Definition of Terms

It is important to use terms that accurately convey relevant distinctions among the three types of schools discussed in this study. All three school types serve the public, but only two types commonly have been called "public schools." This study uses terms that distinguish among the three types of schools based on how they are funded and how they are controlled. The three types include "private schools" and two types of tax-funded "government schools." The term "traditional government school" identifies a tax-funded public school with a politically elected school board; "charter school" identifies a tax-funded public school created under the state's public school academy law; and "private school" identifies a privately funded and operated school that is independent of the government-run system.