PRIORY
Mission Statement The Mission of Saint Louis Priory School is to provide a Benedictine, Catholic, college preparatory education of the highest excellence so as to help talented and motivated young men develop their full potential as children of God.
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ALL BOYS
Catholic, College Preparatory Grades 7–12
405 students 150 Acre Campus Students from 54 different zip codes 30% of Student Body Receives Tuition Assistance Headmaster: Father Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B. ’76 Assistant Headmaster: Dr. Jared M. Rashford
EST.
2016 marks 60
Table of Contents
years since the
Mission Statement
1
founding of Saint
The Priory Difference
4
Academics at Priory
8
Student Resources
18
labors of our founding community, and
Rebel Athletics
22
those of dozens of monks and dedicated
Student Life
26
1956
Louis Priory School. The fruits of the
lay men and women who joined them, have impacted thousands of students and their families.
Applying to Priory, Tuition Assistance & Academic Scholarships 30 Campus Map
36
Contact Us
36
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THE PRIORY
DIFFERENCE PAGE 4
88%
Monks of the Order of Saint Benedict have been
of faculty have advanced degrees
1 of faculty 4 are monks
Benedictine Tradition involved in the education and formation of young men for centuries. Saint Benedict wrote his simple Rule for monks in 540 A.D. to establish a humane and Christ-centered way of life and preserve order and harmony. Benedictine monasteries became centers of learning, entrusted with the education of local youth.
over
half of Priory’s
faculty have been in the classroom for
10+ years
Drawing upon this rich inheritance of time-tested wisdom, the monks of Saint Louis Abbey commit to serving God and neighbor— for life—in the education and formation of the students of Saint Louis Priory School. Although the Monks teach traditional academics, their most significant contribution is pastoral concern for the boys through their Christian witness.
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The Benedictine spirit permeates our campus and motivates dedicated lay teachers and staff who are committed to providing academics of the highest excellence while supporting students to develop their talents and interests. We invite you to discover the palpable sense of welcome and hospitality—a hallmark of Benedictine monasteries—by visiting our school. The Priory Difference Within the context of a Benedictine school, Priory offers a strong Catholic education, with regular religious formation and instruction. Whether our students are Catholics or of another religious tradition, participating in Theology courses, weekly prayer services and Mass, school retreats, service opportunities, and Catholic devotional life offers each boy a chance to develop his relationship with God and consider important life questions at his own pace.
30
Average ACT score
(top 5% in the nation)
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over the last three years, priory students on average scoreD in the
top 87% on the SAT nationally
On behalf of all of us here at Priory, I welcome you! Priory is a very special place. I have been part of it since I was baptized (many years ago!), and it still amazes me. It is a community filled with bright and energetic people, committed to our mission of educating young men both spiritually and intellectually, giving them opportunities to grow in all areas of their lives, and to form lasting friendships among themselves and with those of us privileged to teach, coach and mentor them. Above all else, Priory is a place where people care about each other “out of love for Christ.” It is our faith and that love which God has showered on us which animates and enlivens every aspect of this place. I hope and pray that you will find that Spirit here as fully as we do.
Father Gregory Mohrman, O.S.B. ’76, Headmaster PAGE 7
ACADEMICS at priory
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405 students, average students per grade level
68
8:1
student to faculty ratio
Benedictine Tradition
6 languages offered: The Priory curriculum is academically rigorous and advances a traditional liberal arts education through foundational coursework in English, Classical and Modern Languages,
English, Latin, Greek, Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
Mathematics, Natural Sciences, History, Theology, Computer Science, and Fine Arts. By exploring every avenue of human thought, the curious and motivated student is prepared for life after Priory. We strive to impart the intellectual skills and habits of inquiry, study, and reflection vital to success in any endeavor.
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in MAY 2016,
120
priory students sat for
258 AP EXAMS
In the early stages of their Priory experience, our students are required to follow a liberal arts course of study involving coursework in nine academic departments. Priory’s curriculum provides the foundation to prepare young men for admission to distinguished colleges and universities, and, perhaps more importantly, it enables them to undertake further studies with success.
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As boys progress through our program, their opportunities for variety in course selection increases. Some of our students elect to continue their study of the classical languages, while others choose to participate in our growing computer science program. Each boy continues to develop his craft in one of our visual or fine arts electives for a minimum of two years in the high school. By the time they are juniors and seniors, many of our students are challenged by Advanced Placement (AP) work in a number of disciplines. In the senior year, students largely sculpt their own curriculum in addition to writing a substantive thesis on a topic of their choice, while working independently with a faculty advisor.
