Which of the following categories best describes the role of public schools in the United States education system?

Public schools are the main, government‑funded institutions that provide compulsory education to all children, ensuring that everyone has access to a standardized curriculum and basic skills. They deliver K‑12 instruction, meet state standards, and offer a wide range of programs to support diverse learners. Because they are funded by local, state, and federal money, they are expected to serve every student regardless of background. For example, a student in a rural town receives the same core math and reading instruction as a student in a large city, both through their local public school. This role makes public schools the backbone of the U.