All parents sooner or later think about where to give their child better. The choice is usually small: school, lyceum, gymnasium. It is necessary to take it seriously, because the quality of a student’s education and its future depend on the correct choice of parents.
Unfortunately, many educational institutions speculate with the terms "gymnasium" or "lyceum", and in fact in our country the most ordinary school can be called a gymnasium. The attitude of parents to such a school is better, since intuitively everyone understands that a gymnasium is better than some ordinary school. This question requires clarification.
How is a gymnasium different from a lyceum?
In our country, the school is a general educational institution, and the program in it is established by the state. It is aimed at the overall development of the student (the first 9 classes for sure). However, the educational institution itself can set a higher bar in the humanitarian or technical direction, if it considers it necessary. From here various gymnasiums and lyceums begin to form.
About gymnasium
This educational institution boasts an improved educational program that provides the student with multilateral and universal knowledge. Here, the child is more likely to understand what is closer to him: science, art or any applied objects. It is believed that in a gymnasium, it is easier for a student to identify their strengths and determine their future specialty. That is, the gymnasium differs from the school in a more expanded general educational program.
Lyceum concept
Here the main emphasis is placed on a particular industry (say, construction). And besides general subjects in the Lyceum they teach specialized specialties. Quite often, the lyceum belongs to a particular university, that is, it concludes an agreement with it and prepares graduates for subsequent admission to this university. The level of education that a student receives at the Lyceum is much higher than the school level, but clearly does not reach the level of the institute. But for students who studied well and self-organized at the Lyceum, the first two courses of the institute are much easier than students who entered after school.
This is the main difference between a gymnasium and a lyceum. In the first case, the general educational program is expanded; in the second, the program is narrowly targeted and often “tailored” to a specific higher educational institution.
In any case, parents need to correctly understand their child’s mindset. Perhaps some highly specialized knowledge will not be interesting to him, but he will be interested in some.
From the history
This educational institution originates in ancient Greece - it was there that it arose. In the 5th century of the current era, gymnasiums were built throughout Greece, which were then an analogue of modern schools.
But lyceums do not have such an ancient history. In Russia, they appeared in the middle of the XIII century, and then they were the most elite educational institutions. Education at the lyceum took six years, but the students received the same knowledge as in ordinary schools. Later, 11-year training was introduced, which allowed the student to further make a good career as an official. Of course, today's lyceums are far from those educational institutions that existed in Russia from the 13th century.
What to choose?
Now that we know approximately how the gymnasium differs from the lyceum, we can talk about the choice of an educational institution. If you understand and see what subjects are given to the child at school, or he himself knows who he wants to become in the future, then you can find a lyceum with an increased study of the desired subject. For example, if the student is well given mathematics, physics, geometry, then it is obvious that in the future, technical education will be just in time. It is appropriate in this case to find some good lyceum at a state institute and try to enter there. Such lyceums usually prepare students for entrance exams, and very well.
In that case, if the student is well given technical and humanitarian subjects, then you can try to transfer the child to the gymnasium, where he will take an extended course. However, it should be borne in mind that the difference between the gymnasium and the school today is ghostly. Therefore, graduates of GBOU gymnasiums most often do not have any advantages or more knowledge in comparison with graduates of ordinary schools. And in general, it all depends on the school or gymnasium itself, the skills and professionalism of teachers, and the capabilities of students. Even the simplest village school with good teachers can prepare children better than the prestigious city gymnasium.
In terms of legislation
And although we now understand how the gymnasium differs from the lyceum, there is a federal law that makes it clear that there is no difference between these educational institutions. Legally, they differ only in name and nothing more.
The fact is that before the law "On Education in the Russian Federation" (that is, until September 1, 2013) the educational institution received the status of a school, lyceum or gymnasium as a result of state accreditation. Moreover, the type of each educational institution was defined in the first paragraph of the regulation. There it was explained which institution could be considered a gymnasium, lyceum or school.
To date, there is no such division. There is only the concept of "educational organization", and the state accreditation procedure only confirms the compliance of this organization with educational standards. This means that even the weakest school in any village can be called a lyceum or gymnasium, and this will not contradict the law. Moreover, only the decision of the founder (it can be a subject of the Russian Federation and even an individual or legal entity) is enough to turn an ordinary school into a gymnasium or lyceum. What is the difference between a regular school and a similar institution? Yes, nothing. It’s just that such methods can be applied in order to increase the authority of the school, although in reality it does not lead to any changes: the staff does not change, the program remains the same, as well as the learning conditions.
Lyceum, school, gymnasium - the same thing?
Now you understand the difference. Lyceum and gymnasium are educational institutions of the same level, therefore, it should be assumed that the lyceum you choose yesterday could be an ordinary school with a standard educational program. Unfortunately, many founders take the opportunity to change the name of the educational institution in order to trite their parents with trite heads, because having the status of an ordinary school is not fashionable today. Many parents still believe that a gymnasium or lyceum is higher than a regular school. That was before the law on education in the Russian Federation of September 1, 2013.
How to be
In fairness, it is worth noting that in Russia there are many really good lyceums and gymnasiums that have remained faithful to traditions and really worthy of wearing such a status. Therefore, before choosing an educational institution for your child, be sure to look at the rating of lyceums or gymnasiums, read a lot of reviews about the institutions you look at, visit them in person, and even chat with the principal or teachers.
This is exactly what you need to do today, since the bill does not mention gymnasiums, lyceums, therefore their status is not regulated by anyone. An ordinary and even the weakest school can legally have a similar status.