Education reform in the United States has been a continuous process marked by various attempts to improve the quality and equity of education for all students. Since the early days of the nation, education has been seen as crucial for social mobility and economic development, leading to ongoing efforts to reform and refine the educational system.

One of the earliest and most significant attempts at education reform was the establishment of common schools in the early 19th century. Horace Mann, often referred to as the Father of American Education, played a key role in advocating for free, publicly funded education accessible to all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The common school movement aimed to provide a basic education to all children, promoting literacy, citizenship, and moral values. However, despite these noble intentions, disparities in funding and resources persisted, particularly for marginalized communities.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Progressive Era brought a wave of educational reforms aimed at addressing social and economic inequalities. Progressive educators such as John Dewey emphasized the importance of experiential learning, critical thinking, and child-centered approaches. This period saw the introduction of reforms such as the Montessori method, which focused on individualized instruction and hands-on learning.