2016-2017 Trinity School Viewbook

Everything we do is designed to help children flourish so that they

become knowledgeable, happy, responsible, and resilient.

Welcome to a truly magical place.

How to spot a Trinity student.

A Trinity student is bright, articulate, confident, big-hearted, and quick to share the spotlight with others. A studentteacher ratio of 6:1 helps bring out our students’ very best.

Celebrating the Present, Preparing for the Future Freedom to flourish. Trinity is known for rigorous academics, an

amazing arts program, state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor learning spaces, and a community that cares like no other.

Our students have opportunities to discover and explore. Their innate intellectual curiosity is sparked in an academically challenging environment. They are engaged and, most importantly, happy. Children don’t just grow at Trinity – they flourish here, later on in secondary school, and for the rest of their lives.

Intentional Learning Spaces The learning spaces at Trinity School are intentionally designed to be flexible, collaborative, and inviting and to promote active engagement. We know that the spaces in which students learn can determine how they learn.

What makes Trinity an ideal environment for learning? How about a 43-acre campus with walking trails and natural playgrounds. Open classrooms with daylight streaming through the windows and space for flexible and collaborative learning. Interactive technology in every classroom. Music rooms equipped with mirrored walls that allow children to observe their creative movement. A photography darkroom, kiln, design and makerspace (known as the iHub), state-of-the-art media center, and multimedia studio.

In fact, Trinity has everything a child needs to thrive. Established in 1951, Trinity is now one of the Southeast’s leading independent, co-educational schools serving children ages three through Sixth Grade.

Ask anyone who knows Trinity, and this is what you’ll hear: Start at Trinity. Flourish for life.

Flourishing for 65 years.

Trinity School began in 1951 as a nursery school at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Today, 65 years later, Trinity serves students ages three through Sixth Grade and is recognized as one of Atlanta’s leading independent schools.

Building Academic Foundation We admit it. Our academic program is challenging, but it is only one measure of success at Trinity. In addition to proficiency in essential knowledge and skills, Trinity students are exposed to a wide variety of subjects and experiences, such as engineering and design, music, art, world languages, physical education, and community service.

This is all part of the School’s well-rounded, whole-child education.

Research studies show healthy habit development in the elementary school years is an essential building block of academic success in middle and high school and beyond.

Trinity values the life of the mind. In every class, at every level, our students acquire knowledge, make real-life connections, and learn to think deeply, explore freely, and express themselves with confidence.

Grounded in fundamentals.

The Trinity Experience is based on core learning principles that are interwoven throughout every grade level. Whether it is an Early Learner experiencing what it means to work as part of a group, a First Grader honing reading and mathematic fundamentals, or a Sixth Grader exploring global connections between self and society, each

child’s educational journey is rooted in Trinity’s mission to create a community of learners in which each child can acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to achieve his or her unique potential and become a responsible, productive, and compassionate member of the expanding global community.

Building relationships in the small moments.

Students begin each day at Trinity with a greeting, an activity, and an opportunity to share. This morning ritual captures our belief that every child is known; every child has a voice; every child is heard; every child contributes; and every child belongs.

Developing Character Foundation At Trinity, the process of learning is just as important as the product of learning. This extends to giving our students responsibility and time to practice and develop character skills and habits. Students at every grade level are encouraged to feel comfortable in their own skin, be individuals of integrity, express empathy, and demonstrate respect for others. They can discern right from wrong, lead by example, and have moral courage.

Character development is particularly evident in activities like Morning Meeting, Fifth and Sixth Grade Values and Leadership classes, mentor programs, and grade-level “buddies� activities. Additionally, Trinity students develop social responsibility through developmentally appropriate community and service-learning projects.

Equally important is the development of our students’ practical aptitudes, such as study skills and time management, which are necessary for success in the future. Through measured performance, they learn accountability, resilience, and perseverance.

Fostering Continued Curiosity, Creativity, and Confidence From the natural light and flexible learning spaces in each classroom to the walking trails in Discovery Woods, Trinity’s 43-acre campus is designed for exploration and inquiry.

