Breadcrumb

Literacy

The literacy curriculum helps students develop a command of written and oral language and serves as the foundation for subjects that examine language and culture.

English

At the core of our curriculum is the Balanced Literacy model, an approach that champions individualized learning and a genuine love for literature and self-expression.

History & Social Studies

Students learn to see history as a complex story from multiple viewpoints. They critically analyze events, evaluate sources, and understand the effects of geography and individual actions on societies.

World Languages

Mandarin and Spanish begin in kindergarten, and native speakers introduce kids to the Five C’s: communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and community.

Twisty catches up on a little non-fiction reading in the Lower School library.

English

Our literacy curriculum uses the Reading and Writing Workshop Model to promote individualized learning and a love for literature. Students engage in mini-lessons, personalized reading and writing, teacher feedback, and group discussions. In grades K-4, they build foundational skills through hands-on activities, progressing from basics to complex texts. In grades 5-8, students develop critical thinking, analyze various genres, and enhance their communication skills. Our curriculum emphasizes differentiated instruction, inquiry-based learning, and digital literacy, using tools like iReady and keyboarding. The annual Trinity Book Festival celebrates reading and writing with events like the Trinity Book Awards, author visits, and a pop-up book shop, encouraging student and parent participation.

Book Festival is annual celebration of literacy, featuring a book fair, author visits, costume contests, and book awards.

History & Social Studies

Our History & Social Studies curriculum teaches students to view history as a complex story from multiple perspectives. Starting in grades K-4, students build a foundational understanding of geography, history, civics, and culture, fostering their natural curiosity about the world and introducing concepts like community and citizenship. This holistic approach develops empathy and a sense of identity. As they progress to grades 5-8, students explore different cultures and historical events, learning to analyze and question sources. By middle school, they connect past events to present life, studying early human societies, ancient civilizations, American history, and modern history, including civil and human rights, to understand the long-term impacts of historical actions and their relevance today.

Both Spanish and Mandarin focus on the Five C's: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities.

World Languages

After an exploratory year in kindergarten, students can choose either Mandarin or Spanish for their World Language track. In both languages, the curriculum focuses on building communication skills through interactive learning. The curriculum includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities enhanced by Total Physical Response, games, songs, and multimedia. Students learn vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar, while cultural appreciation is fostered through celebrations of festivals like Mexican Independence Day, the Day of the Dead, Chinese New Year, and the Moon Festival. The program aims to develop conversational fluency, critical thinking, and an appreciation for diverse cultures.

First graders practice putting their Mandarin to the test in a real-world situation.