Education in Sparta, like daily life, was very different from Athens and all the other ancient city-states. All the city-states admired Sparta for the strength of its army, except for Athens. The Athenians always thought that they were the best. Regardless of which was better, Athens, or Sparta, there were many differences between them, and this lead to many wars and conflicts.

Athens:

In Athens, the purpose of education was to produce thinkers; people who were well trained in the arts and sciences, and prepared for both peace and war. Although girls were not officially schooled (unlike boys), they could learn how to read and write in the privacy of their homes. As for boys, they were tutored at home, by male slaves or their mothers till the age of six or seven, then they were off to school. From the age of six to fourteen, boys were enrolled in either primary neighborhood schools, or private schools. Books were very expensive at that time, and most students could not afford them. Therefore, the teachers would read the lesson out-loud and the boys would have to memorize everything. Writing tablets were bought to make the task easier. Rulers were used in school as well.

 In primary school, boys were required to learn two things: the words of Homer, an epic poet, and how to play the lyre, a musical instrument. Also the teacher could decide on additional subjects of his choice such as public speaking, or drama, or mathematics, or how to play the flute, which was another favorite of the Greeks.

After that, boys would have to complete four years at a higher school. When they turned eighteen they went to military school for two years, and then they finally graduated at the age of twenty.

Sparta:

In Sparta, the system of education was totally different as were the motifs behind it. The purpose of school in Sparta was to produce, a strong, and well-trained army. Spartans valued simplicity, self-denial, and self-discipline in life. They believed they were to be strong and fit, even the women. In fact, when babies were born, a group of Spartan soldiers would come to the house of the newly born and inspect the baby to see if he or she was healthy. If they believed that the baby was too feeble, it was left on a hillside to die, or turned into a slave or helot. If the baby passed the examination, he or she was assigned to a brotherhood or sisterhood, which was often the same one as the baby’s mother or father.

Spartan boys:
At the age of six or seven, Spartan boys were forced to go to military school. They trained, lived, and slept in their barracks. Although they were taught how to read and write, most of their education was focused on warfare. Spartan boys were taught survival skills, or skills that would be of use to them on the battlefield. Training was often very harsh. The boys were fed very little, and were often beaten by older kids. Also, Spartan boys did not learn the same ethics as the Athenian boys. It was perfectly acceptable for boys to lie, cheat, and steal, as long as they did not get caught. If they were caught stealing, then they were beaten. There is one legend, even that says that once, a Spartan boy stole a live fox, planning to kill it and eat it. When he noticed a group of soldiers approaching, he hid the fox beneath his shirt, because he feared the consequences of theft more than the sharp teeth of the fox, which chewed into his chest. He did not even allow himself to reveal his pain.

 Between the ages of 18-20, Spartan boys were tested on their physical ability and leadership skills. If a Spartan boy failed this test, then he would become a perioikos, or a person who belonged to the middle class. Perioikos were allowed to make business deals, and to own property, however they had no political rights, and they were not considered citizens. Also, perioikos were responsible for handling money; Spartan citizens were not allowed to touch money.  If a Spartan boy did pass his military examination then he would become a soldier and a full citizen. I f this happens, then the Spartan male continues to train with other soldiers in the barracks of his brotherhood, even if he is married. A Spartan man is not allowed to retire to his home and family till the age of sixty.

Spartan girls:
In Sparta, girls enjoyed more rights than girls in Athens. At the age of six, Spartan girls also went to school. They were taught wrestling, gymnastics, and combat skills. It is not certain whether their barracks were as harsh as the males’, but the girls were trained equally well because Spartans believed that strong women would produce strong babies.
At the age of eighteen, girls were tested as well. If the Spartan girl passed her skills and fitness test then she would become a full citizen, and would be assigned a husband. However, if she failed, she would become a perioikos, and would lose her political rights. In Sparta, women were granted many more rights, and enjoyed much more liberty than women in Athens, because their husbands did not live at home. Therefore, women could move around freely.