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EXPERIENCEPRINCIPIA SCHOOL

THINK FEARLESSLY. LIVE SELFLESSLY. LEARN PURPOSEFULLY.

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Mark the perfect man, and behold the

upright: for the end of that man is peace.

—Psalms 37:37

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Do you believe your child has what it takes to excel? We do!

Every school day, in every activity, our teachers, staff, and I consistently uphold each student’s innate ability by following the Biblical injunction, “Mark the perfect man . . .” In fact, recognizing students’ limitless potential is one of our guiding principles (see below).

That’s why Principia is able to offer an educational experience like no other!

Whether joining us in preschool or Upper School, students thrive in our supportive community, established on the principles of Christian Science. Here, children learn to conquer limitation, embrace challenge, and pursue possibility. And here, they blossom into tomorrow’s leaders—fearless thinkers who live and learn selflessly and purposefully.

Backed by an academically and morally robust education that develops skills and confidence, Principia School graduates are ready to rise to the demands of the future. They are equipped to put their education to use for the greater good—blessing mankind and bettering humanity—in college, in professional and family life, and as global citizens.

Travis BrantinghamHead of School

Principia recognizes that

man as the child of God reflects the intelligence and strength of his Maker, and . . . refuses to accept as final any belief of limitation which grants greater

capacity to one individual than to another.

—Principia Policy 3

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Students thrive with Principia’s robust, integrated approach to learning—applying their literacy, numeracy, scientific, and artistic skills in a range of hands-on projects.

Experiential activities develop critical thinkers, effective communicators, and entrepreneurial problem solvers.

Our curriculum encourages students at all levels to work independently and collaboratively and to delve into local and global issues that resonate with them. All students have multiple opportunities to develop their innate creativity through music, theatre, dance, and visual, digital, and media arts. And they’re encouraged to apply these skills in communicating and expressing their understanding through cross-disciplinary projects.

HANDS-ON LEARNING FORDEEPER UNDERSTANDING

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC LEARNING

7:1 STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO

THE 66 MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2017 RECEIVED 136 ACCEPTANCES

FROM 80 COLLEGES

9 AP AND COLLEGE-

CREDIT COURSES OFFERED

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Putting Understanding into PracticeHand in hand with experiential learning, students work to meet high academic expectations and stan-dards and are supported by clear feedback and opportunities for continuous improvement. A compre-hensive literacy program and the challenging Singapore Math curriculum carry through both Lower and Middle School. In Upper School, students may choose from multiple college-level or Advanced Place-ment (AP) courses.

Together, students and teachers embrace challenge, uncover potential, and put knowledge and under-standing into practice. This approach enriches not only academics but also artistic, athletic, and social activities. Now, that’s what we call a well-rounded experience!

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63% OF FACULTY HOLD GRADUATE DEGREES

15+ TEACHERS PRESENTED AT WORKSHOPS OR

CONFERENCES IN 2016–2017

Principia faculty rise to the challenge of teaching for the unknown on a daily basis.

Our aim is to develop active, agile learners, able to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. That’s why we embrace technology, global citizen-ship, and student-driven discovery. And that’s why every teacher devotes a minimum of 200 hours a year (that’s 25 work days!) to professional development and peer teaching and learning.

Helping students approach academics and life with a creative, collabora-tive, problem-solving mindset means providing multifaceted opportunities to learn and excel. Sometimes, it also means letting students learn from the occasional failure, from having to try again or try harder.

We’re committed to doing what it takes to effectively prepare our students for tomorrow.

TEACHING FOR TOMORROW

EXPERIENCE A 21ST-CENTURY EDUCATION

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Pillars of Principia’s Educational ApproachIn classes from preschool through senior year, Principia educators craft

relevant learning experiences built on three elements:

1 2 3The dynamic Understand-ing by Design® curricular framework, which focuses on developing and deep-ening students’ ability to apply knowledge and skills in a variety of contexts

Principia’s foundational mandate to “keep abreast of educational progress and in key with changing world conditions”(Principia Policy 11)

Continuous, targeted professional develop-ment—both in-house and external, with peers and with experts, locally and nationally—that infuses our classrooms with fresh ideas and inspiration

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We’re always thinking about how best to

prepare the 21st-century child, who needs

the skills of collaboration, creativity, and

critical thinking to succeed in life.

—Middle School teacher

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Character and spiritual growth unfold in a challenging yet supportive environment.

