College-preparatory school

For the high school in Oakland, California, see The College Preparatory School. For the private school in Montreal, Quebec, see College Prep International.
Not to be confused with Preparatory school (United Kingdom) or Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles.

Phillips Academy, Andover, one of the most prestigious private academies in the United States

A college-preparatory school (usually shortened to preparatory school or prep school) is a type of secondary school. The term refers to public, private independent or parochial schools primarily designed to prepare students for higher education.