The Amish are a traditional Christian group that originated in Europe and settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th century. They are known for living simple lives without modern conveniences such as electricity and cars. But when it comes to education, the Amish have a unique and fascinating approach.
What is the Amish philosophy on education?
The Amish value hard work, humility, community, and separation from the outside “English” (non-Amish) world. They believe education should reinforce these values and prepare children for Amish life. Academics are not a priority beyond basic reading, writing, and math. Most formal schooling ends after 8th grade.
The Amish emphasize learning by doing rather than through intellectual study. Children are expected to take on adult roles like farming at a young age. Education focuses on practical skills needed to maintain the Amish way of life, not abstract knowledge.
Where do Amish children go to school?
Amish children typically attend small private schools located within or close to their settlement. Schools are typically one-room schoolhouses with one teacher instructing children in grades 1-8. The curriculum includes reading, writing, math, spelling, and English grammar. Some schools may teach basic science and geography.
Schools are run by members of the Amish community, not by the state or outside authorities. The Amish pay tuition to cover teacher salaries and operating costs. Parents have significant influence over curriculum, staffing, and governance.
What’s the typical school day like for Amish children?
A typical day at an Amish school looks like:
- School runs from 8am to 3pm, Monday to Friday during the school year.
- Boys and girls sit separately on opposite sides of the classroom.
- Instruction is in English and focuses on reading, writing, and arithmetic.
- Amish teachers use memorization and repetition rather than analytical instruction.
- Recess and lunch breaks for play and socializing.
- Children have chores like cleaning, hauling water, chopping wood.
- No sports, music, art, or other “frills” are included.
School discipline emphasizes obedience, cooperation, and conformity. Creative expression is not encouraged. Amish teachers are respected authority figures.
What happens after 8th grade?
After completing 8th grade (age 14 or 15):
- Boys typically enter an apprenticeship program to learn farming or a trade like carpentry.
- Girls focus on home skills and may attend vocational training in crafts like sewing.
- Higher academics are not valued or necessary for Amish occupations.
- Some youth may attend supplemental winter classes.
- Very few pursue GEDs or higher education.
The exception is future Amish teachers who take additional coursework in teaching methods, along with observing in Amish schools. But overall, formal schooling ends at 8th grade for most Amish.
Do Amish children ever attend public schools?
Public school attendance among Amish is extremely rare. Some key reasons include:
- Conflict with Amish values and way of life.
- Exposure to worldly influences like pop culture and technology.
- Bullying and discrimination from non-Amish.
- Emphasis on individual success over community.
- Pressure to pursue higher academics and careers.
- Mandatory activities like sports, chorus, social dances.
Amish only consent to public school if there are no other options. Some cases of temporary attendance include:
- Meeting special education needs.
- Supplementing curriculum like vocational training.
- When an Amish school is not available.
But sustained enrollment at public schools past 8th grade remains vanishingly rare in Amish communities.
Do the Amish allow any modern technology in schools?
The Amish limit technology in schools, just as they do in their homes and workplaces. Some technology used in Amish schools includes:
| Technology | Use |
|---|---|
| Basic electricity | Minimal lighting, appliances. |
| Battery powered equipment | Flashlights, calculators. |
| Telephone | For business use only in office. |
| Bulk purchased textbooks | Non-electronic books used when useful. |
| Chalkboards | For writing lessons. |
| Typewriters | To publish newsletters, calendars. |
Banned technologies include television, computers, Internet, overhead projectors, videotapes, and digital devices of any kind.
How are Amish teachers trained?
Teacher training includes:
- Must have an 8th grade Amish education plus supplemental academics.
- Observation of experienced teachers in Amish schools.
- Taking college correspondence courses in teaching methods.
- Advice from Amish school board on curriculum.
- No student teaching or state certification required.
Amish teachers understand the values and context of Amish life. They serve their community rather than seek personal career advancement.
What subjects do Amish teachers learn?
Subjects Amish teachers study include:
- Reading – phonics, literature, comprehension.
- Writing – grammar, composition, letter writing.
- Arithmetic – mental math, times tables, story problems.
- Spelling and vocabulary.
- Penmanship – neat and legible handwriting.
- English grammar – proper usage and sentence structure.
- Geography and social studies – U.S. and world maps.
- Environmental studies – nature, plants, animals, weather.
- Hygiene and health.
- Public speaking – poems, speeches, Bible readings.
Methods include memorization, repetition, recitation, and demonstrations. Study topics align with practical Amish life instead of abstract theory.
How do Amish schools instill moral values?
Amish schools reinforce moral virtues like:
- Obedience to God, the church, and parents.
- Hard work and responsibility.
- Humility and deference to others.
- Forgiveness and self-control.
- Helping neighbors and community service.
- Respect for tradition and elders.
- Trust, honesty, and integrity.
These values are taught through:
- Daily Bible readings and prayer.
- Biblical stories illustrating moral lessons.
- Hyms and devotions.
- Emphasis on conformity to Amish lifestyle.
- Modeled behavior of teachers.
- Discipline for infractions like bullying.
The goal is to build character and transmit Amish religious values to the next generation.
What are the benefits of Amish education?
Benefits of Amish education include:
- Practical life skills for work and self-sufficiency.
- Grounding in Amish culture and identity.
- Strong sense of community belonging.
- Training for occupations within Amish society.
- Insulation from negative outside influences.
- Inculcation of Amish values like humility and integrity.
- Cost-effective and locally controlled.
Amish education effectively accomplishes its primary goal – preparing youth for productive roles as Amish adults. It reflects the priorities and needs of the Amish community.
What criticisms do Amish schools face?
Criticisms of Amish schools include:
- Restricted curriculum beyond 8th grade level.
- Inadequate instruction in core academics.
- Unsanitary outhouse facilities.
- Limited teacher qualifications and training.
- Gender segregation and traditional gender roles.
- Harsh disciplinary practices like corporal punishment.
- Lack of inclusion for special needs children.
Concerns have also been raised about physical abuse in some Amish schools. Overall accountability and state oversight are limited. But regulations have tightened in recent years to address these issues while respecting Amish autonomy.
Conclusion
While Amish education appears limited by mainstream standards, it effectively transmits Amish culture and equips youth with practical skills for Amish life. The tight-knit Amish community exerts significant control over their children’s education. Schooling is designed to serve the interests of the Amish, not outside society. While outsiders may be critical, Amish education accomplishes its goals.