I know it's very, very unlikely but feedback has been positive and while we're not holding our breath, it's on our minds. You hear a LOT about Trinity (good and bad) and I would love if anyone had any balanced, first-hand insights into the school and its culture (specifically the lower school right now). Thanks very much.
What do you ever hear that is negative? "Pressure-cooker" in upper school? It's typically a top choice. And you're not going to get in unless you make it clear you will go...
I am not sure the LS is a huge pressure cooker. Because they admit so many legacy and siblings, they cannot just screen for the best of the best candidates. They go for a real family feel. They do have an impressive curicculum and put a lot of thought into it. They seem old fashioned, in that no coding is taught but latin is. Some negatives to be aware of: the school changes in US when they double the class size and all the ringers enter the school -- so your kid in K will have pretty severe college exmission competition when that time comes.
My kids are in lower school at Trinity. I’m happy to answer questions.
Thank you! Would love to know how you feel about the curriculum and the culture. Is it warm? Are your kids excited to go to school every day? Do you like the curriculum and feel like it is suitably age appropriate yet pushes them when necessary (depending on the ages of your children, of course). How do you feel about the administration? How are the after school programs? I know this is a lot so just anything you have would be great, thanks!
It is very warm, and yes, they love school. It’s a good balance of age appropriate learning and differentiation/challenge for kids who are ahead (and support for those who need it). The teachers have been lovely so far- every year we feel like it can’t get better and then it does. I think they’re really thoughtful about placing kids with the ”right“ teacher for them, at least that’s been our experience so far. The new head of lower school is warm and approachable and kind. After school programs seem to touch on a wide variety of interests, from sports to chess to cooking to magic. They're very popular and most kids participate in at least one.
All in all, we’re very happy. The school is much less fancy than we were anticipating based on its reputation, which was a pleasant surprise. Parents are nice and many are very active in the school. I haven’t felt a clique-ish or snobby vibe, everyone has been welcoming and normal (albeit very serious about education).
I'm jealous that you have had any positive feedback! Our feedback so far was that "this is a year with a lot of siblings" :-( Do you have a DD or DS? Wondering if this year there are more girls or boys. Good luck to you!!
To the mom at Trinity - are the kids there all happy smart angels? Is there a type to a Trinity child?
Good luck to you too! I know this is all just so stressful so sending you many positive vibes! We have a son.
I would strongly recommend you focus on other schools if you are not sub/leg/$$$$.
When researching the school I came across a few youtube videos of the class of 2018 doing some sort of Halloween spoof of the teachers/school. I was honestly shocked (in a good way) how genuinely funny and creative the kids were in their speeches and skits. Totally normal teenagers but you could tell these kids are smart and witty. Just look up Trinity on youtube if you're interested.
I have a DC in Upper School, so not exactly what you're looking for. however, I do want to chime in to say that the teachers and staff put a lot of thought and care into curriculum, teaching, providing a positive environment, etc. You can tell they do a lot of thinking - about what's best for the kids.
I would assume this approach carries over to all the different parts of school (lower school and middle school).
We like the school alot.
Good luck to everyone applying this year!