* Establishment of Palatine Schools: He established schools within his palace (the *schola palatina*) to educate his own children and the sons of nobles. These schools weren't just for secular subjects; religious instruction was also a major component. The best scholars from across the empire were brought to these schools as teachers.
* Monastic Schools: Charlemagne strongly supported the development of monastic schools. He encouraged monasteries to establish schools for training monks and educating the clergy. These schools played a crucial role in preserving ancient texts and transmitting knowledge. He issued decrees urging monasteries to improve their libraries and teaching.
* Curriculum Reform: He emphasized a curriculum focused on the seven liberal arts (grammar, rhetoric, dialectic, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music), although the content and application varied across different schools. This curriculum aimed to educate individuals in both religious and secular knowledge, equipping them for roles in the church and government.
* Recruitment of Scholars: Charlemagne actively sought out and recruited learned scholars from across Europe, including Alcuin of York, who became a leading figure in his educational reforms. These scholars helped to raise educational standards and spread knowledge throughout the empire.
* Emphasis on Literacy: Charlemagne strongly emphasized the importance of literacy, particularly for the clergy who were responsible for administering the empire and spreading religious teachings. He believed that a literate clergy was essential for effective governance and religious instruction. His decrees often stressed the importance of teaching and learning.
* Script Reform: He promoted the adoption of a more standardized and legible script known as Carolingian minuscule. This standardized writing style made the copying and dissemination of texts easier and more efficient.
While his efforts weren't universally successful and literacy remained limited to a small percentage of the population, Charlemagne's initiatives significantly boosted educational levels compared to the preceding period. His support for education laid the groundwork for later intellectual and cultural developments in Europe, contributing to the Carolingian Renaissance.