Historically, especially in England, a grammar school was a selective secondary school offering a classical education focused on Latin grammar and other humanities. Admission was typically based on academic ability, often demonstrated through an entrance exam (the "11-plus" in England). These schools were prestigious and aimed to prepare students for university.
In other countries, the term "grammar school" may have been used—and sometimes still is—with different meanings:
* United States: In the US, "grammar school" traditionally refers to elementary school, covering grades K-6 or K-8, focusing on the fundamentals of reading, writing, and arithmetic. This usage is largely outdated, with "elementary school" being far more common now.
* Other countries: The term may have had similar varied interpretations in other parts of the world, sometimes denoting a specific type of secondary school, sometimes a primary school, or even something else entirely, depending on the historical and cultural context.
So, understanding the meaning of "grammar school" requires knowing the specific time period and location being discussed. The traditional, and still sometimes used, English meaning is very different from the now-outdated American meaning.