Trinity School for Children - Lower Division

Be Careful. Trinity has two buildings, the Lower School and the Upper School. Everyday I pick up my child from the Lower School and have to cross the crosswalk to pick up my children from the Upper School. The crosswalk is the most dangerous crossing I've ever experienced. My family and I have almost been hit by cars several times, just this year. This happens on a regular basis to many families. There have been years that children have been actually hit (twice last year). The school is aware of this situation but has yet to make any attempts to address or fix this very serious problem. They will not put any teachers at the crosswalk to watch the families nor will they pay for an actual crossing guard to help our children yet they seem to have enough money to repaint the school, add shrubbery and an oversized piece of artwork on the school. They have ladies walking around in vests giving out "tickets" for the people who are not properly parked but again, not worrying about the safety of our families walking from one building to the next. It truly is a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed if they do not make the schools safety a priority.
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children at Trinity School for Children. While the education is satisfactory, I agree with other reviews about the administration, school board, and parents that run the school. They demand 50 parent hours per family but do not make it an inviting or friendly atmosphere to accomplish these hours. There are a handful of parents who run everything and it's very political. These parents and their children are shown a great deal of favortism. My children have not noticed this yet, but it's very evident to me and most of the other parents. It's a shame to know that a school that has so much potential has allowed this to happen. Family after family has left for these reasons but nothing has been done. The education is about the same as the public schools in the area but a great deal of emphasis is placed on field studies and take several a year. As the children move into the middle and upper school, these become very expensive - several hundred to over $1000 for each child per trip. Very hard on a family on a budget. My children like it ; however, they are both still in lower school. As they move up to middle and upper, we will be looking at other schools.
—Submitted by a parent

This school should be renamed Trinity School for Bullies. The bullies are not only the children but the parents up to and including the parents serving in positions on the School Board. Don't even try to complain about any wrong doings because YOU are the one condemned instead of the people actually in the wrong. Administration is a joke who only sees what they want to see and are being lead around by people with their own agenda. This school doesn't care about the actual kids and families, you are nothing more then walking check books.
—Submitted by a parent

We placed run child in the care of this school on the recommendation of a neighbor and were sorely disappointed. On the second day of her enrollment, we picked her up with an unexplained injury. Needless to say, we immediately removed her and then had to fight to get any of our deposit back. Stay away from this school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

We sent our daughter to Trinity and have been overwhelmed by the quality of education, the commitment of the staff, the amazing teachers, coaches and assistants, and the great parents we've met there. Our child is engaged, loves learning, loves her teachers, and has made huge strides in her education thanks to the incredible environment everyone has created there. Yes, they ask for parental involvement - my wife and I both work full time jobs, and we're happy to commit the time to the school and provide what we can for fundraisers. It's well worth it for the kind of experience your child will have here. I can't say enough good about Trinity School for Children. It has exceeded every expectation I had and I feel lucky that our daughter attends.
—Submitted by a parent

Trinity is a phenomenal school! We have been fortunate to be a part of the Trinity community for 6 years and are looking forward to our remaining years. The teachers are wonderful and really care for the children. The administration is great and they have an open door policy. If there is ever an issue, they are quick to find a solution. I truly feel that Trinity is one of the top schools in Hillsborough County. The students are well rounded, caring kids. The parents are involved and active. I would recommend this school highly.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child just began there. We have several co-workers and friends who also send their children there. As we are new it wouldn't be fair to review the teachers. However, our experience with the administration and office side has been outstanding. Reading the horrible reviews on here I've notice two things. Those writing the one star reviews seem to think "alot" is one word and haven't really grasped the whole "there, their, they're" thing. I am looking forward to a positive experience.
—Submitted by a parent

Having moved from Fairfax County, VA, one of the strongest school districts in the country, I never thought I would find a public school in Florida that would meet my expectations. I was wrong! Trinity School for Children has exceeded my expectations regarding my daughter's education. She is appropriately and continuously challenged academically. She is provided with many opportunities to strengthen her confidence by speaking in front of many people and working in groups. In addition to the dozen+ field studies the children attend each year, Trinity offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, including traditional sports, piano, dance, karate, Girl Scouts, etc. No school is perfect and I've had my difference of opinion regarding an issue, BUT the staff is always consistent, fair, and open to discussing anything that comes up. Trinity has an open door policy, which I appreciate.
—Submitted by a parent

