Dred Scott, born into slavery around 1799, did not receive formal education as we understand it today. Enslaved individuals were typically banned from learning to read and write, as it was seen as a threat to the institution of slavery. Scott’s early life was marked by the lack of educational opportunities inherent to his status as an enslaved person.
However, Scott did acquire some informal education through various experiences and interactions throughout his life. For instance, he may have picked up basic skills and knowledge while serving different masters, but this would have been limited. His life was primarily focused on the demands of labor and survival rather than education.
Ultimately, while Dred Scott did not have access to a formal education, his experiences and the circumstances surrounding his life contributed to his later legal battles, which would spotlight the injustices of slavery and the quest for freedom in the United States.