Belonging and Community

At Principia School, we lead with love.

As our core value, love underpins our foundational beliefs as well as our whole-person educational approach: intellectual, physical, spiritual, social, and moral development. Love provides the foundation for all we do, strengthening individuals and unifying our School community.

Belonging and Equity at Principia

With Christian Science as our foundation, we view every member of the Principia community as the unlimited image and likeness of God (Gen. 1:26). We seek to elevate humanity by fostering, nurturing, and inspiring individual and collective spiritual growth.

Diversity in perspectives, experiences, and how people uniquely express themselves strengthens our community. Principia School strives to provide its community members with equitable access to all opportunities and resources. We support and respect individual healthcare choices without judgment.

We commit to respectful engagement with one another and will work to remove prejudice and misunderstanding. We are a community based on prayer, integrity, respect, trust, and love. Together, we foster and sustain inclusive learning, living, and working environments where everyone feels they belong and are valued.

Principia is a school where everyone is seen as the child of God. Our students are known, respected, and appreciated! We’re focused on helping students develop into thoughtful, compassionate leaders who care deeply about others and strive to make a positive impact in the community. It all starts with LOVE; that’s what grounds us and brings our community together.

– Terry Grigsby, Head of School

Principia School’s Core Value

What does it mean to lead with love? The Principia experience is characterized by:

Limitless potential: Students are challenged and supported in equal measure, stretching them beyond their comfort zones and revealing talents and qualities previously unknown to them.
Overcoming obstacles: Preparing students for success beyond the classroom means instilling the skills, approaches, and confidence to problem-solve effectively.
Valuing God, ourselves, and others: The foundation of Principia's character-based approach to education is in the Christian values of "love God, and love your neighbor as yourself." (Matt 22:37-39) This opens the door to equity, empathy, and spiritual-mindedness.
Embracing excellence: In all they do, students are encouraged to demand excellence of themselves, their classmates, and teammates.

Student-led Inclusion and Support Clubs

LGBTQ Club

The LGBTQ+ Club at Principia Upper School is an open and welcoming space for students to engage in meaningful dialogue, build community, and support one another in alignment with our values of love, inclusion, and respect. Rooted in our commitment to fostering an environment where all students can thrive, this club provides opportunities for education, advocacy, and allyship—reflecting our dedication to the inherent worth of every individual.

The Difference

The Difference is a student-led affinity club dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering space for students of color at The Principia. As one of the few affinity groups in a predominantly white private school, we aim to foster community, celebrate diverse identities, and provide a platform for meaningful conversations about race, culture, and shared experiences. Through discussions, events, and advocacy, we strive to amplify our voices, educate our peers, and cultivate an inclusive school environment where all students feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether through social gatherings, guest speakers, or collaboration with allies, The Difference is here to uplift and unite.

Hear from a recent graduate and founding member of The Difference to learn more about an affinity space for the Upper School Community.

ISAP (International Students at Principia) Club

ISAP is a cooperative club that strives to support our international students through community, compassion, and engagement. Led by elected student co-presidents, ISAP meets weekly to discuss issues and important announcements for our international students. Events organized by ISAP include a fashion show, international dance, and the annual International Week in late January where students share about their home cultures.

Message from the Director of Belonging and Community:

At Principia School, every student is a valued and essential part of our learning community. As Director of Belonging and Community, I’m honored to help foster an environment where all feel respected, seen, and empowered to thrive.

Rooted in Principia’s mission to serve the Cause of Christian Science, our work centers on spiritual growth, moral courage, and the recognition of each individual’s infinite worth. Belonging here is not a program—it’s a lived experience. It’s present in classrooms that welcome diverse voices, in relationships built on trust, and in our shared commitment to justice, kindness, and spiritual progress.

Creating such a community takes reflection, humility, and ongoing action. Guided by Principia’s policies and our vision for a more inclusive world, we strive to ensure that every student, family, and staff member feels they truly belong.

I invite you to join us in this meaningful work—as we listen deeply, learn continuously, and build a more loving, equitable school community together.

Director of Belonging and Community

Jennifer A. Stollman, Ph.D. is the Director of Belonging and Community at Principia and founder of J.A. Stollman Consulting. With over 25 years of experience in the field, she supports institutions nationwide in building inclusive cultures. A scholar and trainer, she brings a personal and historical lens to her work, rooted in commitment to equity, healing, and moral responsibility.
jennifer.stollman@principia.edu