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First Public School
The first public school in America was Boston Latin School. It was established by Puritan settlers in 1635. The school was originally in the home of Schoolmaster Philemon Pormont, but was later moved to School Street. Only boys attended this school until 1972 when girls were also accepted. -
First College
Harvard College was established in 1636. Harvard College is prestigious to this day. -
The New England Primer
Benjamin Harris introduced The New England Primer in 1690. It combined the study of the alphabet with Bible reading. It was used by students into the 19th century. Over five million copies of the book were sold. -
The First American Spelling Book
Noah Webster introduced "Blue Back Speller" in 1783. His goal was to provide a uniquely American, Christ-centered approach to training children. It become the staple for parents and educators for more than a century and it helped build the most literate nation in the history of the West. -
The Young Ladies Academy
The Young Ladies Academy opened in Philadelphia in 1787. It was stated to be the first all female academy established in America. It was the first time girls were given the opportunity to learn basic skills. The Young Ladies Academy set an example for the many academies and seminaries that began to be opened in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. -
Education Becomes A Function of the States
Education Becomes A Function of the States rather than the national government passed by the Bill of Rights. Each state establishes different education plans and laws creating diversity that still exists today. -
Massacuhusetts Passes the First Compulsory Education Law
Compulsory education laws require school attendance for children of certain ages, with limited exceptions. -
Dewey Decimal System
The Dewey Decimal System, developed by Melvil Dewey in 1873, is published and patented. The DDC is still the worlds most widely-used library classification system. -
"Democracy and Education"
John Dewey published "Democracy and Education" in 1916. The hands-on learning style was accepted. It advanced the progressive education movement. -
Brown v. Board of Education
Brown v. Board of Education "separate but equal" was unconstitutional. This ended segregation in schools. -
The Bible is Banned in Schools
Religious teaching in public school ends. -
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
The act was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. The act funds primary and secondary education and aims to provide each child with fair and equal opportunities to achieve an exceptional education. The reauthorization of ESEA was known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. ESEA was reauthorized on December 10, 2015 as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). -
Title IX Passed
Discrimination against girls ends in all aspects of education. -
Education for All Handicapped Children Act
Discrimination against handicapped children in schools ends. -
Student Loan Reform Act
Students can receive financial help from the government for the first time. -
No Child Left Behind
Congress passed the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001. It is a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which included Title I. -
Every Students Succeeds Act
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a US law passed in December 2015 that governs the country's K–12 public education policy. The law replaced its unpopular predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), and modified but did not eliminate provisions relating to the periodic standardized tests given to students.
