The invention of school cannot be attributed to a single individual, as education systems have developed over time across various civilizations. Ancient schools existed in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, where education was typically for the elite. The modern concept of school, with formalized structures and universal education, is largely credited to Horace Mann, an American educator in the 19th century. He promoted the idea of public education, compulsory schooling, and a standardized curriculum, influencing the global education system we have today.