James Morris’ Academy - Coeducation in the American Founding
James Morris assembled the first successful coed school in the United States.
I know I have discussed the Morris Family of New York a lot recently, but James is unrelated to that group.
James Morris III
James Morris III grew up in Connecticut and went to Yale in an attempt to become a Minister.
Morris graduated in 1775, just after the Revolutionary War began at Lexington and Concord.
He was offered the rank of Ensign, the lowest level of officer, and decided to join the fight. James served with the Connecticut Militia during the early stages of the war.
Captivity
At the Battle of Germantown, Morris was captured and forced to spend the next four and a half years as a prisoner of the British.
Although the first segment of his jailing was extremely harsh, James was able to win the confidence of his captors who allowed him to borrow books.
Eventually, Morris was moved to a house on Long Island where his conditions were drastically improved and he gained access to a large library.
He would later say that his captivity was a blessing in disguise as it allowed him the ability to prepare for his later contributions to education.
Back to the War
When he was finally paroled, James received a promotion to Captain.
He led his company to Yorktown where they participated in the taking of Redoubt No. 10 under Alexander Hamilton.
After the American Victory, Morris returned to Connecticut and quickly married.
Hometown Hero
As soon as he returned home, James was chosen as a Justice of the Peace and a Town Selectman.
He also began educating both his and neighboring children.
This included boys and girls, an issue which was controversial enough to be discussed in the local church, though it was decided the teaching could continue.
The Morris Academy
James’ instruction became so popular that he built a school (instead of simply holding class in his house).
Opened in 1803, the Morris Academy was not the first school to permit coeducation, but it was by far the most successful.
It operated for almost a century and was extremely influential in the development of education in the United States.
Here are some other Educators of the American Founding:
From Prison to Yale - Amos Eaton Restructures American Education
‘Pioneer in Coeducation’ is about The Morris Academy and reviews it’s contribution to American Education.
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Further Reading:
Here is a link to Morris’ memoirs which is the main source for this article.
