Mission & Philosophy
Woodside Priory School Mission
Woodside Priory School is a co-educational, college preparatory school for grades 6-12-a small school by design. It is located on 60 wooded acres, about 30 minutes south of San Francisco, and north of San Jose/Silicon Valley - a safe, rural setting with close access to metropolitan advantages.
Benedictine monks fleeing Communist repression in post-World War II Central Europe founded the campus in 1957. The monks shared a vision of blending the rigorous academic standards of Europe with the culture of freedom, tolerance and "can-do" spirit that they admired in America. Father Egon, one of the founders (who still lives on the campus) calls his school "an American miracle."
Woodside Priory School is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school in the Benedictine tradition. Our mission is to assist students of promise in becoming lifelong learners who will productively serve a world in need of their gifts.
We believe in these Benedictine values:
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.
We believe these values are made real in a community in which every student is known and loved.
This statement was developed from an earlier one by the entire Priory community in 2003-4. Teachers, administrators and trustees evaluate all classes and educational activities on the basis of this statement. It is a clear presence in student discussions and in Chapel programs.