private school

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.

private school

noun

1. a school under the financial and managerial control of a private body or charitable trust, accepting mostly fee-paying pupils

Word History and Origins

Origin of private school¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

This is the dilemma for private schools that have had success in the past but are unlikely to return to the highest level because changes have taken place.

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A private school was "not in any way causative" in the death of a girl who had anxiety but its use of a safeguarding system was a cause for concern, a coroner said.

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London had become increasingly unaffordable, he said, with two children headed to private school and the cost of household help such as nannies on the rise.

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The workers had counted on the good salaries to buy homes and send their children to private school.

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Minivans drove the children to exclusive private schools and back.

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Related Words

• parochial school 
• preparatory school