"国公立高校" refers to public high schools in Japan that are either operated by the national government or local prefectures. These schools provide education to students typically from ages 15 to 18 and are known for their rigorous academic standards. Admission is usually based on entrance examinations, and they aim to prepare students for higher education or vocational training. These schools play a crucial role in the Japanese education system, offering a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities. Many students aspire to attend 国公立高校 due to their reputation for quality education and the opportunities they provide for further studies at 大学 (universities) or 専門学校 (vocational schools).