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

“Public dollars should only go to public schools,” he said last week.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fenton said last season was one of his most enjoyable coaching years directing a group of mostly neighborhood kids who went to their local public school.

From Los Angeles Times

Much of the Chicago public school system is in shambles.

From The Wall Street Journal

The judge’s injunction “does not provide relief for all the parents of California public school students, but only for those parents who object to the challenged policies or seek religious exemptions,” the justices added.

From Los Angeles Times

Some public schools have policies that honor students’ desire for privacy.

From The Wall Street Journal