Back in fifth grade, teachers were just people who interrupted kick-ball games to make you do math. But now you actually want a teacher—in this case, to watch you swing and scrutinize your every divot.

A lot has changed about golf schools over the years. Five-day blisterfests on the driving range are being replaced nearly everywhere by mornings of instructions and afternoons of playing lessons, causal rounds, and opportunities to get away and hit shops, spas and other vacation attractions.

So here's what to expect during a typical day, what to pack and how to get a good deal on your trip, plus the list of schools that made the grade. Class is in session.