There Will Be School Tomorrow

"There Will Be School Tomorrow" by V. E. Thiessen is a science fiction short story first published in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores a dystopian future where education has transitioned entirely to robotic teachers, raising questions about the implications of such technology on society and family life. The book subtly addresses themes of parental absence and the potential dangers of relying solely on machines for human education and care. The story follows young Johnny Malone, the Mayor's son, as he navigates the first day of school with robotic teachers. Initially excited, he soon realizes that the robots not only supervise the children but also enforce discipline in ways that distress him, including physical punishment. As the day unfolds, it becomes clear that the children are being kept in the school overnight and that their parents have mysteriously vanished. Through Johnny's experiences and emotions, the narrative conveys a chilling sense of loss and the unsettling consequences of a society that has entrusted its youth’s education and, ultimately, their upbringing to machines, highlighting both the brilliance and the potential tyranny of technology.