industrial school

An industrial school teaches practical trades to young students.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of school for teaching vocational skills: An "industrial school" is an educational institution that focuses on training students in practical trades, such as carpentry, metalworking, or mechanics, often as an alternative to academic education.
   • Historical: A reform school for disadvantaged children: Historically, an "industrial school" was a residential institution for children considered at risk, such as orphans or those from impoverished backgrounds, where they were taught basic skills and work discipline.

Usage Examples

• (A vocational school for trade skills.)
• (A historical reform institution.)

Advanced Usage

• "Industrial school" in a historical context: Often associated with the "industrial school movement" of the 19th and early 20th centuries, which aimed to prevent juvenile delinquency by teaching manual labor.

  • The industrial school system was criticized for its harsh discipline and lack of academic education. (Referring to the historical reform model.)

• Modern equivalent: In some regions, "industrial school" may be used interchangeably with "vocational school" or "trade school," though the latter terms are more common today.

  • He attended an industrial school that specialized in automotive repair. (A modern vocational training center.)

Variants and Related Words

• Industrial education (n): the system of teaching practical trades and skills.

  • Industrial education was a key component of the reform school system. (The curriculum focused on manual work.)

• Trade school (n): a modern synonym for a vocational institution.

  • She chose a trade school over a university to become an electrician. (A school for specific occupations.)

Synonyms

• Vocational school: an institution that teaches skills for a particular job.
• Technical school: a school focused on practical and applied sciences, often in engineering or manufacturing.
• Reform school: a historical term for a residential institution for delinquent or disadvantaged youth, often with industrial training.

Related Idioms

• "Send someone to industrial school": (historical) a phrase meaning to place a child in a reform institution for discipline or training.

  • The judge sent the troubled boy to an industrial school for a year. (A historical legal practice.)

• "Industrial school of thought": a metaphorical phrase meaning a practical, hands-on approach to learning.

  • His method of teaching was from the industrial school of thought. (He emphasized practical skills over theory.)