Frequently Asked Questions
No. While most students come from Christian homes, many others do not. All are welcome!
As a Christian school, all our students are taught from a Christian perspective, study the Bible, and memorize verses. At the same time, we welcome open and honest conversation, and our teachers model respect for those who hold different views. In the upper school, students are encouraged to discuss challenging cultural, philosophical, and theological topics. Teachers hold God’s Word as the standard for truth in these discussions, but courses are graded according to achievement of course objectives, not acceptance of a particular faith.
Yes. Our employees are all active in a Christian church and incorporate their faith into their everyday lives. As Christians, we know that our beliefs cannot be separated from our words and actions, and we rely on the good news of Jesus Christ to shape our individual lives and the character of our community.
God places the primary responsibility for raising children on parents, so we are committed to partnering with parents, including homeschooling parents. We are delighted to offer Homeschool Extension classes for students entering 7th-12th Grade. Students may earn up to three credits per year through these classes. Courses are offered on a space-available basis, with priority given to full-time students. Click here for more information.
Technology is a very useful tool for learning and communicating, but it is not an end in itself. Our students gradually increase their use of technology as they learn to research, write, and present information to others. Our aim at Trinity is to develop strategic thinkers and communicators who are able to apply the best method for the task at hand, whether that is a technological presentation or a carefully practiced speech.
A classical education is rooted in the liberal arts tradition. As such, a classical education is not preparation for a specific career path, but rather the development of a genuinely intelligent and disciplined mind, combined with a heart for service and a love for learning. This kind of education prepares graduates to excel in the challenges of college and the workplace. We believe a classical education provides the very best college preparation and the most excellent career opportunities.
Since our first Class of 2013, nearly all have continued onto college, with many offered academic scholarships. Beyond academics, Trinity alumni are actively involved in leadership opportunities, study abroad experiences, internships, and mission trips. Alumni currently attend many universities across the country, including Covenant College, Wheaton College, Corban University, Biola University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Azusa Pacific University, George Fox University, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Oklahoma, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Texas A&M. For a full list, see our alumni page.
This is really the crux of the difference between the progressive and classical philosophies of educating students. Where the progressive model seeks to train students in the latest “must have” skills for a job, the classical focus is on developing your child’s intellect and ability to think and learn any skill for the entirety of their lives. As we all know, the latest and greatest skills change every few years. This is why at Trinity, we believe in educating students to be vocationally dexterous, with an intellectual agility that allows them to learn any skill they may need now or in the future.
Admissions
We seek families who desire a Christian education. Because we see the admissions process as the initial step in developing a relationship with a family, we look for families that share a similar vision of the purpose and outcome of education and that are willing to partner with us to ensure the success of their child in all areas of development. We prayerfully consider each applicant.
TCS admits students of any race, nationality, or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate against students on the basis of race, nationality, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial assistance, and other school-administered programs, as provided by federal and state law.
Determining whether TCS is an appropriate setting for a student must be done on a case-by-case basis. While we do not possess the resources to provide special education at our school, we will accept children who can be successfully accommodated within a regular classroom at Trinity. We provide some short-term support for students when needed, and our teachers are trained to provide some differentiation in instruction. We use methods of instruction that can be very effective for various learning styles, such as multisensory reading and spelling instruction, teaching to mastery, direct instruction, as well as providing a variety of ways for students to demonstrate knowledge.
Most students adapt well to Trinity in Kindergarten-8th Grades. Students are also successful entering Trinity in 9th-12th Grades, especially those with disciplined study habits and are academically strong. Our admissions process helps assess your student’s potential at the school, our staff would be happy to assist you in that process.
Absolutely! Parents are welcome to sit in on classes, while potential students may wish to shadow current students through a school day. You are also welcome to visit any events and student presentations throughout the year. We also host an open house each year on the last Saturday of January.
Please call our office (808-262-8501x102) or fill out the form here to set up a meeting or a visit.
