The Old Deluder Satan Act, passed in 1647, required all towns with fifty or more families to establish a school, and all towns with one hundred or more families to establish a grammar school. The goal of these schools was to teach children to read and write so they could understand the Bible. As a result of this act, the Massachusetts Bay Colony became the first colony in North America to establish a public education system.
In the early days, most schools in Massachusetts Colony were operated by the local church, and the curriculum was based on the Bible and other religious texts. Latin and Greek were often taught in grammar schools, and students learned about ancient history, literature, and philosophy. In addition to academic subjects, students were also taught practical skills, such as farming and carpentry.
In the late 1700s and early 1800s, there was a growing movement for public education in the Massachusetts Colony. This movement was led by such people as Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, who argued that education was essential for the success of a democratic society. As a result of this movement, the Massachusetts legislature passed several laws in the 1780s and 1790s that established free public schools for all children in the state.
By the middle of the 1800s, Massachusetts had one of the best public school systems in the country. The state's schools were well-funded, and teachers were well-trained and well-paid. The curriculum was comprehensive, and students were taught a wide variety of subjects, including math, science, history, and literature. As a result of this, Massachusetts became a leader in education, and its schools served as a model for other states in the country.