A training school is a place of learning apart from the academic system, where any sort of lessons are offered. Training schools generally do not offer degrees, at least not of the kind recognized by colleges and universities. Training schools include professional training institutions as well as leisure-time training programs.

The subject can be occupational or recreational. Professional content alone does not make the program a degree-oriented professional school.

The distinction concerns the academic standing and purpose of the instruction, not whether lessons take place in a building called a school. A training provider may issue credentials without offering the kind of degree recognized by colleges and universities.