We are both teachers and mentors.

 

Started by a Princeton University graduate with over a decade of teaching and tutoring experience, we pride ourselves on our individualized curriculum and ability to inspire and mentor students of all ages. 

Currently servicing Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland

Not in your area? Learn about Principia Anywhere

 

What can we help you with?

Test Prep

Principia's proven and unique test preparation will get your student for every standardized test.  
 

Academics

Our 1:1 and custom tutoring options offer a specialized learning experience for every type of student.
 

College

Looking ahead? We will guide you through your college application journey from start to finish.  
 

“My two kids have very different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to school. Principia’s individualized approach has made a huge impact on their enthusiasm and curiosity — not to mention their grades! I can’t recommend them enough.”
— Michelle K., McLean, Virginia

We help students achieve their academic goals by developing their confidence and study skills.

Our Mission

Nearly twenty years ago, when Oliver Lee, our founder and director, started private tutoring as a freshman at Princeton University, elite tutoring companies were virtually unknown.

We have grown over the years largely through word-of-mouth, and we only work with tutors who naturally embody our values —  integrity, personalized service, compassion, and the flexibility to offer families whatever it is they need. We've worked with every type of student for every type of test and academic circumstance, and understand the most important cornerstone of every program: that each child is unique. We will design a completely customized lesson plan for your child that we will monitor and modify as needed along the way.

We love our students, we love what we do, and we’ve learned over the years how to bring all of that positive energy, motivation, and knowledge to you and your family. Above all, we know you are looking for a result and you can count on us to do everything possible to inspire your child to get there.

One of our students (Dani Song, Cornell '22) made this for her Langley Leap project! 

What We've Achieved

Average SAT Test Improvement (points)

*Indicative of group classes at Kaplan, Princeton Review, and similar

  • Students raise their SAT scores an average of 245 points and their ACT scores by 5 points.

  • Acceptances into top-tier undergraduate schools, medical schools, law schools, engineering and creative writing programs.

  • Inspiring passion and curiosity in previously dreaded subjects — from essay writing to trigonometry and everything in between.

  • Instilling study habits and organizational skills that build confidence, focus, and attention to detail.

  • Regularly helping even the most overwhelmed students turn C's into B's, B's into A's, and A's into careers.

  • Offering college admissions counseling services for parents and students, helping them select the right schools and create a winning presentation, even without the best grades.

  • A unique, step-by-step college essay program and workshop that delivers exceptional and unforgettable college essays.

  • Maximizing advancement by providing personalized attention.

Dear students and parents: Thanks for the love!