Plato believed that a child's education should not begin until he reached the age of 7 years old. Before children started school, it was important that they spend time with their mother and other elders to obtain a moral education. Once children started school, Plato thought that boys and girls needed to be separated, but it was okay for them to play together until they started elementary school.
The first stage of education for children was elementary school, which started once they reached 7 years old and lasted until they were 17. During this time, Plato wrote that boys should play with boys and girls should play with girls. While in elementary school, students had an opportunity to gain basic education and musical skills. Course topics also covered subjects in poetry, mathematics and literature.
Once students reached 18 years old, Plato believed that it was essential for them to spend two years obtaining physical education through military training. This was an opportunity for individuals to gain real life military experience on the battlefield. Once someone reached this age, they could be called upon to fight and prepare to go to war.
Higher education lasted from the age of 20 to 35 years old and offered individuals a chance to gain advanced knowledge and skills in literature, mathematics and philosophy. Plato also believed at this educational stage, preference should be given to those who showed the most promise and potential to facilitate their natural abilities. During this stage, individuals should also spend five years studying dialectic, according to Plato, which is the process of resolving arguments between two parties.
From the ages of 35 to 50, Plato believed individuals were qualified to perform their civic duties and become rulers or philosophers. Men were ready to take command in war and hold political offices.
Once someone reached the age of 50, they were ready for the final stage of education. At this time, an individual should start applying what they learned into practical situations. Plato believed at this age one was ready to make rulings about the overall well-being of the people.