Beginning in seventh grade, Principia School offers a boarding program for students from across the country and world. Middle school boarders live in dorms separate from Upper School boarding students.

Available around the clock, Middle School houseparents, who are class-taught Christian Scientists, help students prepare for the day, welcome them home after school, support their spiritual growth, encourage good study habits, and ensure a safe environment where boarders feel cherished, loved, and valued. During the week, boarding students have plenty of time to be with friends, play sports, and relax before dinner and evening study time. Weekends include social activities, free time, study hall, and Sunday School.

Boarding students and houseparents eat meals together, go on family outings, and share responsibilities for helping keep the “house” running smoothly. They frequently make meals together, watch movies, or just hang out. Houseparent apartments––each with a family/living room––add to the homey atmosphere within the dorms. Both the girls’ and boys’ housparents work with each student to provide opportunities for greater independence and responsibility.

Although boarding students may be separated physically from their families, cell phones, e-mail, and Skype (an internet-based application allowing members to make free video and voice calls), make staying connected easy, and always encouraged. It is common for students to connect with home several times each day using their tablet computers, to say hello, share the day’s highlights, or just say “Good morning!” as they begin their school day. Parents also have a high level of interaction with houseparents. In fact, it’s not unusual for parents to first learn about the goal made in soccer, the musical performance, or the great job on a school project––not from their child, but from their child’s houseparent.