Describe the various educational options during the colonial period in the United States. How did gender, ethnicity, and geographical location influence access to education?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANS: The initial focus in colonial education was on religious instruction. Families were responsible for educating children, although some children attended home-based dame schools where they learned basic literacy and math skills. For boys, there was the option to complete apprenticeships to learn a particular craft. Eventually, towns began establishing Latin grammar schools, which expanded religious education to include the study of Latin and Greek in preparation for college. This option was initially available only to wealthy young men. With the passage of the Old Deluder Satan Act in Massachusetts, more schools developed and spread to other colonies. Girls were not given access to education beyond the dame or town school; their additional education focused on learning domestic chores. Native Americans and African Americans had little or no opportunity for formal education. Other school options were available to the privileged class: private academies, religious schools, boarding schools, European study abroad, and private schools with a skill-based focus. Regional differences developed: Northern colonies had more town schools; mid-Atlantic colonies had more ethnic and religious (non-Puritan) schools, as well as apprenticeships; and southern colonies made more use of private tutors.