Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate/Volume 1/Number 5/Kirtland School

Kirtland, Ohio, Feb. 27, 1835.

Having been requested by the Trusties of the "KIRTLAND SCHOOL," to give a small sketch of the number of students who have attended this institution, and of their progress in the different sciences, I cheerfully comply with the request, having been an instructor therein from its commencement, in Dec.—last.

The school has been conducted under the immediate care and inspection of

JOSEPH SMITH, jr. }

F. G. WILLIAMS, } Trustees

SIDNEY RIGDON, }

& O. COWDERY. }

When the school first commenced, we received into it both large and small, but in about three weeks the classes became so large, and the house so crowded, that it was thought advisable to dismiss all the small students, and continue those only who wished to study the sciences of penmanship, arithmetic, English grammar and geography. Before we dismissed the small scholars, there were in all about 130 who attended. Since that time there have been, upon an average, about 160, the most of whom have received lectures upon English grammar; and for the last four weeks about 70 have been studying geography one half the day, and grammar and writing the other part.

T Burdick's arithmetic, S. Kirkham's grammar and J. Olney's geography have been used, with N. Webster's dictionary, as standard.

Since the year 1827 I have taught school in five different States, and I have visited many schools in which I was not engaged, as teacher; but in none, I can say with certainty, have I seen students make more rapid progress, than in this. I expect myself to leave the institution, but yet, I have a great desire to see it flourish. I therefore most cheerfully recommend it to all those whose circumstances and situation will allow them to attend, as being a place where strict attention is paid to good morals as well as to the sciences.

W. E. McLELLIN.

Notice.—The spring term of the "Kirtland School" will commence on the 20th of April next. Young gentlemen and ladies from a distance can obtain board, in respectable families for $1,00 to $1,25 per week.

The Trustees of this institution design introducing the higher branches of English literature, at as early a period as possible. [Editor.]