From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Education in Salt Lake City
Education in Salt Lake City
Education has always been a priority in the Salt Lake City, ed non-Mormon influences in the public schools and be-
Utah. In 1847 pioneer Jane Dillworth held the first class- gan to focus once again on efforts to develop church-run
es in her tent for the children of the first Mormon fami- schools.
lies. By 1850 many schools had already sprung up around Many Mormon youths in grades 9–12 attend some
the valley, and there were plans for a school attached form of religious instruction, referred to as seminary. In
to every wardhouse. In 1851 the territorial legislature years past students would attend during school hours
passed the first public school law creating the office of and even receive credit for it. Although many still attend
the superintendent of schools. Many large Mormon fam- during school hours, they no longer receive any credit.
ilies, such as Brigham Young’s, had their own schools, Due to high birth rates and large classrooms Utah
known as "family schools". spends less per capita on students than any other state.
In the last part of the 19th century, there was much Money is always a challenge and many businesses donate
controversy over how children in the area should be edu- to support schools. Several districts have set up founda-
cated. Mormon influence in public schools created prob- tions to raise money.
lems with non-Mormon parents, and raised issues about
public school supervision. Mormons became upset about
the number of private Protestant schools popping up.
See also
The schools would offer free tuition to Mormon students • Salt Lake City School District
in order to convert them. Westminster College, although • Education in Salt Lake County
now a secular four-year college, is the last remaining ex- • University of Utah
ample of these schools. LDS Church members also resent-
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Categories:
• Education in Utah
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