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Principia's Foundation

Chapel Winter

A mother. Two young boys. An earnest desire to promote children’s moral and spiritual progress alongside their academic growth—and a commitment to Christian Science. From these seeds sprang the idea and institution that is Principia today.

In 1897, when Christian Science practitioner Mary Kimball Morgan began educating her two young sons at home, she wasn’t setting out to establish a school. Word spread quickly among the thriving community of Christian Scientists in St. Louis, and by the next year 15 students were enrolled in “Mrs. Morgan’s school.”

Soon, the group moved from the Morgans' carriage house into a two-room storefront, and a second teacher was hired. Even more students started attending. And that's how—without fanfare but with a firm foundation in the teachings of Christian Science—Principia officially began in 1898. Progress and growth followed quickly:

  • The first high school class graduated in 1906.

  • In 1912, the four-year secondary program expanded to six years, resulting in one of the first junior colleges in the nation.

  • In 1934, Principia’s new four-year liberal arts college, established across the Mississippi River in Elsah, Illinois, graduated its first class.

  • By 1960, all levels of the School had moved to the current campus in St. Louis. 

Today, Principia College remains grounded in Christian Science and is a thriving global community of students from all over the world and a variety of faith backgrounds. 

Our motto, “As the sowing, the reaping,” is a simple equation. What we receive is in direct proportion to what we give. Principians are encouraged and expected to give their all in every activity—academic, athletic, artistic, social, and spiritual. We are dedicated to the task of training its students to think—and to think clearly, vigorously, fearlessly, tolerantly, unselfishly. 

But, what makes our institution special is an unwavering commitment to the teachings of Christian Science and the recognition of each individual as the child of God—one who reflects the intelligence and strength of our Maker, and has equal opportunity and equal ability in the sight of God. As such, Principia refuses to accept as final any belief of limitation which grants greater capacity to one individual than to another—we see our community members as unlimited.