In the early years of the Massachusetts colony, education was limited to the children of wealthy families. These children were typically tutored at home by their parents or by private tutors. In 1647, the Massachusetts General Court passed a law requiring all towns with more than 50 families to establish a school where children could learn to read and write. However, this law was not always enforced, and many children did not have access to formal education.
How were they educated?
The schools that did exist were typically one-room schoolhouses. The curriculum was basic, and focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Students were also taught about the Bible and the history of the Massachusetts colony. The school day was long, and students were expected to work hard.
Despite the challenges, the education system in the Massachusetts colony was successful in producing a literate population. By the end of the 17th century, most adults in the colony could read and write. This was a significant achievement, and it helped to lay the foundation for the colony's economic and political success.
Here are some additional details about education in the Massachusetts colony:
* The first public school in the colony was established in Boston in 1635.
* In 1636, Harvard College was founded. Harvard was the first college in the United States.
* In 1647, the Massachusetts General Court passed a law requiring all towns with more than 50 families to establish a school.
* However, this law was not always enforced, and many children did not have access to formal education.
* The schools that did exist were typically one-room schoolhouses.
* The curriculum was basic, and focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic.
* Students were also taught about the Bible and the history of the Massachusetts colony.
* The school day was long, and students were expected to work hard.
* By the end of the 17th century, most adults in the colony could read and write.