Trinity School at River Ridge

We have had children in this school since 2001 and love it! Three have graduated, two were National Merit Finalists. Currently, we have one child at the school and another to come. Originally, we chose this school for the academics. We found not only quality academics, but a safe and respectful culture with a responsive administration. Students learn college level math, science, Latin, philosophy, literature, history, and develop an appreciation of the arts. Many teachers have Masters/PhDs in their respective subjects. Socratic discussions lead to deeper understanding and create a community of learners. Monthly class parties to create a positive social environment. Students are separated by gender in their classes to support learning. The school supports boy/girl friendships, but discourages dating to minimize drama. This school is sponsored by an ecumenical Christian organization, People of Praise that is a community of people that live a Christian life outside of church. Some of the students and teachers are a part of this group. Even though our family is not a member of this group, we feel that this organization contributed to the positive culture of the school.
--Submitted by a parent

We loved what we saw when we toured, visited & talked to students. Our student is academically gifted & this seemed to be a perfect fit. Sadly we changed schools after 1 year after discovering that perfection is the goal in some classes vs. learning (esp. for Art & Music). Many teachers didn't understand that students learn in different ways (visual vs hands-on vs listening) and one teaching technique doesn't fit all (very few have teaching degrees). When we tried to email and call teachers with concerns, they either didn't return them or tried to reassure us everything was "fine" with no solutions.Also, we knew that the school is coed, but didn't realize that they discourage ANY contact with the opposite sex--no talking, no friendship, no dating--all of which are met with detention. Detentions are given freely for forgetting a text book, a missing instrument (when the teacher had it in her own lost and found box!), being a minute late, even sniffling with allergies. Met another family who experienced the same as we did.The school is "non-denominational" Christian, however it is associated with the People of Praise Group & most of the families and staff belong to this group.
--Submitted by a parent

Trinity produces fine thinkers and noble human beings. I have 2 children attending the school now. Of our 3 Trinity graduates, all have excelled in college (one as a National Merit Scholar). Trinity is academically rigorous; using seminar format, it explores the great thinkers of the Western tradition, and such concepts as the dignity of the human person, and just and effective ways to run a society. Core curriculum includes state-of-the art math/science/ computer programming; humanities (history,literature, political science, philosophy, theology); Latin (4 years), a modern language; music and studio art. Students acquire a sense of wonder at and responsibility for the world around them. The Christian world view is taken seriously, in an ecumenical setting. And the faculty . . . marvelous. Experts in their disciplines, and warmly dedicated to the students. After educating 5 children at Trinity, I'm convinced it is the best option for secondary education in the Twin Cities.
--Submitted by a parent