The basic value orientations of the state educational policy in relation to female youth in Russia at the end of XIXth - beginning of XXth century are considered in the paper. Education crisis in a modern society lies in the fact that it has lost the humanitarian functions, ceased to answer intrinsic questions of a life (about its sense and the purpose). It stopped to be a nutrient medium of spiritual and moral development of the person. That is why historical experience of Russian education and upbringing is worth to be considered, for the purpose of its reconsideration and definition of the main directions which have become so actual and claimed now.