Who established the first kindergarten in North America?

The establishment of the first kindergarten in North America is credited to Marguerite Meyer Schurz. She opened her kindergarten in Watertown, Wisconsin, in 1856, inspired by the educational approaches developed by Friedrich Froebel in Germany. This marked a significant moment in early childhood education as it introduced organized learning experiences for young children in a structured environment outside of the home. Schurz's kindergarten focused on play and activity as central to learning, reflecting Froebel's philosophy that children's natural inclinations should guide their development and educational experiences. This foundational work helped set the stage for the growth of kindergartens across the United States and influenced future early childhood education practices.