Lower School Program:

Reading — The Lower School reading program involves instruction in word decoding at the younger levels and comprehension strategies and vocabulary development throughout all grade levels.  Grades 1-3 use the Houghton Mifflin reading program along with children’s literature and other resources.  Grades 4-6 use novels, newspapers, textbooks, and other resources for reading instruction.

Language arts — The Lower School language arts program involves instruction in handwriting, keyboarding, spelling, and written communication. Students are taught writing conventions and qualities of effective writing through the Six Traits of Writing. Children in grades 1-6 do a variety of types of writing including narrative stories, expository and/or persuasive essays, poetry, research reports, math story problems, and responses to literature.

Math — The Lower School uses the Everyday Mathematics program in grades one through six. This program shows students several different approaches to do math computations—each approach demonstrating a different mathematical principle. The program emphasizes concept development, and students work through real-life math problems individually, in pairs, and in groups. The program is based on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards.

Science — The Lower School science program involves hands-on investigations in many of the units, and through these investigations, students learn important skills such as following directions, accurate observations, hypothesizing, and effective note taking and reporting. Students are exposed to science concepts in the areas of life science, earth science, and physical science. 

Social Studies — At each grade level, the social studies program involves a study of the Bible topic, a world region (current or ancient), and a United States topic or time period. Throughtout the program, students are expected to be able to research, develop key understandings, make connections, and communicate their knowledge. Current events are discussed at each level, and geographic concepts of mapping skills are learned.

Library — With a collection of more than ten thousand books, videos, and DVD's, the library has print and non-print resources to meet curricular needs and students' personal interests. The computers have CD-ROM drives and access to the Internet providing students with online resources, as well. The catalog is online, and students can easily access the Upper School and College library catalogs to meet every need.

Art and Music — Studio art and music classes are part of the curriculum for all grades. Students perform in choral and band concerts and plays. Off-campus musicians, theater groups, dancers, and storytellers performs on campus. Students annually attend a concert by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Computer technology — Students use the computer lab and classroom computer for word processing, practicing math facts, taking Reading Counts quizzes, investigating web sites, creating PowerPoint, KidPix and Inspiration pages, and working with Excel graphs. Fifth grade students use handheld computers in their classroom for word processing, creating visual images, practicing math facts, and organizing their tasks and homework.Technology is a tool that is used in a variety of subject areas. Principia has four goals for technology use: strengthening of moral courage, deeper engagement with learning, improved communications for greater understanding, and better informed and organized research.

Physical education — Children develop basic athletic skills, including swimming, and are introduced to many sports played at the Middle School and Upper School. They also practice a variety of movement skills and participate in some life-skills activities. Students learn to be "high minded and hard fighting".

Morning chapels — Speakers on Monday mornings present an inspirational theme for the week followed up by students and teachers in daily classroom chapel discussions.

Student council — Representatives of each grade rotate in office during the year and meet regularly with the Director to solve community needs and to sponsor activities such as community service projects.