Schools & Education

Who is allowed to attend?

For instance, is it open enrollment, invitation-only, noble-born, magical aptitude required, etc.?

How are students admitted?

E.g., application forms, interviews, assessments, etc.?

How long do students stay enrolled?

For instance, is there a fixed number of years, or does progression depend on skill?

What is the total enrollment size of the institution?

What is the student-to-teacher ratio at this institution?

What is the general demographic makeup of the student body?

In terms of age? Gender? Ethnicity? Socio-economic background? Geographic origin?

How might the student body be divided into factions?

Think houses, grades, etc.?

What is a typical day like for a student?

Describe it through the POV of a minor character.

What are the disciplinary rules?

What happens if they are broken?

What is the school dress code, if any?

Describe it.

What kind of extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports are available?

What role do they play in students' lives?

What subjects are taught at the school?

How do these subjects interact with or build upon one another throughout the years?

How are students graded and evaluated in this institution?

And what skills in particular are valued or prized?

How is academic progress measured?

Think tests, duels, magical trials, or something else?

How do students graduate?

And what does it take to succeed?

What forbidden subjects cannot be studied?

Why not?

What secrets might there be that only those "in the know" know?

E.g. secret classes, underground societies, etc.?

Who runs the school?

What are their responsibilities?

What is the structure of the faculty at this institution?

And how are they grouped by subject area or department?

How are teachers selected?

And qualifications or credentials are required to be a faculty member at this institution?

What faculty rivalries or divisions exist?

What's the reason behind them?

What is the overall layout of the school campus?

How is the campus organized, and what is the relationship between academic buildings, dormitories, and recreational areas?

What does the school campus look like?

Describe it from the perspective of a student-to-be touring the grounds for the first time.

What are the most important buildings and classrooms?

Don’t forget hidden locations, forbidden rooms, secret passageways, etc.!

What housing is available to students?

How are the accommodations organized, and what amenities or services are provided to students?

How strong is the school's infrastructure?

Think of the level of magic, technology, etc. involved to keep it running?

Who are the school's rival institutions?

How does this rivalry affect the institution's reputation, student morale, and academic pursuits?

How does the school interact with the outside world?

E.g., is it open to visitors, isolated, under the thumb of a ruling power, etc.?

What formal partnershis or collaborations does the school have with other academic institutions, research organizations, or guilds?

Think exchange programs, research programs, etc.?

How do its alumni fare in the world after graduation?

How does the school’s reputation affect its students?

What role does the school play in the broader community or political landscape?

E.g., does the school have influence over political decisions, magical laws, or community activities?

What is the founding story of the school?

How does the founding story influence the school’s mission, traditions, and reputation today?

What legendary alumni graduated from this school?

How are they talked about on school grounds today?

What significant events shaped the school’s growth and identity?

Think expansions, reforms, scandals, crises, etc.? How did these events affect the school’s reputation, curriculum, and student body?

What myths are told about the school?

What about ghost stories?

What traditions or customs has the school developed over time?

E.g., annual events, ceremonies, rituals that define student life, etc.?

How much of the school's true history is known?

And how much is hidden? What is it?