Explore the fascinating history and immense impact of the American public school system, from its earliest roots to its modern-day significance. Learn about the nation's oldest school, the Boston Latin School, which was founded long before the United States itself, and discover the pivotal role of reformers like Horace Mann in championing the cause of universal, free education for all children. Discover the sheer scale of public education today, which serves over 80% of K-12 students and employs more than 8 million people, making it one of the largest sectors in the U.S. economy. The episode highlights the significant financial contributions of the school system and the substantial societal return on investment. Studies show that investing in public schools yields major benefits through increased lifetime earnings, higher tax revenues, and significantly reduced crime rates, reinforcing the idea that strong public education builds a safer and more prosperous future for everyone.

Want to learn more? Head over to my website www.funfactsdailypod.com and be sure to listen to my other podcasts Who ARTed: Weekly Art History for All Ages or Art Smart. For family fun, check out my son's podcast Rainbow Puppy Science Lab

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