Milestones in Public Education

First Public School

Jan 1, 1635

The first public school was designed by the Puritan settlers.

The Common School

Jan 1, 1820

The Common School System was designed by Horace Mann. They were schools that offered free tuition payed by taxes. Unfortunately they were only open to white students. They did; however, set the path for public education, and were finished around 1900.

Pierce v. Society of Sisters

Jun 1, 1925

This ruling gave parents the option to send their children to private or public schooling.

Brown v. Board of Education

May 17, 1954

This Supreme Court decision overturned Plessy v. Ferguson making segregated schools unconstitutional, although not fully outlawing it.

Prayer Banned In School

Jun 25, 1962

This decision by the Supreme Court made praying in school banned. Along with the later decision of banning the Bible in school it helped to create equality by not forcing religion down children.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

Jul 2, 1964

Helped to desegregate schools even further and end the major forms of segregation in the U.S.

Title IX

Jun 23, 1972

This ended discrimination of gender for students, helping to get women the opportunity to be involved with activities in school they may not have had the chance to before.

Individuals With Disabilities Education Act

Oct 30, 1990

This law by the federal government makes sure that public schools provide proper education to children with disabilites.

Columbine Shooting

Apr 20, 1999

This tragic event shaped the way public schools are now more aware of students and what can happen at any given time.

No Child Left Behind Act

Jan 8, 2002

This act set requirements for schools making sure that no child was left behind by forcing assessments.