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 the family earning $400,000 with two kids in private school and a mortgage, it might be the largest financial goal they have.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

If a selective, top private school can provide an opportunity for a student to become a “winner,” parents see it as worth attending.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

I support parents who choose private school or homeschooling for their kids.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

She joined the private school - whose ex-pupils include a string of Welsh internationals - in September 2023, but was suspended and later resigned.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

My parents asked me, a little anxiously, if I wanted to go to a private school for girls; they thought I’d feel left out if they didn’t make the effort for me too.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• parochial school
• preparatory school