Viewbook 2020 – Trinity Episcopal School

T R I N I T Y E P I S C O PA L S C H O O L

Each Child, Each Day.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Our Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A Trinity Snapshot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 From Our Head of School . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Educating the Whole Child . . . . . . . . . . 7 Grounded in the Episcopal Tradition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Our Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Core Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Each Child, Each Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Achieving Academic Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Learning to Lead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Community: The Trinity Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 1

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OUR STORY

It began with a dream. A big dream. A school that would nurture the mind, body, heart, and spirit of each child.

13 Kids, One Blue House Trinity Episcopal School began with longtime Austin educator Jane Hill and a small group of parents. They were looking for a rigorous and innovative Episcopal academic program offered in a diverse and highly nurturing environment.

This small group of parents became the Founding Board, whose first order of business was the formation of a mission statement and a set of core values— philosophies that would guide the board and staff’s decisions from the blueprint stage to reality and beyond on a daily basis.

In August 1999, Trinity Episcopal School opened with 13 pioneer first graders in a converted house near the University of Texas, dubbed “The Blue House.” Our second year opened with 99 students, kindergarten through third grade, in a borrowed space at Riverbend Church. In November 2000, we moved into our first academic building on our West

Lake Hills campus. From 2000 to 2012, we continued to add more grade levels and buildings, including our chapel and performing arts center and the jewel of our campus, Jane Hill Hall.

In January 2015, Trinity purchased an adjacent 2-acre tract as part of a new campus master plan to guide the development of our facility over the coming years, adding space for enriched learning and athletics, supporting innovation in education, providing outdoor learning spaces, sustaining the Trinity culture, and adding new campus access and parking.

Today, Trinity is a K-8 school with about 547 students.

While the numbers and setting have changed dramatically, we remain true to the four core values that guided founder Jane Hill: a strong Christian foundation, enriched academic excellence, a diverse community, and a commitment to family. Trinity is a place where education, innovation, and community intersect.

O U R STO RY

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A TRINITY SNAPSHOT Student Body

Core Values

550 total students (K-8)

Christian Foundation

20

average class size

Academic Excellence

7:1

student-teacher ratio

Financial Assistance

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment to Family

World Languages

Helping bridge the gap between

9

years of Spanish or Mandarin

what a family can afford and the

3

languages offered

actual cost of attending. 100% of families who demonstrated need for the 2019 - 2020 school year received assistance.

Faith & Service 1,993 155

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student service hours in 2019–2020

chapel services in 2019–2020 (33 online)

Set Up for Success In 2020, 62 graduates were accepted into 20 high school programs.

FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL There is no doubt among our students, families, and extended community that the Trinity experience is a unique and special one. Our 20-year history is a direct reflection of Trinity’s steadfast dedication and commitment to our mission and four core values. These are our guideposts, from the boardroom to the classroom. The manifestations are constantly refreshed to maintain leading-edge relevancy; the values and canons themselves are timeless.

Our focus on the K-8 model is purposeful. The model offers children an opportunity to be children a little longer. It allows students to engage in age-appropriate activities and events without the influence and undue pressure of older students. Each division’s program is designed around the unique characteristics of that age group, offering authentic experiences where students can hone their leadership skills and gain the confidence they need to soar after graduation.

At the heart of our school is our Episcopal identity. The most visible signs of Trinity’s Episcopal identity are the outward and visible ones: a chaplain who leads daily Chapel services, religious studies courses in seventh and eighth grades, a focus on service learning, and cherished school traditions and holiday celebrations. Our Episcopal identity also calls upon us to promote free, open, and rigorous intellectual inquiry within a vibrant and connected community that is welcoming, warm, and genuinely inclusive.

We are committed to innovating in ways that matter. Our evidence-based academic programs promote critical questioning, embrace creativity, and are responsive to different learning styles.

We provide a rigorous curriculum delivered by dedicated professionals who offer an educational experience that cultivates each child’s unique talents, passions, and curiosity.