My son graduated from Trinity this year, he started there in the 6th grade and I am forever thankful! He recieved an education that he would not have recieved in public school, yes you had to pay money and be involved but you are told this up front before you even enroll your child. He graduated with honors and has 2 high school credits. If Trinity had a high school my son would still be going there, we will miss all the teachers and administration. I highly recommend Trinity they really are about education and a lot of hands on learning. The parent involvement is a must with any school or how else will you know what your child is doing?
—Submitted by a parent

I have 2 children who attend Trinity and I have to say I would never change that! The atmosphere is amazing and everyone from faculty to parents are wonderful. I have recommended Trinity to several friends and will only continue to do so! GO TORNADOES
—Submitted by a parent

I have a child at Trinity and am very pleased with the entire program. My child receives the most caring and loving attitude from the Principal to the Staff. The Principal greets the children in the morning, as i witness them running into the school building with a big smile. The teachers are caring and loving and always go the extra mile. I have read the other terrible reviews and am wondering; "Is there something more to this ? I have not observed what these parents are complaining about. Every time we take our children on field trips other people comment on how well behaved they are. I am not sorry I brought my child to Trinity!!!!! I am spreading the word about this wonderful place.
—Submitted by a parent

I am so glad I moved my children from this school. The school definitely does have a lot of parental involvement, but the academics are severely lacking. This school focuses more on having fun then learning. My children started this school ahead and ended up being behind regular public schools by the time we left. Administration is cold and uncaring. The enhancement money is spent wastefully. The students are unruly. What this school claims and what they actually do are polar opposites.
—Submitted by a parent

Our family loves Trinity. For the most part, parents that don't like Trinity just complain because they don't get "their" way. Trinity makes families involved in their kids education . . .why is that such a bad thing? However, we have had 1 bad teacher and when i spoke to administration about it they were very helpful and supportive.
—Submitted by a parent

my children attend northwest elem which is a highly rated school with a supportive administration. My children are happy but I am perplexed. I was told by a 5th grade teacher that grammer is not graded . My children both A and B students cannot spell well. I dont recall many spelling tests in 4th grade. Grammer is a part of writing folks. I am not asking for perfection but this is important . I often wonder if the school rating is more of their concern. More A B students more funding.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attended Trinity for 5 years. I had been happy but started to notice many problems: inexperienced faculty who had very limited ideas on how to teach and no idea how to handle discipline, very detached administration, unrealistic homework assignments both in quantity and level appropriateness, etc. We withdrew our children during last school year and what a difference. Had I known what wonderful neighborhood schools I had I would have NEVER gone to Trinity. Immediately my chldren were placed in gifted programs and challenged correctly. The teachers had constant feedback for me and they KNEW how to teach to different learning styles. I am thrilled with my neighborhood schools. The $500 enrichment fund that Trinity recommends is ridiculous. The school asks for more and more but are very wasteful. They have no storage area but are too quick to throw out good things. I have salvaged so much from their dumpsters. I am so pleased I moved my kids. They cried and fought the move but now they thank me often for moving them.
—Submitted by a parent

My experience at Trinity has been a very positive one. My children have really done well and am i glad that i choose Trinity for my family. The school does ask a lot in terms of participation and that is not for every family but we enjoy being very involved in our child's education.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a staff member at Trinity and i enjoy working their for many reasons. The administration is very supportive and the students and families are great to work with. I understand that not every student and family will "love" the school but i find that it has been a great experience for me. I am sorry that people (students and families) had a bad experience at the school . . . we truly do care about each student and family but Trinity is not the right "fit" for each student. We value parent and student feedback and as teacher's we always will try to improve.
—Submitted by a teacher

I was so disappointed with this school. I had heard such great things about it and how wonderful it was. My son attended for 6 weeks this year and it was awful. I understand the philosophy of the school and how they want the kids to work together in groups. But it was just a big chaotic mess. Lots of yelling, running around and craziness. How can a child focus and learn in such a situation. I am glad we withdrew our son.
—Submitted by a parent

Trinity has been the best choice we ever made for our son. The staff did everything possible to get our son enrolled on such a short notice. I did take some time for him to get use to but he showed great improvement. To hear our son ask to go to school everyday is amazing. I greatly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very disappointed with Trinity. The faculty is very weak and the administration is always moving the teachers around from one grade level to another. They send home progress reports but they are never up to date. The projects are not grade appropriate. The children learn little from them. We are not returning and are sad we ever went .
—Submitted by a parent