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Public education in the United States is mainly the responsibility of the states and is run by local governments.The federal Department of Education was only created in 1979 and had a limited role.Although Congress promoted the Department of Education in 1980，its functions are still limited.The federal government does not have a national educational system and contributes relatively little funding towards education.Of all the money spent nationwide on education each year，only about 9％comes from the federal government.The rest comes from state and local governments，as well as private sources.

As a result，each of the 50 states in the nation has its own educational system and policies.Educational policy at the state level is generally made by a Board of Education，whose members are appointed by the state legislature or governor for fixed terms.The shape and size of the state educational agencies vary from state to state.For example，the state government of Hawaii has complete control over local schools and administers a single system of education，while the state of New Hampshire leaves education largely to local communities.Localities in most states are organized into school districts which organize and administer elementary and secondary education.

Despite the substantial autonomy enjoyed by state and local educational bodies，they must meet certain national standards and requirements.The country as a whole is concerned about the quality of public education，and on December 13，2001，the U.S.Congress passed the No Child Left Behind Act.The act stipulates that schools must conduct annual testing and assessment of student performance，and report to parents and the public on school academic performance and teaching quality.

Educational funds are drawn from several sources.For grade schools，about 50％come from local property taxes，40％ to 50％ from the states，and around 8％ from the federal government.For public（state⁃run）universities，over two⁃thirds of funds come from state and federal grants，and the rest is paid by students in the form of tuition and fees.Students from other states or foreign countries pay more at these public institutions，as they are operated by state governments primarily for the benefit of state residents.Private universities and colleges generally receive most of their funds from tuition fees，which is one reason why tuition for private institutions is much higher than at public universities.Another important source of funds for private universities or colleges is financial endowments consisting of contributions from private donors.