Pursue Your Passion: 8 Weird Schools

School doesn’t have to be all books, study and exams. In fact, there are a variety of schools out there for people with special interests, hobbies or for those just looking to have a little fun. While these schools may not make for a lucrative career, unless you plan to be a professional elf or mermaid, they’re educational nonetheless. Take a look at some of the weirdest schools the world has to offer. Elf School If you want to get to learn the ins and outs of elven life and culture, Iceland is home to the most famous Elf School. For just $51, students can have a day at Elf School, and the price includes an 70-page study book as well as meals for the day. In addition to elves, students learn about gnomes, dwarves, fairies, trolls and mountain spirits. Parkour School Parkour is becoming increasingly popular, and now, there is a whole school dedicated to the art in Los Angeles. Open to anyone ages 6 and up, the Tempest Freerunning Academy offers several different courses each week. Classes can be paid for on a monthly basis, and all you need to participate is a pair of tennis shoes. Wizard School If Harry Potter completely changed your life, you too can become a wizard through The Grey School of Wizardry. The school is online and offers a plethora of opportunities to learn, like majors and minors; houses and prefect positions; challenges and clubs. Through the school, you’ll be able to participate in an online community full of individuals working toward the same goals. Brooklyn Free School Don’t be fooled by the name; the Brooklyn Free School is not exactly free in financial terms. Rather, it says more about the school’s focus and mission – to allow students to be free and choose how they want to be educated. It’s also free of any racial, economical or gender bias. In an effort to make the Brooklyn Free School open to everyone, the school asks questions about family finances and determines a reasonable amount of tuition for each student to pay. Santa Claus School You can’t have Elf School without a Santa Claus School! The world’s longest, continuously running Santa Claus school is located in Midland, Michigan. The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School hosts a three-day course each year and is $475 for a single Santa Claus and $900 for a Santa and Mrs. Claus. Hamburger School Yes, there is such a place as Hamburger University, and it’s no surprise who backs it: McDonald’s. The goal behind Hamburger University is to train and develop managers, mid-managers and owner/operators. More than 7,500 individuals graduate from Hamburger University, located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, every year. Clown School Yes, there really is such a thing as Clown College. In fact, there are many of them, including the Erie Clowns Clown College in Pennsylvania. The college offers an eight-week course on make-up, wardrobe, face painting, magic and many other clown skills. Mermaid School Finally, you can transform into a mermaid at the Southern California Mermaid School in Simi Valley, California. For just $50, you can learn the art of mer-life from professional mermaids and American Red Cross lifeguards. Costumes are provided to students upon arrival. While these schools may be scattered all over the world, chances are you can find a similar school near you offering one of the above. As you can see, school doesn’t have to be so serious. There are plenty of opportunities out there that will enable you to pursue something about which you are passionate.