The School’s deep commitment to programs beyond academics—visual and performing arts, computer science, engineering and design, and outdoor and physical education—provides ample opportunities for our students to grow their natural curiosity.

Trinity students are encouraged to learn about themselves, others, and the world around them, to follow their interests, and to find their passions. Child-directed investigation and discovery are balanced with teacher-led, targeted instruction that together build creativity, self-assurance, and problem-solving skills. From Early Learners through Sixth Grade, our students are using their imagination, discovering new ideas and strategies, and experimenting independently and collaboratively. A Trinity child grows into an adult who is confident in his or her abilities, welcomes unfamiliar challenges, and adapts to new situations and a changing world. Strengthening the curiosity, creativity, and talents of each child, we foster a lifetime love of learning in our students.

diversity service

We teach students, not subjects.

creativity

That’s why, in every academic endeavor, we encourage students to strive for balance.

Engage in ideas but also make time for creative expression.

Study traditional topics with an innovative approach. Reach high but help others achieve as well.

technology academics

what it takes to

citizenship exploration

diversity service

creativity

Academics. The Mission of Trinity School is to create a community of learners in which each child can acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to achieve his or her unique potential and become a responsible, productive, and compassionate member of the expanding global community.

Citizenship. Trinity prepares students to become socially responsible citizens who care about the world around them.

We place a high priority on active involvement – in class, on campus, among our families, and in the world.

Creativity. Through music, theatre, purposeful play, engineering and design, dance, and visual arts, students in every grade explore creative thinking and problem solving.

Printmaking, robotics, sculpture, opera – whatever their passions, students can discover them here.

Diversity. In 1963, Trinity became the first racially integrated private school in Georgia. As an inclusive community, we celebrate diversity, multiculturalism, and the value of every individual.

Additionally, we strive to have diversity, equity, and inclusion be an ever-present, integrated part of the school day; to value

the power of conversation and dialogue; and to embrace an attitude of continual growth and learning.

Exploration. Trinity students explore the world, whether researching countries for our Pre-K Olympics or embarking on the Sixth Grade’s outdoor trips. They also explore new ideas, skills, and passions through activities such as Extended Programs, Student Council, and Capstone Research Projects.

Service. Opportunities to serve the community begin with our youngest learners and evolve as they grow and mature.

Trinity students support organizations such as the Atlanta Food Bank, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Trees Atlanta, Sheltering Arms, and Families First.

Technology. From our Early Learners to our Sixth Grade Leadership Class, Trinity students are taught the importance of digital citizenship, including access, literacy, and security. Our youngest students use iPads in class, with a one-toone laptop program beginning in Fourth Grade. Students use

our Idea Lab for technology instruction, including coding and programming, the iHub for engineering and design, and our film studio for audiovisual design and production.

With friends like these, you can do anything.

Trinity classmates become friends for life. They are passionate and compassionate and love to collaborate on everything.

From searching for the runaway Gingerbread Man to challenging one another in chariot races during the Fifth Grade Olympics, our students bond through all the fun learning experiences that Trinity has to offer.

Cherishing Childhood We can’t deny it. Trinity School is a magical place. The wonder of childhood is palpable as soon as you enter our gates. Our teachers provide joyful, developmentally appropriate experiences that involve play- and passion-based learning. This all occurs within a nurturing educational environment because we know that children’s brains are not available for learning until they feel safe, physically and emotionally. We also know that memories are strongest when learning is interesting, so our teachers design experiences around what is important in the life of a child.

Our unique approach to early childhood and elementary education provides the best of both worlds. Our students get to savor their childhood while also acquiring a deep academic foundation and developing responsibility, leadership, and a strong sense of self.

Deepening the Educational Experience Everything we do at Trinity is intentional. From the academic and arts programs to the flexibility of learning spaces and the technology we provide our students. From vertically- and horizontally-aligned curriculum to cross-curricular approaches and global connections.

We use an innovative approach to curricular enhancements—ensuring a relevant and challenging education while building upon a content-rich academic program that is critical at the elementary level. At every grade level, Trinity students are selfconfident in core academic subjects as well as in the arts, physical education, world languages and cultural studies, and community service. Our students develop strong habits of mind through creative and critical thinking and questioning.

