Educating Christian Scientists Pre-K through Grade 12
What’s special about Principia’s Early Childhood program?
Our program approaches early childhood education from a Christian Science perspective—a perspective that refuses to limit children based upon age or experience, affirms innocence as a vital spiritual quality, and celebrates childlikeness while helping young ones develop intellectually, socially, and physically. Character education, based on a spiritual view, is a primary focus and is integrated throughout the day’s activities.
How old does my child need to be to start Acorn/Nursery/Junior or Senior Kindergarten?
Play-In sessions are for one- and two-year-olds and Co-op offers early pre-school experiences for two-year-olds. Parenting seminars are for those with infants to three-year-olds.
The Nursery class is for children who turn three by August 1; Junior Kindergarten for children who turn four by August 1; and Senior Kindergarten for children who turn 5 by August 1.
How many children are in each class?
The Nursery class averages 12-14 students. Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes average 16-18 students. The Acorn Program typically has about 15 participating families.
Nursery, Junior and Senior Kindergarten classes each have a full-time lead teacher and full-time assistant teacher.
Are there options for half-day or partial-week enrollment?
Yes, at the Acorn and Nursery class levels. Play-In meets on Tuesday mornings; Co-op meets on Wednesday–Friday mornings.
Nursery children may five half days or five full days. Junior and Senior Kindergarten students attend five full days, from 8:20 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Is after-school care available?
Yes, after-school day care is available from 3:30–5:45 p.m. The cost is $2.50 per half hour.
Do the children take field trips?
Yes, beginning at the Nursery class level, children take frequent field trips to interesting places like the fire station, post office, local farms and orchards, and the St. Louis Zoo to learn more about their community and topics they are exploring in class.
How can parents be involved?
Parents have many opportunities to be involved and support their child’s learning by volunteering in the classroom, driving on field trips, planning for special events, and participating in the Principia Parents Association (PPA). The PPA offers a variety of opportunities to volunteer at every school level, including Early Childhood.
What does it cost to attend?
