FEATURE

Principians, All:  The New Face of Student Enrollment at Principia

STORY BY MARLA SAMMULI

While nurturing the spirit of the Principia community in their own unique ways, both the School and College campuses are sharply focused on growing enrollment. Recruiting qualified future Principians, supporting current students, and ensuring a thriving, richly diverse, and enduring community are top priorities for leaders and faculty in St. Louis and Elsah.

PRINCIPIA SCHOOL HAS INTENTIONALLY POSITIONED ITSELF to meet the demands of 21st-century education in a way that appeals to a variety of students and their families. Through robust experiential programs from preschool to high school, energized instruction, and high standards in every arena from academics to athletics to the arts, the School has renewed its commitment to helping all students realize their unlimited potential.

While focused on maximizing the enrollment of Christian Science children worldwide, the School is also working hard to attract families whose values align with Principia’s and are eager to join and contribute to the School community. Local St. Louis families seeking a high-quality, Christian-based global education are encouraged to get to know Principia and what its one-of-a-kind Christian Science environment has to offer their children. Many have responded enthusiastically to the School’s mission and programs and are grateful for the opportunity to join a loving, diverse, and inclusive community.

At the College, all students who are ready for its distinct, spiritually grounded, rigorous yet supportive environment are invited to come see and experience Principia for themselves. Students from the United States and around the world, students who have been studying Christian Science since childhood and those just discovering it, students with a long family relationship with Principia and those whose connection is just beginning—all join to make up the vibrant, multifaceted College community.

Every applicant goes through the same supportive process. From admissions counselors to financial aid officers to academic advisors, the goal is to enable an equitable and valuable experience for each potential student, through a balance of principle and love. Those who are “Principia ready”—equipped with the academic, social, and spiritual maturity to benefit from and contribute to the College’s rich environment— are welcomed and then supported every step along the way. Once admitted, all are Principians, and individual backgrounds are not identified by Principia. YOU CAN HELP As a Principian or friend of Principia, you are a vital part of our expanding, ever more diverse global community. We need your help. Is there a young person or family you know who might benefit from a Principia education? Is there someone who may want to come for a visit? Would you like to know about our upcoming events or stay connected on social media? Most of all, your prayer, support, and interest in Principia today are deeply valued and appreciated. Together, we are the new face of Principia. Find out more about how you can help.

Meet Some Outstanding New Principians

While nurturing the spirit of the Principia community in their own unique ways, both the School and College campuses are sharply focused on growing enrollment. Recruiting qualified future Principians, supporting current students, and ensuring a thriving, richly diverse, and enduring community are top priorities for leaders and faculty in St. Louis and Elsah.

Grades indicated are for the 2021–2022 school year.

MARCEL, HARLOW, SCOTLYN, AND
HEATHER (BLAMEY, C’01) BIRÓ

EARLY CHILDHOOD/ LOWER SCHOOL
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

“Our girls’ confidence and joy have grown exponentially these past two years. Whether they are using mathematical principles to engineer a bridge, tracking turtles, or presenting research to their peers, not an evening goes by without them excitedly telling us about their school day. The opportunities for academic, character, and spiritual growth are endless. Our decision to relocate to St. Louis so our daughters could experience a Principia education was a worthwhile investment.”

STELLA-ROSE BOUCHER
GRADE 8
MONTREAL, CANADA

As a new boarding student, Stella-Rose didn’t know what to expect. “I was in the Middle School dorm, and I felt safe and at home. All the people were very friendly.” Stella-Rose also loved Principia’s experiential learning: “I love the hands-on projects, like when we made our own business or went ziplining in Puerto Rico!”

GOODLUCK AJEH
GRADE 12
LAGOS, NIGERIA

As an introvert 6,000 miles from home, Goodluck wasn’t sure he would make friends at the School. “Coming here, it was hard for me to communicate, but sports really helped. In order to achieve what you want, you have to communicate.” Now he communicates through the written word as well, publishing nonfiction and poetry. “At Principia, we are encouraged to discover our gifts!”

SJAEN LUCAS
COLLEGE FRESHMAN
VANDERBIJLPARK, SOUTH AFRICA

After playing rugby on the South African Junior Barbarians team, Sjaen got a call from Head Rugby Coach Ward Patterson with an offer to come to Principia College. Sjaen had offers to play and study in England and Ireland but chose Principia after meeting Coach Patterson in person. Sjaen was attracted to Principia’s values and wanted a challenge. “You can’t grow if you’re not put in situations where you have to problem solve.”

KAYA EQUEVILLEY
COLLEGE FRESHMAN
GOLDSTON, NORTH CAROLINA

After attending the Upper School as a boarder, Kaya wanted to be closer to home. She started at a university in Charlotte, but it didn’t feel right. Later that fall, she returned to St. Louis to visit friends, and her mom encouraged her to visit the College. “There was a feeling here that I was missing—that feeling of support and love. I applied on my way home.” Kaya will continue at the College as student body vice president in the fall.

CHRIS AJUONGA
COLLEGE SOPHOMORE
NAIROBI, KENYA

Chris’ Sunday School teacher kept telling him to consider Principia College, but he didn’t think it was for him, so he started attending a major university in Kenya to study international relations. It had what he thought he wanted—professors who worked for the United Nations, the Kenyan government, and major NGOs. “But my education was lacking something,” Chris said. After a virtual tour, Chris decided to attend the College. “The second I landed on this campus, I got what I was missing—a sense of love and community.”

ABBY HOLT
COLLEGE SENIOR
CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA

After four years at the College, Abby has substantial field experience through her double major of geology and sustainability. For her capstone project, she presented findings from an eight-week trip with the Juneau Icefield Research Program collecting ice-core water samples from deep within the glacier. “We were able to present to a bunch of glaciologists and at the American Geophysical Union fall conference.”