The Public Education in America

Running Head: THE PUBLIC EDUCATION IN AMERICA
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The Public Education in America

THE PUBLIC EDUCATION IN AMERICA
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The Public Education in America
A long time ago, learning in America happened at homes as parent had the responsibility
to teach their children. Some families were capable of paying tutors for their children. Education
was both formal and informal from the 17th century up to the 21st century. The early schools
taught religion, culture and family skills. This essay is going to explore the story of the American
public education from over a hundred and fifty years ago up to today.
In the 17th century, the 13 colonies opened the first public school in America; the Boston
Latin School in the year 1635. It is the oldest public school in the history of America. The
Massachusetts Bay Colony was the one who came up with law of compulsory education. The
school attendance was free and all children were allowed to join. The Puritans were the founders
of this school and their main aim was to spread their beliefs and values. The Americans were
interested to learn how to read in order to understand the Bible. After one year; the Harvard
College was founded in order to train preachers as religion was the main pillar of the Americans
in their life. Those who were lucky to attend the college got the opportunity to further learn about
the religious instructions.
By the 19th century, the public schools started teaching reading and math. This
was referred as the Common School Period. The Massachusetts ordered every town to have a
school by 1826. Horace Mann took charge of ensuring the idea of a common school was well
spread. He campaigned for the common schools and emphasized that they were the key to
solving people’s problems in the society.