The Amish believe strongly in education, but only provide formal education through the eighth grade. They are exempt from state compulsory attendance beyond the eighth grade based on religious principles. Many of the Amish school teachers are young women who are just a few years out of school themselves.

Why do Amish people not go to school?

The Amish are permitted by law, because of a 1972 U.S. Supreme Court decision, to take their children out of school after the eighth grade. For most families in the U.S., the law governing compulsory education mandates that children cannot leave school until they are 16 years old.

What do Amish girls learn in school?

Instead, the Amish stress the basics, such as reading, math, writing, and penmanship. They are also taught some history, geography, social studies, art, and science. Students learn three languages in school, including Pennsylvania Dutch, High German, and English.

At what age do Amish start working?

Amish Seek Exemption from Child Labor Laws In recent decades, many Amish have abandoned farming for work in manufacturing. Thats put the religious community -- where kids begin apprenticeships at age 14 -- at odds with federal child labor laws.