Definition of public education

The term "public education" emerged in the late 19th century as a response to the growing recognition that accessible and free education was necessary for the development of a prosperous and democratic society. Prior to this time, education was largely the domain of private institutions, such as churches and elite academies, which were often expensive and only accessible to a select few. Advocates of public education, many of whom were progressive thinkers and reformers, argued that every child, regardless of their social class, should have the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life. They saw education as a way to promote equality, social mobility, and the good of the community as a whole. The concept of "public" education was further strengthened by the growth of the industrial economy, which required a large, literate workforce. As a result, many governments began to invest in public education systems as a means of preparing their citizens for the demands of a modern society. Today, the term "public education" refers to publicly-funded schools that are open to all students, regardless of their backgrounds or abilities. While there continue to be debates over the funding, regulation, and structure of these systems, the basic concept of educating the public remains a central tenet of many societies around the world.