Career
He became known for his innovative educational methods and the modernisation of the Dutch education system. He wrote many articles and books about education. January Ligthart was born on 11 January 1859 in Amsterdam, in the Jordaan district.
His father Cornelis Ligthart, was a carpenter and grocer, who suffered from epileptic seizures.
His mother Anna van Spall, daughter of a pastor, came from Klundert. Ligthart graduated from the Reformed Christian college of Bloemgracht.
Afterwards he worked in several schools as a teacher. Due to his illnesses he was put in a sanatorium.
On 16 February 1916 he died after falling in a canal and drowning.