Tuition Assistance
Based on financial need, a limited amount of funds is available to students at Trinity Christian School. If you would like to apply for assistance, please apply on the FACTS link on ParentsWeb (Login to Parents Web-> FACTS -> FACTS Links - > Apply for Grant & Aid -> sign in with FACTS login information). See also our "Tuition and Tuition Assistance" webpage for specific details. Tuition assistance applications are accepted in rounds. Thereafter, if any funds remain, Tuition Assistance will be determined on a case by case basis.
2018-19 Round 1 Deadline: Monday, March 4th Notification of decision via mail: April 6, 2019
2018-19 Round 2 Deadline: Monday, April 8th Notification of decision via Mail: May 4, 2019
2018-19 Round 3 Deadline: Monday, May 6th Notification of decision via mail: June 8, 2019
The size of the award varies according to income, assets, debts, and other factors such as help from other sources (i.e. grandparents, Kipona Scholarships, etc.) No full tuition awards are given as every family is expected to contribute to the tuition of their child or children.
FACTS calculates the award based on several factors such as income, assets, debts, number of children at Trinity. Applications are processed in the Business Office and the Tuition Assistance Committee reviews the application and determines the award.
Trinity Christian School believes that a student’s education is both parents’ responsibility. Parents who are divorced, separated, or have never been married must make full financial disclosure before any tuition assistance award will be considered.
If a parent has not been in contact with the student for more than five years, an exception can be made, and only the custodial parent’s income will be considered. If a parent has remarried, the stepparent’s income and financial situation are considered when determining the tuition assistance award.
Non-custodial parents who receive communication from the school must fill out a FACTS Grant & Aid application form through ParentsWeb. A separate application form may be created. If you do not have a ParentsWeb account, you must sign up directly for the Grant & Aid application through this website link: https://online.factsmgt.com/aid
Academics
Our classical philosophy of education and commitment to relational mentoring compel us to keep class sizes small, among the smallest for private schools in the state. The maximum enrollment per classroom is:
- Pre-Kindergarten (3 year olds): 10 per class
- Jr Kindergarten (4 year olds): 18 per class
- K-6th Grade: 18 per class *
- 7th-12th Grade: 15 per class
* In our elementary classrooms, teachers are supplemented by five specialists (P.E., swimming, art, music, Latin).
Students at Trinity are encouraged to work hard in all areas as we have very high academic expectations. We believe that challenging young people helps them flourish in college and adulthood. We expect students to do their best while providing encouragement and academic support to help them be successful. Our goal is joyful and hardworking thinkers and learners who use their gifts humbly for God’s glory.
The program at Trinity assesses students not only on their knowledge and skills, but also on their character. Everyone at the school is expected to grow in their ability to show care and compassion for others, work to the best of their ability, and honor God in all that they say or do.
That means openly addressing shortcomings and celebrating achievements with each student. We want each student to know they are wholly loved and accepted by their teacher, their parents, and God. From this place of confidence, students can then confront their shortcomings (even their failures) with the purpose of improving.
We offer AP Statistics, and Honors Calculus and Physics. In other subjects, the quality of classes taught at Trinity Christian School have enabled many of our graduates to test out of college courses even without AP credit, such as our Latin curriculum, which was used by two of our alumni to waive their foreign language requirements.
Athletics
7th-12th Grade competes in the AACS (Athletic Association of Christian Schools), offering a volleyball, basketball, cross country, and soccer teams for both men and women. AACS is a competitive league that supports the philosophy of our athletics.
4th-6th Grade participate in the CSAL (Christian Schools Athletic League), offering basketball and volleyball for boys and girls. Our elementary school athletic program is participatory rather than competitive in nature, seeking to develop Trinity students in a well-rounded environment.
At most colleges, students who fail to meet the grade requirements or maintain at least a 2.0 GPA will not be allowed to participate in athletics – no exceptions. Less than one percent of high school athletes in the U.S. will go on to play collegiate sports. Thus, the reality is that athletic scholarships are few, while academic scholarships are a much stronger bet. While we emphasize the importance of a well-rounded education, where sports, academics, and fine arts all play a part in the education of our students, we encourage our parents to be actively involved in their student's academic progress.
Every TCS player, regardless of ability, can be a great TCS teammate. Here at TCS, we teach qualities of a great teammate and what that looks like.