Public high schools in the United States are educational institutions that provide secondary education to students typically aged 14 to 18. Funded primarily by state and local taxes, these schools aim to offer a free education to all students. They follow a standardized curriculum that includes core subjects like math, science, English, and social studies, along with various elective courses. Most public high schools operate under a district system, where each district manages multiple schools. Students usually attend schools based on their residential area, and they may participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and clubs to enhance their educational experience.