In common British usage, a school open to the public that charges fees and is financed by bodies other than the state, commonly as a private charitable trust; here the word "public" is used much as in "public telephone". See Public school (UK).
In the United States, a school which does not charge tuition fees but is financed and controlled by the government, in contrast to a private school[?] (also known as an independent school); here the word "public" is used used much as in "public library", i.e. to mean "provided to the public at public expense". There is a small but increasing movement to leave public schools in favor of home schooling, which is learning at home.
... defeats Alton B. Parker in the U.S. presidential election
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Joseph F. Smith issues a "Second Manifesto" ...