The changes in the education system are put by the authors into a broader framework of urbanization and postindustrialization. The analysis of intentional and spontaneous actions in the sphere of education is based on data obtained by polling students, parents, teachers, and school principals. Particular attention is given to the school as a social institute. The article analyzes the potential of this institute to absorb the innovations being introduced, discusses its interaction with society, and the necessity of school reform.