Miller School, Dearborn, Michigan, 1898, Building Later Reproduced in Greenfield Village

During the mid-19th century, the idea of free public schooling became firmly established in America--making access to education available to more children. By the late 19th century, most kids aged 7 to 12 attended public school for a few years--many in one-room rural schools. America's educational structure would continue to grow, offering schooling from kindergarten to high school. By 1918, all states had made school attendance compulsory.