Daily school activities naturally foster inclusiveness, integrity, community, and character-defining moments. But we’re also very intentional about creat-ing avenues for every student to get involved. We make sure that all children have opportunities to establish connections with peers and adults, take on responsibility and lead, and express their unique, unlimited nature.

Across all levels of the School, students participate in weekly inspirational chapels, regular school-spirit activities, and community service.

In Middle and Upper School, students develop a sense of belonging and shared responsibility through the House system and smaller advisory and Crew groups. Student government, community service, annual class trips, and a wide range of social activities provide additional avenues to practice effective leadership—and followership.

CHARACTER, COMMUNITY,AND LEADERSHIP

EXPERIENCE GROWTH

4 HOUSES IN UPPER SCHOOL BOLE (PURPLE)FLINT (GREEN)

HUBBELL (BLUE)PERRIN (RED)

3 HOUSES IN MIDDLE SCHOOLBLACK BLUEGOLD

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Inter-House competition is fierce but friendly, as this Upper School Surf & Turf event shows!

On a fall expedition, sophomores demonstrate the Crew ethos: All hands on deck; no one’s a passive passenger!

Students regularly engage in commu-nity service—from volunteering with children to clearing brush to serving meals at shelters.

OUR COMMUNITY COMMITMENT

Striveto understand and express God in all you do

Conquer“all that is unlike God” (Science and Health, p. 262)

LoveGod and your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27)

Giveunselfishly

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Educational travel does so much more than create happy memories; it teaches lasting life lessons and creates inspired, global learners.

Every Principia student gets to experience places and meet people beyond campus borders—with the goal of broadening and deepening global connec-tions and learning how to serve and better humanity.

Specific locations and areas of academic focus may change from year to year, but exciting opportunities to grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially are part of every trip, in every grade.

PURPOSEFUL TRAVEL THAT EXPANDS HORIZONS

15 EXTENDED, OFF-CAMPUS LEARNING PROGRAMS WERE

OFFERED IN 2016–2017

EXPERIENCE GLOBAL LEARNING

Where We Travel, What We DoUpper School students kick off the school year with a weeklong, Outward Bound wilderness expedition, which strengthens their practice of teamwork—and of Christian Science.

Each spring, Middle School students visit New England, New York City, or Costa Rica on grade-level trips that incorporate art, nature, history, language, and com-munity service.

Lower School students begin with half- and full-day trips in and around St. Louis, learning about nature, Native American history, and pioneer life. In alternate years, fourth- and fifth-grade students take a weeklong trip to Jamestown,Williamsburg, and Washington, DC.

Preschoolers visit the local fire station, bank, and grocery store to learn what it takes to keep a community going.

Optional AdventuresWe offer a selection of optional trips for Upper School students: • A one-week research and data collec-

tion program with the Teton Science Schools in Jackson, Wyoming, for those in the Field and Natural History class

• A two-week trip to Israel and Holy Land sites, for students accepted into the Advanced Bible Studies class

• Service-learning trips in the Domini-can Republic and South Africa

• A Spanish language and culture pro-gram in Spain

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The love and support from teachers,

housemoms, and classmates has ignited

my desire to overcome challenges and

express my God-given abilities.

—Upper School junior

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Rhythm. Grace. Perspective. Poetry. Humor. Drama . . . At Principia School, students express their innate creativity and discover and develop

their artistic abilities in a variety of ways. Participation in the arts encourages collaboration, persistence, careful listening, and keen observation, all of which transfer to—and enrich—every aspect of student life and learning.

From preschool through senior year, our faculty help ignite imagination and hone skills, as students explore theatre, music, singing, dance, and studio and media art, including ceramics, mural-making, and video production. Our programs feature vigorous training, top-notch facilities, and interaction with professional artists. Students also integrate the arts into their academic subjects, through cross-disciplinary projects and presentations.

Each year offers plentiful opportunities for students to perform, produce, and showcase their work for appreciative audiences.

IGNITING IMAGINATION AND ARTISTRY

EXPERIENCE CREATIVITY

20+ ON-CAMPUS STUDENT PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

EACH YEAR

24 STUDENT ARTWORKS SELECTED FOR EXHIBITION BY THE ST. LOUIS

ARTISTS’ GUILD (2015–2017)

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Sports at Principia are a great opportunity to shed labels and self-im-posed limits and gain physical and spiritual strength.

From the preschool playground to the Upper School football field, students discover the joy of activity and the thrill of developing their athletic skills.

Physical activity is a normal and regular part of every student’s experience—all year ’round. In the younger grades, outdoor play and PE classes introduce children to foundational movement skills and basic rules in a range of sports, including soccer, basketball, and gymnastics.

