College-preparatory school

The term refers to public, private independent or parochial schools primarily designed to prepare students for higher education.

In the 21st century, some trial cases connecting public junior and senior high schools are seen in each region, too, broadening the education for college entrance.

[citation needed] In the United States, there are public, private, and charter college-preparatory schools that can be either parochial or secular.

Admission is sometimes based on specific selection criteria, usually academic, but some schools have open enrollment.

Some offer specialized courses or curricula that prepare students for a specific field of study.

In contrast, others use the label as a promotional tool without offering programs different from a conventional high school.

Since then, the surviving "prep schools" in the US are primarily private, elite institutions that have very selective admission criteria and high tuition fees, catering to students in the 13–18 age range.