School Vocabulary in English

120+ useful words, classroom phrases, and real sentences you can steal for everyday school life. Tap Hear to practice pronunciation.

Words and phrases

Example sentences

US and UK variants

If you know the words, school gets easier. If you know the phrases, you sound like you belong there. This list covers people, places, supplies, subjects, rules, and the polite little sentences that save you when your brain goes blank.

Tip: Say each term out loud, then read the example sentence. Your mouth needs practice too. Yes, your mouth is a student.

Yak SnarkVocabulary is the cheat code

Memorizing one fancy word is cute. Learning the phrase you actually need at 8:03 a.m. is powerful. Like: “Could you repeat that?” Use it. Often.

Quick Visual Cards

classroom place

The room where students learn with a teacher.

We meet in the classroom at 9 a.m.

teacher person

The person who teaches the class.

The teacher explains the homework clearly.

homework task

Work you do outside class.

I finish my homework before dinner.

exam assessment

A big test, often important.

We have a math exam on Friday.

library place

A quiet place to read, study, and borrow books.

I study in the library after school.

recess time

A break time, often for younger students.

During recess, we play outside.

group project work

An assignment you do with classmates.

Our group project is about climate change.

raise your hand class rule

A polite signal that you want to speak.

Please raise your hand before you answer.

Sentence Starters You Will Actually Use

Steal these phrases. Swap the blanks. Sound confident.

Could you repeat that, please?
I do not understand this part.
How do you spell ___?
What does ___ mean?
May I borrow a ___?
Can I go to the restroom?
What page are we on?
When is this due?
Can you help me with this question?

School Words and Phrases (120+)

Every row has a sentence. Read it out loud. Your future self will thank you.

