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

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 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

CUPERTINO, Calif.—Tears filled the eyes of teachers and students in the combined fourth- and fifth-grade classroom at Tessellations, an exclusive Silicon Valley private school for gifted children.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

She joined the private school - whose ex-pupils include a string of Welsh internationals - in September 2023, but was suspended and later resigned.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

“Not everyone who goes to private school is rich. Especially not the poor kids who can play basketball.”

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

Related Words

• parochial school
• preparatory school