History of Education Digital Timeline

  • Boston Latin School Established

    Boston Latin School Established
    The Boston Latin School was the first public school in the United States, located in Boston, Massachusetts. At the time, it was an all boys school, teaching Greek, Latin, and other college preparation classes.
    To learn more about the Boston Latin School site, visit https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/trail-sites/boston-latin-school-sitebenjamin-franklin-statue.
    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNCaf0EEv_c
  • Harvard College Founded

    Harvard College Founded
    Harvard College, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was the first college in the United States. It was originally named "New College" and sponsored by a church. Harvard offered typical higher education courses, but was also heavily influenced by the Puritan colonists.
    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhK3UG6hsXc
  • Department of Education Created

    Department of Education Created
    The U.S. Department of Education was created with the purpose of collecting research and information about schools across the country. It was signed into law by President Andrew Johnson in 1867.
    To learn more about the United States Department of Education today, visit https://www.ed.gov.
  • Carlisle School Opened

    Carlisle School Opened
    The Carlisle Indian Industrial School opened its doors in 1879. It aimed to shape tribal youth into members of American society. These children were forced to cut their hair, wear uniform clothing, and speak their non-native language.
    To learn more about the Carlisle School's history and legacy, visit https://carlisleindianschoolproject.com.
    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmpQqCadTt4
  • Indian Education Act

    Indian Education Act
    The Indian Education Act of 1972 created the Office and National Advisory Council of Indian Education. It also provided federal funding and increased educational opportunities to tribes. More emphasis was put on preserving native culture and languages.
    To access the pamphlet explaining the details of the Indian Education Act, visit https://archive.org/details/ERIC_ED196637/mode/2up.
  • Equal Educational Opportunities Act

    Equal Educational Opportunities Act
    The Equal Educational Opportunities Act required schools to provide support for students who did not speak English. It also prevented schools from discriminating students because of their gender or race.
    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPye2eqFAEg
  • Education for All Handicapped Children Act

    Education for All Handicapped Children Act
    The Education for All Handicapped Children Act provided support for states to improve the special education programs and services offered to children with disabilities. Before the EHA was passed, approximately 1,8 million children with disabilities were unable to attend public schools.
    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgwstMsPvd4
  • City Academy Charter School Opened

    City Academy Charter School Opened
    City Academy, located in St. Paul Minnesota, was the first charter school to open in the United States. The school was publicly funded, but run privately for students that had faced difficulties in their own schools.
    To learn more about the City Academy's background, visit https://cityacademy.org.
  • No Child Left Behind Act

    No Child Left Behind Act
    The No Child Left Behind Act was put in place by President George W. Bush in order to narrow achievement gaps in students across the country. Four areas it focused on were accountability, flexibility, research-based education, and parent options.
    To learn more about the No Child Left Behind Act, visit https://www2.ed.gov/nclb/overview/intro/execsumm.html.
    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qk00niNQwA
  • Common Core State Standards Initiative

    Common Core State Standards Initiative
    In 2009, the Common Core State Standards Initiative was launched. The goal of the CCSSI was to provide a list of skills in mathematics and English language arts that high school seniors would need to learn before attending college or entering the workforce.
    To learn more about the Common Core State Standards, visit http://www.corestandards.org.
    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4MEkS3wZxQ