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The first vocational schools in America were indeed established in the Middle Atlantic Colonies. This region was significant in shaping the early educational landscape due to its diversity in population and economy. The Middle Atlantic Colonies, which included states like Pennsylvania and New York, emphasized practical skills and trades alongside traditional education. The establishment of vocational training was a response to the growing industrial economy, aiming to equip students with the specific skills needed for various trades.

In contrast, the Southern Colonies were primarily agrarian, with an educational focus that did not necessarily align with vocational training as seen in the Middle Atlantic. The New England Colonies had a strong emphasis on religious education and established grammar schools, which focused more on classical education rather than vocational skills. The Western Territories, at the time, were still developing and did not have the educational infrastructure for vocational schools that had already been set up in the more established Middle Atlantic Colonies. Thus, the founding of vocational schools in this region laid the groundwork for the integration of technical education into the American educational system.