A Venetian scuola could be a charity, a lay religious organisation or a guild. The scuole grandi were major charities recognised by the republic.
“Scuola della Passione” (School of the Passion) from the “Venetia, citta nobilissima et singolare” (1581) by Francesco Sansovino, translated by René Seindal.
The Scuole Grandi — or the Great Schools — were Venetian medieval charities which due to their wealth became important institutions