* Greater Availability: Compared to the South, the North generally had a higher percentage of children attending school, although this was still far from universal access. Public schooling was more widely established, though private schools remained common as well.
* Emphasis on Literacy and Practical Skills: Northern schools emphasized basic literacy (reading, writing, arithmetic) alongside some vocational training, preparing students for various trades and professions. This was in contrast to the Southern emphasis on classical education for the elite.
* Varied Funding and Organization: Funding for schools varied considerably depending on local wealth and community commitment. Some states had more centralized systems than others, with differences in how schools were organized and governed (local districts, county systems, state oversight).
* Growing Support for Public Education: There was a growing movement towards public education as a public good, driven by reformers who believed education was essential for a functioning democracy and economic progress. This led to the expansion of common schools and teacher training.
* Segregation: While not as rigidly enforced as in the South, Northern schools were often de facto segregated by race. Black children often attended separate, underfunded schools, or were excluded altogether.
* Higher Teacher Standards (Gradually): While teacher training was rudimentary at first, there was a growing movement to professionalize teaching and raise standards for educators, though this was a gradual process.
It's crucial to understand that "the North" was not monolithic. Differences in economic development, religious traditions, and demographics led to significant variations in the quality and availability of education across different Northern states and regions. Furthermore, the expansion of public education was an ongoing process throughout the 19th century, with significant progress made after the Civil War.