Trinity Episcopal School of AU

I am extremely grateful to work as a teacher in a school where learning is the priority. Even though Trinity students take standardized tests and generally perform very well in all subjects, the school's program is not based on test objectives. Teachers teach so that students form a complete picture of the ideas. Teachers are respected for their teaching and encouraged to continue their growth. The administration of the school invests heavily in professional development for its faculty. I have been able to learn from some of the most respected professionals in the field while teaching at Trinity. The vast majority of parents are also very supportive. They understand that Trinity is preparing its students for a competitive, global world. They also know this preparation means school has to be different than it was for them. Best of all, my students are always excited about learning and are never afraid of challenges.
—Submitted by a teacher

Now that my son has completed his first year of college, I am able to clearly see the importance of Trinity's emphasis on the development of many different skills. My son entered Trinity as a middle schooler. He came from a public school that had a good reputation, and more important, he fared well at the school. Arriving at Trinity, I immediately recognized the difference in what Trinity expected of my son compared to the school he left. Trinity required significantly more of its students. At Trinity, students are expected to take greater ownership of their learning and encouraged to stretch themselves to be organized, manage their time, advocate for themselves, learn how to learn, effectively address conflict with peers, and think about life and events beyond the realm of Trinity. My son learned to navigate his way through Trinity and an equally as rigorous high school program. He began his freshman year of high school one year ahead in math. He is now studying in a competitive liberal arts college and is doing well. It was sometimes uncomfortable for me to allow my son to struggle with developing the important skills. I had to believe in his capabilities and trust his teachers.
—Submitted by a parent

The experience at Trinity was extremely disappointing. There were academic issues that we brought to their attention for years and were basically told if you don't like it too bad. Of course we didn't like that our 6th grader could not multiply. Trinity expects their students to learn basic math on a computer. The math is so complicated and taught in such a way that many students have tutors, not because they can't learn, but because the curriculum has no text books and jumps around and has no foundation. It is like throwing a kid on a baseball field and telling him to play before he knows how to bat, catch, run bases. The kids have no self esteem and have grown to hate mathematics. Our child will be going into public school and is very behind in math and reading although they had all A's at Trinity. Trinity has no text books thru 5th grade. Trinity will take your money and your child will have a less than average education. Just ask to see their standardized test scores, the test does not lie. The heads of schools have great words to say and make Trinity seem like a dream come true. If it seems too good to be true it probably is and this holds very true for Trinity.
—Submitted by a parent

From my work with students and faculty at Trinity, I have no doubt that Trinity has a very strong academic program. There are many reasons for this, but one very important reason that I have observed is Trinity's willingness to break from tradition and more narrow perspectives of teaching and learning in order to find more effective and meaningful approaches to educating children. It is apparent to me that teachers at Trinity take the time to evaluate what is taught, the purpose it is being taught, and how best to teach it. They study well-researched, innovative methods, and they appropriately and nearly seamlessly blend them into their practice. As a result, the academic program continually improves. Students are really expected to deeply internalize and apply whatever knowledge or ideas that they are taught. Trinity offers a kind of schooling that promotes a much higher level of learning than I have seen in other academic programs. Because of its innovative nature, families considering Trinity must be willing to embrace new ways of teaching and learning in order to help their children make the most of their Trinity experience.

We moved our daughter to Trinity from public school and have been so happy with our decision. Our child is challenged and cared for every day. The other students immediately welcomed and accepted her into their mix and she has done the same each year when new students join her class. Faculty, parents, and students create a community that care for each other in a way I haven t seen in any other school. Now that she is in middle school, our child participates in the athletics program where she has been taught skills and sportsmanship and the fine arts department that allows each child to shine in their unique way. She loves Trinity and so do we!
—Submitted by a parent

My child is about to graduate eighth grade at Trinity but we intend to remain a part of the Trinity community. My daughter is already talking about the times she plans to visit Trinity next year (special chapel services, to chat with students and teachers, to have lunch and to certainly watch the MS stage performances). It is has been a very special place for us and although I am sad that our time as student/parent is coming to close I am thankful for a wonderful 9 years. We have truly been blessed.
—Submitted by a parent

My girls are finishing their first year at Trinity and we could not be happier with our choice. We were looking for a school that could provide an excellent education as well as a caring and nurturing environment. Trinity accomplishes both with ease. Diversity is important to this school and everyone is made to feel welcome from day one. I recommend this school without hesitation to any family.
—Submitted by a parent

Trinity has sadly changed. In its desperate attempt to keep up with the other well-respected private school in Austin, Trinity has lost sight of what set it apart from the others originally. The loving teachers who knew each child well and cared for your child as if they were their own have been replaced by less experienced educators. The teachers no longer have the freedom to control their own curriculum, thus eliminating any impromptu investigative learning driven by student interest. Marketing wouldn't need to be Trinity's focus if the academic and social environment were as superior as they claim. The best advertisements are happy parents with smart, well-adjusted kids. Ask your local school counselor if Trinity's kids have to be remediated when they transition into the public school arena.
—Submitted by a parent

Where did the review go that was posted earlier today? I was coming back to say that I could not agree more and now it is gone... hmmm.
—Submitted by a parent

