School History
It Began with a Blue House ...
And a dream. A big dream. A school that would nurture the mind, body, heart and spirit of each child. Longtime Austin educator Jane Hill and a small group of parents were looking for a rigorous and innovative Episcopal academic program offered in a diverse and nurturing environment. This small group of parents became the Founding Board, whose first order of business was to formulate a mission statement and a set of core values — philosophies that have guided the board, faculty and staff ever since.
In August 1999, Trinity Episcopal School opened with 13 pioneer first graders near the University of Texas in a converted residence, dubbed "The Blue House." Our second year opened with 103 students, kindergarten through third grade, in a borrowed space at Riverbend Church. In November 2000, we moved into our first academic building on our West Lake Hills campus. From 2000 to 2012, we continued to add grade levels and buildings, including Jane Hill Hall, the jewel of our campus that serves as both a chapel and a performing arts center.
1999: The Blue House
Founded on a strong and clear mission statement and four core values, Trinity Episcopal School opened in August 1999 with 13 first graders, two full-time teachers and five part-time teachers in a historic home near the University of Texas campus.
1999: The Blue House
Founded on a strong and clear mission statement and four core values, Trinity Episcopal School opened in August 1999 with 13 first graders, two full-time teachers and five part-time teachers in a historic home near the University of Texas campus.
Summer 2000
Trinity purchased 8.5 acres on Bee Cave Road and celebrated with a Slab Party as construction began on the first academic building.
Fall 2000
With 105 students and a full faculty serving kindergarten through third grade, Trinity “camped out” at Riverbend Church until a move to Bee Cave over Thanksgiving weekend. Chapel at Riverbend was held outdoors each morning and offices were in a construction trailer.
Spring 2001
Trinity students felt at home in a new academic building, later named Blue House Hall, on the Bee Cave campus.
Fall 2001
Trinity dedicated Spirit Pavilion and Field to allow enhanced sports programming for 149 students in kindergarten through fourth grade.
Fall 2002
With the addition of fifth grade, Trinity began construction on a second academic building.
Fall 2003
Trinity achieved accreditation from the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools, who also awarded Trinity’s service-learning program, Community Kids, with the Ken Bastian Service Award. This photo shows Trinity first graders cleaning up at Zilker Park.
2003-2004
The dedication of a second academic building, later named Unity Hall, allowed Trinity to enrich the academic programming to serve 250 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The community celebrated Trinity’s fifth birthday and the groundbreaking for a gymnasium and fine arts facility.
Winter 2005
The completion and dedication of the gym and fine arts facility—later named the Trinity Center for Arts & Athletics—allowed our growing community to stage theatrical performances and host league-wide games and tournaments.
Winter 2005
The completion and dedication of the gym and fine arts facility—later named the Trinity Center for Arts & Athletics—allowed our growing community to stage theatrical performances and host league-wide games and tournaments.
May 2006
Trinity proudly graduated its first class of eighth graders and established the annual graduation medals to recognize students and their contributions to Trinity’s four core values.
Spring 2010
With 397 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, Trinity broke ground on three new buildings: a long-awaited chapel, a third academic space and a community dining hall. During construction, and to the delight of the science department, a cave was discovered and preserved for classroom use. These buildings (later named Jane Hill Chapel, Legacy Hall and Fellowship Hall respectively) were dedicated in the spring of 2011.
2013-2018
Trinity continued to design and implement innovative curricula and programs. As a center of learning for both children and adults, Trinity formalized the Lower School teaching fellowship program in 2013. Trinity’s D-Lab inspired an annual all-school DesignFest during which, in 2018, students launched a weather balloon into the stratosphere.
Spring 2019
Trinity’s 21-acre campus serves about 540 students with more than 100 faculty/staff members. Our community is grateful for each student as we continue our unwavering commitment to the original mission and four core values.
Some Things Never Change
Today, Trinity is a K–8 school with about 540 students and more than 100 faculty and staff members. While the numbers and setting have changed dramatically, we remain true to our commitment of "Each Child, Each Day" and the four core values that guided founder Jane Hill: a strong Christian foundation, enriched academic excellence, a diverse community and a commitment to family. Trinity is a place where education, innovation and community intersect.
Our Trinity Story
Look Back 20 Years Later
As we continue to celebrate our 20th year, some of our students, alumni, faculty and founders reflect on Trinity's journey so far and what makes our community so special.