Review of the history of education on the West Indian island of St. Croix from the 18th century to 1917 can contribute insights into the impact of schooling on social change. During this 200 year period, St. Croix changed from a Danish colony dependent upon plantation slavery to a poverty stricken American protectorate peopled by emancipated slaves. Reports from missionaries, government officials, and travellers offer insights into educational practices. Among the characteristics of St. Croix educational history are: (1) the existence of free public education of slave children; (2) the prominence of missionary teachers in the educational effort; (3) the use of English as the language of instruction; (4) the parallel spread of literacy and insurrection; (5) the backwardness of Danish educational policy in the West Indian colonies; and (6) concentration on religious teaching and literacy. Review of St. Croix's history indicates that the Danes did permit the emergence of a Creole leadership group, in spite of the general stress within the educational system on accommodation to the social order and protection of the interests of the upper class. (Author/DB)