Trinity Presbyterian School

My mother is a nurse practitioner and my father is a physician here in Montgomery, and I attended Trinity for 4 years. Going to Trinity was one of the worst experiences of my life. The teachers, students, and even parents were rude and encouraged bad behavior. The environment was far from "Christian." In fact, it was quite the opposite. Favoritism is shown, and the wealthy families control everything behind the scenes. I finally grew sick of the falseness and left for Baldwin Magnet. When I got there, I found that I was severely behind in math and English, as emphasis is put on athletics at Trinity rather than academics. Thankfully, I caught up and did fine. I am now in my first year at LAMP, the top ranked high school in Alabama. To anyone reading this, DO NOT send your child/children to Trinity (unless you are a hypocrite and wealthy/athletic enough to hang in with the big crowd). Instead, I recommend the magnet system if your child is capable, or even standard public.

I definitely made the right decision when I decided to send my three children to Trinity. The teachers truly care. Even though the work load can be heavy at times, my oldest child is truly ready for college. I cannot say enough about Trinity. It is a school that produces a well rounded student!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school, great teachers, and a wonderful christian enviornment. The teachers go the extra mile and really seem to care about them. We feel it is definitley worth the sacrafice of going to a private school. Great investment in our childrens future. Although other competing schools may have nicer facilities, they dont offer the religous aspect that we feel is most important in our childrens lives.
—Submitted by a parent

As a recent graduate of Trinity, I can honestly say that Trinity prepared me for college and life. I am so thankful for the teachers and staff members that cultivated my academic and spiritual life. Arts are actively promoted in the school today. Students have the opportunity to study dance, art, drama, forensics, and much more.

Having had three children graduate from Trinty and one still there I can honestly say that it is not the same school it once was. Their actions speak louder than their words. In economic crisis it would make sense to centralize control to reduce cost rather than to expand and add positions which is exactly what happened. Middle school was added to Upper and Lower School, a new upper school principal was brought in. Athletics has totally gotten out of hand as well. Practices are scheduled so that no normal family can take those long weekend family trips and as Christians family time is prized rather than discouraged. Labor Day, Friday after 4th of July, Friday after Thanksgiving and I could go on an on. In addition if your child participates in sports you are expected to work the gate and concessions. Many of these are scheduled at 4 or 5PM. I don;t know who could just leave work and tell their boss that reason and get away with it unless you were extremely wealthy and owned the business, or had very flexible hours. As far as sports banquets you will get no slack either. You bring the food and then you get billed for it. I fear like many in the world trinty has lost it's way.
—Submitted by a parent

Trinity is a great school to attend. I have attended Trinity from K-11 and have enjoyed everything this school provides to me. It provides students with a fun environment, while at the same time giving them a high quality education. I wouldn't attend any other school (public or private) in the area to attend but Trinity. Schools like MA, Saint James, or ACA do not compare to what this school provides (education, athletics, and environment). If you want your child to grow up in a great Christian environment than Trinity is the best school to attend.
—Submitted by a student

Having attended Trinity and proceeded on to a highly ranked university I can say that Trinity left me ill prepared when compared to the high schools attended by my current peers. Any attempts to improve the quality of education seem to by stymied by the quibbling of the more influential parents whose children may lack the ability to obtain a predetermined grade. Any religious aspects of the school do not penetrate further than the faux public relations image. Arts are practically nonexistent. But nonetheless, athletics remains as an indubitable powerhouse.
—Submitted by a former student

I attended Trinity for many years. The staff offers excellent academic opportunities, however, the leadership is, unfortunately, lacking in morals. The wealthiest and most influential families pull strings and are treated with, for the most part, whatever they desire. While they claim to be a 'Christian' school, it is merely a tag line for them. There is a very small focus on the arts...the athletic teams are shown favoritism and sports take precidence over academics to a fairly heavy extent. I would recommend public school over choosing this private school to any parent who asked my advice.
—Submitted by a former student

Me and my husband had our child enrolled in this school for 2 years. After the first year we were not impressed, so we deceided to give it one more year thinking it was just that grade. We were wrong, the teachers at the school show favortisim. They have their favorites and they do not treat each child the same. I did not want to be apart of this and had my child pulled out because of it. I believe each child should be treated the same, but that is not the case with the teachers at Trinity.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family has only been at Trinity two years, but I believe it is an exceptional school. The faculty does a tremendous job of tapping into each child's individual talents. I think Trinity wants to help each child reach his/her potential, whatever it may be. As far as parent involvement, Trinity will allow you, as a parent, to do as much or as little you want to do. The opportunity is there, you just have to be willing to get involved. We believe that Trinity is the best school for our family.
—Submitted by a parent

After reading this last review, I have to respond. Surely this reviewer would not pay to send their children to a school they have this opinion about. Therefore, this 'parent' is trying to degrade a school their child does not attend or cannot attend. Trinity is an excellent school (so far through 6th grade). Children can excel according to their strengths but are also encouraged in their weaknesses. As a father, athletics is important and should be stressed. Trinity is a relatively small community and participation in sports is expected. If you don't expect your child to participate or master the material then feel free to choose the public school system.
—Submitted by donald, a parent

Trinity provides a sub-par educational experience focusing merely on an image based on a Christian appearance and athletic distraction. The degree to which parents are involved is based solely on their self-defined power derived from their annual income and standing in the school's affiliated church. Discipline within the school is distributed unevenly upon the shoulders of those students who lack the influence and favoritism granted to those who epitomize the contrived image the school endlessly seeks. The challenge teachers can provide their students directly correlates to the ability of the aforementioned pupils to get the A their overly influential parents believe their child deserves regardless of any factors dealing with their actual academic ability.
—Submitted by a parent

Trinity is a great school. We've invested 14 years in the school, and have one graduate and one senior. The teachers really prepare the students for college. Sometimes the school seems to major on the minors, like policing the shoe dress code. Overall, we have been very pleased with TPS and think it is the best school in Montgomery.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is wonderful. This school gives you an exceptional learning environment and also gives the students the freedom to serve as Christians.
—Submitted by jennifer letner, a teacher

We have been at Trinity for four years and have no complaints at all. The staff is very helpful and flexible. The education is excellent. Most of all, I feel the teachers and staff love my child. They want my child to excel both in school, and in life.
—Submitted by a parent

I love it! Students are in a fun and safe environment. Discipline is great and learning is top quality. Only problem is not enough focus on the arts. All focus is on God, school, and sports.
—Submitted by a parent