Establishment of Formal Schooling, Exemplified by the School in Bonavista, 1727

Designated in 2013 as an Outstanding Historic Event.

Nominator: Donald Johnson, Towns in Partnership Committee, Bonavista

In 1727, Anglican Reverend Henry Jones opened a school in Bonavista that is widely recognized as the first formal school established in Newfoundland and Labrador. The charity school was supported by financial contributions from local residents and by two missionary organizations – The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge and The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. The school’s establishment was the start of a denominational education system that existed in the province until 1998. It was also the beginning of a professional approach to education. The school hired trained teachers and used curriculum materials designed specifically for use in the classroom.

LEARN MORE > Commemorations Research Paper – Bonavista 1727: Rev. Henry Jones and Newfoundland’s First School, by Paul W Collins, PhD

1727 Horn Book. From www.gardnermuseum.org

1700s catechism.

Page from the New England Primer, 1727.

Page from the New England Primer, 1727.

Bailey’s Cove Church of England School Registered Heritage Structure, Bonavista, NL. Built 150 years after the establishment of formal schooling in Bonavista.