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

He will follow in the footsteps of his father, the Prince of Wales, who also attended the private school in Berkshire, where fees are around £63,000 per year.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 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

His school is a private school for brainy boys, though not an expensive one: you get in by passing tough exams.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• parochial school
• preparatory school