Has been an important Factor in the economic development of the United States and in the achievement of a high standard of living for most Americans .
Schools, libraries and museums provide learning opportunities for people of all ages .
Development of School-System
During the early history of the United States most schools were privately owned.
Church groups owned and operates many of them .
In the early 1800′s the idea of free public schools began to gain widespread support in the country . State and local governments took the responsibility for establishing public school systems .
By 1918, every state had laws requiring children to attend school until they reached a certain age or completed a certain grade .
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