Almost all schools in the United States are now connected to the internet, according to a survey from the education department.

The rate of connection for state schools had reached 95% by 1999, compared with only a third of schools connected in 1994.

The percentage of classrooms connected to the internet has also risen sharply - from 3% in 1994 to 63% in 1999.

This means that there is now a national average for the United States of nine pupils to every online computer.

But the survey, which considered both primary and secondary sectors, found patterns emerging of pupils in schools in deprived areas having less access to the internet.

While almost all schools are linked to the internet, schools in more affluent areas have a much higher proportion of individual classrooms with internet access.

According to the survey, 74% of classrooms in 'low poverty' schools provide internet access - compared to 39% in poorer areas.

Special funding

But even though there is evidence of a "digital divide", the survey reveals a trend of growing availability of the internet in schools.

This has been attributed to a varied combination of federal, state and voluntary initiatives which have now filtered down to almost every school.

Also supporting the growth of online education has been the "e-rate" scheme, which has allowed schools and libraries a cheaper rate for internet connections.

In the past two years, the e-rate, funded by a charge on telecommunications companies, has provided $3.6bn in school discounts.

The US Education Secretary, Richard Riley, said that "technology can improve student performance and provide the competitive skills necessary for future success".

But he also warned of the importance of ensuring that all students, regardless of wealth, are able to use the new technologies.

"We need to continue our efforts to ensure that all schools and students have equal access to the vast network of information on the internet."