Independent scholar Samuel offers a comprehensive exploration of the evolution of private education in the United States over the past century. Written in a clear and accessible style, he traces the cultural, social, and educational significance of K–12 private schools, shedding light on their enduring impact on U.S. society. Samuel skillfully illustrates how private schools have both responded to and shaped broader cultural and historical trends, from early 20th-century elitism to contemporary debates about equity and access, explored here in chronological order. With a balanced perspective, Samuel highlights the essential role these institutions have played in fostering academic innovation, leadership, and community values, offering a thought-provoking resource for any reader interested in the intersection of education and society. Researchers, educators, and policymakers will find the book's historical insights especially useful for discussions about school choice, educational equity, and institutional accountability. A valuable addition to collections focused on education, sociology, and U.S. cultural studies. It is both an academic resource and a great read for general audiences interested in understanding the complexities of the private education system. Libraries aiming to provide well-rounded perspectives on education in the United States will find this title a worthy addition.

Library Journal

Private schools, especially private boarding schools, are generally considered bastions for white, rich kids. A frequent setting for movies and YA novels, these institutions-whether private, boarding, country day, or prep-exude exclusivity. Samuel looks at a century's worth of private schooling in the U.S. (not including military schools or special education institutions), summarizing scholarship and editorials gleaned from contemporary media reports, educational experts, and social observers. Chapters offer decade overviews beginning in the 1920s and cover recurring issues like public versus private, curriculum, extracurricular offerings, institutional cultures, and end results. The readable text profiles the myriad choices available to families, emphasizing how earlier private endeavors filled in gaps, such as extended coursework for girls, or provided equitable options, as for Black and immigrant students. Later chapters concentrate on increased competition for enrollment and escalating expectations from parents, with a twenty-first-century emphasis on preschools. This thoroughly documented overview offers insights into a specialized slice of American history, reaffirming how class, race, and financial status both reflect and shape evolving society.

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