PSIA Academic Competitions
With 19 contest categories covering a wide range of disciplines, the Private Schools Interscholastic Association (PSIA) provides opportunities for grades 1–8 to engage in academic competition with their peers throughout the state of Texas. PSIA encompasses language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and the fine arts. You can find complete descriptions of the various events on the PSIA website.
Robotics
In all Robotics activities, students use Lego Mindstorms EV3 for Education to learn about the principles of gear rotation, motors, sensors, structural building techniques, and programming. Lower School students have chances to work with robots in D-Lab, our makerspace outfitted for hands-on problem solving and creative discovery. Middle schoolers have three ways to participate in Robotics at Trinity: a year-long elective (grades 7–8 only); Robotics Club, which meets twice a week; and Robosapiens, which competes in the FIRST Lego League.
Dream, Design, Discover in D-Lab
D-Lab is an innovation maker-space outfitted for hands-on, creative problem solving and design thinking. Whether sewing fabrics or soldering circuits, programming drones or composing soundtracks, woodworking or 3D printing, students can bring their ideas to life. D-Lab is a fun and interactive way to get kids excited for S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).
Model UN
Model UN lets middle schoolers role-play the assemblies of the United Nations, and it's an excellent hands-on approach to learning critical thinking and argumentation in a compelling context. Students also develop skills in researching, public speaking, debating, writing, teamwork, and leadership. As they role-play delegates of the UN, students learn about other countries, cultures and international relationships and develop a global perspective on real issues confronting the world today. The program culminates in a two-day conference on our campus, and we also send a delegation to the Global Elementary Model United Nations (GEMUN) Convention.
After the Bell Enrichment Courses
These after-school clubs provide additional opportunities for Trinity students to pursue interests in a variety of subjects. These courses follow a semester schedule, with offerings in the fall and spring. Courses include art, chess, coding, cooking, droning, music, and reading.
Math Pentathlon
Math Pentathlon is a program of interactive problem-solving games, supportive curricular and instructional activities, and assessment tools. This rigorous program is designed for grades K–3 and is aligned with standards in the areas of number sense, computation, algebra and functions, geometry, measurement, and problem solving. Students train for the event by practicing games that challenge students to think strategically and resolve problems that are continually changing. After mastering the games, students compete with other schools at the state tournament. Typically, more than 60% of Trinity students compete in Math Pentathlon, and we have placed as high as second in Texas.
Spelling Bees
Calling All Word Wizards
Middle schoolers participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, a traditional spoken bee. The winner goes on to represent Trinity at the state qualifying round. Grades 2–4 don't participate in the Scripps bee, but they compete in a written contest, and the top three winners from each grade qualify for the PSIA Spelling Contest.
The Page-Turning Tornados
Led by Middle School librarian Sarah Julsonnet, this after-school literacy club for middle school students takes on reading challenges and explores literary ideas and tropes.