A schedule is more than logistics. It reflects a school's priorities, philosophy, and pedagogy. Our schedule is built around the student because we place the child at the center of every lesson we teach and every decision we make. We also create opportunities for deep learning, both for students and faculty.
Long class periods reduces transitions and gives students opportunities for deep, focused learning. Lower School students enjoy a slower, age-appropriate pace, and Middle School students have time for independent work throughout the week.
Physical activity is so important for young learners, and different age groups need to move around at different times of day. For example, teens perform better cognitively when they start their day with excercise.
On Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, school begins at 8:00 a.m. with drop-off starting at 7:30. Thursdays look a little different, with a late start at 9:00. Families can still drop off their students at 7:30 for an optional activity period.
Head of Middle School Shanna Weiss provides an overview of our class schedules in Middle School, explaining why adolescents tend to become less and less engaged in school as they age. She then underscores the differences between 5th/6th and 7th/8th and illustrates how the schedule has been built around the student and our mission to nurture the whole child.
Our schedules strategically balance academics, physical activity, community time, and differentiated learning. An optional activity period on Thursday gives kids a chance to burn some energy and gives faculty an opportunity to collaborate in the morning, which is more productive compared to traditional after-school department meetings. The optional late start also gives parents a built-in window for scheduling doctor appointments without missing class time.
After the Bell (ATB) is a comprehensive, on-site, after-school program serving Trinity families. Our daily program serves grades PK–8. ATB is an additional cost on top of regular tuition. We also offer complimentary childcare coverage just before school starting at 7:30 a.m.