Education in colonial America was stratified based on class, gender, race, and religion. Children were educated to take their parent's place in society and education aimed to maintain the status quo. In New England, education had a religious purpose and all children received basic literacy instruction. Wealthier families could afford private tutors or send their children to grammar schools and colleges like Harvard. After the American Revolution, the new republic promoted universal education to create knowledgeable citizens and support democratic ideals.