"Schoolin' Life" is a song recorded by American recording artist Beyoncé for the deluxe edition of her fourth studio album, 4 (2011). It was written by Knowles, Terius Nash, Shea Taylor as well as Carlos McKinney while production was handled by Knowles, The-Dream, and Los Da Mystro. Jordan Young, also known by his stage name DJ Swivel, mixed the song at New York's Jungle City Studios. Containing elements of disco and dance-pop music, "Schoolin' Life" is an uptempo R&B and funk song, in which Knowles employs guttural vocals and uses her whistle register. Having a retro nature, the song is built on a 1980s-inspired dance beat, and is instrumentally complete with old school synthesizers, drum kits, electric guitars, and horns.