Public school means something very different depending on where you live. In the United States, a public school is a free school funded by taxes and open to all children in the community. These schools follow state education standards and are run by local school boards elected by citizens. Most American children attend public schools, which range from small rural schools to large urban campuses with thousands of students.

In Britain, however, public school usually means almost the opposite: an exclusive, expensive private school, often with boarding facilities where students live during the school year. Famous British public schools like Eton and Harrow have educated prime ministers and royalty for centuries.

This confusing difference trips up many readers. In American English, “public school” usually means your local neighborhood school. In British English, it usually means a prestigious boarding school with uniforms and traditions. The same words, completely different meanings, all because of history and geography.