Lawrence Cremin’s early life was itself educational history. Like many second-generation immigrant New Yorkers, Cremin’s early family life embedded in him a particular type of ambition and professional focus as well as a powerful relationship with New York City. Cremin’s parents’ leadership of one of the largest music academies in New York City through the mid-twentieth century dominated the shape and dynamics of the family, and influenced Cremin in a variety of ways throughout his life. This chapter explores Cremin’s education in New York City elementary and secondary schools, his developing intellectual ideas in his undergraduate study at City College and his graduate work at Teachers College, the impact of his 2-year engagement with air force cadet training during World War II, and the roots of his faith in a liberal tradition.