Freedom in matters of education and the right of every child to have an education are basic principles in the United States. Unlike many other nations, the United States does not have a central or federal system of education. Establishing and administering public schools is one of the p/wers exercised by each state. The state, in turn, delegates much of this responsibility to local school districts. There are both similarities and differences in the educational systems of the 50 states.

 

The federal government has, however, deep interest in the education of persons of all ages. Federal financial aid is given to the states and local school districts for specified educational purposes, such as the work of land-grant colleges and universities; vocational education below the college level; and improvement of the education of children of low-income families. The federal government also provides scholarships for college students. Four college-level academies for the armed forces and one for the Merchant Marine are supported entirely by federal funds, and a number of specialized institutions, such as Gallaudet University (for the deaf), receive major financial support directly from the federal government.

 

The main federal agency dealing with education is the U.S. Department of Education, but other departments, most notably the Department of Agriculture, also have educational functions.In 1990 public school systems in the United States had a total of approximately 61,300 elementary schools and 22,700 secondary schools. Parochial and other private elementary schools numbered about 22,200 and secondary schools, 9,000. There were more than 1,600 public and 2,000 private institutions of higher education.

 

Teachers at all levels of instruction totaled some 2,753,000 in 1990—1,680,000 in elementary schools, 1,073,000 in secondary schools, and 840,000 (including part-time staff) at the college level. Overall, about 70 % were employed in public schools.  Enrollment in public schools was about 27,050,000 in kindergarten through grade 8; 14,167,000 in grades 9–12; and 10,844,000 in higher education. Private schools had a total enrollment of approximately 4,095,000 in kindergarten–grade 8; 1,137,000 in grades 9–12; and 2,975,000 in institutions of higher education.

Literacy in the United States is high. In 1990 the Bureau of the Census estimated that only one half of one % of all persons 14 years old and over were illiterate (unable to read and write in any language). In 1870, 20 % of all persons over 10 years of age were illiterate.