Public schools are funded in part by local property taxes, although some charge tuition. School policies and procedures are determined by school boards or councils at the local level, but federal and state mandates and standards shape much of the required instruction, policies and procedures. At the elementary level (grades K-5), neighborhood schools are planned to be within walking or easy driving distance of most families. Higher grades may be consolidated into larger schools, and at the high school level, magnet schools may draw students from a large area, selecting students based on academic achievement or lottery. Teachers at public schools must be certified by the state.
Private schools may be religious or secular, free-standing or part of an association, and can vary in their standards, procedures and structure. Most private schools charge tuition, but many offer scholarships for needy or especially talented students. Some private schools base their standards and structure on a particular educational philosophy or serve students with special needs. Some private schools have highly competitive admissions processes and may require an exam or audition for entry. Religious public schools often include religious courses and may require worship as a part of study. Requirements for teachers may vary -- not all teachers must be certified by the state to teach in a private school.
Charter schools share some elements with public and private schools. Charter schools receive funding by state governments but are run by non-government entities such as businesses and civic organizations. They are often smaller than neighboring public schools. Charter schools are not required to follow all of the regulations required of public schools, enabling them to try new educational strategies. The flexibility and intimacy of charter schools make them desirable to many parents, and the admissions process can be highly competitive. The requirements for teachers and curricula for charter schools varies by state, and the curricula for charter schools can vary from school to school.
Home schooling involves either a parent or a tutor schooling children in a home setting. Requirements for home schooling vary by state and may include testing of children and presenting portfolios of work completed by the children. Parents who home school their children follow specific curricula to ensure that their program meets state standards. Some parents prepare their own materials or guide students through virtual or online instruction. Some parents choose to home school children who cannot attend school regularly for medical reasons, and some school their children at home for religious reasons. Groups of parents who home school often assist one another with acquiring teaching resources.