I am a former student of Trinity Prep. I spent 6 years there and would not recommend this school. I realize that many disagree with me but I say this because I believe that in order to have a school benefit the students, the students must be the priority. Students are not the priority at Trinity. I have done very well in college but many students from Trinity struggle with the real world after graduation. I have seen so many former students not be able to balance the academic and social needs of college. As a prep school this should be the what Trinity does. Now that I am almost done with college, I can only hope that if you are considering this school for your child, you check out other area schools and my suggestion would be to check out Circle Christian School.
As a parent of three students who attended TPS in both middle and high school, I certainly empathize with the young middle school student who was unhappy. My children did not always feel settled at that age and I'd urge him/her to hang in there; life gets better and better. I often wish the middle school students could see forward to who they will become by senior year in high school. They would be amazed at their confidence and individuality. At TPS, each of my children was stretched and nurtured by caring adults--teachers, administrators, coaches. My three now say, "thank heavens you sent me to Trinity Prep." But they didn't always feel that way, while in the midst of their growing up. My children write beautifully. They know how to think for themselves. They learned to solve problems, work in groups, get along. And they learned to be themselves. Each was admitted to every college to which they applied, because they listened to the college counselors and looked for schools that were a good fit. And importantly, each of our three flourished in college and still feels very connected to their institutions. We are very grateful to the Trinity Prep community!
—Submitted by a parent
I am a parent of a current uper school student and two Trinity graduates. Trinty has been an absolutely amazing experience for our family in the academic, athletic and community involvement arenas. Our three students each have very different abilities and interests and Trinity has truly met each of their needs. Trinity offers guidance and encouragement to all students so they are able to reach their potential in a variety of areas. Now that I have two in college, I understand just how beneficial the TPS experience has been for their success after high school. They are extremely well prepared for college academically, emotionally, socially and athletically (lots of fun intramural involvement). I honestly could not have asked for a better preparation for entering the "real" world. I highly recommend Trinity.
—Submitted by a parent
As a parent I feel compelled to rate the school based on our experience. First I will start with the pros: Most of the teachers are great and really know the students, great academics, great music and theatre programs, diverse student body, college counselors, lots of parents that want to help and my student feels that they are learning a lot without being too overwhelmed. The biggest con is the athletics. Don't let some of the teams records fool you, there is a lot to be desired in most of the team sports. If your student is a good athlete look at the private school downtown. Your student/athlete will get both the academics as well as support from their athletic dept. Very little help was provided in helping promote the athletes that want to play sports in college. If you are only looking for academics, I highly recommend Trinity Prep!
—Submitted by a parent
The negative review two posts below is obviously completely and utterly biased against Trinity. I am a recent graduate who is attending Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York. I was constantly challenged at Trinity to do my best while still having fun. I can't say that I really disliked any of my teachers, and most of them have become my friends and have helped me make it through my first year in college. However, I am no nerd. I fit in great at Trinity, and I played lacrosse and was ranked in the top 105 defenders in the southeast two years straight. In no way do you need to be a nerd to fit in at Trinity. What separates Trinity from other schools is the family aspect of the school. I was so close with so many people that it was hard to have to leave. But Trinity prepared me to leave and succeed. All in all, I would recommend Trinity over any school in a 100 mile radius. It is prestigious, but not pretentious. The teachers are great. A student out of Trinity will get out of it what he or she puts in. Trinity is not just intrinsically easy. It takes work. But it was more than worth it. Five stars
I am a recent graduate of Trinity Prep and am halfway through my freshman year at Duke University. I am utterly appalled by the negative review below. I never experienced any of the underwritten aspects of Trinity life. I only have positive things to say about my alma mater: It prepared me very well for the rigorous curriculum at Duke Engineering. Trinity also taught me the skills necessary to balance all my interests including sports, community service, work, and friends, along with academics. I would strongly encourage anyone searching for top tier academics in middle and high school to place Trinity Prep at the top of their list.
Trinity Prep has been one of the biggest disappointment of life. Not only have my children been extremely unhappy there Trinity Prep actually prevented rather than helped them get into a good school. My children were unhappy because this is a totally uninspiring school. Unless your child is a complete nerd they shouldn't go to this school. If they have a personality or outside interests they shouldn't go to this school as they will prevent your child's development rather than inspire it. The lack of inspiration starts at the top. There is no imagination or leadership from the administration. They don't care about the children they care about protecting the school and making money. They run the good teachers out that really care about the kids because they won't pay them. As for the teachers you would think at a prep school you would get top quality teachers. You don't,
—Submitted by a parent
I have gone to Trinity ever since the 6th grade and I am currently in the 9th grade. Trinity has taught me not just how to get a grade, but how to actually learn. If a child stays on top of their work and does not slack off, then it is not hard to get good grades. Extracurricular activities are abundant at Trinity Prep. From all sports to the visual art to performing arts to debate, Trinity has it all. There is something out there for all kids, everyone is able to find their passion. Ad Astra Per Aspera!
