How did the French education system evolve during the Ancien Régime, and what were its main characteristics?

The French education system during the Ancien Régime, the period between the 16th and 18th centuries, was divided into two types of education: clerical and lay. The clergy controlled most of the education system in France during this time. However, the lay education system began to develop in the 17th and 18th centuries. During the Ancien Régime, education was not compulsory and was only available to a small percentage of the population.

The main characteristic of the French education system during the Ancien Régime was the dominance of the Catholic Church in education. The Catholic Church believed that education should be reserved for the wealthy and the religious. Therefore, the education system was designed to prepare young men for the priesthood and young women for marriage. The education system was divided into three levels: primary, secondary, and higher education. Primary education was for children between the ages of 6 and 12 and was taught by parish priests. Secondary education was for children between the ages of 12 and 18 and was taught by Jesuits or other religious orders. Higher education was taught at universities and was only available to the wealthy.

Overall, the French education system during the Ancien Régime was characterized by its elitism and its focus on religious education. However, it was also a time of change and development, as the lay education system began to emerge and more people were able to access education.