Thoughts on Hogwarts and other schools...

[gte510i]

No: HPFGUIDX 45280

Welcome to the list!
Actually, 
While I cannot pinpoint the interview, I believe that JKR has 
pointedly stated that there are no other magical schools in the UK.  
I wish there were, it would make for a larger magical population than 
just what we can extrapolate from the number of children we can see 
at hogwarts.  Also, it could be that some of these schools could 
be 'niche' schools.  LIke schools for squibs or almost squibs, or 
trade schools.  But JKR has said there is not.
As for what to do for ages 5-10?  (which would actually be elementary 
school, as hogwarts covers the three years of middle and the four 
years of highschool)  There has been a lot of speculation on that. 
The children come in already knowing how to read, so there has been 
some education. Perhaps some go to muggle schools but I don't see 
that working out too well.  Could you imagine Arthur Weasly at a 
parent teacher conference- not paying attention becuase of his 
fascination with the overhead projector? Also, I would think that the 
Malfoys wouldn't deign to send Draco to a muggle school.  
They either go to schools run my wizards for pre-magic education that 
is a pre-requisite for attending Hogwarts, or else they are 
homeschooled.  Which due to the isolation of some of the wizarding 
families is quite likely.  Perhapse Hogwarts or MoM put out a 
curriculum for parents to use a guidelines.  A formal elementary 
school would probably cover reading, latin (due to the spells being 
in latin)math and perhaps an introduction into wizarding secrecy laws 
that cover why-exactly-you-can't-play-quidditch-in-the-backyard-after-
school, and no-you-canot-get-a-wand-until-you-are-admitted-to-
hogwarts.  The distintion between wizarding education pre before and 
after the age of 11 is that you can't actually perform magic.  
Because of the danger that is inherent in magic it is necessary to 
have a good grounding into basics and rules for use before you even 
touch a wand.  This is also re-hashed the first few weeks of Hogwarts 
for the benefit of muggle-borns and children who's parents have been 
lax on some of the education.  Harry says in PS/SS that his classes 
became more enjoyable now that they had covered the basics.

I am stopping now because I am starting to ramble.  I hope this helps
catherine