Where does the money for public schools come from?

　  　Education is compulsory and free for every child in America. Most children start school by the age of six. They attend eight years of elementary school and four years of high school. The money for free public schools comes from taxes, and every state is responsible for its own educational system. State legislatures set the educational requirement but leave the management of the schools in the hands of the local communities. Most states require their children to go to school until a certain age. This age varies from 16 to 18 years, according to the laws of the indivdual states. The Federal government contribute funds to the states for additional schools and school services.
     After graduation from high school, a student can start his higher education in a two-year college or university. The cost of a college education is expensive in private universities, but it is much cheaper in those supported by states and cities. Many students receive scholarships from the schools, the government or private foundations. More than 50 percent of college students work to help pay their college expenses.