Admissions
Apply to Priory Boarding (9-12)

International Applicants

Morgan, Class of 2023, South Korea

Priory has challenged me to view life through a multitude of different lenses. It has taught me about the world, and what a meaningful life means. Before, I thought grades were the only important things, but now, I value relationships and experiences more.

Guidance for International Applicants

International applicants are invited to apply online through Ravenna, our online admission application, or through the Standard Application Online (SAO). 
 
Applicants for the 2022-2023 school year will be able to  begin their applications starting in September 2022.
 
All applicants are required to create a Ravenna account as admissions decisions are only released through Ravenna.
 
Applicants who intend to apply through the SAO must create a Ravenna account.
 
Woodside Priory School is authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue Form I-20 documentation for international students seeking an F-1 Student Visa. The Form I-20 is issued following acceptance by the Priory and payment of the Enrollment Deposit. Woodside Priory School supports F-1 Student Visas for students participating in our boarding program only.

Woodside Priory School has entered into an exclusive partnership with Amerigo Education (Amerigo Select) with the purpose of recruiting international students. On behalf of the school, Amerigo Education assists with international students' application and prescreening. 

List of 5 items.

  • Step 1: Create Ravenna Account

    From its founding in 1957, the boarding program has been an indelible part of the Woodside Priory School community. Today around 50 students choose to be active, contributing members of Priory's boarding community, guided by dedicated Residential Faculty.

    All applicants must create a Ravenna account in order to navigate through the application season. This requirement includes applicants who apply to our boarding program through the SAO. To get started, visit Ravenna Hub and add Woodside Priory School to your Dashboard. 

    Please check back for information regarding programs we will host to introduce you to the Priory.

  • Step 2: Submit English Proficiency Test Results

    Applicants to Woodside Priory are expected to be fluent in English and proof of English proficiency is required for all students applying from outside the United States.

    We accept the results of English proficiency from the following organizations:

      • Duolingo English Test
      • IELTS (Academic)
      • TOEFL iBT (2055)

    Applicants whose native language is English and where the primary language of instruction at school is English may be waived from this requirement.

  • Step 3: Vericant Interview (for Mainland Chinese applicants Only)

    Woodside Priory School partners with VERICANT to assist us with interviewing all applicants from mainland China. These interviews are opportunities for applicants to showcase aspects about themselves in a controlled environment.

    For mainland Chinese applicants applying for Fall 2023, please register for Vericant account directly through their website and complete your interview no earlier than August 1, 2022.

    We ask that applicants complete their Vericant interview and send their interview report to Priory by January 12, 2023, our application deadline.

    Please note that upon completion and receipt of your Vericant interview, mainland Chinese applicants will have completed the interview step (step 4).

  • Step 4: Interview

    Given the intimate size of our boarding program, boarding applicants will be given an opportunity to meet with a member of the residential faculty and/or admissions team and speak about why Priory's boarding program may be a good fit.

    Applicants must complete and successfully submit all pieces of their admissions application before an interview can be scheduled. Interviews are typically offered from the beginning of January through mid-February.

    *Applicants from Mainland China should plan to submit a Vericant Interview in lieu of a faculty meeting.

  • Step 5: Prepare for Your Admissions Decision

    Boarding admissions decisions for Woodside Priory will be published in Ravenna on March 10, 2023. Initial offers of admission must be accepted (or declined) by families by March 24, 2023.  During this period, admitted students should contact the Admissions Office should they have any questions about the Priory.

    Students offered a place in the Wait Pool may be considered for admission throughout the spring and summer months. Information for applicants in the wait pool will be provided on March 10.

Frequently Asked Questions about Priory's Boarding Program

List of 5 items.

  • Can international students apply as day students?

    Woodside Priory School sponsors F-1 Student Visas and issues I-20s to international students who are students in our boarding program only. 

    Priory does not issue Form I-20s or support F-1 Student Visas for students in our day programs (e.g., middle and upper school).

  • Does Woodside Priory offer a homestay programs?

    No, all students requiring a legal authorization to study in the United States (through Form I-20) must be students in our boarding program. (An F-1 student visa is required for entry into the United States to study and issued after successful completion of Form I-20.)

  • Does your program have age requirements?

    Students applying for entry into grade 9 must not turn 16 years of age before January 1 of grade 9. (In grade 10, the student must not turn 17 years of age before January 1 of grade 10, and in grade 11, the student must not turn 18 years of age before January 1 of grade 11).

  • Do you accept students to start mid-year?

    Our application process only invites students to apply for the start of our academic year (August intake). We do not accept mid-year transfers for our boarding (or day) program.

  • Which countries do students apply from?

    A western boarding experience is distinctive from other boarding schools on the US eastern seaboard. In recent years, we have had applicants from over 20 countries worldwide including Austria, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

Important Dates for Boarding Applicants

For Fall 2023, Entry:
  • September 5, 2023: Applications available for Fall 2024 on Ravenna or SAO
  • January 9, 2024: Applications Due via SAO or Ravenna
  • January 20, 2024: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test results must be received
  • March 8, 2024: Admissions Decisions are released online through your Ravenna account only
  • March 22, 2024: Admission Response Deadline

Woodside Priory School

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

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