Summer Enrichment

Woodside Priory English Language Institute

Living English in Northern California

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  • A Different Kind of English Immersion

    The Woodside Priory English Language Institute (WPELI) is a four-week, place-based English immersion program that uses Northern California itself as the classroom. Designed for middle-school students from around the world, WPELI blends rigorous English instruction with experiential learning that encourages students to actively use English in meaningful, real-world contexts. Students don’t just study English—they live it through exploration, collaboration, reflection, and discovery.

  • Nature & Environmental Exploration

    Surrounded by redwood forests and open space, students begin their language journey by observing, describing, and reflecting on the natural world. Guided hikes, outdoor journaling, and environmental inquiry build vocabulary, confidence, and awareness while reinforcing habits of reflection and stewardship that align with Woodside Priory’s Benedictine values.

  • Ocean & Marine Science

    A full-day coastal experience introduces students to the Pacific Ocean and marine ecosystems of California. Through visits to tide pools and world-class institutions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, students practice academic listening, questioning, and explanation skills while engaging with science in a visually rich and memorable environment.

  • Technology & Innovation in Silicon Valley

    Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, WPELI connects English learning to innovation and problem-solving. Students engage in age-appropriate design challenges, technology workshops, and collaborative projects that emphasize communication, creativity, and presentation skills—while seeing firsthand how English functions as the global language of ideas.

  • San Francisco: Culture, History & Storytelling

    Students explore San Francisco as a living classroom—examining its history, neighborhoods, and cultural diversity. Through guided exploration, interviews, and storytelling projects, students develop narrative language skills and cultural literacy while learning how language connects people, place, and identity.

  • An Experience That Stays With Students

    Across all modules, students participate in small-group instruction, project-based learning, and guided reflection that supports both language growth and personal development. By the end of four weeks, students leave not only with stronger English skills but with greater confidence, independence, and a lasting connection to the Woodside Priory campus and the Northern California experience.

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WPELI Program FAQs

List of 13 items.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What is WPELI?
    The Woodside Priory English Language Institute (WPELI) is a four-week summer English immersion program designed for middle school students who want to strengthen their English skills while experiencing academic and residential life on a Silicon Valley boarding school campus.
     
    Who is the program designed for?
    WPELI serves students entering grades 6–9 from countries around the globe, as well as students already in the United States who may benefit from an immersive English environment. Students represent a range of English proficiency levels and cultural backgrounds.
     
    Is WPELI an academic program or a summer camp?
    WPELI intentionally blends both. Students participate in structured English instruction while also engaging in cultural, athletic, and social activities that encourage real-world language use.

  • Program Dates & Commitment

    What are the program dates?
    WPELI runs for four consecutive weeks during the summer, from June 28 to July 27.
     
    Is full participation required?
    Yes. The academic curriculum and residential experience are designed as a complete four-week program. Students who leave early may not receive final evaluations or completion certificates.

  • Academics & Learning Experience

    What does the English curriculum focus on?
    Instruction emphasizes:
    • Reading and writing skills
    • Listening and speaking confidence
    • Vocabulary and grammar development
    • Academic and conversational English
    Students are placed into small classes based on a pre-arrival language assessment.
     
    How many hours of instruction are there each day?
    Students participate in English instruction for 5 hours each weekday morning.
     
    Will students receive grades or evaluations?
    Students receive a Certificate of Completion along with written feedback summarizing progress, participation, and areas for growth. Academic credit, if applicable, is determined by the student’s home school.
     
    How much homework should students expect?
    Most students complete approximately 60–90 minutes of homework per day, depending on level and coursework. Homework is done in a supervised setting after dinner. 

  • Daily Life & Activities

    What does a typical day look like?
    A typical weekday includes:
    • Morning English classes
    • Lunch and rest time
    • Afternoon activities or enrichment
    • Evening study hall and residential programming
    • Weekends include planned group activities and optional on-campus events.
    Will students have free time?
    Yes. Schedules balance structure with independence. Free time allows students to relax, socialize, study, or participate in supervised recreational activities.

  • Residential Life & Supervision

    Do students live on campus?
    Students may enroll as:
    • Boarding students, living in campus dormitories
    • Day students, commuting daily, and residing with a parent or guardian nearby
    What is dorm life like?
    Dorm life is structured, supportive, and community-oriented. Students live with peers of similar age and are supervised by trained residential staff.
     
    Can students request roommates?
    Roommate requests are considered when possible, but cannot be guaranteed. Assignments are made to support student well-being, diversity, and group balance.
     
