preparatory school

noun

1. a private or parochial secondary school, especially one boarding its students and providing a college-preparatory education.
2. British. a private elementary school, especially one preparing its students for public school.

preparatory school

noun

1. (in Britain) a private school, usually single-sex and for children between the ages of 6 and 13, generally preparing pupils for public school
2. (in the US) a private secondary school preparing pupils for college

Word History and Origins

Origin of preparatory school¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

The president and vice president will unveil the effort, Black Voters for Biden-Harris, during a rally at Girard College, a predominantly Black college preparatory school in Philadelphia.

From New York Times

He also became involved with an organization that helped underprivileged youths gain admission at private preparatory schools — training grounds that often provide entry to the world into which Mr. Brody had stumbled.

From Washington Post

His sole coaching experience had come as head coach of Hebron Christian Academy, a college preparatory school in Georgia, from 2017-2020.

From Seattle Times

Cheverus High School, a Jesuit college preparatory school in Portland, was the only religious school to apply for participation in the state’s tuition reimbursement plan and its application was approved by the state.

From Seattle Times

When he boarded the car at the Metro Center station, it was packed with dozens of students, some wearing shirts and backpacks from Landon — a college preparatory school in Bethesda.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• prep school
• private school