How We Teach
We’re committed to doing what it takes to prepare our students for tomorrow!
Since its founding, Principia has developed vigorous, ethical thinkers, who are ready to put their education to practical use for the betterment of humanity. Today, 120 years later, this vision is more relevant than ever—in a 21st-century world in need of principled problem solvers.
Learn more about our Mission, Vision, and Values.
Purpose-Driven, Student-Centered, and Hands-On
Our student-centered culture grows active, agile learners who can adapt and apply their knowledge and understanding to a range of real-world issues. Experiential learning opportunities drive self-directed discovery and inquiry built on the iterative principles of design thinking.
Instead of working in subject-area silos, our faculty work together across disciplines to provide an integrated curriculum that emphasizes global citizenship, responsible use of digital technology, and artistic skill and expression.
Of course, faculty development and support are critical to ensuring student excellence. Principia teachers are dedicated to continuous improvement—keeping abreast of educational advancements and collaborating on new approaches in order to prepare students for success in a world of unknown opportunities and challenges.
Pillars of Principia's Educational Approach
In classes from preschool through senior year, Principia educators craft appropriate, flexible, and relevant learning experiences built on three elements:
1
The dynamic Understanding by Design curricular framework, which focuses on developing and deepening students' ability to apply knowledge and skills to a variety of contexts
2
Principia's foundational mandate to "keep abreast of educational progress and in key with changing world conditions"
(Principia Policy 11)
3
Continuous, targeted professional development—both in-house and external, with peers and with experts, locally and nationally—that infuses our classrooms with fresh ideas and inspiration