public school

American  

noun

1. (in the U.S.) a school that is maintained at public expense for the education of the children of a community or district and that constitutes a part of a system of free public education commonly including primary and secondary schools.

2. (in England) any of a number of endowed secondary boarding schools that prepare students chiefly for the universities or for public service.

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public school British  

noun

1. (in England and Wales) a private independent fee-paying secondary school

2. (in the US) any school that is part of a free local educational system

3. in certin Canadian provinces, a public elementray school as distinguished from a separate school

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Other Word Forms

• public-school adjective

Etymology

Origin of public school

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

But Robicheau can't help feeling anxious about her future and whether she will be able to continue working in a public school while being visibly Muslim in Quebec.

From BBC

Arts, a nonprofit funded initially by musician Herb Alpert to help fill the gap in arts education for thousands of public school students.

From Los Angeles Times

It shows how children are prevented from enrolling in better public schools—in some cases, schools closer to their homes—solely because of attendance zones.

From The Wall Street Journal

The law has opened the floodgates for thousands of lawsuits against the Catholic Church, local governments and public school districts.

From Los Angeles Times

Unlike K-12 public school districts, these child care providers typically do not receive any government funding.

From Salon