private school

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.

private school

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of private school¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The UK government has been accused of discrimination since it introduced VAT on private school fees at the start of this year.

From BBC

Data from the trust indicated the UK's most powerful and influential people are five times as likely to have attended private school than the general population.

From BBC

Additional support included financial assistance to more than 7,000 traders in affected markets, as well as to places of worship and private schools.

From BBC

There are currently "no plans" for the site of a private school that closed last month due to financial difficulties.

From BBC

On top of that, Brown also allegedly used stolen money to pay $70,000 for surrogacy, private school tuition for his child and other services.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• parochial school 
• preparatory school