The word 'school' comes from an ancient Greek word meaning 'free time'

The word school derives from Greek, originally meaning "leisure" and also "that in which leisure is employed", but later "a group to whom lectures were given". The concept of grouping students together in a centralized location for learning has existed since Classical antiquity. Formal schools have existed at least since ancient Greece, ancient Rome, ancient India and ancient China.

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Ali Gallo

Then how come it didn't feel that way in 'school'

Marianne

The original meaning in Greek was "leisure" but then “skhole” became “lecture or discussion” and from it derived the Latin word "scola" which can be seen easily in "scuola", 'escuela", "escola", "école", "şcoală".

JRW

School also relates to fish. Where in "school of fish" comes from Middle Dutch schole and is related to Old English scolu, meaning "multitude".

First&Formost

It is a way to spend your free time...

Jan Ashbaugh

deborahpmercer, No. a gymnasium in German is a college prep high school that often includes early college courses. Students who go there are preparing for university.