Episcopal identity, K-8 focus, proven innovation, and a strong commitment to our mission — any one of these elements alone can make a school good, but together, they make Trinity great.

We celebrate each child, each day — which is why our students come to school excited about learning and ready for a challenge.

Thank you for your interest in Trinity.

Faithfully,

Jennifer Morgan Head of School

F ROM O U R H E A D O F S C H O O L , JE N N IF E R MO R GAN

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EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD

“

Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.

MARTI N LUTHE R K I NG JR .

”

From enriched academics to athletics to fine arts, Trinity is devoted to nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Our dedicated teachers utilize a forward-thinking, evidence-based curriculum that goes beyond core competencies, extending into areas like social-emotional learning, digital citizenship, and design thinking.

We’re teaching our children about positive selfimage, integrity, personal responsibility, and how to be caring, empathetic human beings. You can see it in everything we do—not just in Chapel but in classrooms, at sports practices, and in all aspects of school life. We want each of our students to build a rich and fulfilling life, not just a résumé. Trinity students matriculate into some of the finest institutions in the country based not only on the quality of their education, but also their character.

The Trinity Student Trinity Episcopal School develops students who are good thinkers and good doers, fully prepared for the challenges of high school and the world beyond. To that end, Trinity faculty and staff use the following guideposts as they craft our school’s academic and extracurricular programs and policies.

ACADEMICALLY

In their academic endeavors, Trinity students: • have a responsible and aspiring work ethic, understanding and appreciating the role of effort in academic success and fulfillment; • work effectively and efficiently as individuals and as team members; • are critical thinkers and problem-solvers; • communicate their ideas effectively and listen respectfully to the ideas of others; and • are empowered learners, well-equipped to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex global society.

SO CIALLY

In their interactions with others, Trinity students: • feel a strong sense of connection to their school community; • practice dutiful citizenship and thoughtful leadership in daily activities; • demonstrate pride in themselves and in their school; • show respect and caring for others in their community; and • demonstrate global awareness and concern.

PER SO NALLY

As individuals, Trinity students exemplify: • confidence; • courage; • empathy; • ethical awareness; • integrity; • responsibility; and • resilience.

E DU CATI N G TH E WH O L E C HILD

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GROUNDED IN THE EPISCOPAL TRADITION

“

Trinity is a place where my family and I have felt recognized and honored.

I feel that our Diwali celebration is just one of the many examples that honor our diversity at Trinity.

Our Episcopal Identity Our Episcopal identity is the foundation for all we do and who we are, and it guides us in our mission to develop the whole child. As an Episcopal school, we are proudly rooted in Christian traditions and theology while welcoming all faiths and backgrounds. We remain committed to inclusivity because we believe a diversity of ideas lays the groundwork for a well-rounded education, enriches the academic experience, and helps our students value their own relationship with God.

”

YA S H D .

(CL ASS OF 2020)

Our Episcopal identity goes well beyond daily chapel and religious celebrations. You can find it in the classroom, as a group of students discusses issues of social injustice with civility and grace. Or you might see it in the community, with families donating thousands of books to a local public school.

Honoring Similarities; Making a Difference Diversity and inclusivity are essential to a well-rounded education that promotes intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and moral growth. Trinity is a place where people of all faiths, traditions, and backgrounds are warmly welcomed, and where the dignity of every person is respected.

We offer our students an opportunity to know a better world where love and understanding set the tone; where they can create personal connections that go beyond stereotypes; and where they can explore, listen to, and learn from others in a safe and nurturing environment.

This task is never-ending in an ever-changing world. But by challenging students in this way, we can help them grow into leaders who think critically, collaborate effectively, and value others.

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Daily Chapel Every morning, we gather in Jane Hill Hall for Lower School and Middle School Chapel services. Students, teachers, and family members come together to connect and reflect, to support one another, to strengthen our community, and to hear lessons on living out our spiritual values. We seek wisdom from a variety of voices because we believe that diverse perspectives enrich the fabric of our school and deepen the education of our students and ourselves.

