Woodside Priory is the only boarding school in Silicon Valley.
Located within 40 minutes of San Francisco and 10 minutes of Stanford University, the Priory is a coeducational boarding and day school for grades 9 through 12 as well as a coeducational day school for grades 6 through 8.
Situated on a 50-acre campus in the heart of Silicon Valley, Priory offers a 7:1 student/teacher ratio, a strong college and university preparatory curriculum, a vast performing arts program, and a competitive athletics program. Priory strives to create a balanced experience for students where they can explore interests, develop passions, and discover themselves.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Grades: (Boarding Students) 9-12
- Grades: (Day Students) 6-12
- Enrollment: 425 students
- Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $84,660
- Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $58,200
- Acceptance rate: 30%
- Average class size: 13 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 9
- Source: Verified school update
Upcoming Events
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered (Boarding)
9-12
9-12
Grades Offered (Day)
6-12
9-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Year Founded
1957
1907
Campus Size
50 acres
125 acres
Student Body
Enrollment
425 students
314 students
% Students of Color
63%
26%
% International Students
15%
20%
% Students Boarding
20%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
No
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
No
No
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
22
18
ESL Courses Offered
No
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
80%
71%
Summer Program Offered
No
Yes
Tuition Cost
Endowment Size
$15 million
$28 million
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$84,660
(Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend activities)
(Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend activities)
$66,200
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$58,200
(Day tuition includes daily lunch. Additional fees include Student Store deposit of $600. Books are extra.)
(Day tuition includes daily lunch. Additional fees include Student Store deposit of $600. Books are extra.)
$35,600
% Students on Financial Aid
20%
40%
Merit Scholarships Offered
No
No
Acceptance Rate
Application Deadline
Jan. 9
Jan. 15
Acceptance Rate
30%
60%
Director of Admissions
Kirk Gossman
Nils Leitz
Nils Leitz
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
22
18
Courses
Advanced Music Theory, Art History, Biology (Advanced), Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Computer Science, Differential Equations Honors, Economics, English Literature, Environmental Science, French Language, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Multivariable Calculus Honors, Physics, Psychology, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Statistics, Studio Art, U.S. Government and Politics, U.S. History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
11
16
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
23
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Admissions Assistants, Art in Public Spaces, Associated Student Body, Athletic Therapy Assistants, Campus Ministry, Community Ensemble, Daraja Club, Gay/ Straight Alliance, Green Campus Action Team, International Club, School Reach, Social Justice Club, VEX Robotics, Web Design, Womentors, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Fashion Show, Improv Club, Jazz Band, Middlesex Art Association, San Domenico Singers
Admissions Assistants, Art in Public Spaces, Associated Student Body, Athletic Therapy Assistants, Campus Ministry, Community Ensemble, Daraja Club, Gay/ Straight Alliance, Green Campus Action Team, International Club, School Reach, Social Justice Club, VEX Robotics, Web Design, Womentors, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Fashion Show, Improv Club, Jazz Band, Middlesex Art Association, San Domenico Singers
College Matriculation
Year: 2013 - 2018
10 Most Popular College Choices (# Enrolled)
University of Southern California
14
Santa Clara University
13
New York University
12
University of Colorado at Boulder
12
University of California, Berkeley
11
Chapman University
10
Boston University
9
Carleton College
7
Northeastern University
7
University of Oregon
7
School Notes
- Located within 40 minutes of San Francisco and 10 minutes from Stanford University, the Priory is a coeducational boarding and day school for grades 9 through 12 as well as a coeducational day school for grades 6 through 8. Situated on a 50-acre campus in the heart of Silicon Valley, Priory offers a 7:1 student/teacher ratio, a strong college and university preparatory curriculum, a vast performing arts program, and a competitive athletics program.The Priory strives to create a balanced experience for students where they can explore interests, develop passions, and discover meaningful activities. Everything we do revolves around our Mission to assist students in becoming lifelong learners and stewards who will productively serve the world in need of their gifts and our five Benedictine values of Community, Hospitality, Individuality, Integrity, and Spirituality. Priory students are challenged to develop their fullest potential in the classrooms, on the athletic fields, in the performing and visual arts, and in service to the greater community around them. Priory graduates go on to attend schools all across the country, including bigger schools such as Stanford, Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, as well as smaller colleges like Carleton, Oberlin, Santa Clara, and Whitman.The Boarding Program embodies a family model with a full-time Residential Faculty dedicated to working with boarding students after school, in the evenings, and on weekends. The goal of the Boarding Program is to develop independent, responsible, and kind students who will engage in their communities. International in scope, the program attracts students from all parts of the world and throughout the western United States. Boarders enjoy the seamless interaction with the Priory's day students in and outside the classroom. This provides for a rich diversity of peers and experiences that create a strong, vibrant community.
