Get Pro
Menu

Public school (US)

A school funded by taxes and run by a public school district, free to attend. The UK equivalent is a state school.

Used in
United States
Topic
Types of school

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

Classfern Pro: report writer, Ask Fern, forum and jobs – no ads. What's in Pro Join Classfern Pro

Learn how – Glossary: watch the 1-minute video · print (PDF)

Public school (UK) England
In England, a traditional name for some of the oldest and best-known fee-paying independent schools (for example Eton or Harrow). This is the opposite of the US meaning, where a public school is a state school.
School district United States
A local government unit that runs the public schools in an area, usually governed by an elected school board and led by a superintendent.
Charter school United States
A publicly funded, tuition-free school that operates independently of the local district under a charter granted by an authorizer, with more freedom in exchange for accountability. Similar in idea to an English academy or free school.

More terms: Types of school

Montessori school · Parochial school · Private school · Vocational school · Waldorf school

More terms starting with P · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.