They gain deeper understanding by demonstrating what they know in more than one way and applying what they know in different situations.

Our students are asking questions, ideating, creating, analyzing, and asking more questions. Opportunities for hands-on learning, design thinking, and problemsolving abound at Trinity. In the iHub, students are designing prototypes of playground equipment to solve obesity problems. In the Science Lab, students are designing toys from recycled materials and creating enclosures to keep the School’s resident turtles from escaping from their tank.

Trinity students learn through experience.

Kindergartners explore life cycles by caring for newly hatched eggs and becoming Chick Masters.

Second graders immerse themselves in Native American studies in order to appreciate cultures, past and present, that are different from their own.

Fourth Graders explore the life of a pioneer in the 1800s as they set out on the Oregon Trail. In every grade, we make learning an experience.

Empowering Students in Their Learning

At Trinity, we want our students to fulfill their potential – to flourish – every day.

Through Trinity’s internationally recognized “My Learning” process, students maintain an active digital portfolio that captures their voice and their learning experience all the way from Early Learners through Sixth Grade. Students and their teachers are able to reflect on experiences and focus on the process of learning as well as the product.

These portfolios empower each child as a learner, provide opportunities for parents to cherish the learning process, and deepen our understanding of each child’s development.

Knowing who you are allows you to reach your fullest potential.

Trinity meets students where they are to discover who they are as learners to develop them into master learners. We teach our students that their abilities can be developed through hard work and perseverance. We believe in the word yet: “I can’t do this yet. I don’t understand this yet.”

We also believe that children are natural learners and learn best by doing, by being actively engaged in the classroom, and by having appropriate voice and choice in their learning. As such, play-based learning in our youngest grades is influenced by Reggio Emilia, and all grades provide ample time for students to develop critical and creative thinking skills.

Trinity students are taught to lead and to reach their full potential. Every day, they are given opportunities to use their voice, to utilize technology, to speak publicly, and to self-reflect.

The Trinity Experience culminates in the Sixth Grade year, as students become members of the Leadership Class and prepare to transition from the School as confident, self-directed, and passionate learners and leaders.

More than academics.

We encourage students to take risks, stretch themselves, and try new things. They are in a constant state of inquiry and learning that is emboldened

by Trinity’s safe and nurturing environment.

Our students thrive on challenge and grow from it. When Trinity students advance from the Early Elementary Division, they leave with the knowledge that they can achieve anything through hard work and dedication.

Early Elementary Division Learning to love learning. That is what our Early Elementary Division is all about. Trinity taps into your child’s innate sense of curiosity and wonder.

Every learning space is specifically designed for Early Learners through First Grade, and teachers utilize a nurturing and collaborative approach to meet each child’s individual learning needs. Every morning, students are seen running to their classrooms, eager to start a new day at Trinity.

The wonder years. Get ready to be amazed by the growth of your child – and your entire family – during this period. We’ve created a language-rich learning environment, one with dedicated time to experience art, music, movement, classroom responsibilities, circle-time discussions, and hands-on exploration and discovery. The entire program is designed to provide a solid foundation for future academic achievement at Trinity.

Building blocks. As students master the basics of literacy, numeracy, and even Spanish or French, they become confident, self-motivated learners.

The curriculum also includes math, critical thinking, creativity, engineering and design, service learning, media skills, and, of course, physical education.

While every day is a new adventure, Early Elementary students also enjoy time-honored Trinity traditions such as Early Learners Pirates Week, Pre-K Olympics, Kindergarten Trip Around the World, and 101 Days of First Grade.

Full speed ahead.

Trinity students have developed the selfdiscipline and integrity to manage competing demands on their time and energy. In other words, they’re well prepared for their next educational challenge.

Upper Elementary Division Moving Upstairs. It is a celebrated rite of passage for our younger Trinity students to move upstairs to the Upper Elementary classrooms. The program for our students in Second through Sixth Grade includes rich opportunities for growth through discovery, investigation, creativity, and problem solving.

Your child will grow in competence and confidence as he or she is encouraged, challenged, and inspired.

