Spiritual Education:

Throughout the sacred texts of the Bahá'í Faith we find references to the purposes of a true and proper education. A true education has as its ultimate purpose the education of all, "that they may, at the hour of death, ascend, in the utmost purity and sanctity and with absolute detachment, to the throne of the Most High." A spiritual education causes the "expansion of consciousness, and insight into the realities of the universe and the hidden mysteries of Almighty God"; it places prime importance on the acquisition of divine perfections, which equip the individual to promote the oneness of humanity and to contribute to "an ever-advancing civilization."

Human Education:

Human education signifies civilization and progress—that is to say, government, administration, charitable works, trades, arts and handicrafts, sciences, great inventions and discoveries and elaborate institutions, which are the activities essential to man as distinguished from the animal.

Material Education:

Material education is concerned with the progress and development of the body, through gaining its sustenance, its material comfort and ease. This education is common to animals and man.