preparatory school

American  

noun

1. a private or parochial secondary school, especially one boarding its students and providing a college-preparatory education.

2. British. a private elementary school, especially one preparing its students for public school.

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preparatory school British  

noun

1. (in Britain) a private school, usually single-sex and for children between the ages of 6 and 13, generally preparing pupils for public school

2. (in the US) a private secondary school preparing pupils for college

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Etymology

Origin of preparatory school

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

In June, the independent preparatory school, which has educated children for almost 130 years, announced it would sell the tables, which generations of children had eaten at, ahead of its closure on 31 December.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2025

When he boarded the car at the Metro Center station, it was packed with dozens of students, some wearing shirts and backpacks from Landon — a college preparatory school in Bethesda.

From Washington Post • Sep. 6, 2022

Precocious, he started early, playing a small part in a play directed by his father, who taught at a preparatory school in northwest Massachusetts.

From New York Times • Feb. 17, 2022

Through the Academy of Kings in Orlando, a preparatory school founded by his brother Marquel to help develop male leaders, Neasman has dedicated himself to inspiring youngsters.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 31, 2021

Brinker looked the standard preparatory school article in his gray gabardine suit with square, hand-sewn-looking jacket pockets, a conservative necktie, and dark brown cordovan shoes.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles

Related Words

• prep school
• private school