Adult Education Schools
Provide instruction in basic subjects such as reading, math, English, and writing. Attendees include students seeking a GED or making up credits to satisfy high school graduation requirements. May also offer no-charge or nominal fee classes to members of the community.

Alternative Schools
Exclusively devoted to the instruction of at-risk students

Armed Services Dependent Schools
Government supported schools located abroad where American troops are stationed. They have APO or FPO addresses and require only domestic postage.

Boarding Schools
Private schools that charge tuition and provide students with room and board.

Charter Schools
Operated independently of local school boards. Typically provide greater freedom in curriculum and instruction methods. Schools are granted a 3- to 5-year renewable charter and are required to meet goals set by the local or state boards. Charter schools can vary significantly from state to state.

County Operated Schools
Schools that have budgets and daily operations managed by the county.

Magnet Schools
Public schools that may offer a specialized curriculum on a particular area of study such as science, engineering, fine arts, etc. Some magnet schools have highly competitive entrance standards.

Military Schools
Public or private schools that teach students in a military-style education focusing on discipline and tradition. Military schools are not necessarily run by the armed forces.

Montessori Schools
Schools that encourage individual students to learn at their own pace. Montessori schools promote hands-on learning and create environments that help students become life-long learners.

NAIS
Schools that are members of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Native American Schools
Schools located on an Indian Reservation that provide traditional educational curriculum.

Special Education Schools
Schools that provide individualized study for children with special needs or learning disabilities. Students typically have learning needs that cannot be met by traditional school curriculums and could include mental, physical or emotional challenges/disabilities.

State Operated Schools
Schools operated by the state. State operated schools can include special education, charter, or alternative schools.

Territorial Schools
Schools that are located in a region where the U.S. federal government has jurisdiction.

Vocational Technical Schools
Schools with a primary focus on special vocational or trade classes such as mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, and construction. May also provide traditional classes.