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

For-profit sports academies, some focusing on a single sport, are popping up from Virginia to San Diego, while private schools, home-school programs and even a public school district are adding—and aggressively marketing—holdback years.

From The Wall Street Journal

A former private school teacher has been struck off after it was found he lied about having a degree from the University of Cambridge and serving as a magistrate.

From BBC

Gu grew up with a foot firmly in both worlds, spending her summers in Beijing and the rest of her term at a private school in San Francisco.

From BBC

California students in some places can attend charter schools if they clear the waiting list, but they have no private school choice.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many private schools have gone further, pressuring parents to forbid the apps at all until a certain age and to tightly control use thereafter.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• parochial school
• preparatory school