

Following in the footsteps of his teacher Madison enrolled in the College of New Jersey, known today as Princeton University. Under Robinson, Madison learned enlightenment ideals and read philosophers including Locke, Hobbes, and Montesquieu.

Once he turned eleven, Madison went to study under Scottish enlightenment thinker Donald Robinson. He gained an early education and learned six languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, Latin, and Greek). Madison's parents sent him to a boarding school in Virginia at six. Nelly taught Madison essential reading and writing. At an early age, his mother was responsible for Madison's education. The family returned to the Madison estate in Orange County, Virginia after his birth. James Madison was born on March 16, 1751, in Port Conway, Virginia, to James Madison Sr.

