PRINCIPIA EDUCATION
By CASEY WHITMORE | Photos by MYRTLE ROY
Inside Principia Education’s McLean headquarters, there’s a sense of calm focus, the kind that comes from knowing you’re in capable hands. Founded on the belief that every student’s path is unique, Principia Education provides families with personalized, comprehensive guidance that extends from elementary school through the college application process. Whether it’s mastering a challenging subject, building an authentic résumé, or writing a college essay that reflects genuine character, Principia is redefining what it means to educate with purpose.
FROM COFFEE SHOPS TO A COMMUNITY INSTITUTION
What began as a small tutoring effort, meeting students at coffee shops and kitchen tables throughout the DMV, has grown into one of Northern Virginia’s most respected education consultancies. Since opening its McLean location in 2017, Principia Education has expanded primarily through word-of-mouth, a testament to the relationships it’s built with families. Today, their team of over 40 instructors supports students across all K–12 subjects and beyond, helping them thrive academically and personally.
“Over the years, we’ve realized that tutoring, test prep, and college consulting are all interconnected,” say co-owners Oliver and Elaina. “Families want one trusted place to guide their students from start to finish, and that’s exactly what we’ve built.”
A BALANCED PARTNERSHIP IN LEADERSHIP
Oliver and Elaina bring complementary strengths to the table: he’s the big-picture strategist leading the college consulting division, while she ensures that daily operations run seamlessly. Oliver’s experience at Princeton and in private school environments gives him insight into what top-tier institutions look for, while Elaina’s journalism background instilled in her the art of collaboration and clear communication. Together, they’ve cultivated a company that blends strategy with empathy, one that helps families feel supported every step of the way.
VALUES THAT SHAPE EVERY INTERACTION
At Principia, three guiding values influence every decision:
- Client Delight – Families are at the heart of everything they do. From quick communication to celebrating milestones, Principia goes the extra mile to make families feel heard and cared for.
- Growth Mindset – Education is constantly evolving, and the team embraces that change with curiosity and innovation.
- Self & Situational Awareness – Principia meets students and families where they are, tailoring support to each unique personality and goal.
These values ensure that every partnership, whether short-term tutoring or multi-year college consulting, feels personal and purposeful.
Stories like Ayla’s exemplify Principia’s philosophy: helping students discover their “why” and empowering them to pursue it authentically.
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
Principia’s commitment extends beyond academics. Three times a year, the entire staff dedicates a day to volunteering with local organizations such as Lands and Waters, Food for Others, and FACETS, giving back to the Fairfax County community that has supported them for years. “We love seeing our students grow, but we also love seeing our community thrive,” says Elaina.
A PLACE FAMILIES CAN TRUST
As education rapidly evolves, whether through digital SAT changes, new AP courses, or the influence of AI, Principia remains focused on what endures: the human connection between mentor and student. The company recently published its first SAT textbook, with an advanced version and an ACT edition on the horizon. Each new initiative reinforces their mission to make quality education more accessible and impactful.
For Oliver and Elaina, success isn’t just measured by test scores or acceptance letters. It’s about confidence, curiosity, and long-term relationships, values that extend to their staff as well. Principia offers benefits like parental leave and fosters a culture of consistency and care. “We make the same long-term investment in our instructors that we do in our students,” Elaina says.
Above all, the pair hopes that when families walk through Principia’s doors, they immediately feel a sense of relief and trust. “We want them to know we’ve got this,” Oliver adds. “That they’re not alone, and that together, we’ll help their student find their path.”
