Ancient Greek Schools Facts for Kids – 5 Spectacular Facts about Ancient Greek School

How do you think ancient Greek schools looked like?! Let’s learn five spectacular ancient Greek schools facts for kids.

Ancient Greek Schools Facts for Kids Fact Number 1: Paideia

Ancient Greek schools were called “paideia,” which means “education” or “culture” in Greek. These schools were typically for boys only, and they were considered an important part of a boy’s upbringing. Boys would start attending school at the age of seven and continue for about 12 years until the age of 18.

The schools were often funded by the government or wealthy individuals, and teachers were highly respected members of society. Education was highly valued in Ancient Greece, and attending school was seen as a way to improve one’s social status and prepare for a successful career in politics or other fields. Boys who did not attend school were seen as uneducated and often struggled to succeed in life.

Ancient Greek Schools Facts for Kids Fact Number 2: The Elementary School and The Secondary School

Boys in Ancient Greece attended two types of schools: the elementary school and the secondary school. At the elementary school, boys would learn basic skills such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. They would also learn about the Greek language and mythology. At the secondary school, boys would learn more advanced subjects such as science, mathematics, literature, and philosophy. The curriculum at both levels focused on developing the mind and the character of the students.

Boys were also taught poetry, music, and physical education. Reading and writing were essential skills, as they were needed to participate in civic life and to communicate with others. Poetry and music were taught to cultivate the aesthetic sense, while physical education was considered important for developing a strong and healthy body.

Ancient Greek Schools Facts for Kids Fact Number 3: Public Speaking

In addition to reading, writing, and arithmetic, boys in Ancient Greek schools were taught to recite and perform epic poetry. One famous example is Homer’s “Iliad,” which tells the story of the Trojan War. Boys would learn to recite long passages from the poem from memory, and they would also act out scenes from it in front of their classmates. This helped to develop their memory, public speaking, and acting skills. The study of epic poetry was considered an important part of a boy’s education, and it was believed that it would inspire them to be heroic and virtuous like the heroes in the stories.

Ancient Greek Schools Facts for Kids Fact Number 4: The Academy in Athens

The most famous Ancient Greek school was the Academy in Athens, which was founded by the philosopher Plato. The Academy was known for its advanced curriculum and was a center for higher learning. Many famous philosophers, including Aristotle, studied at the Academy. The school was also famous for its beautiful gardens and its focus on dialogue and debate.

Ancient Greek Schools Facts for Kids Fact Number 5: Girls in Ancient Greece

Girls in Ancient Greece did not attend formal schools, but some wealthy families hired tutors to teach their daughters at home. Girls were taught basic skills such as reading and writing, as well as more practical skills such as spinning and weaving. They were not taught the same subjects as boys and were not educated to the same level as boys. However, some notable women in Ancient Greece, such as Sappho, were highly educated and accomplished in their own right.

We hope you enjoyed learning more things about ancient Greek schools as much as we loved teaching you about them. Now that you know how majestic this historical culture is, you can move on to learn about ancient Greeks like: Ancient Greek Religion and Greek Gods.

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