also: きょうがく
noun
village school
Historical term for a local school in Edo-period Japan, and also used for similar institutions in ancient Korea and China. Not a modern school type.
江戸時代には、各地に郷学が設けられ、庶民の教育が行われた。
In the Edo period, village schools were established in various places, providing education for commoners.
この資料館では、かつての郷学の様子を再
This museum recreates the atmosphere of a former village school.
From 郷 (village, hometown) + 学 (learning, school). The term originated in China and was adopted in Japan and Korea to refer to local educational institutions.