reform school
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of reform school
An Americanism dating back to 1855–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The actor stars alongside Tracey Ullman and Emily Watson in a film that follows the weary employees and difficult students of an English reform school.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2025
It comes as the Irish actor promotes his new film, Steve, which follows his titular character's attempt to turn around a 1990s reform school for troubled boys.
From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2025
Set in the 1960s, “Nickel Boys” is based on the real-life events of Dozier School, a Florida reform school called Nickel Academy in the book.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 25, 2024
Keep in mind I had worked in a reform school for girls!
From Slate ● Apr. 4, 2024
Facing serious criminal charges, and with her court hearing only two weeks away, Claudette feared she might be sent to a reform school as a juvenile delinquent.
From "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
