The Common School Movement

The Common School Movement was a 19th-century effort in the United States to create free, public schools that offered basic education to all children, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. Led by educators like Horace Mann, it aimed to promote democratic values, reduce educational disparities, and prepare citizens for participation in society. The movement emphasized standardized curriculum, professional teaching standards, and accessible education, shaping the foundation of the modern public school system in America. Its goal was to make education a right for every child, fostering equality and social mobility.