In the American colonies, schools were typically established by local communities or religious organizations. They were often one-room schoolhouses, and the curriculum was basic, focusing on reading, writing, and arithmetic. Wealthy families might hire private tutors for their children, who would provide a more comprehensive education. Native American children were often educated in religious schools run by missionaries.
In Europe, there was a greater variety of schools. There were public schools, private schools, and universities. The curriculum in these schools was more advanced, and it often included subjects such as history, geography, and foreign languages. Children from wealthy families typically attended private schools or universities, while children from poorer families attended public schools.
In general, the educational opportunities available to children in the 1700s were limited compared to today. However, the foundations of modern education were established during this time period, and the importance of education began to be recognized.