What were schools like that Laura attended?
Most of the schools in rural America at the time Laura was growing up were one-room schoolhouses. There were students of all ages and all grades in one room, with one teacher. The number of students depended on the size of the district: In Laura’s first teaching job, she had five students. She had only two students in the Perry school. Attendance was not required when Laura was growing up, and many did not attend school regularly. Especially boys, if they were needed on the farm, only attended when there was no farm work for them to do. School could be held in any season, depending on the district. Some did not have school in the winter months, as it cost too much to heat the school. Students had to provide their own books and supplies. Most could be bought at the general store for a few cents. They also carried their lunch in small tin pails. Male teachers were paid more then female teachers. In addition, female teachers in frontier days were not allowed to marry or “keep company” wit
