DescriptionThe state historic preservation office SHPO of the Michigan Historical Center Department of History, Arts and Libraries commissioned this study of the history and architecture of the state's public elementary and secondary schools from 1835, when the system was established in Michigan's first constitution to the president. The SHPO identifies, evaluates, registers, interprets and protects the state's historic properties. ICON Architecture Inc and Roy Strickland of the new American school design project University of Michigan prepared the study. Two products resulted from the study. This summary publication and a more detailed narrative. The study focused on numerous factors including state legislation, educational and archival theories in practice, health concerns, demographics and economic trends which shape the size and appearance of school buildings and grounds in their locations within a community. The purpose of the more detailed narrative is to provide the state historic preservation office and others with an understanding of the important trends and events that influence school design. The summary publication is meant to increase awareness and appreciation among the general public of the significant story of how schools developed throughout Michigan's history. This summary publication also looks to communities to provide the SHPO with information about existing historic school buildings through the the completion of an inventory form included with it.