Definition of the word public school

The term "public school" initially referred to private institutions in England that provided education to the children of the elite, specifically those who were not members of the Church of England. These schools, which date back to the 16th century, were funded by public subscription, hence the name "public schools." However, in the 19th century, the British government began to establish free, mandatory primary education for all children. These state-run schools came to be known as "public schools" as well, as they were funded by the public and open to all (regardless of their religious affiliation). In the United States, the term "public school" has a similar, but distinct, meaning. In the colonies, education was largely provided by religious institutions, with boys being taught reading, writing, and arithmetic alongside religious instruction. As the country grew and modernized in the 19th century, many states began to establish their own systems of public, secular education, funded by taxes. Overall, the origin and meaning of the term "public school" has evolved over time, from a designation for elite, private institutions to a broader term for government-funded education at all levels in many countries around the world.