What fish can I keep in a 10 gallon tank

I currently own a betta in a 5 gal. tank and I'm planning to purchase a 10 gal next month (including heater, filter, substrate . . . the works).

I basically know next to nothing about any fish species other than bettas. I've been researching appropriate fish for a 10 gal. tank but the information I read seems contradictory.

I have three general questions:

1) Can I keep cichlids in a 10 gal tank?

2) If I keep schooling fish (danios, rasboras, tetras, etc.) how many would be suitable for a 10 gal tank? If I do decide on schooling fish, can/should I keep other fish with them, such as cory cats?

3) My betta gets bored incredibly easily (a tail-biter). . . can/should I attempt to incorporate him into my new 10 gal with other schooling fish?

Thank you for the advice!

1) It really is best not to go with cichlids. Even the dwarfs like Rams and Apistogramma arevery active and territorial, and should have more room to function, even if you can technically squeeze them in.

2) Try to keep groups of at least 5 schoolers. It's always better to go with one species of a large group rather then a few species in bits and pieces - they both do better and look nicer this way. Open water schoolers like tetras do very well with cory catfish (which are also schoolers) because the cats use the bottom of the tank, the tetra's the middle. Small shrimp will also work in your tank, for a different critter aspect to the tank.