20 School Photos That Show Just How Much Has Changed Since the ’70s
The classroom experience has come a long way since the 1970s. From the scab-generating playgrounds and poofy prom hair to cafeteria trays piled high with cobbler, the school days of yesteryear are but a distant, nostalgic memory. Today’s halls are filled with sleek tech, safety-first gym rules, and a lot more plastic. These side-by-side photos show just how dramatically school life has evolved.
The Daring Playground Equipment of the 1970s …
So ’70s school kids got some scuffs, scabs, and the occasional upchuck, but recess was, after all, a time to let loose. Plus, certain pieces of playground equipment were practically job security for the school nurse.
… Got a Tamed, Plastic Makeover
The bright, plastic playgrounds that define recess these days pose fewer liability issues.
Inspirational Yearbook Quotes …
Yearbook pages throughout the 1970s were marked by inspirational (or funny) quotes beneath students’ names. Students wore their Sunday best and made sure their hair was perfectly fluffed, too.
… Have Fallen to the Wayside in the Name of Minimalism
Yearbook pages these days are just plain and simple. Photo. Name. Grade. That’s it. Womp womp.
The Glory Days of Friday Night Lights …
High school football has always been ingrained in school culture, and being part of the team has always been cool.
… Has More Padding These Days
The funding for high school football programs is typically more abundant these days, so the uniforms are nicer, the padding offers better coverage, and the recruiting has spiraled into something the folks of the ’70s would never recognize.
Grueling Gym Requirements …
The rope that taught 1970s kids how to work toward a goal until they accomplished it, no matter how torn up their hands got in the process.
… Would Make Today’s Teens Quiver
Could a Gen Z kid put their smartphone down long enough to scale a rope dangling from the gym ceiling? The world may never know.
Poofy Prom Hair and Outfits …
In the 70s, the hair was poofy and feathery, and the prom attire was colorful, patterned, and full of frills.
… Have Turned Into Sleek and Flashy Fashion
Today’s prom dresses and suits could be worn to a formal wedding when given the opportunity.
’70s School Desserts Have Us Drooling …
Apple crips and cobbler, orange cake with frosting, pineapple crisp, and Thanksgiving cake? If time machines are ever invented, we’re punching in the coordinates of this school in the ’70s.
… While Today’s Menus Have Something for Everyone
Nowadays, if you don’t like what’s on the hot bar in your school cafeteria, there are alternatives like “fun lunches” (essentially snack plates) and turkey sandwiches, so picky eaters can’t complain.
Dressing Up for Class Pictures …
Dresses, tights, collared button-up shirts, and frilly socks. Parents in the 1970s made sure their kids were dressed to impress for school picture day.
… Has Turned Into Keeping it Casual
Picture day is just another day now. Kids wear graphic tees and jeans, keeping it casual.
Unified Collaboration …
Peace, love, and unity were alive and well in the 1970s, and it wasn’t uncommon for the classroom desks to face one another to promote a collaborative environment.
… Is a Little Less Common
There is no shortage of chatter and distractions in today’s classrooms. Teachers wouldn’t dare leave desks facing each other for more than a couple of days before regret would seep in.
A Buffet of Lunch Options …
There were so many different dishes in 1970s cafeterias, and you could customize your tray accordingly.
… Has Turned Into Streamlined Systems
You can still select what you want to eat, of course, but today’s cafeterias are a little more conservative with the dishes.
Typewriters …
If typing happened in the classroom during the ’70s, it was done on a typewriter. And we still learned how to write cursive.
… Have Been Replaced by Laptops
These days, every student is issued their own Chromebook, there are iPads in every room, and some teachers even permit cell phone usage.
Want to see more stories about the way things were?
Get a glimpse into another era with 18 Photos of Middle-Class Life in the ’70s vs. Today and The Vanishing Middle-Class Job: Then vs. Now. You may also like These 19 Photos Prove Kids Don’t Play Like They Used To.