Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

John Quincy Adams was the oldest of John and Abigail Adams' five children.

John and Abigail decided early on to educate their children at home rather than to send them to school. The education his mother provided him at home equipped John Quincy Adams to accompany his father on diplomatic missions beginning at the ripe old age of 11. At that age, John Quincy acted as his father's secretary during a diplomatic mission to France.

When he was 14, John became the secretary and interpreter for a member of the first diplomatic mission to Russia. John Quincy Adams then traveled throughout Europe for several years under the close tutelage of his father. He learned six modern languages, as well as Latin and Greek, and participated in the diplomacy of the American Revolution.

After the spectacular opportunities and education which his parents provided him, John Quincy Adams entered Harvard College at 19. He grew up to serve his country as a diplomat to Holland, Prussia, and Russia, secretary of state under James Monroe, and president of the United States.

Without question, the home education which John and Abigail Adams provided their oldest son enabled him to become a great statesman in service to his country. I'm Michael Farris.