Contrary to what most high school students believe, it is a great opportunity to receive a formal education.  It is an opportunity that Americans take seriously, especially since the end of World War II.  Children entering school in the 21^st century expect to graduate—at the very least.  Most will attend college, and a large percentage will pursue post-graduate degrees. 

 

In recent years, over eighty percent of the students who enter high school in the United States ultimately graduate.  That number continues to climb, and at fairly rapid pace (last year, 85% of students graduated—only five years ago, the number was just slightly above 70%).  Approximately sixty percent of those graduates attend college.  In 1900, two percent of the population went on to college (only six percent graduated high school).

 

As commonplace as it may seem, formal education is a luxury.  Learning how to read might seem important, but it’s not as important as eating, finding shelter, or simply surviving.  In the early days of America, proper schooling was an extravagance that many people couldn’t afford. A determined few learned how to read and write on their own time.  Most people didn’t bother, and instead worked to make life better for their children.

           

As difficult as colonial times often were, it wasn’t long before formal schooling was a part of daily life in the United States.  The first publicly supported secondary school was Boston Latin School, founded in 1635.  The school was opened less then thirty years after the first permanent settlement was established at Jamestown, and only fifteen years after the arrival of the Pilgrims.  Obviously, education was a high priority.  Boston Latin School was an esteemed institution when it first opened its doors, and it remains highly respected nearly 400 years later.

 

In 1636, Harvard College was opened just down the road from the Boston Latin School.  Harvard College, of course, became Harvard University, which is today one of the most respected educational institutions in the world.

           

The creation of these schools did not mean that a majority of Americans were dedicated to public education—yet.  In most cases, the living conditions prevented people from attending school.  Children had to stay home and work on the farm or, in less fortunate situations, work long hours in the factory. 

 

It wasn’t until America became highly industrialized (starting in the 1800s) that the general population considered sending their children to school.  In the 1900s, the standard of living improved to the point that going to school started to become expected.

           

As living conditions improved, and more Americans started getting an education, public schools had to adjust.  Elementary and secondary schools currently focus on providing a student with a broad range of knowledge over twelve years of schooling.  When a student graduates high school, he or she is expected to have a general understanding of the basics (reading, writing, math, science, history, etc.).  In most cases, the detailed specifics and technical skills are reserved for the college level.