What is true of American education?

When the United States first separated from England in 1776, the founders stated the ideals of the new nation in the Declaration of Independence. They believed that "all men are created equal." This philosophy led them to create a system in which all children had equal access to education. From the beginning, education in the U.S. intended to include everyone--regardless of class, wealth or ability. For this reason, elementary and high schools are free to students and are supported by taxes; and for this reason, there are no entrance examinations for the various levels of education through Grade 12.
     Universal education was considered important for two reasons. Firstly, the system of the government in the U.S. requires that citizens be educated and informed so that they can make good decisions and express their views by voting. Secondly, the founders did not want the United States to be a nation with rigid class distinctions. If people are created equal, they should have equal opportunities to become wealthy and influential. The founders believed that equal opportunity could only come through equal education.
     At first, universal education was primarily for white children, but after the freeing of the slaves, it also included blacks. Gradually, the idea of education for everyone expanded to include special education for handicapped children. Schools must be built to provide access for children with physical handicaps.