A school is an educational establishment designed to offer learning spaces and learning environments specifically for the education of young people under the guidance of qualified teachers. Most developed countries have curricula based on Western educational standards. However, in these countries, children are allowed to attend school until they are at least thirteen years of age, or till they can be enrolled in secondary school. After this period, they are usually either enrolled in college or remain in kindergarten. In countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, however, children may complete their primary and secondary schooling at any age.
Each state has its own system of public schooling, organized according to the local government regulations. Private schools, also known as boarding schools, are institutions that provide education at par with local state schools, but for students who do not attend the regular schools. They may be established to provide special education, military training, and adult education. They are generally not funded by the state. However, they may receive financial aid from private organizations that are authorized to conduct free schools.
Free schools are maintained by a local councilor or mayor. They receive funds from the central government in grants or through a lottery conducted by the government. In Singapore, these schools are called National Schools and are supported by the Ministry of Education. Private schools may not be formally registered and maintained by the local councilor or mayor. But the annual consolidated school list included in the school directory maintains the complete details of all the different types of local state schools maintained throughout the country.