======Magical Schools======
=====Location Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Educational Institution]]
  * **Location:** Worldwide
  * **Owner/Residents:** Varies by institution; typically a [[Headmaster]] or [[Headmistress]], teaching staff, and [[student]]s.
  * **Key Features:** [[Magical]] concealment from [[Muggle]]s, specialized curriculum in the [[magical arts]], unique methods of [[student]] transportation, and distinct internal structures (such as the [[Hogwarts Houses|House system]]).
=====Description and History=====
A [[magical school]] is an institution dedicated to educating young [[witch]]es and [[wizard]]s in the use of [[magic]]. Due to the [[International Statute of Secrecy]], these schools are typically hidden in remote locations and are protected by numerous [[charm]]s and [[enchantment]]s, such as [[Muggle-Repelling Charms]], to keep them concealed from non-magical people.
The most famous example of inter-school cooperation is the [[Triwizard Tournament]], a friendly competition between the three largest and most prestigious schools in Europe: [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]], [[Beauxbatons Academy of Magic]], and the [[Durmstrang Institute]]. This tournament was revived during the 1994-1995 school year, providing the most detailed look at schools beyond [[Hogwarts]] in the original series. While each school teaches a core curriculum of [[magic]], they often have different specialities and philosophies; for instance, [[Durmstrang]] was notorious for openly teaching the [[Dark Arts]], a subject forbidden at [[Hogwarts]].
=====Role in the Story=====
Magical schools, particularly [[Hogwarts]], serve as the primary setting and a central pillar of the wizarding world in the *Harry Potter* series. [[Hogwarts]] is not just a place of learning for [[Harry Potter]] and his friends; it is their home, a sanctuary, and a crucial battleground in the fight against [[Lord Voldemort]]. The story's timeline is structured around the school year, with each book chronicling one year of [[Harry]]'s education.
The introduction of [[Beauxbatons]] and [[Durmstrang]] in //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire// significantly expanded the reader's understanding of the international [[wizarding world]], showing that the magical community extended far beyond [[Great Britain]]. These institutions highlight cultural differences in magical education and demonstrate the global nature of the wizarding society.
=====Known Magical Schools=====
  * **[[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]:** Located in the [[Scottish Highlands]], it is the main educational institution for [[witch]]es and [[wizard]]s from [[Great Britain]] and [[Ireland]]. It was founded by the [[Hogwarts Founders|four greatest wizards of the age]] and is the primary setting for the series.
  * **[[Beauxbatons Academy of Magic]]:** Believed to be located in the Pyrenees mountains in southern [[France]]. The school is housed in a shimmering château and its students, led by [[Headmistress]] [[Olympe Maxime]], arrived at [[Hogwarts]] for the [[Triwizard Tournament]] in a giant, powder-blue carriage pulled by a dozen [[Abraxan]]s.
  * **[[Durmstrang Institute]]:** A school with a dark reputation, known for its emphasis on the [[Dark Arts]]. Its location is kept secret but is in the far north of Europe. [[Durmstrang]] students, led by [[Headmaster]] [[Igor Karkaroff]], arrived at [[Hogwarts]] in a spectral ship that rose from the [[Great Lake]]. Its most famous students include [[Viktor Krum]] and the [[Dark Wizard]] [[Gellert Grindelwald]].
  * **[[Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]]:** The North American [[magical school]], located on Mount Greylock in Massachusetts, USA. (Pottermore)
  * **[[Uagadou]]:** The largest of all wizarding schools, located in the Mountains of the Moon in [[Uganda]], Africa. Its students are noted for their proficiency in wandless [[magic]]. (Pottermore)
  * **[[Castelobruxo]]:** The Brazilian [[magical school]], hidden deep within the rainforest. The school building resembles a golden temple and its students are particularly skilled in [[Herbology]] and [[Magizoology]]. (Pottermore)
  * **[[Mahoutokoro]]:** The Japanese [[magical school]], located on the volcanic island of Minami Iwo Jima. It is known for its ornate palace and students who wear enchanted robes that grow with them and change color to reflect their level of learning. (Pottermore)
=====Behind the Scenes=====
According to J.K. Rowling, there are eleven long-established and prestigious wizarding schools registered with the International Confederation of Wizards worldwide, including the seven listed above. She has stated that there are also smaller, less-regulated magical educational institutions in various countries. (Pottermore)
In the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire//, the students of [[Beauxbatons]] are depicted as being exclusively female, and [[Durmstrang]] students as exclusively male. This is a cinematic invention; in the book, both schools are co-educational. For example, the [[Parvati]] and [[Padma Patil|Patil twins]] are asked to the [[Yule Ball]] by boys from [[Beauxbatons]]. (film)