During Project Adventure, Lower and Middle School students utilize our outdoor climbing wall and ropes course to develop strength and coordination as well as effective communication and collaboration with teammates.

In Middle School, optional afterschool sports provide opportunities to compete against other independent schools. Upper School varsity and JV teams participate in the eight-school Metro League, and often advance to District and State competitions. Dance, PE, and conditioning classes are also available for sports credit.

Whatever the game, Principia Panthers are prepared—physically and metaphysically!

ATHLETICS FOR ALL

EXPERIENCE CHALLENGE

RECENT STATE WINS1ST — BOYS’ 100 M DASH (2017)1ST — BOYS’ 200 M DASH (2016)

1ST — BOYS’ SOCCER (2015)3RD — GIRLS’ SOCCER (2017)

3RD — WRESTLING (2017)3RD — WRESTLING (2015)

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Middle SchoolBoys and Girls BasketballCross countrySoccerTennis

BoysBaseballFlag footballWrestling

Girls SoftballSwimming Volleyball

Upper SchoolBoys and Girls BasketballCross countrySoccerTennisTrack and field

BoysBaseballFootballGolfWrestling

Girls SoftballSwimming and divingVolleyball

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We recently received a letter from

our son, thanking us for letting him

attend Principia. In his words, ‘This

shows the lengths of your love for me.’

—Parents of a boarding student

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INSPIRING SPACES THAT ENCOURAGE INNOVATION

Imagine a laboratory with thousands of trees; hundreds of birds, bugs, and animals; and several distinct ecosystems . . . that’s our campus! And our indoor learning spaces are just

as unique and inspiring.

A living lab of rolling fields, woods, and ponds, our 360-acre campus is perfect for hands-on science study—radio-tracking box turtles, tapping sugar maples, or cultivating a permacul-ture orchard, for example. And the changing seasons provide new inspiration and opportuni-ties for artists and writers, too.

The campus offers top-notch athletics venues as well—with a cross country course, track and field facilities, tennis courts, and baseball, soccer, and football fields.

EXPERIENCE LEARNING EVERYWHERE

SEEDLINGS AND SAPLINGS PLANTED BY STUDENTS IN OUR PERMACULTURE ORCHARD

250SQUARE FEET OF SPACE PROVIDED

BY OUR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

12,000KILOMETERS OF RUNNING

AND WALKING TRAILS AROUND CAMPUS

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The Lower/Middle School and Upper School art studios are hives of multimedia creativity where students discover and develop their skills of observation, rendering, and 2D and 3D creativity. While making art, they also debate and discuss its meaning and relevance to 21st-century society.

A newly renovated Media and Communications Center features a fully equipped tele-vision and sound-recording studio and a spacious Mac lab for online publishing, digital design, and film classes. Within easy reach of Upper and Middle School students and faculty, it’s a great place to produce a television show or record music.

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Our IDEA Centers combine high-tech with high academic expectations for both collaborative and self-directed learning. Multipurpose spaces offer digital tools alongside traditional reference sources. And students love the mix of reading and study areas that allow them to work comfortably in collaboration or on their own.

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This pond ecology “classroom”—with its boat dock, learning stations, and duck boxes—was designed and built by our Middle School students! They also created instructional materials and experiments to help other students learn about water quality and insect and avian life.

Our new Performing Arts Center em-phasizes the central role and vitalityof the arts at Principia. This state-of-the-art space can accommodate individual practice sessions, band rehearsals, and noisy tap dancing—all at the same time. Students discover and demonstrate their individual talents and verve through our vibrant performing arts programs.

The Lower School playground—with its flowing creek (that recycles its water), sand and mud pits, hobbit holes, tree trunks, boulders, and native vegetation—is an extension of the classroom.

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I love listening to my teachers read stories.

I like playing with my friends. I love the

desserts on Friday.

—Preschooler

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NURTURING AND DISCOVERINGOn campus and online, flexible early childhood programs nurture young children and their parents as they embark on a shared journey of discovery.

The Early Learning Center A team of experienced caregivers provides loving attention and engaging playtime experiences for infants and toddlers. With a ratio of at least one adult per four children, we welcome little ones from six weeks old to age three. The Center’s bright, spacious rooms open onto a shaded, outdoor play area. Snacks and lunches (and naptime) are included!

EARLY CHILDHOODINFANTS AND TODDLERS

Acorn on Campus

• Tuesday play-ins: Children explore and expand their world, creating with a variety of art materials, singing songs, and developing language and social skills.