Word or phrase	Meaning	Example sentence
school	A place where students learn.	Our school starts at 8 a.m.
classroom	The room where lessons happen.	The classroom is bright and clean.
hallway	A long corridor inside a school.	Please walk, do not run, in the hallway.
cafeteria	A place to eat lunch at school.	We eat in the cafeteria at noon.
library	A quiet place with books and study space.	The library is quiet during exams.
gym	A room for sports and exercise.	We have PE in the gym today.
playground	An outdoor area to play.	The kids run on the playground after lunch.
auditorium	A big room for shows and assemblies.	The assembly is in the auditorium.
science lab	A room for science experiments.	We wear goggles in the science lab.
computer lab	A room with computers for learning.	We practice typing in the computer lab.
art room	A room for drawing and painting.	The art room smells like paint.
music room	A room for music practice.	We rehearse in the music room.
office	The main admin area of a school.	Please go to the office to get a visitor pass.
nurse office	A place for basic health help at school.	I went to the nurse office because I felt sick.
restroom	A toilet and sink area.	May I go to the restroom, please?
locker	A small storage space for your things.	I keep my books in my locker.
locker room	A room to change clothes for sports.	We change in the locker room before PE.
field	An outdoor sports area.	The team practices on the field after class.
parking lot	A place where cars park.	Meet me at the parking lot after school.
student	A person who learns at school.	Every student needs an ID card.
classmate	Someone in your class.	My classmate shares notes with me.
teacher	The person who teaches.	The teacher checks our work.
principal	The head of a school.	The principal speaks at the assembly.
vice principal	The assistant head of a school.	The vice principal handles discipline issues.
counselor	A person who helps with study plans or problems.	I talked to the counselor about my schedule.
librarian	The person who manages the library.	The librarian helps me find a book.
coach	A sports trainer.	The coach runs practice after school.
tutor	A person who gives extra help in a subject.	I meet my tutor twice a week.
substitute teacher	A teacher who fills in for another teacher.	We have a substitute teacher today.
teaching assistant	A helper in the classroom.	The teaching assistant checks our worksheets.
janitor	A person who cleans and maintains the school.	The janitor fixes the broken door.
desk	A table for writing and studying.	My desk is near the window.
chair	Something you sit on.	Please push your chair in.
whiteboard	A board where teachers write with markers.	The homework is on the whiteboard.
marker	A pen for writing on a whiteboard.	The marker is out of ink.
eraser	A tool to remove writing from a board or paper.	Can you pass me the eraser?
projector	A machine that shows images on a screen.	The projector shows the slides clearly.
screen	A surface for projected images.	Look at the screen for the instructions.
notebook	A book of paper for notes.	I write new words in my notebook.
textbook	A book used for a school subject.	Bring your textbook to class tomorrow.
binder	A cover that holds papers together.	I organize my notes in a binder.
folder	A holder for papers.	Put the handout in your folder.
worksheet	A paper with questions or exercises.	We finish the worksheet in pairs.
handout	A paper the teacher gives to students.	The teacher gives a handout for review.
paper	Material for writing or printing.	I need one sheet of paper.
pen	A tool to write with ink.	I sign my name with a pen.
pencil	A tool to write that can be erased.	May I borrow a pencil?
highlighter	A bright pen for marking important parts.	I use a highlighter for key points.
ruler	A tool for measuring and drawing lines.	Use a ruler to draw a straight line.
calculator	A device for math calculations.	Bring a calculator for the test.
scissors	A tool for cutting paper.	Please use scissors carefully.
glue stick	A tube of glue for paper projects.	Use a glue stick to attach the picture.
backpack	A bag you carry on your back.	My backpack is heavy today.
lunchbox	A container for lunch.	I bring a lunchbox from home.
uniform	Special clothes worn at school.	We wear a uniform on weekdays.
ID card	An identity card for students or staff.	Please show your ID card at the gate.
timetable	A plan of classes and times.	Check your timetable for room numbers.
bell	A sound that signals class time changes.	The bell rings at the end of class.
lesson	A time when you learn a topic.	Today lesson is about fractions.
lecture	A talk that teaches information.	The lecture explains the main ideas.
period	A time block for one class.	English is my first period.
break	A short rest time.	We have a ten minute break.
recess	A break time, often outdoors.	We play soccer at recess.
lunch	The midday meal.	Lunch is from 12 to 1.
assembly	A school meeting for students.	There is an assembly on Monday morning.
field trip	A class visit to a place outside school.	Our field trip is to the museum.
club	An after school activity group.	I joined the debate club.
graduation	A ceremony when you finish school.	Graduation is in June.
report card	A paper showing grades and comments.	My report card has teacher comments.
parent teacher meeting	A meeting between families and teachers.	My parent teacher meeting is next week.
subject	An area of study.	Math is my favorite subject.
math	Numbers and problem solving.	We learn algebra in math.
science	Study of the natural world.	Science class includes experiments.
biology	Study of living things.	Biology covers plants and animals.
chemistry	Study of materials and reactions.	We mix safe chemicals in chemistry class.
physics	Study of motion, forces, and energy.	Physics explains how rockets move.
history	Study of the past.	We read about ancient civilizations in history.
geography	Study of places and Earth.	Geography teaches maps and climates.
English	Language class for reading and writing.	In English, we practice writing paragraphs.
literature	Study of stories and books.	We discuss themes in literature class.
grammar	Rules of how language works.	Grammar helps you write clearly.
writing	Creating text with words.	Writing class improves my essays.
art	Drawing, painting, and design.	We paint landscapes in art.
music	Learning instruments and rhythm.	Music class includes singing practice.
drama	Acting and performance.	Drama class prepares a short play.
PE	Physical education, sports and fitness.	PE helps us stay active.
computer science	Learning coding and computing ideas.	Computer science teaches basic programming.
economics	Study of money, markets, and choices.	Economics explains supply and demand.
civics	Study of government and citizenship.	Civics teaches how elections work.
homework	Work to do after class.	I start my homework right after school.
assignment	A task given by a teacher.	This assignment is due on Wednesday.
project	A bigger task that takes time.	My project includes a poster and a report.
group project	A project done with classmates.	Our group project needs teamwork.
presentation	Speaking to the class about a topic.	I give a presentation on Friday.
research	Finding information carefully.	We research the topic using reliable sources.
quiz	A short test.	There is a vocab quiz today.
test	An assessment of knowledge.	I study hard for the science test.
exam	A big important test.	The final exam covers everything.
midterm	An exam in the middle of a term.	The midterm is next week.
final	An exam at the end of a course.	My final is on Thursday morning.
rubric	A scoring guide for an assignment.	The rubric shows how points are given.
grade	A score or level you receive for work.	I want a higher grade on my essay.
score	The number of points you get.	My score improved this time.
feedback	Comments to help you improve.	The teacher gives helpful feedback.
revise	To improve by changing your work.	I revise my draft before I submit it.
edit	To fix mistakes and improve clarity.	Please edit your writing for spelling.
proofread	To check for small errors.	I proofread my essay twice.
