52 Years of Benedictine Education

Written by Joyce Perrelli

Just behind the neighborhood apple stand and down a short country road, Woodside Priory School stretches across 50 acres of gentle hills in Portola Valley. Founded in 1957 by Benedictine monks, it is the only Benedictine school in California. But, don’t be fooled by the age of the school or the pastoral setting amongst native oaks and redwoods, as this school strives to be a truly a modern and forward-thinking educational facility.

Woodside Priory is an independent, Catholic, coeducational college preparatory day and boarding school with 350 students in grades six through twelve.

Tim Molak, head of school, says, “the student life and curriculum embodies the five Benedictine values of spirituality, hospitality, integrity, individuality and community.”

Academics at all grades are supplemented with fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, service learning, and cocurricular activities.

The college preparatory coursework starts in middle school, where the academic curriculum is balanced with enrichment activities that encourage personal growth. The Benedictine tradition of helping students become lifelong learners and good stewards of humanity is encompassed in classroom lessons and service learning projects. Middle school classes, typically with 12-18 students, focus on building a strong foundation of problem solving skills.

The low student-to-teacher ratio of 9:1 persists in high school, where critical thinking is emphasized. The rigorous high school curriculum, taught by monastic and lay faculty, meets University of California admission requirements and results in nearly 100 percent of graduates going to four-year colleges. Theology courses are required of all students, regardless of faith, and choices range from bioethics to theology through music and film. All seniors complete a one-month intensive capstone project. Thirty advanced placement/honors classes and four languages are offered, including Mandarin, an addition this year.

Woodside Priory offers many opportunities for fulfilling fine and performing arts requirements, including glassblowing, metalworking and fashion design. The new performing arts wing contains a 400-seat theater, a music composition lab, an orchestra room and soundproof practice rooms. Throughout the year, students exhibit artwork and present theater productions, dance recitals and music performances.
In the gym, a large banner proclaiming “Sportsmanship is an Expectation” greets students as they head to elective physical education classes and interscholastic team practices. This tribute to fair play guides Priory athletic teams as they compete in Bay Area and Peninsula leagues in football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and more.

The school community gathers in the Chapel once a week for song, prayer, and reflection. Speakers are often invited to share a Benedictine value. New this year is the Priory Labyrinth, located near the chapel, where students and faculty of all faiths can pray and reflect.

The high school boarding program is home to nearly 50 students, representing more than 15 countries. Boarding students participate in communal dining, evening study halls and weekend social activities. About one-third of the staff lives in on-campus faculty housing, resulting in a vibrant resident community of students, faculty and monks.

Modernization projects, such as the new solar energy system and the living sod roof on the theater, exemplify the school’s commitment to the Benedictine goal of being good stewards of the environment. According to Sean Mclain Brown, director of communications, “The idea for the solar [energy] system came from a current events senior class project in 2006.” Now, it generates 50 percent of the school’s power and is the largest operating solar installation of any private school in the Bay Area.

Woodside Priory is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Western Catholic Educational Association and the California Association of Independent Schools. Applications for the 2010-2011 school year are due by Jan. 14, 2010.

Woodside Priory School is located at:
302 Portola Road, in Portola Valley
For more information call: 650.851.8221
or visit www.woodsidepriory.com