Christian Foundation
As an Episcopal school, we are guided by a faith-based mission to provide a comprehensive, inclusive, and values-based education that nurtures the intellectual, spiritual, and moral growth of students.
Chapel
Chapel is a regular community gathering that typically includes prayers, songs, scripture readings, and a homily (a short story, sermon, or reflection about the scripture or a current event). Chapel is the most visible aspect of our identity as an Episcopal school and the cornerstone of our community. We join together to reflect on what it means to be children of God, serve others, and live out our individual faith traditions.
Lower and Middle School students attend Chapel every day, and preschoolers enjoy an age-appropriate service twice a week starting in the spring of PK Two. About once a month, we host special K–8 Chapel services to honor important Christian holidays, celebrate different cultures, or commemorate milestones of the school year. Chapel services are open to anyone who wants to attend!
Preschool
Preschool Chapel services are short and age-appropriate gatherings that include singing and a short story. Preschoolers begin attending Chapel twice a week starting in the spring of PK Two.
Lower School
Services for grades K–4 introduce scripture readings and celebrate birthdays. Lower School students attend Chapel every day after their morning meeting and before classes.
Middle School
Services for grades 5–8 include more discussion of service learning and societal issues. Students attend Chapel every day just after lunch to reset their attention before afternoon classes.
Five Focus Areas of Chapel
Chapel programming draws from five focus areas inspired by Trinity's own culture and traditions as well as best practices outlined by the National Assocaiation of Episcopal Schools (NAES).
Music
Music and group singing are a great way to build community! We integrate music into every Chapel experience. Genres include classic hymns (e.g. "Amazing Grace"), Trinity traditions ("A World of Difference"), secular hits (e.g. "Crowded Table"), and foreign-language hymns and spirituals (e.g. "Unidos" and "Amani Utupe Na Ustawi").
Service Learning
Service-learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service. We focus on two types of service, charitable works and social action, to address both short-term and long-term needs.
Liturgical Calendar
The Christian calendar determines when holidays are to be observed and which portions of scripture are to be read. For example, Advent is the time leading up to Christmas, and the Episcopal Diocese prescribes themes and even specific sermons, known as "homilies," that illustate these seasonal themes.
Non-Christian Holidays
Throughout the year, we host special celebrations for various cultures. These events honor other faith traditions and are designed to educate, inspire, and unite! Examples include Día de Los Muertos, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Lunar New Year.
Secular Holidays
We incorporate secular holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Valentine's Day because they are part of everday life. Celebrating these holidays makes Chapel more relevant and relatable.
Beyond Chapel
There's more to being an Episcopal School than just Chapel! Here are some examples of how we live out our mission according to the principles of Episcopalian tradition.
Diverse and Inclusive Environment
Episcopal schools are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where every student is respected and valued. They work to cultivate cultural competence and a deep understanding and appreciation of diversity among students.
Service and Community Engagement
Service learning is a significant aspect of Episcopal education. Students may participate in age-appropriate service activities, fostering a sense of community engagement and responsibility.
Social-Emotional Learning
In line with their holistic approach to education, Episcopal schools emphasize social-emotional learning. They work to develop children's emotional intelligence and social skills, helping them to understand and manage their emotions and to interact effectively with others.
Creative Exploration
Many Episcopal schools incorporate music, art, and imaginative play to foster creative expression and celebrate the unique gifts of students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Small Class Sizes
Episcopal schools often have small student-to-teacher ratios, allowing for personalized attention and tailored instruction for each student. Our student-teacher ratio is 7:1 for grades K–8 and gets as low as 4:1 for our youngest learners at Blue House Preschool.
Chaplain
The Rev. Adam Varner
As Chaplain, Pastor Adam Varner oversees programs related to faith and service at both Trinity Episcopal School and Blue House Preschool. His responsibilities include Chapel services, pastoral care, service learning, and religious studies. Pastor Varner holds a B.A. in History from Yale University and a Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Pastor Varner is a member of the leadership team.