The Founders understood that education was crucial to the survival of the Republic. There was a great debate in fact about the establishment of a National University that would be a model for the new nation, as it would need to produce and maintain an educated citizenry.
.If you like reading about the history of education try reading some that relates to America instead of England.
If you haven't read The Underground History of American Education:
http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/chapters/index.htm