Final answer:
A public school with significant freedom to establish its own curriculum is known as a charter school. These schools are part of the public education system but have more autonomy and flexibility while being held accountable for achieving specific outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Samantha attends a public school that has a great deal of freedom to set its own curriculum. This type of school is referred to as a charter school in the given text. Charter schools are self-governing public schools with agreements with state governments and are a part of the public education system. They are free to attend, and if they have more students seeking enrollment than spots available, they utilize a lottery system. Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools can receive public money but have more flexibility and autonomy regarding their rules and curriculum. They commit to achieving specific educational outcomes in exchange for their operational freedom. These schools often specialize in areas such as the arts or sciences and operate under the principle of school choice, allowing families and students to select an educational path that is more suited to their individual needs.