On Jane's first day at Morton, how many of her students could read?

At the first day of her teaching at the village school in Morton, Jane Eyre learns that only three of her twenty students can read. She records:

I had twenty scholars. But three of the number can read: none write or cipher.

Jane had been forewarned that her students would be the children of poor cottagers, so she is prepared for a challenge. Nevertheless, she notes that she feels "desolate" and as if she has taken a step down the class ladder to be teaching at such a bare-bones school. She finds her students ignorant and "coarse," though she does her best for them. She thinks for a moment of all she could have had if she had agreed to the false marriage with Mr. Rochester. But then she decides that the path of virtue, though harsh, is far better. She states:

God directed me to a correct choice: I thank His providence for the guidance!

Over time, she gets to know her students better. She realizes that, as with other students, some are smarter than others. She delights in those that are more intelligent. She appreciates, too, the respect and attention she gets from the parents and notes:

There was an enjoyment in accepting their simple kindness.