<P> Many graduate students do not start professional schools immediately after finishing undergraduate studies, but work for a time while saving up money or deciding on a career direction . </P> <P> The National Center for Education Statistics found that in 1999--2000, 73% of people attending institutions of higher education were non-traditional students . </P> <P> Schooling is compulsory for all children in the United States, but the age range for which school attendance is required varies from state to state . Some states allow students to leave school between 14--17 with parental permission, before finishing high school; other states require students to stay in school until age 18 . Public (free) education is typically from kindergarten to grade 12 (frequently abbreviated K--12). </P> <P> Most parents send their children to either a public or private institution . According to government data, one - tenth of students are enrolled in private schools . Approximately 85% of students enter the public schools, largely because they are tax - subsidized (tax burdens by school districts vary from area to area). School districts are usually separate from other local jurisdictions, with independent officials and budgets . </P>

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