As in the UK, there are both state-funded (public) schools and privately-funded (private) schools.
Public schools (state-funded) provide free education for students who live in the local area and are funded by local taxes and funding from the state and federal governments. About 85-90% of students in the US attend public schools.
Most commonly, students in the public school system will attend the local school assigned to them by their school district. However, some districts provide magnet (specialised), charter and international schools, to which students may apply. Due to this system, families often take into account the assigned schools for particular neighbourhoods when choosing a new area in which to live.
Although public schools are open to students at all educational levels, students may be grouped in class sections (Advanced Placement, honours, vocational classes, etc.) based upon achievement and post-graduation goals (for example, earning a bachelor's degree, attending a community college, or entering the work force).
Private schools charge a fee for attendance and may have a smaller student population than public schools. They are often governed by a private board and subsequently are often not subject to regulations on curriculum or teaching qualifications set by the state. About 10% of students in the US attend private schools.