What is a public school?

A public school is a school that is funded by the government (local, state, and/or federal) and is free to attend for eligible students. This contrasts with private schools, which are funded by tuition fees and other private sources. Public schools are generally open to all children within a specific geographic area, regardless of their socioeconomic background or other factors (though certain exceptions may exist, such as specialized magnet schools). They are subject to government regulations and oversight, and generally adhere to a standardized curriculum set by the governing educational body.