What efforts were made to improve education education in the 1830s?

In 1830 the family was the primary institution for socializing and education of the children. By 1855 it became clear that more public schools were needed to teach the large population of foreign born settling in cities. It was felt that public schools would combat the growing differences in social classes. The discussion had also begun about what education was and how could reform be accomplished. One theory stated education was for utility while another reasoned it was for knowledge and general intelligence. At the same time a number of technological and economic developments made it possible to support more schools, serve more students, and have longer school days. By 1879 public schools were throughout the country and the first high schools begun.