There’s a lot to look forward to. Outdoor education trips like Camp Will-A-Way. Service opportunities with Sheltering Arms and Trees Atlanta.

And, of course, the chance to be role models and mentors to younger students.

As students enter the Upper Elementary Division, we expect even more from them academically. We also give them more opportunities to express ideas and opinions and to learn about impact and influence. As they mature, they develop the trademark qualities that Trinity students are known for: intelligence, expressiveness, passion, personality, and a whole lot of heart.

What it means to be a Trinity graduate. The Sixth Grade is Trinity’s Leadership Class. They are school leaders. Star performers. Role models.

Highlights of this climactic year include trips to the Georgia coast, the Trinity Opera, the multidisciplinary Capstone project, the Sixth Grade Class Gift, and preparing to transition to their next school. The goal? For Trinity graduates to embrace their education. We want them to love learning for the rest of their lives.

A Trinity education helps your child

Trinity is not just a school; it is a community. A community of children, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and Trustees – all of whom are committed to one idea, one founding principle: helping your child flourish so that he or she may achieve his or her unique potential. Not only does individual success matter at Trinity, but also each student’s interests and love of learning. Join us as we celebrate the present while preparing your child for the future.

“Go out into the world and flourish.”

Joseph P. Marshall Head of School

Trinity graduates do. They attend Woodward Academy, The Westminster Schools, Paideia, The Lovett School, Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, Atlanta International School, and other premier independent schools. They graduate from such institutions as Duke University, Georgetown University, Georgia Institute of Technology, New York University, Princeton University, University of Georgia, University of Pennsylvania, Vanderbilt University, and Washington and Lee University. They will become entrepreneurs, partners in law firms, vice presidents at Fortune 500 companies, educators, world-renowned artists, inventors, musicians, and doctors – people who flourish.

Start at Trinity. Thrive for life.

Established in 1951, Trinity School has been helping children flourish for generations.

Trinity educates students from three-years-old through the Sixth Grade. The School is independent, co-educational, and completely committed to the health, happiness, and growth of its students.

Academics. Trinity’s educational program includes hands-on learning, classroom instruction, technology, and an abundance of creative exploration.

Accreditation. Trinity School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Admissions. The Trinity Admissions process is childcentered. We get to know every applicant personally.

Admission requirements vary by grade and are designed to assess a child’s readiness for Trinity. Our top priority: To determine if Trinity is the right fit for your child and your family.

Athletics. All students have daily scheduled physical activity in the form of recess or P.E. They also have the opportunity to participate in ballet, golf, karate, running club, soccer, tennis, yoga, and more through Trinity’s Extended Programs.

Community. Trinity is home to 606 students from 415 families. More than 25 percent are students of color. The average class size: 13 for Early Learners, 15 for Pre-K, and 20 for Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. Trinity’s student-teacher ratio: Fewer than 6:1.

Faculty. 102 faculty members; 58 with advanced degrees. 100 percent are committed to helping Trinity students flourish. They are experts in early childhood and elementary education and receive continuous professional development. Our teachers are inspiring, life-changing role models – people you remember forever.

Location. Our school is situated on a beautiful, modern, 43-acre, tree-lined campus in Atlanta’s Buckhead community.

Traditions. Every year, Trinity students look forward to special traditions of their grade level, such as Pirates Week (Early Learners), Pre-K Olympics, Kindergarten Trip Around the World, 101 Days of First Grade, Native American Trade Day (Second Grade), Living Museum (Third Grade), Wagon Train (Fourth Grade), Nutcracker and Olympics (Fifth Grade), and Opera (Sixth Grade).

Visit. Nothing compares to a visit on our campus.

Join us for an Open House or take a personal tour.

Talk with students and teachers. See classes and activities in action. All will give you a better idea of the excitement and energy that permeate Trinity. We look forward to meeting you on campus soon.

Trinity School 4301 Northside Parkway NW Atlanta, GA 30327 404-231-8100 | info@trinityatl.org www.trinityatl.org Facebook.com/trinityatl twitter.com/trinityatl instagram.com/trinityschool #trinitylearns