We celebrate Christian traditions throughout the year, including our Christmas Pageant and the Easter Flowering of the Cross. We also honor traditions from other backgrounds — such as Hanukkah, Día de los Muertos, and Diwali — which helps us deepen our understanding and appreciation of other faiths and cultures.

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Service and Outreach Putting faith into action is fundamental to an Episcopal education. At Trinity, we’re involved in service projects in Central Texas and beyond, and we incorporate these efforts into our curriculum. Students gain a greater understanding and appreciation of all humanity by working alongside people in need. These opportunities to serve, even in small ways, give students a better grasp of their role as stewards within the larger, global community.

Horizons AustinTrinity Horizons is a national organization dedicated to closing the achievement gap and minimizing summer learning loss. Trinity partnered with Horizons to form Horizons AustinTrinity in 2016 to serve Rodriguez Elementary School students and their families by providing facilities, teachers and volunteers.

With a student-teacher ratio of 5:1, kids get an engaging experience that builds confidence and crucial skills.

The results of the program speak for themselves, with measurable improvements in literacy and mathematics.

And those gains carry through to high school and beyond — 99 percent of participants graduate high school and 91 percent attend college or post-secondary training.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS INCLUDE: Trinity Streets at Trinity Center Mobile Loaves and Fishes Community First!

El Buen Samaritano Literacy First Rodriguez Elementary Down Home Ranch Caritas

Sustainable Food Center Central Texas Food Bank NetsforLife Episcopal Relief & Development Oak Springs Elementary Keep Austin Beautiful Urban Roots City of Austin Parks and Recreation G ROU N DE D I N TH E E PI S COPAL T RAD IT IO N

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Our Mission

At Trinity Episcopal School, we will nurture each child academically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

We will honor each child’s spirit for learning and life, ever mindful that we are all children of God.

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Core Values C HRISTIAN FOUNDATIO N

Grounded in the Episcopal tradition, Trinity Episcopal School fosters each student’s moral and ethical growth, inclusive of all faiths. Daily Chapel connects our community with what is sacred, and our service learning ensures students learn to respect the dignity of every human being, and to engage the challenges of life with compassion and understanding.

E NRIC HE D ACADE MIC EXCELLENCE

Combining the Trinity Episcopal School tradition of thoughtfully implemented innovation and purposeful nurture, exceptional faculty engage each student in an enriched, developmentally appropriate, yet rigorous, academic program within a supportive learning environment.

DIVE RS E COMMUNITY

At Trinity Episcopal School, we believe a diverse and inclusive community is essential to a well-rounded education that promotes intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and moral growth. For our children to be successful and productive citizens in our ever-changing world, they must learn to explore, understand, and value others in a safe, nurturing, and diverse environment.

FAMILY COMMITME NT

The sacred partnership between school and home enhances the experience of our students and strengthens our overall school community.

Trinity Episcopal School encourages parents to take active roles in the life of our school.

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EACH CHILD, EACH DAY.

“

When I reflect on our pledge to serve “each child, each day,” I see that phrase as an extension of the school’s mission and core values. We promise to create an environment that supports students as individuals, helps them know and value their gifts, and be confident in sharing those strengths for the benefit of those around them. We put our efforts towards developing the whole child, and we are committed to helping each one thrive to the best of our collective ability.

Our Academic Approach — Meeting Students Where They Are At Trinity, we pride ourselves on knowing our students well. We assess and appreciate each child’s strengths, challenges, individual interests, and unique gifts.

And we equip our teachers with support staff and technology to ensure each child maximizes their greatest potential.

