About The Principia:
Christian Science
Principia and Christian Science
Principia is an independent educational institution staffed by Christian Scientists, serving Christian Scientists from infants through adults. Principia accepts no government funding and is not an activity of the Christian Science Church.
  • In the fall of 1897 Mary Kimball Morgan, a Christian Scientist, began home-schooling her two sons because she believed she could give them a fuller education than what was being offered in the St. Louis public schools.
  • The basis for Mrs. Morgan's educational philosophy came from the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.
  • As other Christian Science parents discovered the education the Morgan boys were receiving at home, many asked to enroll their children. The name "Principia" was chosen in 1898; the first high school graduation was in 1906; the first junior-college graduation in 1917; and the first college graduation in 1934.
  • Principia's primary purpose became to serve the Cause of Christian Science as an educational institution - not through teaching the theology of Christian Science, but through providing programs which would allow its students to grow intellectually, athletically, socially, morally, and spiritually with the support and example of both fellow students and faculty.
  • Principia strives to train its students "to think clearly, vigorously, fearlessly, tolerantly, unselfishly." Teaching at Principia also "emphasizes the point of view that education carries with it the obligation to use technical skills and intellectual attainments for the betterment of humanity." And Principia "takes the position that education in its fullest sense cannot be confined to academic subjects but includes the building of character" (from Purpose and Policies of The Principia).
If you would like to know more about Christian Science, visit The Church of Christ, Scientist. And, for more information about Principia, come back to our site any time.