private school

American  

noun

private schools plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• private schools
  plural

Etymology

Origin of private school

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

The New Yorker spent three years at Keuka College, a private school upstate, before changing plans.

From Barron's • Jul. 2, 2026

But a more traditional option has been chosen, with the announcement that George will go to Eton College, the historic private school founded in the 15th Century, where 20 British prime ministers have studied.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

Elizabette Guecamburu, a bookkeeper who has a rare neuromuscular disorder, spoke at Monday’s rally and implored the governor to remember the teachings of their shared alma mater Santa Clara University, a Jesuit-led private school.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

They listed issues like renovations to his home, which is on the state’s Register of Historic Places, storage of spirits on campus and running a private school there without state approval, the documents show.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

I wonder if Safer and Candy go to private school.

From "Liar & Spy" by Rebecca Stead

Related Words

• parochial school
• preparatory school