Our Lower School Teaching Fellows program pairs a skilled professional with the lead teacher in each homeroom. We further support our lead teachers with a team of education professionals who supplement and enrich our academic programs in literacy and mathematics. Fellows and specialists help us develop

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M A R I LY N N H U F F M A N L OW E R S C H O O L D E A N

and empower teachers, but more importantly, they help us provide an optimal education experience for “Each Child, Each Day.” Our Academic Extensions model provides targeted instruction to help students achieve their unique learning goals. Some students may need to shore up foundational skills or ease their transition into Middle School academic expectations, while others may be reading or computing above grade level and warrant additional enrichment. Extensions groupings are intentionally fluid, and students may move among groups throughout the year.

E AC H C H I LD, E AC H DAY.

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ACHIEVING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

“

Trinity shares my values — things like inclusion, equity, the importance of healthy balanced lives, and socialemotional health. This is, unfortunately, hard to find, and from the moment I visited for my interview, I knew it was the warm, welcoming community of staff and students I was looking for and thrive in.

”

M O N I CA H E R N A N D E Z , M I D D L E S C H O O L M AT H

Our Classroom Dynamics

At Trinity Episcopal School, our academic programs are rigorous, research-based, and rooted in best practices. Inspiring teachers engage and empower students to indulge their curiosity, take intellectual risks, express ideas effectively, and think critically to solve problems collaboratively or independently.

Trinity’s low student-teacher ratio, rich learning environment, and thoughtfully designed curriculum offer each child the right mix of caring attention and independence so they have room to grow and thrive.

Community of Learners Research shows that high-quality professional development for school faculty translates directly into higher student achievement. Trinity allocates generous resources toward professional development opportunities for faculty and staff. Trinity educators travel to workshops across the country and even around the world, learning from top researchers and thought leaders in every field. We also host national and local experts on our campus to coach us as we continually refine our craft. And we carve out time at least once each trimester for teachers to collaborate across disciplines in order to identify and implement the most effective practices in education.

AC H I E VI N G ACA DE M I C E XC E LLE N C E

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Lower School Academics Lower School [K–4] provides children with a supportive community and a sense of belonging that helps them master reading, writing, and mathematics, as well as social and emotional skills vital to their success in the world beyond the classroom.

We call this approach “joyful rigor.”

The curriculum promotes a deep understanding of numeracy, creative problem solving, the scientific method, and literacy skills. Core subject areas are supplemented with world languages (Mandarin and Spanish begin in kindergarten), art, music, PE, STEM, and robust after-school programs.

We believe young students learn best through active learning and positive reinforcement. That’s why we give them opportunities to explore information, make meaningful connections, and solve problems both independently and collaboratively. We prioritize academics, but we also celebrate successes and applaud perseverance. These essential skills and habits begin in Lower School, flourish during Middle School, and serve them well after their time at Trinity.

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Middle School Academics The Middle School [5–8] curriculum offers students an

Middle School teachers have expertise and passion for

engaging and developmentally appropriate educational

working with adolescents, creating an environment where

experience, as we balance the demands of a rigorous

learning can be both serious and fun. They promote the

educational program with the needs of growing

best in our older students through meaningful lessons,

adolescents. Our curriculum and scheduling are based

challenging standards, and a supportive community to

on leading research as well as proven best practices,

help them express ideas effectively and think critically

creating a learning environment that is forward-thinking

across disciplines. Our core academic programs are

and evidence-based. Breaks from classroom instruction

complemented by a variety of elective options, including

are spaced strategically throughout the day, and our

visual and performing arts, world languages, STEM,

advisory program is purposeful, guiding older students

drumline, service leadership, and yearbook. Extracurricular

as they navigate a complex world and learn skills vital to

opportunities include Model UN, theater, and PSIA

their success beyond Trinity.

competitions. Electives and after-school programs enrich the learning experience and enable students to pursue passions or explore new areas of interest.