    Who supervises students outside of class?
    Residential staff, counselors, and program administrators provide supervision throughout the day and evening. Designated staff members serve as primary points of contact for students and families.

  • Health, Safety & Well-Being

    What medical support is available?
    Students have access to on-call support available as needed.
     
    What happens if a student becomes sick or injured?
    Parents or guardians are notified promptly, and appropriate medical care is arranged.
     
    How does WPELI handle communicable illnesses?
    WPELI follows all local and state public health guidelines. Health and safety policies may be updated annually based on current recommendations.
     
    Is the campus secure?
    Yes. The campus is monitored and staffed, with established emergency procedures and trained personnel on site.
     
    How is medical insurance covered?
    All participants must purchase the mandatory WP ELI medical insurance policy provided.

  • Technology & Communication

    What technology is required?
    Students should bring a laptop or Chromebook that can access web-based learning tools. OR Students will use Chromebooks provided by Priory.
     
    Will students have internet access?
    Yes. Secure campus Wi-Fi is provided.
     
    How do families communicate with students?
    Students may communicate with families regularly while also being encouraged to develop independence. Program-specific communication guidelines are shared prior to arrival.

  • Tuition, Payments & Financial Aid

    How much does WPELI cost?
    Tuition varies by enrollment type (boarding or day). A detailed breakdown is available on the Dates & Tuition page.
     
    What does tuition include?
    Tuition  includes:
    • Instruction and academic materials
    • Housing and meals (for boarding students)
    • Activities and excursions
    • Supervision and student support services
    Are payment plans available?
    No. Students pay a non-refundable registration fee of $500, a non-refundable deposit by March 1, and full payment (non-refundable) by 4/15. 

  • Admissions & Enrollment

    How do students apply?
    Applications are submitted online through the WPELI website.
     
    What is required in the application?
    Application requirements include student information, academic background, a report card or transcript, a recommendation letter, a writing prompt, and an English placement assessment.
     
    Is admission rolling?
    Yes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the program reaches capacity. Early application is strongly encouraged.
     
    When will families receive a decision?
    Decisions are generally issued within two weeks of receiving a completed application.

  • International Students

    Does WPELI welcome international students?
    Yes. International students are an integral part of the WPELI community.
     
    What visa is required?
    Most students attend on a B-2 tourist visa or ESTA. WPELI does not issue F-1 visas but provides supporting documentation when appropriate.
     
    Is airport transportation provided?
    Families are responsible for arranging transportation to and from campus. Arrival and departure guidance is provided after enrollment.

  • Policies & Expectations

    What rules are students expected to follow?
    Students are expected to follow community standards related to respect, safety, academic integrity, and substance-free living.
     
    What happens if a student violates program rules?
    Consequences may range from counseling and warnings to dismissal, depending on the severity of the violation.

  • Faculty & Staff

    Who teaches and supervises the program?
    WPELI is staffed by experienced educators, counselors, and residential professionals with backgrounds in language instruction and youth development.
     
    Does WPELI hire summer staff?
    Yes. Seasonal teaching and residential positions are posted annually.

  • Day Student Option

    Is there a day student option for WPELI?
    Yes. In addition to the residential program, WPELI offers a day student option for students who live locally or are staying with family in the Bay Area.
     
    Who is eligible for the day student program?
    Day students must meet the same age, English proficiency, and academic readiness requirements as residential students and be able to commute daily.
     
    What is included in the day student program?
    Day students participate fully in:
    • English classes
    • Project-based learning
    • Workshops
    • Daytime activities and excursions
    • Supervised on-campus programming
    What is not included for day students?
    The day student option does not include overnight housing, breakfast, dinner, or evening residential activities.
     
    What are the daily hours for day students?
    Day students attend Monday through Friday, with morning arrival and late-afternoon dismissal. Exact schedules are shared prior to the program start.
     
    Do day students participate in excursions?
    Yes. Day students participate in all scheduled daytime excursions included in the program.
    Is transportation provided for day students?
     
    Families are responsible for daily transportation to and from campus. Transportation for program-sponsored excursions is included.
     
    Are day students integrated with residential students?
    Yes. Day and residential students learn and collaborate together throughout the day in a fully integrated international environment.
     
    Is the cost different for day students?
    Yes. Tuition is reduced to reflect the absence of housing and residential services. Please refer to the Dates & Tuition page for current pricing.

Woodside Priory School

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

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