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Free Market Education
As opposed to public schools mandated by government, colonial education flourished by employing free market principles. Good teachers, who established schools, flourished. -
New England Primer
The first reading primer for school children in the colonial period. -
College of William and Mary
According to the royal charter the College was established to, "Make, found and establish a certain Place of Universal Study, a perpetual College of Divinity, Philosophy, Languages, and the other good arts and sciences." -
Library Company of Philadelphia
Established by Benjamin Franklin this became the first subscription library in North America. -
University of Pennsylvania
Believed to be the oldest University in the colonial period...founded by Benjamin Franklin. -
General Circulating Llibrary
Founded by Lewis Nichola this library became the first circulating library from which patrons could, by supporting the library, withdraw books. -
Bill for the More General Diffusion of Knowledge
Jefferson educational initiative founding the University of Virginia and highlighting his commitment to state-supported schools. -
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American Philosophical Society
In response to societal changes, groups of scholars seek opinions on developing a new system of American education. -
The Elementary Spelling Book aka the "Blue-Back Speller"
"A national language is a bond of national union. Every engine should be employed to render the people of this country national...Let us then establish a national language..." -
10th Amendement
"Powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States..." Nationally formed education, excluded as a Federal power was, according to the 10th Amendment, deemed a state privilege.