AC H I E VI N G ACA DE M I C E XC E LLE N C E

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D-Lab & Design Thinking

Capstone Projects

Dream, design, discover. That’s what D-Lab is all about! It’s an innovation makerspace outfitted for hands-on, creative problem solving. Whether sewing fabrics or soldering circuits, programming drones or composing soundtracks, woodworking or 3-D printing, students can bring their ideas to life. “Design thinking” is at the core of all tinkering in D-Lab classes. It starts with an idea, followed by a cycle of empathy, ideation, rapid prototyping, feedback, and revision to identify innovative solutions to actual problems before committing to a chosen medium or media to produce high-resolution products.

Trinity’s capstone projects offer our fourth and eighth grade students the opportunity to spend a “mini-mester” deep-diving into the research process with a focus on design thinking.

In Lower School, students gain exposure to basic fabrication and design skills during select time block. There are also extracurricular opportunities, like a weekly drop-in class for kids who want extra time to tinker after school, or a Robotics team for students who love to create and compete. In Middle School, fifth and sixth graders experience D-Lab as part of their Creative Arts rotation. Seventh and eighth graders have the option to choose D-Lab as an elective that meets every other day. Our Middle School Robotics Team competes each year, and coding electives are available in 7th and 8th grades.

And Middle School students can enjoy open-format D-Lab “drop-ins” during lunch and activity periods.

In Innov8, Trinity’s eighth grade capstone project, students identify a real-world problem and use the design process to formulate a plan for delivering a sustainable solution.

Reinforcing the design thinking framework, students work in teams to collaborate, think critically, communicate, creatively define the problem, consider/refine/select a solution, and present their research and ideas in various modalities.

DesignFest is Trinity’s annual multifaceted school-wide learning event that harnesses the design thinking framework to create innovative solutions to real-life challenges. Trinity’s Library-Research-Technology team provides plans, resources, and instructions, and the entire student body participates each spring.

World Languages We introduce Spanish and Mandarin to all students in kindergarten. In first grade, parents select which language their child will continue to pursue for the remainder of their time at Trinity. Seventh and eighth graders may also choose to incorporate Latin as an elective course.

In Inquiry Seminar, our fourth grade capstone course, students engage in multiple rounds of research, designed to change their perceptions of themselves and the world around them. Reinforcing the design thinking framework, students learn to collaborate, begin to recognize the status quo, challenge existing assumptions, check resource reliability, and understand the design process.

High School Matriculation Successful high school placement begins with an exceptional K–8 experience. Trinity’s focus on the K–8 model provides a challenging yet safe environment where students can spread their wings as adolescents. By eighth grade, Trinity students are well prepared, well rounded, self-assured, and ready to play an active role in choosing their next educational experience.

Trinity employs a full-time director of high school placement, who collaborates with parents and guides students to find their best fit among several high school options. Our director works personally with each Trinity family beginning in the spring of seventh grade to discuss options and help oversee the application process. In 2020, 62 grads were accepted into 20 high school programs.

In 2020, 62 grads were accepted into 20 high school programs. Over the past five years, Trinity students have matriculated to the following high schools: Alpha Academy for Classical Studies, Austin HS Academy for Global Studies, Austin HS Academy for Science and Innovation, Austin HS Academy of High Tech, Austin HS Anderson High School Anderson High School IB Program Asheville School (North Carolina) Austin Tennis Academy Burlingame High School (California) Cate School (California) Chatham Hall(VA) 20

Choate Rosemary Hall (CT) Culver Academies (Indiana) Dripping Springs High School Episcopal High School (VA) Harker School (California) Hotchkiss School (Connecticut) Kent School (Connecticut) Leander High School Liberal Arts and Science Academy Manor New Tech Academy McCallie School (Tennessee)

McCallum Fine Arts Academy Middlesex School (Massachusetts) Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire) Proctor Academy (New Hampshire) Rawson Saunders School St. Andrew’s Episcopal School St. Michael’s Catholic Academy St. Stephen’s Episcopal School Thacher School (California) Westlake High School Westtown School (Pennsylvania)

CA P STO N E PR OJ ECTS

LEAR NING WO R LD LANGUAGES

“

Our kids come home happy every day. They are genuinely excited about going to school, which is a statement in and of itself.

