Virginia Establishes Free Education - 1851

In 1851 Virginia established free public primary schools. The government made a new state constitution that financed free primary schools. That made it so that all children, rich or poor, could get an education.

Before 1851 children either had to live next to a free school, or have enough money to pay for school to get an education. Otherwise, they just couldn't go to school. The names of the free schools were Syms Free School and Eaton Charity School. The schools were founded by Benjamin Syms and Thomas Eaton. Benjamin Syms gave 200 acres of land, and 8 milk cows to found the school. Thomas Eaton gave 600 acres, 2 slaves, 12 milk cows, 2 bulls, 20 hogs, and household furniture - including milk pails.

In 1779 Governor Thomas Jefferson submitted a bill stating that all children should get free education. In 1851 Virginia made a new state constitution that provided for taxes to pay for free primary schools.

After that constitution came out, all children could go to school. Regardless of if they lived by the school, had enough money, or were poor and couldn't afford it. That was because all public schools were free then. Now, all public schools are free. Not only in Virginia, but all over the USA.

by Maureen

sources

encyclopedia, yahoo