Elsah, IL 62028

Located on two campuses 50 miles in the St. Louis, Mo., area, the Principia schools are for Christian Scientists. The school located in west St. Louis County is an educational institution for infants through high school. The Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois, on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River.

Principia was founded in 1897 by Mary Kimball Morgan, a mother who was concerned about the education her two sons were receiving in public schools. Soon, Morgan's school grew to 15 students and moved from her carriage house to a storefront. The first high school class graduated in 1907 and the junior college was founded in 1912 as one of the first in the nation. By the 1930s, the four-year campus was established.

Today, Principia College educates over 1,200 students per year from across the United States and all over the world. There are over 30 degree programs from which to choose, including art history, Asian studies, foreign languages, computer science, English, music, sports management and theater and dance.

In 1926, a trustee of Principia named Hazel Buck Ewing founded the Principia Museum, with the idea of exposing students to different ideas and cultures. The museum collection began with the donation of a Native American birch bark canoe. The museum now houses more than 10,000 items from historic events and many different cultures.

The college provides on campus housing in house-like settings that have laundry facilities, kitchens and Christian Science study rooms. All dorms are offer computer labs, phones and voice mail. Nearly all of Principia's full-time students live on campus.

Quick Facts:

Principia College offers two-week adult enrichment programs in the summer and fall for Christian Scientists wanting to enhance their minds and spirits.

There are over 14,000 Principia alumni living in the United States and throughout the world.

Principia College has over 25 clubs and social activities from which students can choose.

Located on Principia's 2,600-acre campus, the Principia Athletic Complex includes state of the art facilities in the Coach Crafton Athletic Center, the natatorium and in Hay Field House.

Students at Principia College have the option of exploring the Civil War-era village of Elsah, Ill., the modern city 9 miles away of Alton, Ill., or all of the amenities of St. Louis, which is located only about 50 miles from campus.

This school profile has been compiled and updated by The CollegeBound Network. The school is not affiliated with The CollegeBound Network and shall not be considered a sponsor of this program.