Odyssey Program

Odyssey Philosophy and Goals

In today's interconnected world, it is increasingly important for students to understand and appreciate diverse cultures and global perspectives. The goal of the Odyssey program is to provide students with unique learning and service experiences outside of the classroom to broaden their horizons. By engaging in international and domestic travel, students will gain valuable insights into different cultures, build connections with their classroom curriculum, and better understand their own role in the broader human experience. We hope that these experiences will lead to deep connections with both those they travel with and those they meet.

Each Odyssey trip is individually sponsored by a Priory faculty member or Priory parent. These trips are subject to change annually and require approval of the Odyssey trip coordinator and the Saint Louis Priory School Leadership team. The trip coordinator helps to assist in the planning and execution of these trips. For general questions, please contact odyssey@priory.org.

This required trip will bring all Form I students on an experiential learning journey through the Southern States that will reflect and support Priory's curriculum. Over their three-day adventure, students will visit Andrew Jackson's Hermitage in Nashville, TN, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, AL. The trip will also offer a chance for community with Mass and recreation time at a Family Fun Center.

Date: April 14-16
Participants: All Form I Students
Cost: $0; Included in tuition

Journey to Peru for the adventure of a lifetime. Explore the vibrant city of Cusco, discover ancient ruins in the Sacred Valley, hike through mountain and jungle to Machu Picchu, visit the penguins and sea lions of the Ballestas Islands, and spend an unforgettable afternoon riding dune buggies and sandboarding in Huacachina. This trip, as led by Father Cuthbert, Mrs. Hostnik, Mr. Dixon, and local Peruvian guides, is not to be missed. 

Date: June 27 - July 8, 2027
Age: 17+ (Current Juniors and Seniors who meet basic health and fitness requirements for high altitude activities) 
Maximum Participants: 12
Cost: $4900 per student
Requirements: Vaccinations required; good behavioral standing
Registration Deadline: Monday, September 28
Financial Commitment: Friday, October 30

Contact Father Cuthbert Elliott, O.S.B., '02 at frcuthbert@priory.org for more information.

A treasure trove of history, art, culture, exquisite food, faith exploration, and plenty of delicious gelato - if all this and much more sounds good to you, then join us for a trip you'll never forget! Rome offers you a chance to deepen your knowledge, visit the old world, take in the world-famous places such as the Colosseum, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, the Roman Forum, early Christian catacombs, the Pantheon, and field trips to the stunning cities of Florence or Naples. Rome is jam-packed, fun-filled, and massively enriching trip, designed to forge new friendships through a healthy blend of group time and free time to explore this amazing city. Each day we eat in out in authentic restaurants, visit several phenomenal sites, and give time for relaxation. Come and join us!  

Date: March 10 - 21, 2027 (tentative)
Age: High schoolers (primarily current freshman and sophomores)
Maximum Participants: 15
Cost: $4500 per student
Requirements: good academic and behavioral standing; permission from the Assistant Head of School for Intellectual Formation to miss school
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 18
Financial Commitment: Friday, October 2

Contact Mr. Josh Dixon at jdixon@priory.org for more information. 

Spend one week living at Bethlehem Farm with a community of Catholic caretakers in Talcott, West Virginia. The four pillars of Bethlehem Farm are prayer, simplicity, service, and community. During the day, students will serve the neighboring community and, in the evening, join together for dinner and activities.  Step away from the busyness of your normal life to enjoy a night underneath the Milky Way, board games by candlelight, and football and soccer among the farm animals.  Students will earn 40 service hours via this trip. 

Date: July 4-10
Age: 16+ (Current sophomores and juniors)
Maximum Participants: 10
Cost: $1250 per student
Requirements: good behavioral standing
Registration Deadline: Friday, December 11
Financial Commitment: Friday, February 5

Contact Mr. Tim Malecek at tmalecek@priory.org for more information. 

Join fellow pilgrims from Ampleforth Abbey (UK), Portsmouth Abbey School (USA), and Sacred Heart School (USA) on a journey to Lourdes, France.  While abroad, students will assist the sick and elderly making their spiritual and healing journey to the holy site where St. Bernadette encountered Mary as Our Lady of Lourdes. The ability to communicate in French is helpful, but not required. Note: This trip is officially organized via Ampleforth Abbey (https://www.ampleforthlourdes.org.uk/). Once selected, students will complete all other steps (payment, passport, waivers, etc.) directly with the Ampleforth Loudes Pilgrimage group.

Date: July 14-24, 2027
Age: 17 at the time of the Pilgrimage and a rising senior (recent alumni may participate with a granted exception)
Maximum Participants: 5
Cost: $3250 per student
Registration Deadline: Friday, December 11
Financial Commitment: Friday, March 12

Contact Mr. Tim Malecek at tmalecek@priory.org for more information. 

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