focusing on the liberal arts (the trivium and quadrivium).
* Boys' Schools: Almost exclusively attended by boys, usually from the middle and upper classes who could afford the tuition and associated costs. Girls' education, if it existed, was typically provided privately within the home.
* Religious Influence: Many grammar schools were founded and/or supported by the Church, reflecting the Church's significant role in education and literacy. Religious instruction was often incorporated into the curriculum, although the extent varied.
* Classical Texts: Beyond grammar, the curriculum included the study of classical Latin authors like Virgil, Cicero, and Ovid. These texts provided models of eloquence, moral instruction, and historical knowledge.
* Master-Apprentice Model: Teaching was often based on a master-apprentice model, with a single teacher (the "grammar master" or "magister") instructing a range of students at various levels. Rote learning, memorization, and recitation were common teaching methods.
* Varied Resources and Quality: The quality of grammar schools differed greatly. Some were well-funded and had well-trained masters, while others were less well-resourced, with less qualified teachers. The availability of books and other learning materials also varied significantly.
* Location and Funding: Grammar schools were located in towns and cities, often established by guilds, wealthy patrons, or religious institutions.
It's important to remember that the "Medieval" period is a vast expanse of time (roughly 5th to 15th centuries). The characteristics of grammar schools evolved over this period, reflecting broader societal and educational changes.