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Saint Louis Priory School

Coordinates: 38°38′39″N 90°28′44″W / 38.644193°N 90.478863°W / 38.644193; -90.478863
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Saint Louis Priory School
Address
Map
500 South Mason Road

Creve Coeur
,
Missouri
63141

United States
Coordinates38°38′39″N 90°28′44″W / 38.644193°N 90.478863°W / 38.644193; -90.478863
Information
TypePrivate, All-Boys
MottoLaus Tibi Domine
(Latin: "Praise to Thee, Lord")
Religious affiliation(s)Catholic Church
Established1956
HeadmasterDr. Scott Welz
Faculty51
Grades6–12
Enrollment324 (2025-26)
Average class size30-60
Student to teacher ratio6:1
Campus size150 acres (0.61 km2)
Color(s)Red and Blue   
AthleticsYes
Athletics conferenceMetro League
Nickname
Team nameRavens
AccreditationsNorth Central Association of Colleges and Schools,[2] ISACS[3]
PublicationPriory Magazine
NewspaperThe Record
YearbookThe Shield
Tuition$25,600 for 6th grade. $30,135 for 7-12 grades. Additional $1,500 for lunch, approximately $400-$600 for books and $475 laptop lease fee[1]
AlumniKevin Kline
Websitewww.priory.org

Saint Louis Priory School is a Catholic secondary day school for boys on a 150-acre campus in Creve Coeur, Missouri, within the Archdiocese of St. Louis.[4] The school is run by the Benedictine monks of Saint Louis Abbey.

History

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The school was established in 1956, at the invitation of St. Louis Catholics, by monks of the Benedictine Ampleforth Abbey in Yorkshire, England.[citation needed] The corresponding Priory of Saints Louis and Mary (now Saint Louis Abbey), a Benedictine monastery, was established in 1955. The Priory, which is a member of the English Benedictine Congregation, became independent of Ampleforth in 1973, and was elevated to an Abbey in 1989.

The founding Prior (1955–1967) was Reverend Columba Cary-Elwes, an author, monastic leader, and former titular Abbot of Westminster. The founding headmaster was scholar and author Rev. Timothy Horner, O.S.B., who also founded the school's first athletic team, the Rebel Ruggers.

Saint Louis Abbey
Saint Louis Abbey

The history of the monastery and school was chronicled by founding monk and original headmaster Fr. Timothy Horner, O.S.B., in his In Good Soil: The Founding of the Saint Louis Priory School 1954–1973 (2001). In this history, Horner describes the initial contact with St. Louis Catholic laymen, and explains the process of founding a new school in the English Benedictine Congregation.

As Horner notes in In Good Soil, the purpose of school, as conceived by the lay St. Louis Catholics who initiated the project, was to "offer its students a Catholic-college preparatory education of the highest excellence so as to enter the colleges, universities, and technical schools of their choice."[5] By the middle of the 20th century, Catholics had gone to great lengths to develop their own educational system and were expected to support it, so the fact that the school was founded with a view to sending its alumni to non-Catholic colleges was something of a departure for the time.[5]

Headmasters

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  1. Rev. Timothy Horner, OSB 1956–1974
  2. Rev. Paul Kidner, OSB 1974–1983
  3. Rev. Finbarr Dowling, OSB 1983–1992
  4. Rev. Thomas Frerking, OSB 1992–1995
  5. Rev. Gregory Mohrman, OSB 1995–2005 (First Priory alumnus to join the monastery and serve as Headmaster, class of 1976)
  6. Rev. Michael Brunner, OSB 2005–2012
  7. Rev. Linus Dolce, OSB 2012–2014
  8. Rev. Gregory Mohrman, OSB 2014–2018 (Elected as Abbot of Saint Louis Abbey in 2018)
  9. Rev. Cuthbert Elliott, OSB 2018–2025 (Second Priory alumnus to serve as Headmaster, class of 2002)
  10. Dr. Scott Welz, 2025-present

Academics

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Priory offers an education shaped by the Benedictine order's tradition of Christian humanism, with particular attention to Catholic theology, classical (Latin and Greek) and modern foreign languages (Spanish and French), English and American literature, mathematics and the natural sciences, history, computer science, and the fine arts (vocal music, studio art, theater arts/communication, photography, stained glass art, and mass media and video production).[citation needed]

The online site Niche consistently ranks Priory as #1 in multiple categories. In 2025, Priory was ranked #1 Best Catholic High School in Missouri and #1 Best All-Boys High School in the St. Louis Metro area[6][7] and the state of Missouri.[8]

The Washington Post ranked Priory second, and the top private school, in Missouri, in its 2016 list of "America's Most Challenging High Schools."[9]

Abbey Church

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Saint Louis Abbey Church – July 2013
Saint Louis Abbey Church

The Abbey Church was constructed in 1962 and was finished on September 7, 1962. It is also known as the Church of the Abbey of St. Mary and St. Louis. It was designed by Gyo Obata of Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum.[10] The church's circular facade consists of three tiers of whitewashed, thin-shell concrete parabolic arches, the top one forming a bell-tower. The arches are faced with dark insulated-fiberglass polyester window walls.

