Life In Biblical Times - School

SCHOOL IN OLD TESTAMENT TIMES...

In Old Testament times education was much different than it is today. Children were taught by parents and the lesson plan was to prepare them for a relationship with God and how to get along with others (Luke 2:52). Girls were taught by their mothers while boys learned their fathers trade.

SCHOOL IN NEW TESTAMENT TIMES...

By New Testament times things had changed. Teachers now helped parents educate children. School started from age 6 or 7 and lasted until about the age of 12 (although some boys, like Paul (Acts 22:3) went to Jerusalem to study under rabbis). School started just after sunrise and went on until about 10:00AM.

If it was too hot classes were canceled for the rest of the day. If it was comfortable, class would resume at 3:00PM and last a few more hours. Schools were one room and the students sat at the teacher's feet. There were no grade levels so if a teacher was working with one student the other kids would keep busy with assignments. The school year lasted all year long.