I shall not stress the contrast in buildings or the physical facilities, though they are startling enough. For, to be frank, I am not at all convinced that in terms of education the dazzling attractiveness of the spacious buildings of some suburban school I know are as much of an asset as they seem, though I hasten to add that many large city schools should be torn down and replaced by modern structures. The real contrast is evident only to a visitor who will take the time to visit classes, talk to the principals and teachers in both schools, examine the relevant statistics, and ascertain the completely different educational aspirations of the families.

James B. Conant, Slums and Suburbs (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1961), 80.