Our Division Directors, Department Heads, and Faculty strive to work with our students to ensure that they are taking a strong and varied course load, paying careful attention to each student’s total school involvement, athletic and other curricular commitments, and overall combination of classes.
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Grade 10
Theology—Fundamentals of Catholic Dogmatic Theology English—Short Story, Novel, Drama and Poetry with Writing Modern Languages—French III, Spanish III, or Mandarin I Math—Algebra II or Pre-calculus Science—Chemistry* Social Studies—World History II Seminar
heology—Fundamentals of Catholic Moral Theology T English—Literary Themes Modern Languages—French IV*, Spanish IV*, or Mandarin II Math—AP Calculus BC or AB or Analytic Geometry and Trigonometry* Science—AP Physics or Physics* Social Studies—AP U.S. History or U.S. History Fine Arts—Art History (one term)
Theology—Senior Seminar (two electives) English—Thesis I and Electives Senior Honors Thesis (winter) Math—AP Statistics or AP Statistics/BC Completion or AP Calculus (AB)
Grade 8
Grade 7 Grade 9
Theology—Church History English—Writing Drama and Novel Classics—Latin III* or Latin for Transfer Modern Languages—French II or Spanish II Math—Geometry* Science—Biology* Social Studies—World History I
Grade 12
Theology—Scripture I: The Old Testament English—Grammar, Writing and Reading Classics—Latin I Math—Beginning Algebra or Algebra I Science—Integrated Science I Computer Science—Introduction to Computer Programming Social Studies—Geography Fine Arts—Vocal Music, Studio Art, Theatre Arts, and Communications I (one term each) Seminar and Writing Workshop
Grade 11
The Academic Program Theology—Scripture II: The New Testament English—Portfolio Writing and Reading Classics—Latin II* Modern Languages—French I or Spanish I Math—Algebra I or Algebra II Science—Integrated Science II Computer Science—Computer Programming Social Studies—American Government Fine Arts—Vocal Music or Studio Art, Medieval Arts, Photography, or Theatre Arts (one term each)
Grade 9 Electives: Greek I or Fine Arts (Medieval Arts, Theatre Arts, Photography, Studio Art, or Vocal Music)
Grade 10 Electives: Latin IV* or Classical Civilization or Greek/Roman Culture or Computer Science Greek II or Fine Arts (Medieval Arts, Mass Media & Video Production, Photography, Studio Art, Vocal Music)
Grade 11 Electives: AP Latin, Latin V, Computer Science, Vocal Music or Visual and Performing Arts
Grade 12 Electives: (students choose one class each from two of the categories below) Modern Languages—AP French, AP Spanish or Spanish VI, or Mandarin III Science—AP Chemistry or AP Biology or AP Environmental Science Social Studies/Computer Science/Arts—AP American Government & Politics or AP European History or Social Studies Seminar or AP Computer Science
Please note: the Academic Program at Priory is subject to change. Refer to the School’s website for the most current information. *Course may be offered in honors and regular sets. PAGE 12
Why does each student study Latin? “ Latin is the mother tongue of the romance languages and the cornerstone of a traditional, classical, western education. Practically speaking, the study of Latin gives each student a better understanding of the English language and the ability to use it with power and precision. Our goal is to create well-rounded, mature and inquisitive young men who can observe, reflect, articulate, and act on matters both spiritual and secular. Latin is a magnificent tool in this process. It is the golden thread that binds scholars of all generations in spirit and thought.” – Brother Dunstan Holms, O.S.B., Chair of the Classical Languages Department
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Our Graduates are Ready on average,
25% of Priory
students qualify for National Merit Scholarship recognition
Computer Science The Computer Science program offers students the opportunity to hone their skills in the exciting, ever-developing world of technology, using state-of-theart equipment and facilities. Highlights in the Junior School include work with Virtual Reality, Scratch-based video game design, and HTML; in the High School, planning and executing an idea for an internet startup company (guided by teachers with real-world experience) and the Senior AP course in Java. There is also an opportunity to apply your skills in popular extracurricular groups, like the RoboRebels!
80 members of Class of 2016 accepted to 147 different institutions; will attend 55 different schools Class of 2016 awarded almost
3 million dollars in annual scholarships
Check out our college acceptances at www.priory.org
“ Success looks, and is, different for every student who comes through my door—for some students success is strong grades and for others it’s punctuality, learning how to organize their materials, developing stronger communication skills…or all of the above! The students who succeed in my classes are those who work with me to identify what it is they are trying to achieve and together, both as individuals and as a class, we build a community that demands commitment towards mastery of the material and mastery over making good choices that positively affect the students’ overall academic and social experience.”
