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Puritans Focus on Education
The Puritans prioritized education as a way of "augment[ing] the reading and reasoning abilities necessary for a society shaped by religious values and a growing market economy" (Rury, 2015, p. 27). The original goal was to have everybody capable of reading the Bible, but the unintended effect was the creation of schools and increased literacy. This effort continued through the 17th century. -
Public Latin Grammar Schools Founded
Public Latin grammar schools were established in the Massachusetts Bay Colony and set the stage for public education in colonies. “These schools catered to those who planned to enter the professions (medicine, law, teaching, and the ministry) or become business owners or merchants” (Ornstein, A. & Hunkins, F., 2017, p. 59) -
Harvard College Established
Harvard College was the first school established for higher education in the United States. This was an "early sign of the importance of formal learning" (Rury, 2015, p. 26). -
Old Deluder Satan Act Enacted
The "Old Deluder Satan" Act was enacted in Massachusetts "requiring towns of 50 families or more to establish a school" (Rury, 2015. p. 27). The purpose was to ensure students to could read the Bible and combat literacy. While religious motives were involved, this allowed education to become more accessible and widespread. -
New England Primer Published
"The famous New England Primer was the best known of the reading materials used for lessons in spelling and grammar, along with morality and virtue" (Rury, 2015, p. 27). By printing information it could be distributed to the masses, allowing the spread of knowledge even to those who were unable to obtain a formal education. -
The Age of Enlightenment Begins
The Enlightenment "was a revolutionary ideology at the time" (Rury, 2015, p. 30) emphasizing reason, science and education. It influenced educational practices within the colonies which lead to the establishment of new schools along with the reformation of existing ones. -
The Great Awakening Begins
The Great Awakening was a "period of religious revivalism" (Rury, 2015, p. 30) and continued through the 1740s. This time had a profound impact on education. leading to the founding of many new schools and colleges. -
Publication of "Poor Richard's Almanac"
Benjamin Franklin published "Poor Richard's Almanac" which was "filled with proverbs preaching industry and prudence" (History.com, March 23, 2024). After being published continuously for 25 years, it became a major contributor to the spread of literacy and education in Colonial America. -
The Academy is Established
The academy was “based on Benjamin Franklin’s ideas and intended to offer a practical curriculum, for those not going to college” (Ornstein, A, Hunkins, F., 2017, p. 59). This type of school started the concept of examining curriculum and teaching topics that students needed for later in their lives. -
The American Revolution Begins
The American Revolution affected the lives of all American during the late 18th century. The war itself disrupted education in the colonies which provided opportunities for educational reform. Many debates occurred regarding the role of education as there was a strong need for the shaping of citizens as the new nation was formed. -
The Manumission Society’s Charity School Opens
"The New York African Free School. The Manumission Society’s ‘charity school’ for free Black children... was intended to provide an education in traditional morality for the children of ex-slaves" (Rury, 2015, p. 39). This school's opening was groundbreaking in providing free education to children and to a more diverse population of students. -
Young Ladies' Academy of Philadelphia Established
The Young Ladies' Academy was recognized by a state government and provided educational opportunities to women within a major city. Benjamin Rush's institution was celebrated and "among the best known of many similar institutions established in the era" (Rury, 2015, p. 46)/