private school

American  

noun

1. a school founded, conducted, and maintained by a private group rather than by the government, usually charging tuition and often following a particular philosophy, viewpoint, etc.

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private school British  

noun

1. a school under the financial and managerial control of a private body or charitable trust, accepting mostly fee-paying pupils

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Etymology

Origin of private school

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Elizabette Guecamburu, a bookkeeper who has a rare neuromuscular disorder, spoke at Monday’s rally and implored the governor to remember the teachings of their shared alma mater Santa Clara University, a Jesuit-led private school.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

For the family earning $400,000 with two kids in private school and a mortgage, it might be the largest financial goal they have.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

The highly self-confident Navarro has always spoken her mind, encouraged by her father and the Sacred Heart nuns who operated her private school in Miami where she still resides.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

All six books in her Boys of Tommen series - which follow a group of teenagers navigating love, friendship and trauma at a private school - feature on the list.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

I’d missed Marissa and Becca after we moved away from Shady Arbor Way and I’d transferred to the private school across the street from the gym.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

Related Words

• parochial school
• preparatory school