public-school

plural public-schools

1. attributiveAttributive form of public school.

   public-school student

2. alternativeAlternative form of public school.

   The state must provide for its own safety and perpetuation, therefore, by providing for the education of its youth. Upon this idea our system of public-schools is based.

   1880, Daniel Curry, “The American Nation—Its Origin, Character, and Hopes”, in Platform Papers: Addresses, Discussions, and Essays on Social, Moral, and Religious Subjects, Cincinnati, Ohio: Hitchcock and Walden; New York, N.Y.: Phillips & Hunt, page 134

   2 more examples

   This institution has been a great blessing to this State since it opened its doors to our needy and neglected people. There is as great a demand for it now as ever, for our people are yet poor, and its teachers are first-class, and here we receive instruction in the higher branches, which are not taught in the public-schools of the State.

   1880, D. S. Brandon, “Rust Normal Institute”, in Twelfth Annual Report of the Freedmen’s Aid Society, of the Methodist Episcopal Church for 1879, Cincinnati, Ohio: Western Methodist Book Concern Print, page 48

   In no way can a nation do more to advance the dignity and success of the public-schools of the people than by making excellence, in the good character they develop, and the studies they teach, the tests for the honor and profit of holdings its offices and enjoying its salaries.

   1885 July, “Two Years of Civil Service Reform”, in [C.] Allen Thorndike Rice, editor, The North American Review, volume CXLI, number CCCXLIV, New York, N.Y., […], page 22