Amish, Children, and Education

Last week we talked about some of the common history that Amish share with Anabaptists, Mennonites and Hutterites. Today we’re going to talk about Amish children. I’m including items I’ve learned from research, speaking with Amish families, and visiting Amish communities. Please remember that communities do differ and your experience might be different than mine.

Amish families often have many children, mainly because they do not practice birth control. They feel that children are a gift from the Lord. The average number of children is 7.

Amish have more twins than any other segment of the population. They also experience a degree of metabolic and genetic disorders due to the fact that they have descended from a small gene pool (200 families).

Many Amish choose to have their children at home or in birthing centers rather than a hospital. Amish do go to a hospital if there are complications with the pregnancy or the birth.

Amish tend to “spoil” their children less than the Englisch culture–especially in regard to purchasing items for them. However, Amish parents love their children very much. They just express it in different ways, mainly by spending time with them and teaching them skills passed down from generation to generation.

Amish children only go to school through 8th grade. I did come across one report that said Amish 8th graders score on level with Englisch 12th graders in reading, writing, and math.

The Amish are allowed to take their children out of school after 8th grade if they attend public schools. Amish schools do not extend past 8th grade. Until 1972 parents were fined, imprisoned, and tried for this. In 1972, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Amish parents (Wisconsin vs Yoder).

After they “finish school,” Amish teens spend several years as an apprentice in the field of their choice–woodworker, farmer, buggy maker, ferrier, etc. If they find that a trade is a good fit for them, they will continue to work in it. They might try several apprenticeships before they find the right job for them.

In regard to education, Amish teachers do not receive any formal training – however, they serve as an apprentice under an experienced teacher. Sometimes a Mennonite man or woman will teach at an Amish school, and they would have a high school degree and possibly collegiate training as well.

Again, please remember this is what my research and experience has shown. What I’ve shared may or may not be the same for a community near you. Next week I’ll attempt to answer some of the questions you all have sent me.

Blessings,

V