• Co-ops (one to three times a week): Parents may drop off their children or work alongside our staff in supporting playtime and other activities for Acorn children.

• Weekly parenting seminars: These sessions ad-dress topics related to early childhood from a meta-physical perspective; speakers include Christian Science nurses and practitioners as well as longtime parents and educators.

Acorn Online

• The Acorn Director shares teaching and activity ideas and articles based on a weekly theme.

• A private Facebook discussion group encourages parents to ask and answer questions and share inno-vative ideas and information.

• Online resources include practical articles on parent-ing and home-based teaching, along with creative activities for toddlers and parents.

Acorn Program for Parents and ChildrenChristian Science families connect with each other and with experienced educators to discover the joys and rewards of early childhood. As a community, we explore how to support our children’s growth on the basis of spiritual unfoldment and how to incorporate creative play and learning, character education and independence, and discipline and communication into everyday activities.

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Preschool: Ages 3 and 4In the preschool classes, three- and four-year-olds engage in a combination of creative play, music, language development, and job responsibilities, as well as outdoor activity and nature discovery. And, of course, story time is always a favorite!

BUILDING AND BROADENINGAt Principia Lower School, children develop foundational academic, communication, and social skills in a dynamic environment that makes the most of their innate curiosity and energy. With small class sizes and bright, spacious rooms with direct access to the outdoors, children move seamlessly from one-on-one work with teachers to group interactions.

LOWER SCHOOL

PRESCHOOL–GRADE 5

Kindergarten through Grade 5Every day, students delve into language arts, mathematics, and a range of integrated learning that incorporates hands-on science and technology (including robotics) along with art and digital media.

Thematic units in social studies reinforce learning in language arts, and students have classes in Spanish, music, and physical education at least once a week. In addition, students expand their understanding of community and the wider world through frequent field trips.

Open-ended projects harness student innovation and curiosity, fostering a critical-thinking and problem-solving mindset. Through a variety of group assignments, students also practice communication, leading, and listening—skills essential to success in the 21st century.

Program Highlights

Music

Through movement, folk songs, and dances, students are intro-duced to rhythm, rhyme, and tempo. By fourth grade, they learn a band instrument. And in fifth grade they perform in the grade 5 and 6 band.

Robotics

All Lower School students learn how to work with robots—coding, programming, and building them—in a newly renovated makerspace. Each year, students participate in local LEGO League competitions.

Spanish

Children begin learning Spanish so that they are well prepared for Middle School language study.

Bible

Every week in every grade, chil-dren learn about Bible stories and themes through a variety of activities.

Colonial History Trip

For fourth- and fifth-grade students, social studies learning culminates in a weeklongexploration of Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Washington, DC. (The trip is offered in alternate years.)

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

GRADES 6–8

CHALLENGING AND EXPANDINGThe middle school years are a transformative time. Our wraparound care helps make the transition to young adulthood progressive and positive.

WITH BOARDING AVAILABLE FOR GRADES 7 AND 8

Challenge and Choice Whether it’s pre-algebra or a place-based science proj-ect, a House competition or an Evening of Excellence, our students enjoy multiple opportunities to cultivate critical thinking, self-government, and a spiritually rooted understanding of identity. Through a holistic approach to education, our teachers support each child’s intellectual, social, spiritual, and moral development.

Encouraged by challenge, choice, and cheerful guidance, students apply their expanding skills in language arts and mathematics to intentionally aligned, in-depth explorations in social studies and science. They also participate in Spanish, band or choir, and REV classes (see right), which promote their understanding and appreciation of cultural, linguistic, and artistic diversity.

Seasonal afterschool sports options, numerous social opportunities, and Middle School Trip Week provide plenty of occasions to develop team spirit, genuine friendships, and increasing independence.

Program Highlights

CATCH

During four CATCH sessions each week, students begin homework, receive additional teacher support, develop study skills, or tackle group assignments.

REV—Revolving, Revolutionary, and Revelatory

All Middle School students revolve through threetrimester-long, multi-grade classes in art, drumming circle, and dance or drama—experiences that movethem out of their comfort zones and develop a cultureof respect for diverse talents and viewpoints.

Trip Week

For a week each spring, Middle School students embark on learning adventures far from campus:

• Sixth graders dive into American Revolutionary history in New England and upstate New York

• Seventh graders immerse themselves in the cultural, architectural, and theatrical highlights of New York City.

• Eighth graders expand their global horizons and Spanish-language skills as they explore the rich culture and biodiversity of Costa Rica.

