Every child had to attend school

Aztec schools offered a formal system of education. Every child had to attend, including girls and slaves. School was mandatory and free. Teachers were highly respected. 

School was tough. There was no recess or time to relax in school. But all schools included instruction in song and in dance, not because it was a beautiful art, but because songs and dances were important to religious festivals.  

There were three different schools. One school was for girls. Two schools were for boys. 

Girls: Girls learned about religion. They learned how to cook, sew, weave, and how to care for their children.  

Sons of the Upper Class: One school was for the nobles, and sons of wealthy traders and merchants. This school taught law, writing (hieroglyphics), medicine, engineering and building, interpretations of dreams and omens, and self-expression. Students were taught how to speak well. They also learned details of their history and of their religious beliefs. This was a tough school. The boys were humiliated and despised to toughen them up. 

Sons of Commoners: One school was for the commoners. Its main goal was to train warriors and farmers. 

Unlike the school for nobles’ sons, this school was pretty peaceful. Boys had to sleep under skimpy blankets. They were given hard bread to eat. But that was about it. 

Like the school for nobles' sons, this  school taught history, religion, manners, correct behavior, and important rituals, along with singing and dancing.

Aztecs for Kids

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