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

"Everything here is earned. At private schools the facilities are provided, but here there are no silver spoons, we have to put the work in."

From BBC

Up until sixth grade, he went to a private school a half hour away, in Philadelphia.

From Literature

“It’s where I am in my spiritual life,” the 63-year-old Fenton said, referring to joining a private school that will allow him to pass along his belief in God.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of those luxuries then become fixed expenses that are hard to unwind — a bigger house, a more expensive car, private school.

From MarketWatch

He also graduated from Stanford and now is president of the private school in Salinas, Calif., that he and his son attended.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• parochial school
• preparatory school