FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

In which state did private schools with no public funding begin?

1. New York

2. Pennsylvania

3. Maryland

4. Virginia

The correct answer is: Pennsylvania

Private schools in the United States, particularly those without public funding, have a historical presence that is notably traced back to Pennsylvania. Founded by the Quakers in the 17th century, Pennsylvania established an environment that allowed for the formation of different types of educational institutions, including private schools that were independent of government funding. This state was particularly significant because it provided a haven for various religious and cultural groups seeking educational alternatives outside of the public domain. While other states such as New York, Maryland, and Virginia have their own rich educational histories and significant developments in private schooling, Pennsylvania is recognized as a pioneer in the establishment of private education that operated without financial support from public sources. This distinction highlights Pennsylvania's role in early educational diversity and the evolution of private schooling in America.