The phrase "traditional public" refers to something that has been done or followed for a long time, usually associated with the general public. Full definition
«I find myself many times defending my stance on charter schools versus traditional public schools,» she says. (educationnext.org)
The researchers used a rigorous research design that compares learning gains for students enrolled in charter schools to those of similar students in traditional public schools in their districts. (utahcharters.org)
That said, this holds true of traditional public schools as well, many of which can be allowed to fail for years on end. (educationnext.org)