Grammar schools

Definition

Grammar schools were a type of educational institution in the New England Colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries, designed primarily for teaching Latin, Greek, and other subjects necessary for higher education. These schools played a crucial role in preparing young men for college, particularly for entry into universities like Harvard, and emphasized a classical education focused on literature, philosophy, and rhetoric.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Grammar schools were established as part of the Puritan commitment to education, which emphasized reading the Bible and understanding religious texts.
2. These schools were primarily for boys from wealthier families who could afford the tuition, reflecting the social class divide in educational access.
3. The curriculum at grammar schools was rigorous, focusing heavily on classical languages such as Latin and Greek, which were essential for academic advancement.
4. Grammar schools played a significant role in the development of American higher education by preparing students for admission to colleges that required proficiency in classical studies.
5. By the late 18th century, the model of grammar schools began to evolve into more inclusive forms of schooling that would eventually lead to public education systems.

Review Questions

• How did grammar schools contribute to the education system in the New England Colonies?
  • Grammar schools significantly shaped the education system in the New England Colonies by providing a structured curriculum focused on classical languages and higher learning. They prepared students, mostly boys from affluent families, for entrance into colleges like Harvard. This emphasis on a classical education not only elevated academic standards but also fostered a culture that valued intellectualism and scholarly pursuits within the colonies.
• Compare and contrast grammar schools with common schools in terms of accessibility and curriculum.
  • Grammar schools primarily catered to wealthier families and offered an advanced curriculum centered around classical studies, while common schools aimed to provide basic education to a wider population regardless of socioeconomic status. Common schools focused on reading, writing, and arithmetic, ensuring foundational skills for all children. In contrast, grammar schools had selective admission based on family means and concentrated on preparing students for higher education, reflecting a clear divide in educational opportunities.
• Evaluate the impact of grammar schools on societal attitudes towards education in colonial America and how this paved the way for future educational reforms.
  • Grammar schools significantly influenced societal attitudes towards education by establishing high academic standards and a focus on intellectual achievement among the elite. This emphasis on classical education created a cultural expectation for educated leaders in society. As these institutions began to evolve and more inclusive forms of schooling emerged, they laid the groundwork for future educational reforms that aimed to democratize access to learning. The legacy of grammar schools is evident in modern public education systems that prioritize equal opportunity for all children.

Related terms

curriculum: The subjects and materials taught in a school or educational program, which in grammar schools often included classical languages and literature.

common school: A type of public school that served a broader population and focused on basic education for children, contrasting with the more elite grammar schools.

Latin School: Another term often used interchangeably with grammar schools, specifically referring to institutions that emphasized Latin as part of their curriculum.