Jules Ferry laws facts for kids

Jules Ferry, the lawyer and minister who championed these education laws.

The Jules Ferry laws were important rules made in France during the 1880s. These laws made primary school education free for everyone in 1881. Then, in 1882, they made it mandatory (meaning all children had to go to school) and secular. Secular means that schools would not teach religion. Instead, religious lessons would happen outside of school hours. Jules Ferry, a lawyer and government minister, is famous for creating this modern public school system in France. Before these laws, many schools were run by religious groups. The Jules Ferry laws changed this, creating state-run schools with teachers who were not religious officials. This change was part of a bigger effort in France to keep government and religious institutions separate.

Understanding French Education History

For a long time in the 1800s, French education had two main systems. One was for older students (secondary school), and the other was for younger children (primary school). The Catholic Church played a big role in both. Often, church schools were the only option for families, especially in poorer areas of France.

The idea of free public schools didn't appear overnight. It grew over many years. For example, as far back as 1698, a rule said children aged 7 to 14 should go to local Catholic schools. However, local communities had to pay for these schools, which was often very difficult. Over time, the number of schools in France grew a lot. Between 1837 and 1906, the number of schools more than doubled!

During the French Revolution of 1789, important leaders like Talleyrand and Condorcet suggested creating a national education system. They wanted every citizen to have a basic education. Later, leaders like Napoleon I focused more on higher education. But the Catholic Church remained very involved in primary education. Laws like the Guizot Act in 1833 made towns open schools for boys. The Falloux Act in 1850 created a mixed system. Some schools were public and run by the state, while others were run by Catholic groups. It was a long journey to make public schooling available to everyone.

Why These Laws Were Important

Jules Ferry and other leaders believed strongly in a secular republic. This meant they wanted the government and public institutions, like schools, to be separate from religious control. They also saw how the Industrial Revolution was changing work. They hoped that good schooling would help all workers become thoughtful and satisfied citizens.

These leaders wanted schools to teach students to think for themselves. They believed schools should also teach about being a good citizen and the importance of their country. After these laws, members of religious orders were no longer allowed to teach in public schools.

The Jules Ferry Laws of 1881 and 1882

The Jules Ferry laws were passed in two main parts.

Making Education Free: The 1881 Law

On June 16, 1881, the first set of laws made primary education free for all children, both boys and girls. Local towns and regions were responsible for helping to pay for these schools. The laws also protected teachers' salaries, making sure they would not be paid less than before.

Making Education Mandatory and Secular: The 1882 Laws

The second set of laws, passed in 1882, made primary education mandatory and secular. This meant all children had to go to school, and schools would not teach religion.

What Students Learned (Article 1)

This article listed all the subjects students would learn in primary school:

• Learning about good behavior and being a good citizen;
• Reading and writing;
• The French language and literature;
• Geography, especially about France;
• History, especially about France up to the present day;
• Basic ideas about laws and how the country's economy works;
• Science, math, and how they apply to everyday life, like farming, health, industrial arts, and using tools for different jobs;
• Basic drawing, modeling, and music;
• Gymnastics;
• For boys, military exercises;
• For girls, needlework.

Religion and School (Article 2)

Public primary schools would have one day off each week, besides Sunday. This allowed parents to give their children religious education outside of school if they wished. Private schools could still offer religious education.

Who Was in Charge of Schools (Article 3)

This law removed the power that religious leaders had over public and private elementary schools. Before, they had rights to inspect and manage these schools.

Who Had to Go to School (Article 4)

Primary education became mandatory for all children, boys and girls, between the ages of six and thirteen. Children could attend public schools, private schools, or be taught at home by their parents or another chosen person. Special rules were also made to ensure education for children who were deaf, mute, or blind.

Making Sure Kids Attended School (Articles 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14)

Local school boards were created in each town. Their job was to encourage and monitor school attendance.

• Parents or guardians had to tell the mayor where their child would be schooled (at home, public, or private) at least 15 days before classes started.
• The mayor kept a list of all children aged six to thirteen to make sure they were enrolled.
• If a child missed school, parents had to tell the school director why. Only certain reasons were accepted, like illness or a death in the family.
• If a child was absent too often without a good reason, parents would be called to a meeting. They would be reminded of the law and their duty.
• If absences continued, there could be serious consequences, including legal action.

Finishing Primary School (Article 6)

Students could earn a "certificate of primary studies" after passing a public exam. Children could take this exam from age eleven. If they passed, they didn't have to stay in school for the rest of the mandatory time.

Exemptions and Home Schooling (Articles 15, 16)

• School boards could allow children to miss school for up to three months a year for special reasons, like helping with farm work or in factories, especially if they were learning a trade.
• Children taught at home had to take an annual exam. This exam covered the same subjects taught in public schools for their age. If a child's home education was not good enough, parents would have to send them to a public or private school.

Paying for Schools (Article 17)

A special fund was set up in every town to help pay for schools. The government also provided grants to help smaller towns with their school funding.

Related articles

• Normal schools in France

See also

• French School Wars
• First Schools' War, an attempt to introduce secularist education in Belgium in 1879
• First Textbook War, an attempt to introduce secularist education in France in 1882
• Education in France
• History of education in France
• Kulturkampf