Public School Kids

Can people become the best versions of themselves? And if so, what role should public education play in that journey? In this episode of Public School Kids , Erika traces the surprising religious roots of America's public school system, exploring how the Second Great Awakening transformed the nation's understanding of human potential. As Americans increasingly embraced the belief that people were...

What happens when people from different backgrounds grow up together? For many Americans, public school is one of the first places they encounter people whose lives, beliefs, interests, and experiences are different from their own. It's where friendships form across social circles, where kids learn to navigate differences, and where they begin to understand that the world is bigger than themselves...

Why does America have public schools? Most of us assume the answer is obvious: to teach kids how to read, write, and do math. But the story is much bigger than that. In the premiere episode of Public School Kids , host Erika Peterman explores the origins and purpose of public education in America. Along the way, she shares the story of her father growing up in Conrad, Montana, and reflects on how...