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In 1565, Spain founded the first European settlement in what is now the U.S., in St. Augustine, Florida. In 1606, Spanish Franciscan missionaries established a school to educate Native American children in religion and Spanish culture.

It's interesting that education started so early in American history. I think it shows how much religion influenced early schooling. But I also feel it’s important to remember that these schools were also used to control and change Native American culture, which is troubling.

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Jamestown became the first permanent English colony in North America. While survival was the main focus at first, this settlement laid the groundwork for future educational efforts in the South.

I think it’s cool how this event marked the beginning of English influence in America, but it’s clear that education wasn’t the top priority at first. Survival came first, which makes sense, but it's a reminder of how education develops over time with stability.

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The Pilgrims arrived in 1620 and settled in Plymouth Colony. Many were Puritans who fled religious persecution and believed education was key to reading the Bible. Their strict religious beliefs shaped the educational systems in New England.

I admire how committed the Pilgrims were to education, especially since it was connected to their faith. But I also think it’s important that education should allow for different beliefs, not just one religious view.

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Boston Latin School, founded in 1635, was the first formal public school in the colonies. It was meant for boys from wealthy families and focused on Latin, preparing students for leadership in the church or government.

I think this school was a big step in formal education, but it also shows how education was mostly for the elite. It makes me grateful that today, education is more accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy.

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Also in 1635, the first free school opened in Virginia. Unlike in the North, Southern education was mostly done at home or through private tutors, especially for wealthy families. Public education developed more slowly in the South.

I think it’s surprising how different education was between the North and South. It makes me appreciate how far we’ve come in making public education more equal, even though we still have a lot of work to do.