Education in the New England colonies was deeply rooted in Puritan values. Religious instruction and literacy were prioritized to create a godly society and combat Satan's influence. The Old Deluder Satan Act of 1647 mandated schools in larger towns.
Early schooling took various forms, including dame schools for young children and Latin grammar schools for boys. Higher education began with Harvard College in 1636, primarily training Puritan ministers. Gender disparities persisted, with boys receiving more formal education than girls.
Puritan Education
Religious Foundations of Puritan Education
Top images from around the web for Religious Foundations of Puritan Education King James Version - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Education in the Thirteen Colonies - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
King James Version - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Education in the Thirteen Colonies - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Religious Foundations of Puritan Education King James Version - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Education in the Thirteen Colonies - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
King James Version - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Education in the Thirteen Colonies - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Puritan influence shaped educational priorities in New England colonies
Religious instruction formed the core of Puritan educational philosophy
Bible reading considered essential for spiritual growth and salvation
Catechism lessons taught children fundamental religious beliefs and moral principles
Schools established to ensure children could read scriptures independently
Education viewed as a means to create a godly society and preserve Puritan values
Literacy and Legislative Measures
Old Deluder Satan Act passed in Massachusetts in 1647
Law required towns with 50 or more families to appoint a teacher for reading and writing
Towns with 100 or more families mandated to establish a grammar school
Act aimed to combat Satan's efforts to keep people from scriptural knowledge
Literacy rates in New England colonies surpassed those in England and other colonies
By late 17th century, male literacy in New England reached approximately 70%
Female literacy rates lower but still significant, around 45% by 1700
Early Schooling
Primary Education Institutions
Dame schools emerged as early form of elementary education
Typically operated by widows or unmarried women in their homes
Focused on teaching young children basic reading, writing, and arithmetic
Often included practical skills like sewing for girls
Latin grammar schools prepared boys for higher education and leadership roles
Curriculum centered on Latin, Greek, classical literature, and religious texts
Grammar schools primarily served wealthy families and aspiring clergymen
Vocational Training and Gender Disparities
Apprenticeship system provided practical education for many colonial children
Young boys learned trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, or printing
Girls often apprenticed in domestic skills (cooking, sewing, household management)
Apprenticeships typically lasted 7 years, providing room, board, and training
Gender disparities in education persisted throughout colonial period
Boys received more formal schooling opportunities than girls
Girls' education often limited to basic literacy and domestic skills
Some families educated daughters at home, but formal schooling for girls remained rare
Higher Education
Establishment and Development of Harvard College
Harvard College founded in 1636 as first institution of higher learning in colonies
Initially established to train Puritan ministers
Curriculum included classical languages , rhetoric , logic , and theology
Expanded over time to include natural philosophy (early sciences) and mathematics
Admitted only male students, primarily from wealthy or influential families
Played crucial role in educating colonial leaders and clergy
Served as model for other colonial colleges (William and Mary, Yale)
Library established in 1638, became largest colonial collection of books
Gradually evolved from strict Puritan origins to broader liberal arts focus