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— Justin Orlando, Chair, Science Department Alumnus (1999), B.A., M.S. Saint Louis University M.A.T. Indiana University Bloomington
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Fine Arts
We hope to instill in all our students an appreciation
of the arts that continues into adulthood through a variety of visual and performing arts courses: studio art, theater/communication art, medieval art, photography, and vocal music.
Students present a winter musical and a spring drama or comedy each year in the High School, with female roles played by students from other local schools. The Spring Choral Concert is a favorite of Vocal Music Students in both the Junior and High Schools. Other opportunities to share the fruits of their labors regularly arise, such as photography or design work in The Record (school newspaper) or The Shield (school yearbook).
Two large works of art in the High School lobby are the Emerson Stained Glass Windows.
Millennial Window:
6,620 pieces of glass Jubilee Window:
7,149 pieces of glass Total: 13,769
Priory is also the only high school in the country with a fully-functioning Medieval Arts Guild, known officially as The Guild of Saint Columkille. All students learn the history and beauty of the Medieval Arts, including the art of calligraphy (a mainstay at Priory since its founding). Interested students may progress through the Guild system, learning the ancient art forms of stained glass, mosaics, banners and illuminated manuscripts from upper classmen, until they achieve the status of Master in the Guild. Each Master has earned the right to have his personal coat of arms permanently sealed on the Craftsman Table.
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“ One of my favorite activities was stage management for the winter musical and spring play. Being a part of theater teaches you a lot of things, like how to listen to other people, that what you say and how you say it matters, the ability to communicate with different people, and how to work together as a team. It’s fun to see the progress from early rehearsals to the final performance. All of the effort we put in really shows.”
— Matt Travers, Class of 2016 Headed to University of Mississippi
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STUDENT resources
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College Counseling Our college counselors, Barbara Sams and Beth Collier, have years of experience working with students and families on the college
See where the Priory Class of is headed at www.priory.org
2016
application and decision making process. The preparation for success in college begins upon entering Priory as a seventh grader. We provide the highest level of support to families during this important and stressful process. Expert advocacy combined with our amazing students yields outstanding results! We love hearing back from our alumni about their adventures and achievements at the
approximately
100
college admissions
representatives visit Priory’s campus each year to meet with students.
university level.
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The Advisory System Each student joins an advisory group, led by a faculty member, on the first day of school. In the Junior School, advisors remain with the same students for 7th and 8th grade. Advisory groups meet in the mornings on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and eat lunch together on Thursdays. In the High School, advisory consists of groups of 12-15 students from different grade levels. Boys remain with their advisory group until graduation, and the advisor is the primary guide and mentor for the student in the High School.
“ The Advisory system is really cool in that your friend groups might fluctuate throughout high school but the advisory stays stable. If you need a group of people that understands where you are coming from in terms of how you’ve changed since you started Priory, the advisory is a really great group. They know you. It’s the best way to start your day.”
— Ramzi Haddad, Class of 2016 Headed to Princeton
43%
of the Class of 2016 will attend a Tier 1 most selective institution
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national acceptance rate at these institutions was 22.8%; Priory students’ acceptance rate was
48%
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REBEL
athletics
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Rebel Athletics Athletics are curricular at Priory. Participation in sports is an integral component of the overall education and development of every student. Our athletic program:
n
Provides a recreational and competitive outlet for students
n
Exposes young athletes to a variety of different sports
n
Helps students reach their full physical and mental potential
n
Fosters a bond of teamwork and friendship between the athletes
n
Educates students with a foundation in respect and good sportsmanship
n
Encourages the development of leadership, commitment, cooperation, and self-discipline
n
Brings together students, faculty, parents, and alumni in an atmosphere that makes the Priory family stronger
n
Builds school spirit!
Note: We offer a Physical Education course option for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors to choose instead of a sport in certain seasons. We also allow exemptions from the athletic requirement for participation in a non-school sponsored sport for a season, participation in the school play, and assisting in the management of a sports team for a season. Other athletic exemptions are considered on a case by case basis.
