The Common School System was adapted from Prussian education system. It is what defines American school system today and has been adopted by American schools nationwide.

Characteristics of the Common School System:

• Compulsory attendance
• Specific training for teachers
• National standardized testing for all students
• Schools are separated into grade levels
  
• National curriculum set for each grade
• Mandatory kindergarten

Can you believe it? Schools in the past consisted of one classroom for kids of all ages. A young adult who was ready for calculus sat with a kid who didn't know his abc.