- Woodside Priory School (Priory) accreditations: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), Western Catholic Education Association (WECA), The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Taylor Eigsti - Grammy nominated jazz pianist
- Marc Fiore - Awarded 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Political Cartooning
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Woodside Priory School (Priory) cost?
Woodside Priory School (Priory)'s tuition is approximately $84,660 for boarding students and $58,200 for day students.
What schools are Woodside Priory School (Priory) often compared to?
Woodside Priory School (Priory)is often viewed alongside schools like Stevenson School, The Athenian School, Cate School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Woodside Priory School (Priory)?
The acceptance rate of Woodside Priory School (Priory) is 30%, which is lower than the boarding school average of 60%.
Who are famous alumni from Woodside Priory School (Priory)?
Woodside Priory School (Priory) famous alumni include: Taylor Eigsti and Marc Fiore.
What sports does Woodside Priory School (Priory) offer?
Woodside Priory School (Priory) offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Water Polo.
When is the application deadline for Woodside Priory School (Priory)?
The application deadline for Woodside Priory School (Priory) is Jan. 9.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Our school is composed of about 20% boarding students and 80% day students in the upper school, meaning we are a smaller, very close-knit community within our larger school community. (The middle school is completely. . .
Priory has a high student-to-teacher ratio, which means that each and every student is taken care of by the teacher and the teachers really know the students well. It helps with accommodating individual student's needs. . .
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Woodside Priory School (Priory) also viewed these schools: Stevenson School, The Athenian School, Cate School, The Thacher School and The Webb Schools.
The nearest boarding school to Woodside Priory School (Priory) is The Athenian School (34.7 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
510 students 56.6 miles 3152 Forest Lake Road
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
(831) 625-8309
56.6
9-12
PK-12
PK-12
510
525 students 34.7 miles 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd.
Danville, CA 94506
(925) 362-7223
Danville, CA 94506
(925) 362-7223
34.7
9-12
6-12
6-12
525
300 students 256.1 miles 1960 Cate Mesa Road, P.O. Box 5005
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 684-4127
256.1
9-12
300
255 students 263.1 miles 5025 Thacher Road
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-3210
Ojai, CA 93023
(805) 640-3210
263.1
9-12
255
405 students 336.8 miles 1175 West Baseline Road
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-5214
Claremont, CA 91711
(909) 482-5214
336.8
9-12
405
Recent Articles
5 Reasons to Choose a Boys' School
Uncover the benefits of boys' schools, including tailored teaching methods, reduced social pressures, and opportunities for personal growth. Learn how these institutions foster an environment where boys can excel academically, explore diverse interests, and develop into well-rounded young men without gender stereotypes.
Military Schools Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
This in-depth article explores the world of military schools, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting their unique benefits. It provides parents with valuable insights into why they might consider a military school, debunks prevalent myths, and offers a realistic view of life in these institutions. Whether you're just beginning to explore educational options or are seriously considering a military school for your child, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Teaching in a Boarding School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators
This in-depth article explores the unique aspects of teaching in a boarding school environment. It provides valuable insights for educators considering this career path, covering the multifaceted nature of the job, qualifications required, and practical tips for securing a position. Whether you're a seasoned teacher looking for a change or a new graduate exploring career options, this guide offers a realistic view of life as a boarding school educator.
