2025 Middle School Program

MIDDLE SCHOOL

DISCOVER WOODSIDE PRIORY SCHOOL 650-851-8221 | 302 PORTOLA ROAD, PORTOLA VALLEY, CA

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“Balance in the Middle, where growth meets joy.”‌

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hoosing the right school is an important decision for your family, and we’re honored that you’re considering Woodside Priory. On our 50-acre campus in Portola Valley, students find a community where curiosity grows, friendships flourish, and learning is joyful.

At Priory, we believe in “Balance in the Middle.” Our program challenges students with the academic rigor they need for high school while providing the support and care essential at this age. We encourage critical thinking, creativity, and strong study habits, while also making space for students to be “just kids” with open gyms, games, and downtime. A thoughtful, manageable homework load helps ensure this balance, fostering both growth and well-being.

Rooted in our Benedictine values of Spirituality, Hospitality, Integrity, Individuality, and Community, Priory helps middle schoolers step into their teenage years with confidence, purpose, and curiosity.

Kirk Gossman

Nils Leitz

Stella Kailahi

Director of Enrollment Management & Access

Director of Residential Admissions

Associate Director of Admissions

DISCOVER PRIORY

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KNOWN SUPPORTED & EMPOWERED

“Challenged to grow, supported to thrive.”

Retreats

Chapel

Retreats are a chance to step away from the classroom and experience something new together. Through outdoor adventures, team-building challenges, and moments of reflection, students strengthen friendships, build confidence, and connect their values to everyday life. These experiences help them see themselves—and one another—in new ways.

Once a week, the community gathers in Chapel to pause, reflect, and share. Rooted in Benedictine tradition but welcoming to all, Chapel invites students to listen, learn, and sometimes even lead. With readings, reflections, and personal stories—often offered by classmates—Chapel fosters authenticity, courage, and belonging.

WOODSIDE PRIORY

Balance in the Middle‌ At Woodside Priory Middle School, we believe that academic growth should be balanced with time to explore, create, and enjoy co-curricular opportunities.

Our program is designed to challenge students while honoring their developmental stage and individual talents.

Through placement testing, students enter math courses that align with their skills rather than an arbitrary grade level, ensuring each child is both supported and stretched at the right pace. Humanities is taught as a double section that integrates English and History, encouraging students to think critically, write effectively, and make connections across disciplines.

Our world language program allows students to pursue French, Mandarin, or Spanish, while quarter-long electives open doors to new interests and skills.

Theology courses introduce world religions as an academic subject, inviting students to engage thoughtfully with diverse beliefs and traditions.

This balanced approach ensures that Priory Middle School students grow as scholars while still having time to develop passions outside the classroom— building the foundation for both academic success and joyful learning.

Academic Advising – Goal-setting, course planning, and guidance.

Wellness – Support for mind, body, and balance.

Learning Support – Strategies to help every learner thrive.

Panther Pals – Cross-grade friendships that foster mentorship, empathy, and connection.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

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EVERYDAY CHAMPIONS A place to play, grow, and belong.

Athletics at Priory are for everyone. Whether you’re building on skills you already love or trying out a sport for the very first time, our teams are a place to learn, grow, and have fun. With dedicated coaches, a spirit of teamwork, and an emphasis on both effort and enjoyment, Priory athletics help students gain confidence, build friendships, and discover the joy of being active on and off the field.

WOODSIDE PRIORY

Sports • Baseball • Basketball • Cross Country • Flag Football • Lacrosse

• Soccer • Tennis • Track & Field • Water Polo • Volleyball

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INNOVATION & EXPLORATION

WOODSIDE PRIORY

Curiosity is the spark that fuels discovery.

At Priory, discovery begins with curiosity. In Middle School, students are encouraged to design, build, and experiment— merging creativity with hands-on exploration. From robotics and coding to environmental projects and maker-space challenges, classes spark bold questions and inventive ideas.

What makes our program unique is how exploration is always paired with reflection. As students create, test, and problemsolve, they are also asked to think about the impact of their choices—considering not just what they can do, but why it matters.

Through these experiences, middle schoolers gain skills in collaboration, resilience, and critical thinking, while discovering the excitement of turning imagination into real solutions.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

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CREATIVE EXPRESSION VISUAL ARTS

Creativity takes many forms at Priory. Through a vibrant Visual Arts program woven into the school day, students explore painting, ceramics, woodworking, photography, textiles, and more—discovering new ways to see and create.

Our program also includes unique opportunities beyond the studio. In culinary arts, students cook with fresh vegetables from Priory’s own garden farm and explore cultural traditions by making dishes like crêpes in French class or dumplings in Mandarin. These hands-on experiences invite students to take creative risks while connecting learning to both tradition and innovation.

In bright, collaborative spaces, students learn to stretch their imaginations, build technical skills, and gain the confidence that comes from bringing ideas to life. Along the way, they develop an appreciation for the beauty, discipline, and joy of the creative process.

WOODSIDE PRIORY

In the studio or the kitchen, imagination takes shape.

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CREATIVE EXPRESSION PERFORMING ARTS

WOODSIDE PRIORY

Performance is more than a stage— it’s a place to belong.

Expression thrives at Priory. In Middle School, students step into the Performing Arts as a place to build confidence, discover creativity, and connect with others. Woven into the school day, the program encourages every student to try something new or nurture a growing passion.

Students can explore a wide range of opportunities, from acting and improvisation to choir, jazz ensemble, and music composition. Unique electives such as Musical Theater or Percussion Ensemble sit alongside experiences in stagecraft, tech theatre, and design, ensuring there’s a place for every voice and interest.

Here, expression flourishes within community. Students are supported in taking creative risks, sharing their talents, and finding joy in performance. More than just practice for the stage, the arts at Priory inspire discipline, imagination, and meaningful connection.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS

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OUR MISSION & IDENTITY

Rooted in Benedictine Values.

Focused on the whole child.

Students here are known by name, by heart, and by story.

Our mission is to help each one create a meaningful, balanced life, grow as a lifelong learner and steward, and serve a world in need of their gifts.

ADMISSIONS OFFICE We invite you to experience Priory for yourself—schedule a visit and discover what makes our community unique.

302 Portola Road Portola Valley CA 94028 admissions@prioryca.org | (650) 851-8223 www.prioryca.org

Kalman Baseball Field

Weight room

Poo l Locker rooms

Monaste ry

Performing Arts Center

Fr. Egon Plaza

el Chap

Franklin Garden

S101 S203

Portola Road

- B13

Student Center

STREAM Building

- B24 B17

B B1 14 6

Schilling Square

B10 B9 B1 ve ol Dri Scho Priory

Founders Hall

Kovacs Field

Senior Parking Lot

Music Classrooms

Black Box Theater

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Each color-coded set of buildings is internally accessible without the use of stairs. For stair-free access between levels, use the sidewalk along Priory School Drive.

Portola Road

Please note that parts of this campus map may change due to campus enhancements and construction during the school year

Priory School Drive

Tennis Courts

CAMPUS MAP

Gym

C1

C6

Church Square

C7 - C12

ouse lm H m) Anseirls' Dor (G

ouse dict H ) Beneoys' Dorm (B

Priory School Drive

Trudelle Family Track

Fr. Christopher Field