No 'real' effort is made to get to know your child or your family if you are not part of the 'in' crowd. Everyone from the crossing guard, to admissions, to the the head of school has a haughty attitude. The school might as well not have a chapel since they do not practice what they preach. Above average turnover among teaching staff, and general rumbling among parents who decide to make the best of it. If you have smart kids and resources look elsewhere or be brave enough to call it quits when you figure out what this school is and is not.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids have been at Trinity for the last 6 years. We have had an incredible experience end-to-end. The fact that the faculty and staff know all of the parents and children s names is amazing. This is just one small example of "Each Child, Each Day". There is an indescribable positive "feeling" you get when you come to the Trinity campus.
—Submitted by a parent

Trinity is an exceptional school offering a unique program of outstanding academics and enriched community life. We have three children in the Lower School who receive personalized instruction in small groups tailored to their academic levels. The lead teacher / assistant staffing plus subject area specialists offer an attractive student / teacher ratio. The teachers and staff provide instruction with a supportive approach that encourages children to broaden their thinking while building their confidence. Through chapel, service learning and the diversity programs, students explore spirituality, ethics and moral responsibility all within a tolerant and inclusive environment. The Trinity community is committed to the school as evidenced by its recent opening of a new Middle School classroom building, cafeteria and music facilities, and the expected opening of the new chapel / performing arts center. Head of School, staff, and its Board practice prudent leadership and rigorous commitment to each child, each day. Trinity is a special place and truly a GREAT SCHOOL.
—Submitted by a parent

Trinity s middle school program is AMAZING our child attended for grades 6-8. Trinity uses an interdisciplinary approach that prepares students for rigorous high school academics. Students are able to think critically, problem solve and collaborate. The middle school faculty really knows their students through their indepth advisory program and provides leadership opportunities for all. The chapel program reinforced our family values. The end result is that our child is confident, a risk-taker, a strong student and caring, compassionate person. We LOVE Trinity.
—Submitted by a parent

Horrible experience. They ruined our child's self esteem. They promise diversity, that can't be further from the truth. Your child is nothing more than a dollar sign to this school. More and more family's are leaving for other schools in town. They are ill equipped and unwilling to deal with adversity. They are notorious for ignoring problems, until the problems become to big for them to handle. If you are trying to raise a strong independent individual than this is the worse choice you can make.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my 8th year as a Trinity parent. In that time, there have been 4 Heads of School (5 if you count an interim) and 4 Heads of the Middle School. There has been a similarly alarming faculty turnover during that time period, as well. The lower school has had consistent leadership and is a program that I would recommend without hesitation. The Middle School however, seems to change directions, missions and goals from year to year. Decisions are made, and then reversed repeatedly. The teachers are caring and strong, but the leadership is alternately weak and indecisive and then capriciously inflexible. Similar inconsistencies in curriculum decisions have caused Trinity students to be at a disadvantage when they get to high school. One high school had to create a remedial summer math program last year for incoming freshmen who were Trinity graduates because their knowledge was so incomplete. Discipline issues are also dealt with inconsistently and bullying is a serious, unaddressed issue. Gifted students are treated as a burden and are not academically challenged, while much more understanding and flexibility are given to kids with learning disabilities.
—Submitted by a parent

Stellar academic program that addresses the needs of each child, high quality and committed teachers, administration that listens. This is our second year at Trinity and we feel like the teachers, administration and board all honor each child, academically, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. As a parent from a non-traditional family, I know that Trinity honors equality/inclusion/diversity and parents are actively involved in school programs and activities. I highly recommend Trinity, where all children and families are honored!
—Submitted by a parent

Best middle school education in area. Teachers VERY avail. to meet with students and parents. Individual attention. Grads exceptionally well prepared for toughest high schools. But, there's an "in" group, which trickles down to the kids' relationships with each other. Founders' sense of "ownership" is understandable, but they are so homogeneous their control can stifle diversity and flexibility. Admin is too rigidly "rules" oriented, shows lacks of judgment and sense of humor in situations calling for both. Some non-"in" group kids get labeled troublemakers, a self-fulfilling prophecy. Admin needs to work on flexibility and developing the wisdom the task calls for. It's a tough assignment: steer a course between the Board (who criticized the well-liked former middle school head as "not consistent" in discipline, implicitly demanding more rules enforcement)and middle schoolers who need mix of firmness and understanding. My ex and I have sent one of each gender. For us, the academic preparation trumps the things that we don't like. Could be close to perfect if its board and admin could exhibit more wisdom, less rigidity, and embrace more diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

Trinity honors each child, each day! My children have attended Trinity since kindergarten and both are thriving. In addition to the excellent faculty and staff, the curriculum is innovative and exciting. My children are excited about learning and love to go to school! Trinity honors each child academically, spiritually, physically and emotionally. Trinity Episcopal School is simply the best!
—Submitted by a parent

This is my 11th year as a Trinity parent, and I cannot say enough great things about the school. They truly live their core values (academic excellence, Christian environment, diversity, family commitment), and the result is students who are confident, engaged, and fully prepared for high school. We love Trinity!
—Submitted by a parent

Trinity has many excellent, dedicated teachers and lots of resources; except for the constant changes in the math program, we were happy with the instruction. The student body, however, is homogeneous, rigid, and and can be exclusionary and ego-shattering for many children. Particularly in the older grades, too few kids offer little social flexibility. We also found the transition from lower to middle school (in terms of after-school time commitments and responsibilities) to be early and very abrupt. Administration listened to parental concerns, but did little to address them, perhaps because there has been much leadership turnover the past several years. If your kid is highly socially savvy and has no learning issues, Trinity can be a good choice; otherwise, proceed with caution.
—Submitted by a parent