take notes	Write key ideas while listening.	I take notes during the lecture.
highlight	Mark important information.	Highlight the main sentence in the paragraph.
underline	Draw a line under words for emphasis.	Underline the verbs in the text.
raise your hand	Signal you want to speak.	Raise your hand if you have a question.
ask a question	Request information or help.	You can ask a question after the video.
answer	Respond to a question.	I answer clearly and slowly.
participate	Join in class activities.	I participate in discussions more now.
discuss	Talk about a topic together.	We discuss the story in small groups.
debate	Argue different sides of an idea.	We debate school rules in class.
work in pairs	Work with one partner.	Work in pairs and solve the puzzle.
work in groups	Work with several classmates.	We work in groups to plan the project.
collaborate	Work together to create something.	We collaborate on the presentation slides.
submit	Send work to the teacher.	Please submit your assignment online.
hand in	Give work to the teacher.	Hand in your worksheet at the end.
turn in	Give something officially.	Turn in your permission slip by Friday.
due date	The deadline for an assignment.	The due date is written on the board.
deadline	The latest time something must be done.	The deadline is tomorrow at 5 p.m.
extension	Extra time to finish work.	I ask for an extension because I was sick.
attendance	Being present in class.	Attendance is taken every morning.
absent	Not at school.	I am absent today because I have a fever.
present	Here, in attendance.	When the teacher calls my name, I say present.
late	Not on time.	I am late because the bus was delayed.
on time	Arriving at the correct time.	Please be on time for the exam.
class rules	Rules for behavior in class.	Class rules help everyone learn.
follow instructions	Do what the teacher asks.	Please follow instructions step by step.
be quiet	Stop talking and lower noise.	Please be quiet during the quiz.
line up	Stand in a neat line.	Line up at the door, please.
dress code	Rules about what you can wear.	The dress code does not allow hats in class.
enroll	Join a school or class officially.	I enroll in English class this semester.
register	Sign up officially.	Please register for the exam online.
schedule	A plan of times and activities.	My schedule is busy on Tuesdays.
semester	Half of a school year.	This semester ends in January.
term	A school period of study.	We have three exams each term.
pass	Meet the required score.	I pass the class with a good grade.
fail	Not meet the required score.	I do not want to fail the exam.
retake	Take a test again.	I retake the quiz next week.
extra credit	Optional work for more points.	Extra credit can boost your grade.
study	Learn by reading and practicing.	I study vocabulary every night.
review	Look again to remember.	Let us review the main points.
practice	Repeat to improve a skill.	I practice speaking with a partner.
memorize	Learn so you can remember exactly.	We memorize key dates for history.
understand	Know the meaning clearly.	I understand the first part, not the last part.
online class	A class held on the internet.	Our online class starts with a video call.
video call	A live online meeting with video.	Please join the video call on time.
mute	Turn off your microphone sound.	Mute your mic when you are not speaking.
unmute	Turn your microphone sound back on.	Please unmute to answer the question.
share screen	Show your screen to others.	Can you share screen for your slides?
upload	Send a file to a website.	Upload your homework as a PDF.
download	Save a file from the internet.	Download the worksheet before class.
login	Enter an account to access a system.	Login with your student email.
password	A secret word to access an account.	Do not share your password with others.
learning platform	A website or app for school work.	Check the learning platform for announcements.
announcement	Important information shared with students.	The announcement is about the schedule change.
Can you repeat that?	Polite request to say it again.	Can you repeat that? I did not hear the last word.
Could you speak slower?	Request a slower speaking speed.	Could you speak slower during the instructions?
What does this mean?	Ask for meaning or explanation.	What does this mean in simple words?
How do you spell it?	Ask for spelling.	How do you spell it? I want to write it correctly.
What page are we on?	Ask where the class is in the book.	What page are we on? I opened the wrong chapter.
Can I go to the restroom?	Ask permission to use the toilet.	Can I go to the restroom after I finish this?
May I borrow a pencil?	Ask to use someone item.	May I borrow a pencil for this quiz?
I forgot my homework.	Tell the teacher you did not bring it.	I forgot my homework at home by mistake.
When is this due?	Ask for the deadline.	When is this due? I want to plan my time.
Can you help me?	Ask for assistance.	Can you help me with question three?
open your book	Instruction to begin reading.	Open your book to page ten.
close your laptop	Instruction to stop using the computer.	Close your laptop during the test.
take attendance	Check who is present.	The teacher takes attendance every morning.
work quietly	Do the task without loud talking.	Please work quietly for ten minutes.
pair work	Activity done with a partner.	Pair work helps me practice speaking.
group work	Activity done with a group.	Group work is easier with clear roles.
role	A job or responsibility in a group.	My role is to design the poster.
topic	The main subject you talk about.	The topic today is healthy habits.
chapter	A section of a book.	We start chapter five today.
paragraph	A group of sentences about one idea.	Write one paragraph about your weekend.
sentence	Words that form a complete idea.	This sentence needs a capital letter.
vocabulary	Words you know and use.	My vocabulary grows when I read daily.
presentation slide	A page in a slide deck.	I add one image to each presentation slide.
notes	Short writing to help you remember.	My notes are clear and organized.
outline	A plan of main points before writing.	I make an outline before I write an essay.
draft	A first version of writing.	This draft needs better examples.
final draft	The finished version you submit.	I submit my final draft today.
permission slip	A paper that allows you to join an activity.	Bring the permission slip for the trip.
announcement board	A place where notices are posted.	Check the announcement board for updates.
schedule change	A change in timing or classes.	There is a schedule change due to the event.
raise your voice	Speak louder.	Please raise your voice so everyone can hear.
speak up	Speak louder and clearer.	Speak up during your presentation.
read aloud	Read so others can hear.	Please read aloud the first paragraph.
focus	Pay attention to the task.	I try to focus during long lectures.
concentrate	Focus deeply.	I concentrate better in a quiet room.
distraction	Something that breaks your focus.	My phone is a big distraction.
plagiarism	Copying work and pretending it is yours.	Plagiarism can cause serious trouble.
citation	A note that shows where information came from.	Add a citation for each source you use.
source	A book, site, or person used for information.	This source is reliable and clear.
office hours	Time when a teacher is available to help.	I visit office hours to ask questions.
make up work	Work you do after missing class.	I do make up work after I return.
study group	A group that studies together.	Our study group meets on Sunday afternoon.
peer review	Classmates give feedback on your work.	Peer review helps me improve my writing.
goal	Something you want to achieve.	My goal is to read one book a month.
improve	Get better.	I want to improve my speaking skills.
progress	Forward movement or improvement.	I see progress in my writing.
challenge	Something difficult but useful.	This chapter is a challenge for me.
motivation	The reason you want to do something.	My motivation is to study abroad.
stress	Feeling pressure or worry.	Exams can cause stress for many students.
take a break	Stop for a short rest.	I take a break after thirty minutes of study.

