diff --git a/src/alpine_bits_python/run_migrations.py b/src/alpine_bits_python/run_migrations.py
index 89cbb03..be941c8 100644
--- a/src/alpine_bits_python/run_migrations.py
+++ b/src/alpine_bits_python/run_migrations.py
@@ -93,7 +93,9 @@ async def create_all_tables() -> None:
         async with engine.begin() as conn:
             # Set search path if schema is configured
             if schema:
-                await conn.execute(text(f"CREATE SCHEMA IF NOT EXISTS {schema}"))
+                # Only create schema if it's not 'public' (public always exists)
+                if schema != "public":
+                    await conn.execute(text(f"CREATE SCHEMA IF NOT EXISTS {schema}"))
                 await conn.execute(text(f"SET search_path TO {schema}"))
 
             # Create all tables