About

Mission & Philosophy

Woodside Priory School was founded in 1957 by a group of seven Hungarian Benedictine monks from Saint Martin’s Archabbey in Pannonhalma, Hungary. Since 1974, the monks have been affiliated with Saint Anselm Abbey in Goffstown, New Hampshire. The School began as an 18 acre ranch and over the years has expanded significantly with the campus now encompassing 51 acres. Originally the School was an all-male boarding school, but over the years the ratio of boarders to day students has changed to the point where today the boarding school accounts for approximately 20% of the student body. In the early 1990’s, the School began admitting females to their day program with the first co-ed class graduating in 1995. In 2004, the School expanded its boarding program to include females.
Woodside Priory School believes these Benedictine values are made real in a community in which every student is known and loved. Our values are the following:

Our Benedictine Values

List of 5 items.

  • Spirituality

    God works in us, through us, and for us.

  • Hospitality

    All are welcomed with honor and respect.

  • Integrity

    Learning flourishes in an environment of honesty, trust, and personal responsibility.

  • Individuality

    Every student has gifts to be discovered, nurtured, and treasured.

  • Community

    Together we find strength and purpose in supporting one another.

Mission Statement

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.

Governance

Woodside Priory School, a California non-profit corporation and organization described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, was incorporated in 1957. The Benedictine Monks of Saint Anselm Abbey in Manchester, New Hampshire own and operate The Priory. The corporate title for the school is Benedictine Fathers of the Priory, Inc. DBA Woodside Priory School.

The school is governed by two Boards—a Board of Directors consisting of five Benedictine Monks (appointed and elected from Saint Anselm and Priory communities) and a Board of Trustees which has limited jurisdiction and consists of parents, non-parents, alumni and friends of the school. Trustee members are approved by the Directors and both Boards meet together each January to approve salary and tuition increases.

Woodside Priory School

302 Portola Rd. Portola Valley, CA 94028
Main Phone: (650) 851-8221 Fax: (650) 851-2839

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