APPENDIX

throw open the doors of a Free Academy or Central High School, :o which the most advanced pupils from the différent Union schools our city may pass up, and find ample provision for their progress in anches of study which are necessary to the full culture of mind, but lich lie altogether beyond the range of our présent Union Schools, z : the higher Mathematics, Surveying, Engineering, etc., the Natural :iences ; and those Classical Studies which are preparatory to the Uni- Tsity and perhaps through the first University year, together with usic, Drawing, etc. I would désire to call the attention of the Board irticularly to this subject. We hâve reached a point, I think, where ich a Department becomes a most urgent want. The public are loudly illing for this finishing step in our System. Many reasons might be iven as warranting your immédiate action in this matter. In the case F a very large share of those who send their children abroad for eduition, the cost is a heavy burden, which they bear only because they lust, or their children go uneducated. Thousands are expended every ear in the foreign éducation of children — and well expended too, if le end cannot be attained without. But the éducation that is thus se- Lired at grcat sacrifice, is seldom better than could be provided in our wn System in its full opération.

There are pupils in ail our Union Schools that hâve arrived at a tage of proficiency that requires such a provision for their higher intruction. It is not possible for the teachers in our présent Public îchools, with the amount of work on their hands, to meet this want of he most advanced class of pupils, without a direct injury to the great nass. Now let a higher department be added, under the charge of in- >tructors of ability, and we should at once hâve a most désirable Académie School, not only meeting the présent wants, but providing for future need. The influence of such a High School would be salutary in its influence on the whole System. It would awaken the désire in many for larger attainments and a broader culture. Let some high standard of proficiency be fixed by the Board of Education, makîng our Union Schools the only avenue of admission to the High School, and the influence would be felt down to the lowest class in our schools, stimulating and encouraging exertion.

As a city we enjoy great advantages for a Union School System properly graded and classified, giving us facilities for the higher degrecs of cultivation, free and at home. Many of thèse advantages we must forego while we postpone the Higher Department in our System. In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me to congratulate you on the prosperous condition and increasing interest manifested in the Public Schools of this city. I trust that the day is not far distant when the last rays of the setting sun will fall alike upon the spire of the church and the dôme of the school-house ; both equally chcrished, guarded and protected, as the dearest interests of a free people. Respectfully submitted,

J. F. NiCHOLS,

Détroit, Jan. I7th, 1856. Superin tendent of Schools.