D - L A B & D ES I G N THINK ING

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TRINITY PA R E N T

H I G H S CH O O L MATRIC UL ATION

AC H I E VI N G ACA DE M I C E XC E LLE N C E

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Harry M. learning to lead on the field as quarterback of the flag football team.

Iduzaye I. serves as a role model to Alisa R. through the K8 Buddies program.

Lorena M. 2020-21 Student Council President presenting at Model UN.

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LEARNING TO LEAD

As our older students, middle schoolers have extensive opportunities to be leaders and role models for younger students. Here’s just a sampling of Trinity programs that exemplify how our students learn to lead.

K8 Buddies and Connections Days One of our more memorable programs is the K8 Buddy program, which pairs each kindergartener with an eighth grade buddy. The buddies meet at the beginning of the school year, and eighth graders serve as role models during special activities, service projects, and celebrations throughout the year. On Connections Days, students from different grade levels spend a part of their day together to learn from one another and foster community among the student body.

Community Time Every Wednesday, Lower School students lead the Chapel service under the guidance of the Lower School Student Life Coordinator and Lower School Dean. In a room of more than 300 people, a pair of first graders may lead us in the pledge or a team of second graders may announce a new community service initiative. Each week the students and roles are different, but the opportunity is always there for our youngest learners to gain confidence while building communication and leadership skills.

Trinity Athletics When students participate in athletics at Trinity, they learn to lead no matter the outcome of the game.

Through dedicated teamwork, children strengthen their sense of self, as well as their ability to communicate and collaborate with others. All students are called upon during practices and games to lead others, model perseverance, and put the team before the individual.

Trinity Athletics is an inclusive program with a no-cut policy, and more than 80 percent of our Middle School students participate on average.

Student Council, Advisory Reps, and Student Ambassadors Middle School students may choose to run for leadership roles by serving as a representative for their Advisory, student council, or student ambassadors.

Student ambassadors support the Admission Office as the face of Trinity, welcoming guests and sharing their Trinity experience.

Service Learning Trinity has several service learning commitments that are ongoing throughout the year. Students may sign up to participate in community projects or commit to a service learning club that volunteers on campus and in the community.

Model UN Our Model UN program offers Trinity middle schoolers the opportunity to role-play the assemblies of the United Nations, with student teams representing assigned countries. Each team researches a range of relevant global issues, develops national positions, and represents their country at an annual two-day conference. The Model UN program helps Trinity students hone their skills in research, collaboration, presentation, debate, and negotiation. Each year, Trinity hosts a Model UN event on campus, and students travel to Dallas for the Global Elementary Model United Nations conference.

L E A RN IN G TO LE AD

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OUR COMMUNITY: THE TRINITY FAMILY Educating a child requires more than great teachers. As the old adage says, “it takes a village” of educators, parents, friends, and advisors. We value and invest in our community because it enriches the academic experience as well as life outside of school.

Our commitment to family has helped us build and sustain a community of engaged parents, and their support is integral to our joined success. All parents are automatically included in Parent Council membership. The school partners with Parent Council to offer guest speakers, host special events, and facilitate volunteer opportunities. Families are always welcome to join us for Chapel services, and our chaplain is readily available for support, care, or counseling.

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JOIN THE TRINITY COMMUNITY Whenever you’re ready to begin the admission process for your child, visit www.austintrinity.org/admission, or contact the Admission Office.

Trinity Episcopal School admits qualified students regardless of race, color, nationality, ethnicity, religion, physical disability, socioeconomic status, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, ethnicity, religion, physical disability, socioeconomic status, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation in the administration of any policies or programs generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

w w w. Aus t i nTr i ni t y.org 3901 Bee Cave Road

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Austin, Texas 78746

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512.472.9525