The church holds a 14th-century sculpture of the Madonna and Christ child, a 17th-century holy font in the Della Robbia style, and modern sacred art by artists from the United States, Great Britain, Spain, and France. The 2007 AIA|CPC Design Committee gave its Twenty-five Year Award to the Abbey Church/Priory Chapel.[11][12]

On the grounds outside the church are life-size sculptures of the abbey's patron saints, Saint Benedict by Lithuanian-born artist Wiktor Szostalo, and the Holy Blessed Virgin Mother Mary, Our Lady of Grace, by American sculptor Philip Howie.[citation needed] The Abbey Church is the home church for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis parish of Saint Anselm.[13]

Extracurricular

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Priory offers a range of extracurricular offerings for its students. These include the The Record newspaper and The Shield yearbook, opportunities to perform in theater and musical dramas, a Scholar Bowl academic competition team that participates in local and state tournaments, Model UN, and student government.[citation needed]

The school is home to the Guild of Saint Columbkille, a medieval arts guild in which students can participate in stained glass, calligraphy, and heraldry. After demonstrating a certain level of proficiency, students may earn the title of "Master."[citation needed]

Additionally, Priory has a student-led Sodality of Our Lady, a religious organization that fosters in its participants a closer personal and community relationship with the Blessed Virgin Mary.[citation needed] The Priory Sodality is dedicated in particular to Our Lady of Walsingham.

Sports

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Priory's mascot is the Ravens.[14] When the school was founded, the sports mascot was the Saints. In the '60s, "under the influence of a charismatic history teacher who specialized in the Civil War", it was changed to the Rebels, referencing the Confederate States of America. Initially, this link was obvious and the students used Confederate symbols to show pride in their sports team, including a giant painting of General Beauregard on the gym walls.[15] Over time, this link weakened and explicit symbols of the Confederacy went away. In 2020, the mascot was officially changed to the Ravens.[16]

Priory is a member of the suburban Metro League, which was reconstituted out of the former ABC League.[17] Priory students are required to participate in a sport each of the three seasons. In the fall, the school offers cross country, football, and soccer. In the winter, the school offers basketball, ice hockey, and wrestling. Students may choose to participate in the winter musical in order to fill their sports requirement. The ice hockey team is a club team that is not sponsored by the school or state, and since the dissolution of hockey clubs at two nearby public schools, Parkway North and Parkway Central, it regularly features non-Priory students on its team. However, according to a rule change starting in the 2009–2010 school year, it now fulfills the sports requirement for the winter term. In the spring, the school offers golf, track and field, tennis, rugby, baseball, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee. Although the school has racquetball and squash facilities, it does not field teams in these sports, nor does it have a swimming and diving team, as it once did.

In the winter of 2004, the hockey team received a bid to play in the Wickenheiser Cup, a memorial tournament hosted by the Mid-States Club Hockey Association league and named for the late St. Louis Blues Center Doug Wickenheiser. Priory won the championship game, played at the Scottrade Center, giving the school its first state sports title since 1973.[18] In 2007, the hockey team won the Wickenheiser Cup for the second time.[19]

In the fall of 2005, the Priory varsity soccer team became the first in this sport in Missouri's high school sports history, and the first since state titles were officially sanctioned by the Missouri State High School Activities Association, to compete for a full season with no losses or ties.[20] The soccer Rebels led by All-American forward Jimmy Holmes ended the season with a perfect 26-0-0 record, winning the state Class 2 title. In November 2011, the soccer Rebels again produced a perfect season, finishing 27-0-0 and winning the Missouri State High School Class 2 championship with a 2-0 victory over Trinity High School. In so doing they became the only school in Missouri high school soccer history to twice post a perfect season, with no losses and no ties. The soccer Rebels' team record included 24 shutouts, and they outscored opponents 107-5.[21]

In the spring of 2007, the Priory golf team won its first state title, winning by 27 shots. The final team score was 583.[22]

A little over half a decade after establishing a lacrosse program, Priory's varsity lacrosse team won its first Missouri Scholastic Lacrosse Association state title in 2016 by defeating O'Fallon (Illinois) 7-6 in the double overtime Division II championship final.[23][24]

