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

But when Paul Andrew Perez, the head of drama at an American college preparatory school, died suddenly, the last thing his students wanted to do was put on a show.

From BBC

He also became involved with an organization that helped underprivileged youths gain admission at private preparatory schools — training grounds that often provide entry to the world into which Mr. Brody had stumbled.

From Washington Post

His sole coaching experience had come as head coach of Hebron Christian Academy, a college preparatory school in Georgia, from 2017-2020.

From Seattle Times

Cheverus High School, a Jesuit college preparatory school in Portland, was the only religious school to apply for participation in the state’s tuition reimbursement plan and its application was approved by the state.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• prep school
• private school