Why does America have public schools?

Most of us assume the answer is obvious: to teach kids how to read, write, and do math. But the story is much bigger than that.

In the premiere episode of Public School Kids, host Erika Peterman explores the origins and purpose of public education in America. Along the way, she shares the story of her father growing up in Conrad, Montana, and reflects on how schools help create the communities that shape us.

With historian Johann Neem as our guide, we travel back to the founding of the United States, when a new nation faced a fundamental question: How do you prepare ordinary people to govern themselves?

The answer helped create one of America's most important institutions: the public school.

Plus, meet recurring contributor Chrysti the Wordsmith, who explores the history and meaning of a word at the heart of this episode: democracy.

In this episode:

A story about community from Conrad, Montana
Why Thomas Jefferson believed education was essential to self-government
The origins of public education in America
Why public schools were designed to serve something bigger than individual students
Chrysti the Wordsmith on the history of the word democracy

Featuring:

Johann Neem
Chrysti the Wordsmith

Music by Andrea Peterman: www.andreapeterman.com

About Public School Kids

Public School Kids is a storytelling series about what Americans share and why it matters. Through stories from classrooms, communities, and public school kids across the country, the series explores the role public education plays in shaping citizenship, character, and our shared American experience.

Learn more at Public School Kids