What is the spiritual approach in education?

I am astonished to find the number of temples of learning that exist here. 

They are circular in form―or shaped like a magnet with an outer corridor to different entrances and an inner court with fountains throwing up delicious and invigorating essences, while trees and strange flowering plants embellish the parks, which surround them. 

Here trees are unlike earthly trees―the leaves being of variegated colours, resembling the autumnal foliage of the American forest.

These spirit colleges are intended to develop the soul of human and teach him his relations to humankind―to instruct him in the wonders of the sidereal heavens, impart to him knowledge of the inhabitants of the sun, moon and stars, the numerous worlds in space occupied by various tribes of men. To aid him, also, in experimenting in chemistry and sciences by which he can explore the uttermost extent of the universe―to instruct him in political economy and laws governing humanity that he may develop means to ameliorate the condition of the unprogressive and helpless portion of humankind. 

―Peter Cooper in Spirit