This study finds that the first wave of compulsory schooling laws in the late 19th century not only increased parents’ education but also led to longer lives for their children decades later. Using linked census and death records, Fletcher and Noghanibehambari estimate that each additional year of a father’s or mother’s schooling increased their children’s lifespan by nearly 6 months—a much larger effect than previously thought. These gains are likely driven by improvements in children’s own education and family socioeconomic status. The findings highlight the far-reaching health benefits of early education policies, with lessons that remain relevant for developing countries today.