Education in America provides an essential, comprehensive introduction to education in the U.S., from its origins to its contemporary manifestations. Focusing on social inequality, Kimberly A. Goyette calls into question Horace Mann's famous proclamation that education is the "great equalizer" and examines how education stratifies students based on socioeconomic background, race, and gender. She identifies the 'hidden curriculum' beneath equations and grammar rules, from which students may learn what is expected of them based on their anticipated roles in society. Referencing school reforms such as No Child Left Behind, Race to the Top, and Common Core, Goyette shows that education is not merely reflective of a society's views, but instrumental in shaping and changing society's structure.

"“Weaves a powerful narrative of inequalities that is chilling in its detailing of how education stratifies students on the basis of gender, race, class, and disability. Packed with relevant facts and statistics, it is also a very measured book, weighing up often competing evidence in an even-handed way.”" - American Journal of Sociology