School

A school is an educational institution. Schools can be either publicly- or privately-owned, funded by public or private sources or a combination of both, and may have a secular or a religious mandate.

Types of schools

Terms used to describe schools vary from place to place. Some of the following descriptions overlap with each other.

State school

A state school is one that is owned and funded by the state.

In the United States, government-controlled schools are supported by taxpayers, often in the form of a school tax on property. Prior to the 20th century, school attendance was only part-time, consuming only about half or less of the year.

In some states of Australia, although the curriculum is secular, religious education by volunteers associated with the Council for Christian Education is permitted. This takes place in class time, but parents can choose that their children not attend this class.

Private school

A private school is one that is owned by some body other than the state. Private schools are generally funded by fees levied on the parents of the students, which usually means that the parents are paying twice, once in direct fees, and once in taxes for state schools.

In Australia, the Federal government provides some funding to private schools, although the parents of the students provide most of the income of the school.

Some private schools aspire to very high standards, some specialize in certain modes and topics of instruction (such as a military school), and yet others provide a place for children who need curricula not available in the state systems.

In Nordic countries there are virtually no schools other than government schools.^{[Citation Needed]}

Public school

In America, a public school is a state school. In some Commonwealth countries, a public school is a church-run (i.e. run by a church denomination) school that is open to the general public.

In America, the curriculum in public schools is dictated by state governments. Public schools do not provide religious instruction to schoolchildren, nor do they allow teacher-led prayer.

Faith school

A faith school in the United Kingdom is partially controlled by religious groups and have a predominance of pupils from that religious group. The government funds or partially funds faith schools.

Parent-controlled schools

Parent-controlled schools (in Australia) are private schools usually owned by churches, but with control being in the hands of a parent-appointed board.

Church schools

Church schools (in Australia) are the older denominationally-owned and run public schools which generally provide a secular education.

Christian schools, Muslim schools, etc.

What are known as Faith schools in the United Kingdom are known as Christian schools, Catholic schools, or similar in Australia.

Alternatives

Homeschooling is the primary alternative for most parents to government school^{[Citation Needed]}. Increasing numbers of parents choose homeschooling due to a declining quality and culture in traditional schools and their hostility to religion and morality.

See also

• Homeschooling