The Priory Upper School is about more than college preparation. It’s also about developing habits of mind, broadening one’s exposure, and discerning life-long personal passions. We’ve specifically designed our Upper School program to allow for exploration and experimentation along with rigorous college preparation.
Priory students typically fulfill the majority of their college entrance requirements by the end of sophomore year, freeing them to choose from a wide array of electives such as Literature through the Camera Lens, The History of Rebellion, and Organic Chemistry, as well as twenty-two Advanced Placement courses including Human Geography, Music Theory, Environmental Science, Psychology, and Art Portfolio. We know that high school can be a stressful time. That’s why we offer many forms of support for students and families, including a four-year Advisory program, a caring guidance
counseling department, the Academic Resource Center, and a hands-on college-counseling program that begins in freshman year and continues through college acceptance.
Even after those college acceptance letters arrive, Priory students keep learning. Spring semester seniors are challenged to identify a need that aligns with a personal passion and present a real-world solution in the form of their Senior Project. Whether designing an iPhone application, creating a basketball camp for local at-risk youth, or bringing a much-needed water filtration system to a girls’ school in Kenya, Priory students and graduates are serving a world in need of their gifts.
Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Brian Schlaak
Head of Upper School

Middle school occupies a special place in a student’s life, at that all-important nexus between childhood and adolescence. We’re sensitive to the unique needs of this time, and that’s why the heart of our Middle School experience is balance.
What we call “balance in the Middle” means simultaneously challenging students with the academic rigor needed to prepare them for high school and providing them with a nurturing learning environment along the way. We push our middle grade students to develop study skills, to think critically and creatively, and to grow intellectually, while also allowing them time during the school day to be “just kids,” with fun and games, open gyms, tournaments, and down time. It is this kind of balance—including a thoughtful, manageable homework load—that we believe holds the key to a successful middle school experience.
Being part of a six-through-twelve school gives our younger students access to facilities and programs usually found only in later grades. They can discover passions through electives like ceramics, Rock Band, improvisational acting, and digital photography and video. School-wide events like Chapel and Spirit Week bring students of all ages together, but with its developmentally appropriate activities, nurturing teachers, and a dedicated section of campus, the Middle School maintains an identity all its own.
Warm Regards,
Caitha Ambler
Middle School Head
cambler@prioryca.org
650.851.6156

The overriding goal of the counseling department is to ensure that all students have access to the resources needed to promote health, wellness, and academic success.
Priory has a variety of counseling resources available to our students and parents. There are five full time counselors comprising this department – two college counselors, an academic counselor, a psychologist, and a learning specialist. The Counseling Team meets regularly and coordinates services according to individual student need. Parents are welcome to contact the Director of Guidance and Counseling, Sandra Martignetti, (smartignetti@prioryca.org) with any questions about services and guidance programs.
Descriptions of the all-school Advisory Program, Academic Resource Program and Social& Emotional counseling are provided below. Extensive information regarding college counseling is found under “College Counseling” on the Priory website.

Tips for Upper School Success
Freshmen
Transition and Building a Solid Foundation
Settle into the routine of life at Priory
Do your best in all of your classes
Get to know your teachers
Take advantage of their office hours
Commit to volunteer projects
Get involved in co-curricular activities
Explore future options: Talk to people about their careers.
Talk to seniors at Priory for advice
When you're vacationing with family, check out local colleges and universities just to get a sense of what different campuses are like
Have at least one serious discussion with your parents about your future, your plans, and what expectations they might have for you.
Never forget: Freshman year DOES count!
Sophomores
Exploration & Learning About Yourself
Keep your future options open by taking solid academic
courses
Take at least one visual or performing arts class
Take the PSAT in October
Continue your involvement in volunteer and co-curricular activities
Do your best work in all classes
Talk more extensively with your parents about college and financing a college education
Continue to work closely with your teachers
Take advantage of office hours
When on a vacation visit college and university campuses
Talk to other Priory students about what advice they would give you to make your Priory experience more meaningful
Register and take SAT Subject Tests if appropriate for you
Contemplate a summer job or internship
Juniors
Choices - Considering Your Options
Attend college rep visits in Ms. VW's office
Take the PSAT in October
Continue to visit college campuses while traveling
Meet formally with Ms. Van Wagenen after first semester
Register for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT
(Get advice about this from Ms. VW)
Make a list of colleges to investigate
Take advantage of school breaks to visit colleges
Prepare for standardized tests
Attend the Case Studies Program and College Fair
Attend local college fairs
Complete your summer assignment from Ms. VW (Personal statements and college questionnaire)
Seniors
Commitment – Taking Action to Make it Happen
Take advantage of elective choices
Meet with Ms. Van Wagenen when school commences
Finalize a list of schools
Attend college rep meetings in the college counseling office
Visit colleges during the October "college visit" break and during other school vacations
Submit all application materials to your teachers and Ms. Van Wagenen using the recommended timetable
Polish your personal statements and supplements
Attend application help sessions
Meet all application deadlines
Keep Ms. Van Wagenen informed of all changes/responses from colleges
ENJOY YOUR SENIOR YEAR!

哇学长你写了好多

哇学长你好厉害