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Synonyms

parochial school

American  

noun

  1. a primary or secondary private school supervised by a religious organization, especially a Roman Catholic day school affiliated with a parish or a holy order.


Etymology

Origin of parochial school

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Negro has twice been named national coach of the year by Max Preps, leading the Bellflower parochial school to a record of 177-30 in 16 seasons, winning four CIF State championships and two national titles.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

He grew up in New Orleans, where he attended parochial school.

From New York Times • Jan. 27, 2024

Salmond found herself testifying before Missouri lawmakers, taking a graduate class so she could tutor her daughter and eventually moving her from a suburban Kansas City district to a parochial school.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2023

I was born into the Catholic faith, but was not enrolled in parochial school.

From Salon • Dec. 29, 2022

Every Orthodox Jew sent his male children to a yeshiva, a Jewish parochial school, where they studied from eight or nine in the morning to four or five in the evening.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok