Middle School Academics

We emphasize "constructivism," an educational approach which posits that learners construct knowledge based on their experiences. Essentially, constructivism puts student in the driver seat by utilizing active learning, student-to-student collaboration, problem-solving, reflection, contextual learning, and other student-centered practices.

Constructivism transforms math from a set of static facts to be memorized into a dynamic field of exploration, where students actively build their understanding, drawing from experiences, discussions, and reflections. Compared to traditional approaches, this is a groundbreaking shift in how students think and feel about math. Rather than viewing math as a mere collection of static facts awaiting memorization, constructivism transforms it into a vibrant field of exploration.

Our literacy curriculum leverages the reading and writing workshop model. Students delve deeply into complex texts while expanding their writing prowess across various genres.

Students engage in individualized, self-paced reading sessions, critically analyzing literary and informational texts to cultivate a deeper understanding of themes, structures, and perspectives. Writing sessions emphasize drafting, revising, and editing, empowering students to narrate, argue, and inform with precision, coherence, and creativity. Throughout, students frequently collaborate in peer workshops, benefiting from collective insights and refining their skills through constructive feedback.

We give kids plenty of opportunities to explore new interests and find their voice! In Middle School, we offer 21 electives and 11 extracurricular clubs (in addition to 13 sports). Student agency is vital during this key transitional period. It boosts engagement and develops critical skills like decision-making and problem-solving. It's a fantastic way to prepare adolescents for the challenges of high school and beyond.

The Arts

Advanced Art Studio

Full Year

Stretch your artistic abilities and imagination as you explore and expand your personal voice through art. Advanced Art Studio is offered for interested students to expand their creativity and grow and develop art ideas, using a variety of media. This class is designed to permit motivated art students to develop their art over an extended period of time, and will provide students with in-depth problem-solving experiences through creating art. This is a full-year course.

Choir

Full Year

In Choir, we focus on preparing choral music for various performances throughout the school year, both within and outside campus. This class is offered for students who wish to actively participate in music as singers and performers. Topics that we will cover include basic music theory, sight-singing, care and maintenance of the voice, and the history of music. Students in this year-long course will be expected to perform in any number of school settings, both as soloists and within groups of varying size. This is a full-year course that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and optional Wednesday mornings.

Music Ensemble

Full Year

When people started combining the musical styles of Europe, Africa, and the rural South, new forms of expression were created that quickly spread around the world. Those combinations included Blues, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, and early Country/Rockabilly, and over time morphing into Rock 'n' Roll, Soul, Funk, Hip-Hop/Rap, and countless other modern styles. In this class you will learn, practice, and perform songs from many of these styles, based on the interests and abilities of the students. You will perform at school events, and hopefully record some things as well. We’ll be looking to recruit 2-4 guitarists, 1-2 drummers, a bass player, a keyboard player, and 1-3 singers. Other instruments could be possible as well depending on group needs. This is a full-year course.

PSIA One-Act Play

Full Year

This class focuses on many theatrical elements including acting, script analysis, ensemble work, theater history and improvisation. We will build a strong theatrical ensemble through exercises and lessons while also casting, directing, staging and performing a one-act play. The play will be performed for Trinity students and parents and ideally will also be used to compete in the PSIA One-Act Play district competition in the Winter. If awarded the opportunity to go to the State competition students in this class will attend that in the Spring. This is your opportunity to participate in a Trinity production without regular after-school practices. This full-year course meets during the school day but will also have a small number (not to exceed two total) of after school and weekend rehearsals to be announced in September.

PSIA One-Act Play

Full Year

This class focuses on many theatrical elements including acting, script analysis, ensemble work, theater history and improvisation. We will build a strong theatrical ensemble through exercises and lessons while also casting, directing, staging and performing a one-act play. The play will be performed for Trinity students and parents and ideally will also be used to compete in the PSIA One-Act Play district competition in the Winter. If awarded the opportunity to go to the State competition students in this class will attend that in the Spring. This is your opportunity to participate in a Trinity production without regular after-school practices. This full-year course meets during the school day but will also have a small number (not to exceed two total) of after school and weekend rehearsals to be announced in September.

Cartooning & Illustration

Trimester

Learn fundamentals of cartooning and illustration, develop your personal style, and create cartoons, comics, graphic stories, and illustrations. Your work will be published in a booklet to share with the Trinity community.

Drum Line

Trimester

Are you looking to make some noise? Do you want to groove, bash, and crash? Then your prayers have been answered - the forecast calls for THUNDER. The Trinity Drum Line, or THUNDER, meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays of each trimester, and as a member of the Drum Line, you will learn what it takes to perform rhythmically as a unit, read music, and care for your percussion instrument. This is a performance-based course, and the THUNDER will be expected to show out at school functions throughout the year. No experience is required.

Multi-Media Art

Trimester

This course is for those students who love to explore many different types of art media as they create realistic, imaginary, abstract, and original works of art. This class will integrate the study of artists and world cultures, while learning about the purpose and role that art has in society. Students will experience both two-dimensional media and three-dimensional media throughout the trimester. Each student will be encouraged to improve their art skills as they gain confidence through self-expression.

Songwriting

Trimester

This class offers the opportunity for a student to both analyze and craft lyrics. We will explore the basic chord progressions and also learn some of the classic Blues 12-bar progressions. Performance opportunities will be offered for those interested in sharing their songs. Keyboard/piano skills are not necessary as a prerequisite.