Co-education facts for kids
Co-education means that boys and girls learn together in the same school or classroom. This way of teaching has changed a lot over time and in different parts of the world. Today, most primary schools teach boys and girls together.
For a long time, especially before the mid-1800s, girls often learned at home or didn't get much education at all. This was very different depending on where you lived. In places like England and Wales, a law in 1870 made primary education available for everyone. It also made it required for children aged 5 to 10 to attend school.
Since then, almost all primary schools in the United Kingdom have been co-educational. Many other countries also teach boys and girls together in their schools.
Contents
History of Co-education
Early Co-educational Schools
The oldest co-educational school that teaches both day students and students who live there is Dollar Academy. It's located in Scotland, United Kingdom. This school teaches boys and girls from ages 5 to 18.
Dollar Academy first opened its doors in 1818. Right from the start, it welcomed both boys and girls from the local area. The school is still open today and has about 1,250 students.
First Co-educational Colleges
The first college to be founded as a co-educational school was Oberlin Collegiate Institute. It is in Oberlin, Ohio, in the United States. It opened on December 3, 1833.
When it first opened, Oberlin had 44 students. This included 29 young men and 15 young women. Women were given fully equal status at the college in 1837. The first three women to earn bachelor's degrees from Oberlin graduated in 1840.
Why Co-education?
Many teachers, parents, and researchers have wondered if it's better for students to learn together or separately. Some people believe that co-education mainly helps students socially.
Learning together helps boys and girls get ready for real-world situations. It allows them to interact and understand each other better. This prepares them for life outside of school, where men and women work and live together.
Images for kids
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Co-Education by Charles Allan Winter, c. 1915
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Oberlin College, the oldest mixed-sex college in the United States
See also
In Spanish: Coeducación para niños
