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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of private school

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

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

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

The Yass Prize, founded by Susquehanna co-founder Jeff Yass and his wife Janine, announced Wednesday that it will fund scholarships for 500 Philadelphia children to attend private school.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

The highly self-confident Navarro has always spoken her mind, encouraged by her father and the Sacred Heart nuns who operated her private school in Miami where she still resides.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

And she went to private school and had so many things and people in her life.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

• parochial school
• preparatory school