Understanding American Public Schools

Public schools enjoy a long and illustrious history in the United States, with the first schools in the country dating almost as far back as the arrival of the Puritans on U.S. shores. Since that time, the purpose, philosophy, and goals of public education have been examined and debated, up to the development of the public school system still in existence today. How we got to the current point in public education warrants a look back centuries at the very first schools dedicated to educating American youth.

Puritans Recognize Need for Public Education

As early as the 17^th century, the need for public education was recognized by the Puritans living on American shores at the time. This population determined education was essential both for teaching basic academic skills and core religious values. Boston Latin School was established as the first public high school in 1635 in Boston, Massachusetts. The school is still in operation to this day.

This video looks at early American education.

The Massachusetts Bay Colony decreed in 1647 that towns of 50 people should have a public elementary school, and those with populations of over 100 should have a Latin school. The primary function of schools at this time was to teach reading so that children learned to read the Bible. Schools also taught Puritan values and basic information about the Calvinist religion, according to Applied Research Center.

Religion Dominates Early

The Dallas Independent School District is the second-largest school district in Texas and the 12 largest in the United States. The district serves most of the city of Dallas and several surrounding cities, including Addison, Hutchins, and Wilmer. The Dallas Independent School District boasts a long and colorful history, which has brought it its current state today. While some would say the district still has a long way to go, with one of the highest dropout rates in the country, Dallas Independent School District also has a number of features of which it can be proud.

The Beginnings of Dallas Independent School District

Although Dallas Independent School District was not officially established until 1884, the Texas State Historical Association states that private schools and academies were present in the city prior to that date. Six schools were also in existence at the time the district was established: four for white students and two for “colored” students, as segregation was very much in existence at that time. One of those schools is still in existence today, operating now as Booker T. Washington High School. The organization of the school district was done about the same time that the state of Texas created an education law that established school districts within the state.

Throughout its history, Dallas Independent School District has grown in part by absorbing other districts into its system, according to Wikipedia. At the same time, the district added more

One of the largest school districts in the country is in the midst of major renovations that will benefit the local economy, as well as its students. Orange County has announced the ongoing progress of 12 construction and renovation projects, with a hefty price tag of around $224 million. The district expects to pump many of those dollars right back into the local community, by creating more than 9,700 jobs to get the work done. The projects are being funded through a sales tax referendum that was approved by voters in 2002.

Construction Projects on the Way

Orange County Public Schools has approved the construction of two new schools that will handle the overflow of students in the growing school district. The first expansion school with be constructed near Lake Nona in the Dowden Road/Randal Park area. The second will be located on Hackney Prairie Road near Ocoee, according to the Orange County Public Schools website.

Construction of the two new elementary schools will create more than 800 construction jobs and another 614 indirect jobs for the county. Jobs that fall into the indirect category include architects, engineers, landscapers and carpenters that are expected to work on the new buildings at some point in the process. It appears that the construction downturn in Florida has lent itself to available, highly skilled workers who can handle the new construction projects for the school now.

“Having spent my life in construction, I know how difficult downturns in

Detroit Public Schools is the largest school district in the state of Michigan and the 22^nd largest school district in the country. Throughout its history, this school district has overcome numerous obstacles to bring education to the young residents of Detroit. That process has not been without its share of challenges, which continue in Detroit schools today. However, the district remains strong despite its difficulties and is continuously looking for ways to improve educational quality for all Detroit students.

This video offers an overview of the Detroit Public Schools.

Early Schools in Detroit

According to the Detroit Historical Society, early schools in the city began in the 19^th century, when private individuals began developing subscription schools for the purpose of educating the youth of the city. These schools would have a single schoolmaster, hired by a group of parents, and classes would be held at the home of the instructor or a location rented by subscribers. Parents of the students would also contribute to the school’s supply of firewood and candles.

Throughout that century, many private schools also came to the Detroit area. The schools were expensive and provided flexible schedules for those who had to work days to pay for their education. In 1832, the first school was established for children who could not afford private schools. These “society schools” quickly grew in number, as more families looked to the