Recognition

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Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA) Titles:

  • Football: 1973
  • Cross Country: 2004
  • Soccer: 2005 (The first soccer team in MSHSAA history to go undefeated at 26-0-0), 2011 (undefeated season, 27-0-0), 2017
  • Golf: 2007 (2nd lowest 36-hole total (583) for par 71-hole course in MSHSAA history), 2018
  • Tennis: 2021, 2024 (Singles)

Mid-States Club Hockey Association State Titles:

  • Hockey: 2004, 2007, 2022 (Wickenheiser Cup)

Missouri Scholastic Lacrosse Association (MSLA) State Title:

  • Lacrosse: 2016 (Division II)

Missouri State High School Boys' Ultimate Championship Title:

  • Ultimate: 2019, 2022, and 2023

Academic State Titles

  • Scholar Bowl Academic Competitions: 1999, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2024
  • Mock Trial: 2007 (the team went on to place fourth in the National Competition)

Notable alumni

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Government and politics
Business
Sports and entertainment
Arts and sciences

References

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  1. ^ "Tuition & Financial Aid". Stlprioryschool.org. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  2. ^ NCA-CASI. "NCA-Council on Accreditation and School Improvement". Archived from the original on 29 April 2009. Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  3. ^ ISACS. "ISACS Find a school".
  4. ^ "Zoning Map". Creve Coeur, Missouri. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  5. ^ a b Timothy., Horner (2001). In good soil : the founding of Saint Louis Priory and School, 1954-1973. [St. Louis, Mo.]: Saint Louis Abbey Press. p. 15. ISBN 0966210417. OCLC 49037278.
  6. ^ "2017 Best Catholic High Schools in St. Louis Area". Niche. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  7. ^ https://k12.niche.com/st-louis-priory-school-creve-coeur-mo/rankings/ Niche 2017 St. Louis Priory Rankings
  8. ^ "2017 Best Catholic High Schools in Missouri". Niche. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  9. ^ "U.S. high school rankings by state — Most challenging schools". Washington Post. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  10. ^ Mindel, Lee. "Lee F. Mindel Tours the Remarkable St. Louis Priory Chapel". Architectural Digest. Retrieved 29 April 2014.
  11. ^ St. Louis church with Kalwall panels receives 25-year AIA design award
  12. ^ American Institute of Architects Saint Louis website
  13. ^ http://www.stanselmstl.org/ St. Anselm's Roman Catholic Parish website, Archdiocese of St. Louis, Missouri
  14. ^ youtube.com. "Introducing Our New Mascot - A Message From Abbot Gregory". youtube.com. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  15. ^ "A Joint Message from Abbot Gregory and Father Cuthbert Regarding Mascot". 6 July 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  16. ^ "Saint Louis Priory School on Instagram: "BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT PRIORY! After months of collaboration with students, faculty and alumni, we're thrilled to announce that on Dec. 16 we'll be unveiling our new mascot. We're looking forward to starting this journey together and looking ahead to the future. Stay tuned for updates! More coming soon. #PrioryProud"". Instagram. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  17. ^ http://www.stltoday.com/schools/high-schools/john-burroughs/abc-league-to-become-an-expanded-co-ed-conference/article_396837c4-3725-595f-8178-ff26db30e94e.html St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "ABC League to become an expanded co-ed conference"
  18. ^ stltoday.com. "STLhighschoolSPORTS.com". stltoday.com. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  19. ^ Saint Louis Post-Dispatch, "CBC routs Chaminade for ninth championship", February 27, 2007.
  20. ^ stltoday.com. "STLhighschoolSPORTS.com". stltoday.com. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  21. ^ STLhighschoolsports.com, Greg Uptain |. "Priory is perfection: Win against Trinity in title game caps 27-0 season". stltoday.com. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  22. ^ "Sports wrapup | St. Louis Review". stlouisreview.com. Retrieved 22 May 2017.
  23. ^ http://www.stltoday.com/sports/high-school/boys-lacrosse/priory-makes-extra-wait-worth-it-by-beating-o-fallon/article_914604aa-2521-11e6-b19b-8bccbdcc752c.html St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "Priory makes extra wait worth it by beating O'Fallon for first state title"
  24. ^ http://stlouisreview.com/article/2016-06-01/trust-fun-had-role St. Louis Review, "Trust, fun had role in Priory lacrosse's success"
  25. ^ Mannies, Jo (10 February 2017). "Missouri Attorney General Hawley addresses Democrats' residency concerns, rents apartment". St Louis Public Radio. Retrieved 24 May 2019.
  26. ^ "Saint Louis Business Journal", "Priory graduate named Facebook CFO"
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