Washington Never Went to College

Unlike most of his fellow Founding Fathers — including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, who all attended college — George Washington received no formal higher education. He stopped formal schooling around age 15 and was largely self-taught. His military and leadership education came primarily from experience in the field, voracious reading, and mentorship from older Virginia planters.

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https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/education/

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Published: April 8, 2026
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George Washington History Education

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