Evenings of Excellence

These once-a-semester community events showcase students’ discovery processes, ingenuity, and excellence across all subject areas.

PE + Project Adventure + Athletics

Students keep physically active while practicing team-work, trust, and sportsmanship. During sessions on our high ropes and climbing course (Project Adventure), in PE activities, and through a selection of afterschool sports, they overcome fears and limits.

Boarding Program

Our family-like Middle School Boys’ and Girls’ dorms welcome up to 10 students each. Learn about their nurturing environment on pages 34 and 35.

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DEEPENING AND STRENGTHENINGFrom building a competition-winning robot to launching a small business, Upper School students dig in and deliver! They put their learning into practice, developing as thoughtful leaders and creative problem solvers, who are able to apply their skills across a variety of contexts.

Academic Advising and College PreparationStudents take courses in all core academic and arts disciplines, with options for college-level and Advanced Placement classes. Through interdisciplinary, multimedia projects built into the curriculum, they undertake research, conduct field studies, and produce a range of written and audio-visual presentations.

From the start of freshman year, our team of full-time counselors guides students in making appropriate academic choices to prepare for a challenging and engaging college experience. Counselors help identify colleges and universities tailored to each student’s strengths and interests and assist in successfully navigating the college application process.

UPPER SCHOOL

GRADES 9–12WITH BOARDING AND DAY OPTIONS

Program Highlights

Experiential Travel

Students kick off the year with a week of outdoor expeditions designed to develop teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and character. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors participate in Outward Bound programs such as rafting, canoeing, or sailing; seniors combine outdoor challenges with sessions on leadership and service during their Senior Retreat.

Seniors Step Up

At the start of spring semester, seniors deliver Senior Speeches to the community. Then, shortly before graduation, they dive into Senior Projects, exploring a possible career field or learning new skills, while exercising effective planning, self-discipline, and follow-through.

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Our varsity and JV teams compete in the eight-school Metro League, and Principia athletes often advance to District and State competitions.

Student Life

Every weekend, students enjoy (and often work with their House to plan) at least one organized social activity—a bonfire, a dance, Capture the Flag, a cookout—as well as JV and varsity games and impromptu gatherings. Students also hear from an array of guest speakers and performers each semester and attend off-campus plays and concerts. Special interest clubs also offer opportu-nities to connect with friends—and create memories and friendships for a lifetime!

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BOARDINGPROGRAM

FOR GRADES 7–12

HOME AWAY FROM HOMEFrom Austin to Australia, Connecticut to Colombia, Kentucky to Kenya, students live, learn, and thrive at Principia! Enveloped in an uplifting and supportive community, boarders get the full advantage of our exceptional academic and extracurricular programs, while learning lifelong lessons in independence and self-government.

Living and Learning with Friends Brotherhood and sisterhood. Spiritual support. Fun. These are just a few of the reasons that nearly 150 students call Principia their home away from home.

Caring HouseparentsOur four dorms (one each for boys and girls in Middle and Upper School) are welcoming homes where loving houseparents provide round-the-clock care. They help out with homework, cheer at athletic events, offer a listening ear—and bake awesome treats.

Social and Spiritual LifeOn weekends, there’s always something to do—dining out, movies, hikes, shopping trips, and, of course, Sunday School at a local Christian Science branch church. Most Wednesdays, boarders participate in dorm testimony meetings featuring student Readers. One Wednesday a month, they attend a testimony meeting a Christian Science branch church.

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We work with families from all income levels to ensure that every qualified student can benefit from a Principia education. Thanks to generous donors, our financial aid typically covers 80 percent of tuition and fees. Don’t assume Principia is out of reach for your family.

www.principiaschool.org/affordability

EXCELLENCE THAT’SAFFORDABLE

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94% OF ALL PRINCIPIA FAMILIES RECEIVE

SCHOLARSHIPS OR GRANTS

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Principia School serves students from infancy through grade 12. Principia is accredited as an independent, college preparatory school by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).

independent schools associationof the central states

Accredited MemberSchool

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Teaching at Principia shall emphasize . . . that education carries with it the obligation to use

technical skills and intellectual attainments

for the betterment of humanity.

—Principia Policy 10

EXPERIENCE PRINCIPIA FOR YOURSELF

COME FOR A VISIT!We typically help cover the cost of airfare for visiting students and parents. Students from grades 6–11 are encouraged to join us for a Middle or Upper School Visiting Weekend. Families with younger children are welcome for day visits anytime during the school year.

www.principiaschool.org/visit

@principiaschool