What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
school
Example
I go to school every weekday. [school: noun]
Example
The teacher schooled the students on the importance of recycling. [schooled: verb]
academy
Example
She attends a ballet academy to train as a professional dancer. [academy: noun]
Example
The academy offers courses in coding, web design, and digital marketing. [academy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
School is a more common term than academy in everyday language, as it refers to the primary form of education for children and teenagers. Academy is less common and tends to be used in more specialized contexts, such as arts, sports, or military training.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between school and academy?
Academy is generally considered a more formal term than school, as it implies a higher level of specialization and expertise. However, both terms can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the context and audience.