Education - Education And Child Care

Almost from its very existence, Gettysburg has been a place of higher learning. Less than 45 years after the first settlers came to the area in 1734, the first classical school west of the Susquehanna River opened at the home of Alexander Dobbin, an Irish minister and community leader who had come to the area in 1773. He built his home in 1776, and today the Dobbin House serves up delicious food in an authentically restored building brimming with 18th-century atmosphere. (See the Close-up in the Restaurants chapter for more on the history of the Dobbin House.) Within 100 years from its beginnings, Gettysburg was also home to the Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary (1826) and the Pennsylvania College, which is now known as Gettysburg College (1832).

Both the seminary and the college still exist today, and Gettysburg itself is a place where the history of the Civil War is studied in depth by tourists, scholars, lovers of history, and students of all ages. This history is an integral part of the area, and most public schools teach an entire course during sixth grade on the Civil War battle fought here and its aftermath. Students are required to learn the entire Gettysburg Address, not just the first few lines that most people are familiar with. This knowledge of Gettysburg and its historical significance is inspiring, and it infuses the area with a sense of pride.

The educational opportunities here are as varied as the area. A rural public school system shines with state-of-the-art technology, and arts and music are an integral part of a student’s academic experience. An extension of the Harrisburg Area Community College has joined Gettysburg College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary as institutions of higher education located within Gettysburg. About 20 miles west of Gettysburg is the university of Mont Alto, an undergraduate extension campus of Penn State University. And less than 15 miles to the south is Mount St. Mary’s College, located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Back in Gettysburg, the YWCA runs an elderhostel for older adults that centers on the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War.

Families will also find many child-care options in the area. Some are franchises of national chains, others are private day cares, and still others are affiliated with church organizations. Both Gettysburg College and Gettysburg High School have centers at their facilities, and other centers are located throughout Gettysburg and the outlying areas.