Through hands-on projects such as creating a business and pitching ideas to a live “shark tank” of local experts, Principia offers unique opportunities for Middle and Upper School students to stoke their entrepreneurial curiosity and build skills.

The School’s annual Impact Challenge supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including the elimination of hunger and poverty, education for all, and clean energy, through student projects, classroom work, and community service initiatives at all levels.

Students at all levels explore the Bible through a variety of lessons and activities. Principia Bible classes are designed to enable students to develop a knowledge and love of the Scriptures while recognizing their relevance to society today. Upper School students have opportunities to take advanced classes with corresponding curriculum- based trips to Israel, the Holy Land, and Greece.

Officially dubbed the “IDEA Labs,” our two innovative STEM-focused SMART® Labs offer a space for exploration and experimentation for all K–12 students.

Our beautiful 360-acre campus features more than 100 acres of diverse habitats and outdoor learning spaces including fields, meadows, forest, ponds, and greenspace. Students at all levels focus on sustainability and experiential learning, bringing academic concepts to life in an outdoor environment.

The Challenge Course for students from kindergarten to Upper School is designed to move participants beyond personal limitations and develop their communication, problem solving, and collaboration skills. The course offers both low- and high-ropes areas and a rock-climbing wall.

Principia Adventure is a Middle School program that focuses on developing skills in the areas of leadership, collaboration, selfless service, seeking out challenge, and self-awareness. Students develop these attributes through outdoor, experiential opportunities such as rock climbing, fire building, backpacking, canoeing, orienteering, tracking, lashing, biking, and shelter building on our expansive campus and Challenge Course.

All Seniors develop and complete a Senior Project. The work culminates in a three-week capstone project in which students delve into a topic of personal interest that incorporates elements of service. Senior projects are a natural outcome of a Principia education and demand careful planning, self-discipline, and follow-through, and include a formal public presentation about the experience. Whether they decide to pursue a new interest or deepen an existing skill, these hands-on experiences provide an opportunity for students to learn through in-depth exploration.

A thematic, grade-specific Signature Experience builds upon the Upper School’s core curriculum, offering additional opportunities for students to develop future-ready skills and deep connections in their learning. Throughout the academic year, each Upper School grade level is immersed in classes, projects, and activities that relate to the year-long theme. These real-world experiences allow for the transfer of skills beyond the classroom. Students tackle challenges and contribute to the betterment of humanity through Outward Bound Character Trips/Leadership Retreat, Urban Experience, and the Impact Challenge, and more.