Historical school house

History of Public Schools in America

  • Dame Schools

    What: Dame schools were taught be a respected woman of the community. Students at Dame school were typically taught reading and writing.
    Why: This was the first type of school taught not in the home and by a teacher
  • Old Deluder Satan Law

    What: Massachusetts passed this law to ensure that children of Massachusetts were being educated.
    - The law stated that a town with 50 households must pay a teacher to teach reading and writing.
    Foundation of Public schools today: This law is one of the first requiring schools for children in America
  • 1700's Thomas Jefferson

    1700's Thomas Jefferson
    What: Thomas Jefferson wanted to create an education system that was not only for this rich and did not focus on religion so much.
    Foundations of American Public schools: This began the idea of including all students in education and not just those of rich families. Education is not just for the rich. Thomas Jefferson Picture. Biography. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/thomas-jefferson-9353715
  • Benjamin Franklin's Proposals Relating to the Youth of Pennsylvania

    What: Franklin wants a secondary school that gives students a variety of subjects such as math, astronomy, and navigation.
    Foundations of Public Schools in America: This is when the idea that secondary schools taught many important and valuable subject that were not just basics such as reading and writing.
  • Horace Mann

    What: Horace Mann is known as "the father of public schools" because of his continuous advocating for what was then called "common schools".
    Foundations of American Public Schools: Because of Horace Mann there are now public school which have no tuition so that everyone has the opportunity to learn no matter how much money there family has.
  • The First Middle School

    What: In 1909 the first Junior High school was created for students in grades 6th-8th in Ohio.
    Foundation of American Public Schools: This was an important part of founding public schools because junior high schools allowed for the schools to meet the needs of these students in this age group.
  • The Cardinal Principles of Secondary Education

    What: Created 7 goals that were to be achieved in high school though curriculum and instruction. Health Worthy home membership, command and fundamental academic skills, vocation, citizenship, worth use of leisure time, ethical character.
    Foundation of American Public Schools: This was the first time there were standards for the curriculum of high schools. This was put in place not just so students gain knowledge but so they learn how to be a good citizen. Both these things are still used today.
  • Brown vs. Board Of Education of Topeka

    What: A court ruling that segregating students based on race in schools would no longer be allowed.
    Foundations of American Public Schools: This is a constant reminder for society and schools today that everyone would have an equal chance to learn no matter race or gender.
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

    What: Provides free education to students with disabilities in public schools.
    Foundations of American Public Schools: This has set the standard that just because a student has a disability of any kind does not mean they do not deserve the right to the best possible education. Every student should have the chance to receive a proper education that best fits the student.