Schools in Colonial America

The Old Deluder Satan Act of 1647 was passed to encourage literacy (and therefore, continued Bible study) in Massachusetts Colony. Along with other fascinating information, this book provides a nuanced exploration of schooling for children from all walks of colonial life, from the wealthy white boys who attended Latin grammar schools and Harvard, the first college founded in America, in 1626, to the Native American children who were schooled in to Christianity and black slaves who were thought worth more if educated. The text is supplemented by a variety of photographs and illustrations, including images of colonial classrooms and teaching implements such as a hornbook. Each chapter is interspersed with text boxes expanding upon the material, such as a spotlight focus on young Phillis Wheatley, a slave girl who learned to read and write and became a renowned poet. A chapter devoted to the founding histories of the Ivy League universities provides modern day tie-ins. Back matter consists of a glossary, suggestions for further reading, quotation sources, and an index.