Previous Establishment of Common Schools
1820 - 1920
Growth in the commitment to free, publicly supported, universal education.
Between 1820 and 1920, the establishment of common schools made steady progress across the U.S..
In 1870, 57% of children between 5 and 18 yrs were enrolled in some form of schooling.
By 1918, more than 75% of children between 5 and 18 yrs were enrolled.
In 1870, the average attendence was 45 days per year. In 1918, it had grown to more than 90 days.
