Schools in the Shadow of War | Jersey City News

0:00Back in 1776, education in North Jersey wasn't like it is today. It was more of a mix-and-match situation with local schools, churches, and even learning at home filling the gaps. The whole revolutionary war thing really messed with things, pulling teachers into the fight and turning some schoolhouses into military bases. Some young fellas, as young as 12, were even joining the militia. The ward's self was a constant threat, pushing families to send their kids inland for safety. One teacher, Wilson, even suggested Morse Town as a good spot, mentioning a stagecoach running between there and New York three times a week. But that safety was short-lived, as British and Hessian troops marched through the area, forcing Washington's army into winter quarters in Morse Town. By January of 1777, beyond the formal schools, kids were learning practical skills from their families and through apprenticeships. Churches also played a big role in providing instruction. While there were schoolhouses scattered around, the curriculum for younger ones usually focused

1:01on the basics, reading, writing, math, and religion, often using Bibles and primers. Some academies offered more advanced studies like Latin and Greek for boys aiming for college. By 1778, the government was trying to keep teachers from joining the militia. So many had enlisted that keeping schools running was tough. They passed a law allowing teachers with at least 15 students to get an exemption from military duty, but they had to swear loyalty and proof their character. Meanwhile, some teachers, like Robert Tempany in Bergen County, actually joined the loyalist and even recruited men for the British side. Eventually, the war caught up to the school buildings themselves. By 1777, British soldiers were occupying Tempany's former schoolhouse, and later, American troops recorded in another one. It shows how deeply the conflict impacted everyday life, even the places where kids were supposed to be learning. I'm Corey with The Story, and you've been listening to Jersey City News today, AI-powered local news.