Initially, education in the colonies served primarily the needs of the elite, specifically white, landowning males. The goal was often religious instruction and preparation for leadership roles in church and government. Education for women and people of color was significantly limited or nonexistent.
The 19th century saw some expansion, with the rise of common schools aiming to provide a basic education to a broader range of white children. This was driven by beliefs in social mobility, civic responsibility, and the need for a skilled workforce in an increasingly industrialized society. However, even then, significant disparities persisted based on class, race, and geography.
Over time, the ideal of universal education grew, leading to compulsory schooling for all children. Yet, this "universal" education often failed to equally serve marginalized communities. Racial segregation, discriminatory practices, and unequal funding consistently denied equal opportunities to Black Americans, Native Americans, and other minority groups.
Therefore, while the stated goal of American education has often been to serve all citizens, the reality has been a system that has historically prioritized and better served some groups (primarily white, middle- and upper-class males) while leaving others significantly underserved and disadvantaged. The current system continues to grapple with the legacy of this unequal history.