Activists

John Holt (1923-1985) criticized public education, advocating for homeschooling instead. After studying at Yale, Holt realized his academic experience had been worthless, and decided that he learned best outside of a formal school setting. His first book, "How Children Fail," explained how public schooling dampens children's curiosity. Holt's criticism of the American education system was unpopular with his colleagues, and he was fired from some schools for trying to run classes without tests.

Horace Mann (1796-1859) believed in democratic and free public education. Mann was a part of the Massachusetts state legislature and participated in educational reform movements. He made the Massachusetts State Board of Education to oversee public education for children, and also influenced the creation of the first teachertraining school in America. In 1853, he became the president of Antioch College. There, he worked to make coed education available for everyone.