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

Another graphic video filmed on the same day showed paramedic Nevin al-Dawasah trying to help dead and wounded men, women and children at a tented camp next to Jabalia Preparatory School for Boys.

From BBC

Amid trustees' admission of "financial challenges", St Joseph’s Preparatory School in Stoke-on-Trent announced this week it would shut for good on 31 December, leaving staff in need of a new job and pupils in need of a new provider.

From BBC

St Joseph’s Preparatory School in Stoke-on-Trent made the announcement on its website, citing “changes coming regarding independent school funding”.

From BBC

Korinna Domingo, director of the Cougar Conservancy, told the three dozen or so attendees at Discovery Charter Preparatory School that cougars don’t typically attack humans — but do prey on domestic pets, rodents and coyotes.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• prep school
• private school