Your path awaits MIDDLE
SCHOOL
So you’re wondering what it’s like to be a
Middle Schooler at
Woodside Priory?
Well, it’s one of those rare places where you’ll feel both at ease, yet challenged. Here you’ll learn things that amaze you, surprise you, excite you, and invite you to explore your perspectives. You’ll be exposed to new ideas about our world and the diverse people you share it with. And of course you’ll discover new things about yourself.
You’ll work hard to follow your curiosity wherever you wish, surrounded by others doing the same. You’ll discover deep friendships, exciting partnerships, enriching collaborations, and welcoming teammates. You’ll experience great trips, memorable retreats, incredible mentors, and a lot of fun.
In short, this school is a place dedicated to the growth of you.
Welcome to Priory!
ATHLETICS
Discover your life
At Priory, we value excellence, but not over character. We champion individuality, but not over community. Our primary goal is fostering well-rounded young people, confident being their true selves.
Whether you’re honing your powers of inquiry in small classes taught by amazing teachers–the kind you’ll remember forever–or discovering your power to make change, Priory is the kind of place where you can push yourself to your limits... and discover they weren’t limits at all.
You’ll watch the seasons change the beauty of our scenic campus, and over the months and years you’ll bond with diverse fellow students, fostering a culture of understanding and openness, and creating friendships that will last a lifetime and span oceans. And you’ll be more than ready for the next step in your education journey.
80 Student-Led Clubs
7-1 Student to Teacher Ratio 13-15
Average Class Size
Weekly Small Group Advisories
62%
316 120 Students Of Color Catholic Identifying Students
53 Boarding Students
Upper School Enrollment
Middle School Enrollment
$5,000,000 Financial Aid Budget
Student to Teacher Ratio
7:1
21%
12 Countries Represented
20%
Average Class Size Students Receiving Financial Aid
13
An environment where well-being truly matters
At Priory, we believe you’re at your best when you’re happy. Pretty simple.
We know how academics, extracurriculars, and school life can add up, so we support every student to successfully navigate and balance these pressures. Protecting the health and happiness of our students allows them to thrive not just at school but in all other areas of their life. And it’s how Priory thrives as a community.
RETREATS
Inspiring a love of lifelong learning
Guidance
Your happiness is our top priority. Three highly-trained wellness counselors support our students’ healthy individual, social, and academic development.
Chapel
This is a place of gathering and reflection. It nurtures our sense of empathy, compassion, and strengthens the bonds of our community. It’s often student-led, and a great place to ponder our small role in a grand universe.
Advisory
A small, safe community of fellow students where you can connect and talk out whatever you need. Find support in strong relationships.
The Skills You’ll Develop While Learning
Exploration
Every year starts with an adventure for the students away from campus, allowing you to bond with your classmates over new experiences in amazing places.
Retreats
Take time away to strengthen your connections with fellow students, and with your own personal spirituality.
Panther Pals
Mentorship benefits everyone; each Middle Schooler is paired with an Upper School student, allowing them to build a relationship with an older peer, learn experiences, and build confidence.
Hands-on Learning
Develop the tools that help you excel
A Priory education is designed to equip every student with the greatest tool there is; a well-developed mind.
The learning you’ll do and the discovery you’ll encounter will prepare you not just for college, but to live a healthy, enriching life full of knowledge and curiosity. Our Performing Arts and Visual Arts requirements expose students to creative risk-taking and experiences outside their comfort zone, and for some, a first encounter with lifelong passions.
VISUAL/PERFORMING ARTS
Thrive in a COMMUNITY
LIKE NO OTHER
Community is sacred. We ask students to participate in community service to discover the incredible value and reward of working for the betterment of your community, and gain unforgettable life skills and experience along the way. Our goal is to help create compassionate global citizens unwavering in their commitment to making positive change.
Where every student can be a CHAMPION
Experienced player honing your game?
Just looking to play something new in the name of fun? You’re on the team; Athletics at Priory are for everyone, and open to all. Priory teams are dedicated, welcoming, and above all, fun-loving. And we do enjoy winning a championship, or six.
Fall
Coed Cross Country
Coed Flag Football
Girls Lacrosse
Winter 1
Boys Soccer
Girls Basketball
Winter 2
Boys Basketball
Girls Soccer
Spring
Baseball
Boys Lacrosse
Girls Volleyball
Boys & Girls Tennis
Coed Track & Field
Boys Water Polo
Priory Panther Bragging Rights
Girls Basketball
5 Section Championship
Titles in the last 6 years with 2 trips to the State Championships
Boys Basketball
2 League Championship
Titles in the last 3 years;
5 CCS Championship
Titles in the last 8 years
HS Football
4 League Championship
Titles in the last 10 years
MIDDLE School Courses
Computer Science 6
Humanities 6
6TH GRADE
7TH GRADE
Mathematics - Level based on placement test
Physical Education 6
Science 6 - Physical and Environmental Science
Study Skills
Theology 6
World Language - French, Mandarin or Spanish
Electives - See next page
Humanities 7
Health And Wellness
Mathematics
Physical Education 7
Science 7 - Earth/Space
Science Theology 7
World Language - French, Mandarin or Spanish
Electives - See next page
Humanities 8
Mathematics
8TH GRADE
Physical Education 8
Project Step Up
Science 8 - Life Science
Theology 8
World Language - French, Mandarin or Spanish
Electives - See next page
Middle school ELECTIVES
Computer Science
CAD & 3D Printing
Python Programming
Visual Design
Visual Arts
Ceramics 1
Ceramics 2
Digital Photography
Drawing and Painting
Fiber Arts
Performing Arts
Beginning Strings
Beginning Winds Choir
Guitar
Improvisation
Jazz Ensemble
Musical Theater
Percussion Ensemble
Play Performance
String Ensemble
Swords, Words, & Mayhem
Symphonic Band
Wind Symphony
Exploration
Creative Writing
Design & Innovation
Garden
Plant to Plate
Sports History & Play
Strength Training & More
Mathematics
Math 6
Math Concepts and Skills
Pre-Algebra
Algebra I
Geometry
Algebra II
Priory’s Mission
Woodside Priory School is a Catholic Benedictine, independent college preparatory school. Our mission is to assist all students in creating meaningful and balanced lives, developing as lifelong learners and stewards, and productively serving a world in need of their gifts.
Community
Together we find strength and purpose in supporting one another.
Priory’s Benedictine values
Hospitality
All are welcomed with honor and respect.
Individuality
Every student has gifts to be discovered, nurtured, and treasured.
Integrity
Learning flourishes in an environment of honesty, trust, and personal responsibility.
Spirituality
God works in us, through us, and for us.
302 Portola Rd.
Portola Valley, CA 94028
admissions@prioryca.org (650) 851 6158 prioryca.org