—Submitted by a student
This is by far the worst school i have ever been to. The school is small. The teachers are mean. And it is very cliquey. If you don't start in 6th grade then chances are you will be an outcast. Terrible the only thing good about it is academics. i went to lake highland and I was much better off. It is good at academics and much more. It is more well rounded.
—Submitted by a parent
Trinity Prep provides a great education as well as a good foundation for success. It taught me not only the value of academics but also the ability to pursue my passions. Most importantly it gave me a keen understanding of the unique abilities each of us have as individuals. The Trinity environment inspires students to reach for the stars and overcome your obstacles (ad astra per aspera). The 'trinity bubble' is a real phenomenon. Many kids become used to the affluent environment and are unable to relate to lesser privileged individuals. This is, of course, undesirable. I consider the bubble a sort of necessary evil. I would rather shape my mind in a positive environment around motivated peers than not. College was my time to learn about the world. Trinity's most invaluable lesson is not in the books or reports. It's in every student and teacher. Everyone has purpose and value.
—Submitted by a student
If you believe that academics are THE most important thing in life, then definately send your child here. Trinity provides the most exceptional education out of any school I have ever known. They truly educate the student to think and persuade. It's actually harder than upper level college. Your child's friends will also be those who take their studies seriously (they must or they would be gone) The downside of course is that your child will be studying and writing papers constantly. It is very difficult for them to have any kind of a life outside of academics. It's also harder to get into some colleges and to get the bright futures scholarship, because their GPA will be much lower. (A 'C' trinity student could've done 1/3 of the work at public and get all A's) But if you have an exceptional child who needs a challange, Trinity is perfect.
—Submitted by a parent
This is by far the most rigorous school in Central Florida. A lot is expected from the students, and nearly all graduates find themselves well prepared for college. The only downfall is that many resort to unhealthy measures in order to keep up with the high expectations. Stress levels are always high, but I think most would agree that experiencing this in high school makes college a breeze. I know I was highly prepared for the rigors of med school.
Maybe the 'best in central Florida,' but it has a long way to go to compete with the best in the nation. College admissions are good, but not as good as the first entry would have you believe. A few get Ivies; the largest percentage get Florida schools. The physical plant is attractive, though behind the times in the science labs and computer labs. The curriculum is outdated; there is little innovation or creativity in the offerings, which have changed little from what was being taught in most ambitious schools forty years ago. Athletics is competitive; many would-be athletes are cut, even in middle school. New ideas are not encouraged, nor are they welcome. Just say 'no' solves many points of contention between administration and families. It'll do, may be the best in the area, but it's unfortunately too interested in maintaining the status quo, and oblivious to it's shortcomings.
—Submitted by a parent
Trinity Prep is the very best school in Central Florida. Why? 1. Results: more than 95% of Trinity Prep grads are selected by either their first or second college choice. 2. Results: Trinity Prep grads go to the very best universities in America. 3. Sports success: Trinity Prep was the All-Florida Sports Champion two years in a row in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004. 4. Sportsmanship: Trinity Prep was selected as the winner of the All-State Sportsmanship award for 2008. 5. Success: 26% of the class of 2007 were selected as National Merit students. 6. Success: Average SAT was 1303. 7. Community: Our small school's mentorship and leadership programs foster love and a sense of community. 8. Religious diversity: We are an Episcopal school that teaches love and tolerance of all religions. Our chapel is often inter-faith. 9. Great facilities. 10. Professional Faculty: More than half of the faculty have their Master's degrees and 6 are P.H.D.s. t.b.continued.....
—Submitted by a teacher
My son was at the top of his class in a public school before we moved to Orlando. He found out quickly he could not 'coast by' at Trinity. As rigorous as it was, the teachers and staff were always there for support and gave him the tools to succeed. We are not wealthy and that must have been difficult at times for him, but we never felt the elitism some others have mentioned. Instead I felt a mutual interest in giving our children a great education.
—Submitted by a parent
Trinity really teaches you everything you need to know to succeed in college and beyond.
—Submitted by a student
Wealth was definitely an issue with many of the staff, parents and students alike - too much emphasis on elitism and not enough on interest in 'real life' and concerns of the children with in the school. Whilst there is a relaxing setting for the school you have to have endurance to understand the rigors of an education at this facility.
—Submitted by a parent
Trinity is a rigorous school, but the teaching does not compare to many of the private schools in orlando. I am now attending another area school and I am MUCH happier there.
Trinity provides a wide variety of sports, fine arts, and academics. Its is a religious school but only religious in a way of chapels. A very good dress code is given to ensure the safety of students personal areas. The disipline of the schoo is well done but they could give us students a little slack. The PE classes are graded on the ablitiy to play and understand the sport not on how well played. The sport teams are competetive but also encourage fun. When cuts are made coaches try to make it as nice as possiable to tell you. It's a great school and I encourage you to cheak it out.
—Submitted by a student
This school has a wide variaty of extraculicular activities and has wonderful teachers to really teach the subjects to the students.
—Submitted by a former student
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