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The Junior School Athletic Program (Grades Seven and Eight) Junior School athletics are taught during the regular
High School Sports Choices Fall Season
school day Monday through Friday. This gives the Junior School program full use of the athletic facilities and the opportunity to have many of the same coaches who
Winter Season
work in the High School program. The Junior School program is organized into three seasons, with different sports offered each season. At the beginning of each season the students are given the opportunity to pick the sport they want. Weeks 1–10 Students choose between cross country and football Weeks 11–22 Students choose among basketball, soccer, and wrestling Weeks 23–32 Students choose among baseball, track, lacrosse, and eighth grade tennis
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Spring Season
Sports Offered
Teams Fielded
Cross-Country
Varsity & JV
Football
Varsity & B-Team
Soccer
Varsity & JV
Basketball
Varsity, JV, C-Team
Wrestling
Varsity & JV
Hockey
Varsity & C-Team
Indoor Soccer
Intramurals
Baseball
Varsity & JV
Golf
Varsity & JV
Lacrosse
Varsity & JV
Rugby
Varsity
Tennis
Varsity & JV
Track
Varsity & JV
Ultimate
Varsity
“ When I came to Priory, the lacrosse program had just started. I was able to witness and contribute to the program’s growth throughout my years at Priory and it was an incredible honor and privilege to lead the Varsity team as a captain to the school’s first lacrosse state championship.” — Andrew Mauzy, Class of 2016 Headed to Santa Clara University
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priory
STUDENT life PAGE 26
Priory’s Benedictine tradition makes community life central to a student’s experience on campus. The entire Priory community gathers
30+ Clubs and Organizations
together three times per week for Student Council Assembly, Prayer
Business & Entrepreneurship Club
Assembly, and Mass. These gatherings ensure that the entire Priory campus
Chaplaincy Chess Club
feels that larger sense of community, and Priory’s structure also allows
Chinese Chess Club
every student to be a part of several smaller communities. It is in these
Community Service
smaller groups that friendships form and connections to the school are
Cricket Club Drone Club
strengthened. While the academic classrooms and athletic fields are places
Film Club
where these communities naturally take shape, Priory also makes time for
The Guild of Saint Columkille
students to participate in clubs, organizations, and service opportunities.
Hearthstone Club Ignotus Society
These extracurricular activities allow our students to work with their peers
Investment Club
as they pursue passions and interests that extend beyond the classroom.
Juggling Club
Our students also develop relationships across grade levels through our
Math Madness Mock Trial
daily advisory system and our weekly Tutoria program, which brings high
Model UN
school students into the Junior School to pray and spend time with the
Outdoor Programs/Ondessonk
younger boys. Our goal is for new students to come to Priory, get a sense of those relationships, and feel welcomed into the life of the community.
Respect Life Club Robotics Scholar Bowl Sodality of Mary Spanish Club Speech Team Spirit Club
150
acre campus
holds a monastery, church, school, parish and oratory, plus athletic
Spiritual STUCO Student Ambassadors Student Councils Student Honor Court
fields, ponds, prairies,
Tutoria
trails and watersheds
Tutoring
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2 Publications The Record—Priory’s official student newspaper The Shield—Priory’s yearbook
Chaplaincy Chaplaincy undertakes the spiritual and sacramental formation of the students. Members of the chaplaincy are responsible for organizing school Masses, prayer assemblies, Reconciliation, community service projects, and annual retreats. Chaplaincy gives interested students an opportunity to foster the practice of the Catholic faith and moral development of the school community.
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“ While Priory’s academics are certainly a selling point in preparing a young man for college, I think it is its influence on how to operate as a self-aware human being that sets Priory apart. Priory has given me the tools to succeed in any environment that I might find myself in, even if I struggle at the onset.”
— Andrew Rhodes, Class of 2012
100 % of students
Robotics 65 students from the junior school, high school, and Visitation, a dozen parents, and eight corporate sponsors formed the 2015-16 RoboRebels Robotics team, one of the most popular and successful clubs at Priory. Students divide into mechanical, controls, design, electrical, systems, programming, drive, business, and public relations divisions to compete in the St. Louis FIRST Robotics Competition every March. They are given a competitive scenario in January and have six weeks to build, program and test two robots-—one for practice, and one for the competition.
participate in extracurricular clubs countless leadership opportunities for all students
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applying to priory
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When should your son apply to Priory? We encourage interested families to reach out to our Admissions Office early in the process with any questions or concerns about applying. We love to meet potential students and would be happy to talk with you about Priory, and to host your son for a day!
Priory begins in seventh grade. We have a six-year program and encourage families considering Priory to apply during their son’s fifth or sixth grade year. We do welcome applicants at all grade levels, including ninth grade, when we have space in a given class. Priory offers two types of admission to seventh grade: Early Decision and Regular Decision.
Early Decision Program— For Fifth Grade boys Priory offers the Early Decision Program for families who have investigated options early and decided that Priory is a good fit for their son. Early Decision applicants go through the admissions process and if admitted, receive offers of enrollment during fifth grade for seventh grade entry. The requirements and the timeline are the same as our Regular Decision applicants.
