How Many of Today’s Public School Teachers Could Pass This 8th Grade Exam from 1899?
An old exam from 1899 is going viral on the social media platform X, prompting renewed discussion about the state of today’s education system. The image, shared earlier this week, shows a test once given to 8th-grade students in rural California—covering a broad range of subjects including Math, English, Music, Geography, and U.S. History.
Many commenters expressed surprise at the exam’s difficulty, arguing that most modern high school students—and perhaps even some teachers—might struggle to pass it.
Another 8th grade graduation exam—this one from rural California in 1899. These were not elite prep school kids, but farm children. pic.twitter.com/j1HgnVB1aa
— Jeremy Wayne Tate (@JeremyTate41) August 19, 2025
The English section asked students to write a detailed biography of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, complete with at least six quotations. Math questions involved fractions, decimals, ratios, and complex word problems. The music portion tested students on scales and time signatures.
In geography, students were expected to compare climates of U.S. cities and demonstrate knowledge of both South America and Europe. The U.S. History section, partially cut off in the image, included questions on the Civil War-era divide between North and South, slavery, and the responsibilities of the executive branch.
This isn’t the only historic exam drawing attention. Another test from 1895—shared by The New Republic—features similarly rigorous questions. Heads Up also posted an image of an 8th-grade exam from 1912 that asked students to define parts of speech, explain geographic coordinates, describe human anatomy, and identify organ functions.
.@PburgSchools is reportedly teaching white students that they’re privileged because they’re white and that power structures which white people dictate, marginalize people of color.
.@PburgSchools is teaching kids that they’re guilty simply for being white pic.twitter.com/nEj9ZEeZmu
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 30, 2023
These historic tests have reignited debate over the current direction of American education. Some commentators argue that today’s curriculum has shifted away from traditional academic rigor. Social media accounts like Libs of TikTok have posted classroom materials suggesting that contemporary lessons sometimes prioritize social or political themes over foundational knowledge.
One widely shared post criticized a 10th-grade English class for focusing on racial guilt instead of literature, while another highlighted middle school lessons on gender identity. One school reportedly hosted a drag performer to discuss legal name and gender changes with students—examples critics cite as evidence of misplaced educational priorities.
Sent to me by a follower. A middle school in Alberta. They’re teaching kids about sexuality and genders using animals.
Homeschool your kids pic.twitter.com/SZOEdVqWzh
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) October 20, 2023
This comparison has led some to question whether even a small percentage of today’s educators could pass the exams given to 8th graders over a century ago.
While some argue that education has evolved to be more inclusive and socially aware, others view this evolution as a shift away from academic excellence. What was once a system focused on preparing students for success is, in their view, now centered on ideological messaging.
SCOOP: Logan Memorial School (@LMECSD) in the @sdschools district brought an LGBTQ activist and dr@g queen to talk to students about how to file with the State to change their name and gender marker on legal forms.
They’re transing your kids in schools. pic.twitter.com/2cn2UnpQPI
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) May 23, 2024
This story originally appeared in The Western Journal.
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