The people of Reading are doing much more for the education of youth at the present than any former period. There seems to be a determination to place the all-important cause of education on a footing worthy of the wealth and size of the town. The direction of the various institutions of learning has been entrusted in efficient and faithful hands, whose efforts have met with such success, that the necessity which many of our citizens have heretofore felt of sending their children away from home to school, will, it is believed, no longer urge to that course.
Reading Academy.—This institution received its charter from the Legislature in 1778. In 1836, owing to bad management or want of patronage, it had become considerably involved in debt, and was suffered to cease operation. It was revived in the spring of 1840, and has since sustained a deservedly high character. The course of instruction is extensive, embracing the ancient and modern Languages, Mathematics, and all the English branches usually taught in Academies and High Schools. This institution is under the charge of the Rev. J.R. Goodman, Principal, assisted by Mr. William H. Bourns, Instructor in Latin and Greek, Mr. G. Xav. Wagner, Teacher, of Modern Languages, and Dr. John P. Hiester, Lecturer on Chemistry. The number of scholars is 64,—all young gentlemen, who alone are admitted.
The Academy building is a two story brick edifice, 50 by 60 feet square. On the first floor are two school rooms, 23 by 33 feet each, and two recitation rooms, 16 by 19 feet. The second floor contains a Hall 47 by 35 feet—16 feet high; and two rooms each 16 by 19 feet.—The front of the building is in imitation of the Doric order, with four pilasters supporting an entablature and pediment. The Cupola is of the same order. It was erected in 1840, by Messrs. Krauser and Schreyden; and is situated in North Fourth street.
The Reading Female Seminary, was incorporated in the spring of 1838, and was put in operation soon after. By the wise and liberal policy of the Trustees, a suitable pecuniary provision was made in the spring of 1840, for procuring the services of the best of instructors; and accordingly the institution is in a very prosperous and flourishing condition, and has acquired a credit which is bringing to it many pupils from abroad. The Seminary is under the charge of Mr. A.W. Middlemiss, Principal, assisted by Mrs. Middlemiss. The branches taught, are English and French Languages and Literature, Botany, Chemistry, Natural Philosophy, &c. &c. The number of pupils is 62.—The above school is kept in one of the rooms of the Academy, until a suitable building can be erected.
The Female Seminary, and the Academy, receive each an appropriation of $500 from the State, on condition of their having a certain number of scholars, which both of them overrun.
Private Schools.—There are nine different private or select schools in the borough, at which a large number of youth are instructed. Several of these are in the charge of teachers who have long occupied their present situations, and sustain a high reputation in their profession.
There are three infant schools, which are also private—perhaps of course.
Public Schools.—The number of public or free schools at present in operation is thirteen; five of which, that is, three for males and two for females, are in the north district, or ward, as it is usually termed; and eight in the south district or ward, of which four are for males, and four for females.—The number of scholars entitled to the privilege of the free schools is about 2,000, considerably more than half of whom belong to the south ward. The number that received instruction in them the last year was 913. The number of scholars receiving instruction in all the schools and institutions of learning in Reading, during the last year, was 2,532. The School Tax raised in the north ward, was $2,800; in the south ward, $2,600.—The School Directors are for the North Ward, Samuel Myers, William Schoener, Benjamin Davis, John Roland, Geo. Graul, Jacob Fricker;—for the South Ward—Daniel Hain, Wm. Darling, Jonathan Shearer, Milo H. Ferry, Edward Davis, John K. Wright.
There are at present four public school houses.—One situated in Franklin street between 7th and 8th. This is a two story brick building, 45 by 55 feet square, was erected in 1839.—One situated in Chestnut street, between Third and Fourth. This is a two story brick building, 45 by 55 feet, and erected in 1840. Each of the above houses is divided into four apartments, and has a cupola.—One in Washington street between 8th and 9th, which is a one story brick building, 42 by 30 feet, built in 1838, and one at the corner of Walnut and Sixth streets, which is also a one story brick building 45 by 30 feet, built in 1840.
The free school system has not yet been brought into its perfect operation in Reading. The efforts of the directors have been hitherto in some measure baffled by the opposition with which the system has met from a portion of our citizens. But the difficulties encountered have been in a good degree overcome; very convenient houses have been erected for the accommodation of these schools, and the community of Reading are likely soon to be in the full enjoyment of the rich blessings which naturally flow from this system, as the only one by which the whole people can ever be educated.
Sunday Schools.—There have been Sunday Schools connected with several of the churches in Reading for a considerable length of time. These, in the absence, or defective operation of the common school system, have been of incalculable service, in giving to a great number of children the first rudiments of a common education, as well as in affording them moral and religious instruction, which is their peculiar object. There are at this time eight different schools, the average attendance of which is probably not less than twelve hundred. Two of these schools are connected with the Presbyterian church, and one with each of the following, viz: the Episcopal, the Lutheran, the German Reformed, the Universalist, Methodist, Baptist and Catholic churches.
Submitted by: Nancy.
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