Schools in ancient Athens were private, but very affordable. The rich as well as the poor children were able to attend. Boys started school around the age of 6 and continued until the age of 14. Girls did not attend school, but were often taught basic reading and writing by their mothers. They attended music and dance lessons outside the home. The most important part of an education for boys was literature and the arts. Boys were also trained in sports by playing ball, wrestling and discus throwing. At the age of 18 boys were required to serve 2 years in the military.

Schools in ancient Sparta were different than in Athens. The most important part of their education was military training. Spartan boys left home and attended military school at the age of six. Girls were also trained in a similar manner as the boys learning combat skills and wrestling. If a girl passed her military training, she could marry and return home. Boys were required to stay in the military until age 60. Only then could they return home to live with their family.

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