[atonse]

Not sure where you went to school but I went to a public school in DC.

Both my immigrant parents worked crazy hours so I spent my evenings playing with friends and in various clubs.

Computer Club, Orchestra (early morning practice), various sports like tennis and soccer.

None of it cost my parents a penny, it was all free. Even school uniforms were free. I know generally in public schools, things are almost always free. If they aren’t, there are pathways to pay for it.

[Izkata]

Same here. You were expected to find your own way home afterwards since the buses were long gone (parents drive you, upperclassmen gives you a ride, bike, walk, etc, so I guess cost of gas could factor in here), but in general none of the clubs cost anything to join.

[MisterBastahrd]

No, not remotely. Your experience is hilariously atypical of public school experiences.