Variants: US vs UK and Common Alternatives

Same idea, different words. Choose what your school uses.

US term	UK term	Notes	Example sentence
eraser	rubber	Both remove pencil marks.	I need an eraser for this mistake.
cafeteria	canteen	Place to eat at school.	We eat lunch in the cafeteria.
recess	break time	Short rest between lessons.	We go outside during recess.
principal	headteacher	Head of the school.	The principal welcomes new students.
math	maths	Same subject, different spelling.	Math is first period on Monday.
schedule	timetable	Plan of classes and times.	Check your schedule for room changes.
semester	term	School time period, usage varies.	This semester ends in January.
report card	school report	Grades and comments for a period.	My report card arrives next week.
grade	mark	Score on work, context matters.	I am happy with my grade on the test.
homeroom	form room	Class group for admin time.	We meet in homeroom each morning.
gym	sports hall	Indoor sports space.	We play basketball in the gym.
field trip	school trip	Learning outside school.	Our field trip is to the aquarium.
college	university	Meanings vary by country.	She plans to apply to college next year.
janitor	caretaker	School maintenance and cleaning.	The janitor opens the locked room.
attendance	register	Being present, also the list.	Attendance is checked every morning.

Yak SnarkDo not wait until exam week

Learning school vocabulary the night before a test is like bringing one pencil to build a house. Start with the phrases. They rescue you daily.