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America has such a rich history when it comes to the educational system. For example, there was a time when receiving an education was only available for the select few.
Before 1840, education was only available to the upper-crust and schools were extremely localized. Going to school was once given to the elite. Those who were wealthy were eligible to receive an education due to the fact that schools were only located at upscale locations.
However, by the end of the 19th century, public education was free at the elementary school level and became available for all types of American children. The turn of the century was during the Industrial Revolution. This meant that the poor and underprivileged children ended up working and skipping out on the public education that was available for them. These children had no other choice but to be forced into a lifestyle of hard labor in order to help support their families. It was unfortunate that these underprivileged children could not receive the same type of benefits that wealthy children with free time could acquire.
In 1918, it was required for all children to attend a minimum of elementary schooling. Employers could not force entire work days and over time on children because it was mandatory for children to attend school.
Catholics had their own private schools and opposed mandatory public schooling. In 1925, the Supreme Court ruled in Pierce v. Society of Sisters that children could not be forced to attend public schools. Children had the option to go to private schools.
America has gone far in developing the educational system. At nearly a century ago, children were only required to receive a minimum of elementary school. Today, most kids are moving onward into secondary school and a good chunk of students are taking part in some type of post secondary schooling.
