Education Glossary
Comprehensive definitions of school types, education terms, and academic concepts
104 terms and growing
P
Paraprofessional (Paraeducator)
A school employee who works under teacher supervision to provide instructional and support services to students.
Special EducationParochial School (Parish School)
A private school affiliated with a religious parish or church, typically Catholic, providing education with religious instruction.
School TypesPercentile Rank (Percentile)
A score indicating the percentage of test-takers who scored at or below a particular score, used to compare performance.
TestingPre-Kindergarten (Pre-K)
An early childhood education program for children typically aged 3-5, preparing them for kindergarten through play-based learning.
Grade LevelsPreparatory School (Prep School)
A private secondary school designed to prepare students for college or university admission, often with rigorous academics.
School TypesPrivate School
An independent school funded primarily through tuition, endowments, and donations rather than government funding.
School TypesProject-Based Learning (PBL)
An instructional approach where students learn by engaging in real-world projects that require critical thinking and collaboration.
CurriculumPSAT (Preliminary SAT)
A practice test for the SAT, also used as the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarship recognition.
TestingPTA (Parent-Teacher Association)
A national organization of local groups that bring parents and teachers together to support education.
School OperationsPublic School
A government-funded school that provides free education to all students within its designated attendance zone.
School TypesPupil Premium
Additional funding given to schools in England to help disadvantaged pupils achieve their full potential.
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