How many children attend the Lower School? What’s the average class size and student-teacher ratio?
The Lower School has approximately 90 students with an average class size of 18. Each class has two full-time teachers.

What is the Lower School campus like?
Lower School classrooms are spacious and friendly, and many have special niches or lofts. All grades share a library, fully equipped art room, band/music room, dining room, and gym. Two separate playgrounds—one for the little children and one for the big children—provide plenty of space for outdoor play. Lower Schoolers also have access to the full 360-acre campus of rolling hills and woodlands for exploration and nature study.

How is Christian Science a part of the Lower School experience?
Christian Science is the starting point of everything we do. The faculty, coaches, staff members, and students are all Christian Scientists, working to see themselves and others the way God has made them. Although Christian Science isn’t taught as a subject in the classroom, we are a community of practice that relies on prayer and expects healing. Monday morning chapels and ongoing discussions throughout the week keep spiritual progress at the forefront of each day’s activities.

What’s the academic course of study?
The core curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. All students also have regular classes in Spanish, P.E., art, and music, taught by well-qualified specialists.

Do Lower School students use technology and have access to computers and the Internet?
Yes. Students regularly use tablet laptop computers in class (one for every two students) and become proficient in keyboarding. The library also has wireless access, which students may use for supervised Internet research.

Do students take standardized tests and, if so, which one?
Lower School students in grades 2-5 take the ERB (Educational Records Bureau) standardized test once per school year. The Gates-MacGinitie reading test is given to grades 1-5 in the fall and spring.

Will teachers be willing and able to meet my child’s individual needs?
Our teachers don’t think it’s their job to fill children up with what they’re missing. Instead, they work to draw out of each child all the good and intelligence already there. Parents notice what a difference this approach makes. One mom explains, “Teachers at Principia see all the children as unlimited and perfectly capable of demonstrating what is asked of them.”

Our teachers have also received professional training to differentiate the curriculum so that every child is fully engaged and able to benefit from the lesson. They are committed to providing learning experiences that meet the needs of each child in the class. If your student has learning needs that may require additional resources beyond the classroom teachers, please have an open and frank discussion with the school administration.

Is after-school care available?
Yes, after school care is available from 3:30-5:45 p.m. The cost is $2.50 per half hour. Periodically, after-school enrichment classes are offered for an additional fee, such as acting or construction.

How can parents get involved?
Parents have many opportunities to be involved in the Lower School and support their child’s learning by serving as room parents, helping plan and run school-wide events such as the Fall Festival, and participating in the Principia Parents Association (PPA). The PPA offers a variety of opportunities to volunteer at every level of the school, including Lower School.

What are the criteria for admission? How do we apply?
The Lower School enthusiastically welcomes children in grades 1-5 who regularly attend a Christian Science Sunday School and have at least one Christian Science parent. We are happy to talk with families and answer any questions you may have about the Lower School or application process.

Get Started Now

Schedule a Visit

Apply Online

What does it cost to attend?
School Costs for 2009-2010

Is financial aid available?
Yes. Applicants for aid follow regular admissions procedures and submit a completed Parents’ Financial Statement. Admissions decisions are made separately from decisions about tuition aid, which are made solely on the basis of family financial need.

Financial aid