An independent school is a type of private school that is not administered or funded by the government, unlike public schools. Independent schools are overseen by a board of governors or trustees, and they are financially independent. They are accountable to their communities and are accredited by state-approved accrediting bodies. Independent schools are close-knit communities that provide students with individualized attention and challenge them to stretch their minds and go beyond academics to develop responsible, independent, and community-oriented students. They come in all shapes and sizes, including elementary and secondary schools, day and boarding schools, single-sex and coeducational schools, and religiously affiliated and non-religiously affiliated schools. The term "independent" is used to describe other types of school districts in some US states, but this is less common.