Did the north have public education during the civil war?

Yes, the North had established public education systems during the Civil War. Many Northern states had already implemented compulsory education laws and maintained public schools, which aimed to provide education to children regardless of their socio-economic status. This contrasted with the South, where educational opportunities were more limited, particularly for enslaved individuals and poorer white families. The emphasis on education in the North contributed to the region's economic and social development.