Ancient Egyptian Schools

In ancient Egypt, most children did not go to school. But some boys were chosen to attend special schools to become scribes. Scribes were people who could read and write. Being a scribe was an important and respected job in ancient Egypt.

Learning to Write

Boys started school at about age seven. They spent years learning to read and write hieroglyphics. Students practiced writing on pieces of pottery or limestone called ostraca. Later, they wrote on papyrus, a paper made from reeds. Students also learned math and history.

Life as a Scribe

Scribes were very important in ancient Egypt. They kept records for the pharaoh and temples. They wrote letters, recorded taxes, and copied religious texts. Scribes did not have to do hard physical labor like other workers. A scribe's tools included reed pens and ink made from soot.

Fun Facts

• Only about 3 percent of ancient Egyptians could read and write.
• Students practiced writing on broken pottery before they were allowed to use expensive papyrus.
• Scribes carried their writing tools in special wooden cases.

Did You Know?

An ancient Egyptian text told students: "Be a scribe! It saves you from hard work and protects you from all kinds of labor."