Proverbs 16:3 – Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Ecclesiastes 7:12 – For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.

Proverbs 16:16 – How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

We compiled 11 facts about Americas educational history, from the nations founding until today. Public schools enjoy a long and distinguished history in America, with the country’s earliest schools dating nearly to the arrival of the Puritans on American shores. For instance, the Boston Latin School, founded in 1635, is the earliest public school, and is also the oldest existing school in the U.S.

In 1821, the first public high school was established in Boston, the U.S. Horace Mann, who became the secretary of education for Massachusetts in 1837, was important in creating the extensive public school system. One of the strongest advocates of public schools in the United States was a Massachusetts native named Horace Mann. As a state senator, Mann feverishly lobbied to create the states Board of Education, and after it was established, left his seat in the Massachusetts Senate to become secretary of the Board.

Proverbs 4:13 – Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

Example of what Humanism does – when you eliminate God you get heathen’s. You can thank Horace Mann for this.

During his time as education boards secretary, Mann fought hard to get tax dollars to fund public schools and kept religious instruction separate from state instruction. Arguing that universal public education was the best way to transform the nations troublesome children into disciplined, judgmental Republican citizens, Mann won broad support from modernizers aka heathen, particularly among his fellow Whigs, to establish public schools. Mann shared many of Thomas Jeffersons education ideas, advocating for public schools as a way of creating an educated public that could participate vigorously and successfully in U.S. democracy. Milestones in Public Education History In creating the idea of the public school, in the 1850s, Horace Mann (pictured) popularized the idea of the American public school.

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Advocates for universal public education believed that it would produce better citizens and a more culturally uniform American society. Public education was also seen as a way of Americanizing a large population of immigrant children flooding the cities. This idea trickled down into public education, too, with the creation of separate schools for Black children and for White students. Although early nurseries were private and aimed at privileged individuals, by the late nineteenth century, the idea had spread into public schools, where it was seen by reformers as a remedy for what they perceived as poor family environments among disadvantaged individuals.

Public education began its evolution to todays system in the nineteenth century, with the number of state schools appearing by the 1840s. The nineteenth century is generally called the “Common School period” as American education moved from being a strictly private enterprise to being publicly available. How we got to our present state of public education requires looking back centuries at the first schools dedicated to the instruction of American youth. Because most Middle American colonies were like Pennsylvania and New York, by the time America gained its independence, the basis for American public education was strongly grounded in local-run schools rather than state-wide educational programs.

Most people–those themselves who were educated in either the public schools or by using government-approved textbooks and government-licensed teachers–were taught that the founding fathers of the state-run system were merely dedicated to providing opportunities for all Americans, whether they were rich or poor.

Deuteronomy 11:19 – And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Universal, compulsory, and free schooling for children was an idea from the Reformation, partially the result of the desire among Protestants to allow individuals to study scripture themselves, partly the attempt to take control of educational systems away from Catholic schools. After the Protestant Reformation, Northern states particularly stressed education, and quickly established state schools. During the early part of the century, the federal government regulated the creation of special schools for American Indians. Although operated by the Federal government, the conditions in these schools were often abysmal.

Education was mostly a local, informal, matter until the 1830s, with Catholic, Protestant, and other schools competing for students. Local governments would generally give schools a modicum of assistance, though not systemically. The New England colonies led in mandating that towns establish schools. In 1647, Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a law stating the state could require towns to establish schools, overseen by state officials, have children attend, and charge taxes to maintain them. Massachusetts Bay Colony enacted in 1647 a regulation saying that towns of 50 or more should have a public primary school, and that those of more than 100 should have a Latin school.

https://www.loc.gov/collections/america-at-work-and-leisure-1894-to-1915/articles-and-essays/america-at-school/

In Alabama, for instance, a state law requires American history to be taught in the elementary schools, but the requirement for the middle schools is left up to state Department of Education regulations. In the 11 states that do not have laws mandating American history be taught in elementary schools, the requirement is prescribed by state departments of education. Table V presents a comprehensive picture of requirements for the teaching of American history both in elementary schools and secondary schools. Inclusion of Students with Disabilities In 1975, the U.S. Congress established that American schools should provide a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities.

For the Education Crusaders, Horace Mann in Massachusetts and Henry Barnard of Connecticut, a handful of state schools were insufficient. President James Monroe, however, wanted the U.S. to step up its funding and aid of private mission schools as they attempted to educate Native American children.

Proverbs 18:15 – The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.

Since then, the purposes, philosophies, and goals of public education have been examined and argued, all the way to the development of the public school system still in operation. The first American education systems came into being in New England during the early-to-mid 1600s, and, even at that time, were funded with taxpayer dollars.

2 Timothy 3:16 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: