Records of schools in Escambia County prior to 1870 are almost non existent. However, beginning with that year, State law provided the foundation for a county-operated system of free education. The Act of 1822 stated that every 16th section of land be reserved to aid in the support of primary schools anf at the same time creating a permanent school fund. However, land was cheap and land leases were not a great source of income. Even though a law was passed in 1849 creating a system of free state schools open to all white children, five to fifteen years of age, attendance was not compulsory. For these reasons schools were few and far between.

The first classes in Escambia County were held in rented rooms. A boy's "High School" met in such a room on the north side of Seville Square. An Intermediate School was opened at the home of Miss Sallie Ditners on East Intendencia Street. These schools opened in May of 1870. At the close of the year, due to the opening of other classes in outlying sections, the County had a total of six schools with 224 pupils in attendance. (Read the school interviews and Calhoun County schools - opens a new browser window).

We find that at the close of the 1993-94 school year, Escambia County had 65 public schools and special centers with 44,754 students.

Prior to 1849, the family and the church were the agents of education. Those families who could afford to do so, pooled their money to give their children a type of formal education. A crude building was constructed and a teacher hired. Children from less affluent families were either taught at home or by a churchman.

The student desks were not made for comfort and the rooms were very crude compared to modern schools.

The slate was a treasured aid to the student of long ago.

The wood shed was often as large as the school. The children whose parents furnished the most wood sat nearest the fire.

Children learned their letters by using the hornbook

One handicap to effective teaching was that the books were often very old family heirlooms. Study was done by candle, fireplace, or lantern light.

IF A CHILD DID NOT ATTEND SCHOOL, HE LEARNED VALUABLE LESSONS AT HOME.

 Splitting and riving were important skills in log cabin building.