Challenge of Public Education

Free Public-School Education: A Progressive Leap?

Before the Free Schools Act of 1864, education was often a privilege reserved for wealthy families who could afford the costs. This was especially true in rural areas, where children as young as six were expected to work on the farm or were hired out to contribute to the family's income.

The Free Schools Act imposed additional taxes on communities to build and operate these rural schools. Moreover, children's focus shifted from work to learning, leading to a loss of labor and income for families. As a result, many rural communities viewed public education negatively. This attitude led to decades of chronic absenteeism, inadequate school facilities, a lack of teaching resources, and overall poor quality of education. In some extreme cases, communities even burned down their schools in protest.

Despite the resistance, the Free Schools Act and subsequent legislation led to the construction and operation of approximately 1,500 one-room schoolhouses. Today, this schoolhouse is one of the few remaining examples in the province.

Adapted from Robert Lanning, "Awakening a Demand for Schooling: Educational Inspection's Impact on Rural Nova Scotia."