Education – Youth

The History of Public Education in America John Cotton, noted minister was responsible for establishing the first public school known as Boston Latin School in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, some 141 year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.  The school opened its doors in 1635 as a prestigious boy’s school.  Education in America was originally designed to meet the religious, agricultural, and industrial needs of this country.  As the needs of our society began to change, so too did the American educational system.

Public Education in America Today

The American system of education today, entitles every child to a FREE education at a public school. 

All children between the ages of 6 and 17 must attend a public or private school. If a child is 17, but has been issued an equivalency certificate (GED) the individual is exempt.  Children attending a public school must attend a specified number of days per school year as determined by the state education agency In

Texas students attending public school must attend 180 days per school year. Since there is not a national system of education, States and local school systems determine grading, curriculum, and discipline.

Some local school systems may vary, but most recognize the following education levels.

	Kindergarten – Age 5
	Elementary School – Grades 1 to 5
	Middle School – Grades 6 to 8
	High School – Grades 9 to 12

Higher Education Students who graduate from high school or receive a GED equivalency certificate may attend college.  They will need to take one of two tests; the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Test).  Higher education choices include a 2-year community college or a 4-year college or university.  Some are colleges and universities are state run, while others are private.

For more local and state education information,
see Irving.Net’s Education