Public high schools are secondary schools funded and operated by government entities, such as local, state, or national governments. They are tuition-free for students residing in the designated school district. These schools must adhere to government educational standards and policies.

Private high schools are secondary schools funded through tuition paid by students' families, donations, and other private sources rather than government funding. They often have more flexibility in their curricula and teaching methods and may be affiliated with religious organizations or other specific educational philosophies.

Charter high schools are independently operated public schools that have more flexibility than traditional public schools in terms of curricula and operations. They are established by a charter, which is a performance contract detailing the school's mission, program, students served, performance goals, and methods of assessment. They are funded by public money but are often governed by non-profit organizations, universities, or other entities.

Boarding high schools are secondary schools where students live on campus during the school year. These schools provide education as well as room and board. They can be either private or public (although most are private) and often offer a more immersive educational environment.

Multilingual high schools are secondary schools that offer education in multiple languages. They are designed to support students in becoming proficient in more than one language. These schools may serve a diverse student body and emphasize bilingual or multilingual education to prepare students for global citizenship and multicultural understanding.