correspondence school: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, educational, historical
Quick answer
What does “correspondence school” mean?
an educational institution that provides courses of study conducted by mail or online, allowing students to learn remotely without attending classes in person.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
an educational institution that provides courses of study conducted by mail or online, allowing students to learn remotely without attending classes in person.
Any institution or program offering distance education where communication between instructors and students occurs via written materials, digital platforms, or postal mail, often leading to formal qualifications. The term can also historically refer to the postal-based systems predating modern online learning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. In the UK, 'correspondence college' is a common variant. In the US, the term is firmly established in legal and administrative contexts for accrediting certain distance education programs.
Connotations
In both regions, it can sometimes carry a slightly dated or less prestigious connotation compared to 'online university' or 'distance learning programme', though many reputable institutions use the term officially.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English, particularly in regulatory and historical educational contexts. In contemporary UK educational discourse, 'distance learning' is more prevalent.
Grammar
How to Use “correspondence school” in a Sentence
[Student] enrolled in a correspondence school.[Institution] is a correspondence school offering [subject] courses.She received her qualification from a correspondence school.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “correspondence school” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He corresponded with his tutors weekly.
American English
- She corresponded with the school's office to submit her assignments.
adverb
British English
- He studied entirely correspondence-wise for three years.
American English
- She completed the programme correspondence-only.
adjective
British English
- She pursued a correspondence-based course in accountancy.
American English
- He enrolled in a correspondence-style program for legal assistants.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in HR or professional development contexts: 'The company sponsors employees taking courses through an accredited correspondence school.'
Academic
Used in educational history, sociology of education, or comparative pedagogy: 'The study analysed the efficacy of mid-20th century correspondence schools.'
Everyday
Less common in casual conversation. Might be used by older generations or when referring to specific, well-known institutions: 'My grandfather got his engineering diploma from a correspondence school.'
Technical
Used in educational law, accreditation documents, and institutional classifications: 'The state defines a correspondence school as an institution where instruction is primarily via post.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “correspondence school”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “correspondence school”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “correspondence school”
- Using 'correspondent school' (incorrect).
- Using it as a synonym for any online tutorial or informal learning website (it typically implies a formal institution).
- Misspelling as 'correspondance school'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While all modern correspondence schools use online methods, the term 'correspondence school' historically emphasised postal mail and often remains in official names. 'Online school' is a broader, more contemporary term.
Yes, many are, but it depends entirely on the specific school's accreditation status. It is essential to verify accreditation with relevant educational authorities before enrolling.
Yes, many universities offer distance learning degrees that were historically called correspondence courses. Some dedicated institutions also offer degree-level programmes.
It derives from the exchange (correspondence) of letters and assignments between the student and the instructor or institution via postal mail.
an educational institution that provides courses of study conducted by mail or online, allowing students to learn remotely without attending classes in person.
Correspondence school is usually formal, educational, historical in register.
Correspondence school: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒr.ɪˈspɒn.dəns ˌskuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.əˈspɑːn.dəns ˌskuːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “school of hard knocks (idiom, not a direct antonym but contrasts with formal remote education)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CORRESPONDENCE (writing letters back and forth) + SCHOOL (place of learning). It's a school where you 'correspond' with your teachers instead of meeting them.
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATION IS A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL. Knowledge is transferred via the medium of correspondence (letters/digital messages).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a traditional correspondence school?