The system of common schools is deserving of more than a passing
remark; yet what is due, in commendation of such a gem in the midst of
such a mass of corruption, cannot be allowed within the compass of the
design of these pages. Suffice, however, to say, that it is one of the
most perfect models for common school education ever instituted, and it
is to be hoped that other, and older States, may profit by the example.
The citizens of Louisiana feel a pride in this great work, and well
may they. In particular the citizens of New Orleans should be proud of
this monument of their wisdom and benificence. Some of the municipal
arrangements of this system, are as follows. Large and commodious
buildings are erected, to which all the children of a certain district
are sent. Each school is divided into four classes, according to the
ability and knowledge of the child. When they have passed the several
departments, and been subjected to the rigid and thorough examinations
which are necessary in passing from one to the other, and have gone
through and received a diploma, they are qualified to enter the junior
class of any college in the United States. And here the road is open
to all, the poor as well as the rich, the system forbidding any
distinction, and to all classes free of expense for every thing which
the pupils require for instruction, in books, maps, charts, and other
materials, all of which are furnished by the State.