Primary Education in New Granada, 1835-1850

Abstract

This a descriptive analysis of elementary education in New Granada between 1835 and 1850, based on primary information on different aspects of elementary schools at the time, such as enrollment per school, the availability of teachers and resources, and the subjects taught, among others. Data by province and by type of school are presented, and some enrollment indicators are estimated to show the differences among regions. I find that elementary education at the time faced many obstacles, such as limited resources, lack of qualified teachers and lack of interest of parents in the education of their children, despite the reformist ideas that drove educational policies for boys and girls, regardless of race.