What was school like in ancient times? In Greece, 2,500 years ago, students used to get up at dawn to go to school. Classes began very early and ended when it was dark. Students didn't rest on the weekends. They had classes seven days a week, so they didn't have much time for anything else. In Athens, only the sons of rich people went to school, and they started school around the age of seven. After they learned to read and write, they uesed to study Greek poetry and historical works. Music was very important, and physical training was also important. Teachers used to hit students who didn't pay attention or were lazy. Girls stayed at home with their mothers and learned how to do work in the home.