What was education like in the Massachusetts Colony?

[Aatish]

I'm interested in learning about the education system in the Massachusetts Colony. What subjects were taught, and who had access to schooling during that time?

 

[peterkavinsky]

Education in the Massachusetts Colony was religion-focused, aiming to ensure literacy for reading the Bible. Laws required towns to set up schools, boys studied reading, writing, math, and Latin, while girls often learned reading and domestic skills at home.

 

[Mayank singh]

Education in the Massachusetts Colony focused on religious instruction, reading, and writing. Schools taught children to read the Bible, with strict Puritan values shaping lessons. Attendance was encouraged, and laws required towns to establish schools for community education.

 

[simran]

In the Massachusetts Colony, education was strongly influenced by Puritan beliefs that everyone should read the Bible. Schools were often funded by towns, and laws like the 1647 Old Deluder Satan Act required towns with 50 or more families to hire a teacher. Boys typically studied reading, writing, math, religion, and classical subjects like Latin, while girls were usually taught at home in basic literacy, sewing, and household skills. Harvard College (founded in 1636) was established to train ministers, making Massachusetts a leader in early American education.