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

They thought one grandson would thrive in private school, so they covered the cost.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 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 last time my father saw her, she was on a wagon headed for Massachusetts to a private school up there. A Quaker school.”

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• parochial school
• preparatory school