Regular Decision—For Sixth Grade boys Our regular decision applicants typically visit Priory for a shadow day and begin the application process in the fall of sixth grade. We work closely with families throughout the application process and we want prospective students to have every opportunity to get to know our school.
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Priory Application Checklist 1
2
Admissions Timeline
Register with SSAT to take the Secondary School Admission Test.
Come in for a tour—any
Most students take this test in the fall or winter during their application
time! We would love to meet
year. Students should take the test no later than January 7, 2017 in
you and show you around
order to be considered in our first round of decisions. Priory is hosting
our campus before you start
an SSAT administration on January 7, 2017. You can find other test dates
the application process. We
and locations at ssat.org.
welcome visitors throughout
Complete the Standard Application Online (http://www.ssat.org/sao).
the year.
Through the online application you will request a copy of your son’s academic record from his current school and request a teacher recommendation from a teacher who can speak to your son’s strengths. 3
Complete the FACTS Grant & Aid application (available at priory.org)
SSAT Administration at Priory: Saturday, January 7, 2017
if you are applying for tuition assistance. 4
Visits and interviews begin September 12, 2016
Schedule a half-day visit and interview at Priory so your son can experience our school firsthand.
Application and FACTS Grant & Aid Application Deadline: January 17, 2017 Decision notification date: March 17, 2017 Enrollment Contract return deadline: April 7, 2017
Priory Admissions Staff Alice Dickherber
adickherber@priory.org
Father John McCusker frjohn@priory.org Bobby McCormack
bmccormack@priory.org
Sherri Anselm
sanselm@priory.org
?
If you have questions about the application process, please reach out to us! Priory Admissions Office (314) 434-3690 x101 admission@priory.org 500 South Mason Road
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St. Louis, Missouri 63141
Tuition and Cost of Attendance 2016-2017 Tuition grades 7-12
$22,350
Lunch
$1,050
Junior School Snack Fee
$125
Textbooks* (estimate)
$400-$600 per year
Students typically incur other limited costs during the school year for items such as sports equipment or uniforms, retreats, and advanced placement test fees. *Textbook costs will vary from year to year depending on the course schedule.
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Academic Scholarships Top students who apply to Priory will be eligible for consideration for an academic scholarship. Priory is committed to attracting the most talented students in the St. Louis area. Candidates who apply with outstanding SSAT scores will be considered for a merit-based scholarship award.
Priory’s Commitment to Tuition Assistance 2016-2017 School year:
1.7 million in need-
based tuition assistance given to students Over
30% of Priory
students receive assistance
$3,000 to full tuition
Award Range:
Tuition Assistance at Priory If Priory is the right school for your son, we want to make enrollment possible regardless of financial need. We encourage you to submit an application for tuition assistance. Priory is committed to working with families to make attending our school a reality!
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Average Award:
$12,750
Applying for Assistance Families should apply for tuition assistance concurrently with the admissions application process. The tuition assistance application and review process is confidential. The first step is to complete the FACTS Grant & Aid Application. Families who submit the FACTS Application and provide the required documentation by the January deadline will receive award notification with their admissions decision.
Tuition Assistance Timeline: FACTS Application opens October 1, 2016 FACTS Application due January 17, 2017
? Questions? Please contact our Director of Finance:
Admission decision/tuition assistance award
Dawn Szatkowski
notifications for new students mailed March 17, 2017
Director of Finance (314) 434-3690 x316
Enrollment contract & deposit deadline: April 7, 2017
dszatkowski@priory.org
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CONWAY ROAD
SOUTH MASON ROAD
ENTRY 3
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TIB I DOM
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Saint Louis Priory School
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Art Studio Dining Hall Guest Wing (in Monastery) Gymnasium/Activity Center High School Junior School Library Maintenance Monastery
A B C D E F G H
Junior School Field High School Field Stadium Varsity Soccer Field Football Practice Field Baseball Field Junior School Tennis Courts Main Tennis Courts
Abbot’s Office Vocations Office
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8 9 10 11 5 12
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8
9
Fields & Courts
Buildings
SAINT LOUIS ABBEY
Saint Anselm Parish Centre Saint Anselm Parish House Saint Louis Abbey Church Switzer House Theatre Xanadu Cottage
5 10
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ENTRY 1
7
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11 6
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Check Us Out! Admissions Office Saint Louis Priory School 500 South Mason Road St. Louis, MO 63141-8522
(314) 434-3690 x101 www.priory.org
@
admission@priory.org Saint Louis Priory School @stlprioryschool stlprioryschool
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