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Public Schools

Definition

Public schools are educational institutions funded by taxpayer money and controlled by the government. They provide free education to all children in a particular area, regardless of their family's income or social status.

Analogy

Think of public schools like a community park. Everyone has access to it, it's maintained with tax dollars, and it serves as a common ground for people from different backgrounds to learn and grow together.

Related terms

Charter Schools: These are publicly funded but independently run schools that have more flexibility in their operations compared to traditional public schools. They're like an experimental lab within the larger school system.

School Districts: These are geographical units within a state that serve as administrative divisions for public schools. It's similar to how cities are divided into neighborhoods.

Compulsory Education Laws: These laws require children in certain age groups to go to school. It's like having a law that requires everyone to wear seat belts while driving for safety reasons.