Independent school

An independent school is a school which is not dependent upon national or local government for financing its operation and is instead operated by tuition charges, gifts, and perhaps the investment yield of an endowment.

Related Topics:
Government - Endowment

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Though the terms independent school and private school are often used interchangably in the U.S. and Canada, the latter term has elitist connotations for many and the term independent school has been popularized since the 1970s. Independent schools may have a religious affiliation, but the more precise usage of the term excludes parochial schools and other schools that are operated under the authority of a church or religious association.

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In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the more prestigious independent schools are known as public schools. Membership of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference is often considered as what defines a school as a public school. The next level down are independent grammar schools.

Related Topics:
England - Wales - Northern Ireland - Public schools - Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference - Grammar school

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In Scotland, all schools not dependent on state funding are known as private schools or independent schools.

Related Topics:
Scotland - State

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