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Trinity Academy Mission Statement

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The curriculum of Trinity Academy stresses the fundamentals of learning. We provide students with an excellent base of knowledge and study skills on which to build a lifetime of learning. Our methods of education are traditional. Catechism, phonics, grammar, writing, and mathematics are emphasized in the earliest grades. Later, the foundations of Western Civilization and American heritage are stressed. A deepening appreciation for the spiritual and moral teachings of the Church also evolves throughout the higher grades. Students are exposed to a wealth of reading in classic literature. Parents are respected as the primary educators of their children, and their involvement in the school is welcome.

We believe that confident readers are confident students in other subjects. Therefore, we devote considerable classroom time in grades K-2 to thorough instruction in phonics and the application of phonics rules to reading and spelling. Students acquire a large listening and spoken vocabulary and are exposed to literary texts of outstanding quality. From the outset, reading for comprehension is stressed, and even the youngest students read excellent literature in complete texts. The uplifting content of the reading material also reinforces Trinity Academy's commitment to moral excellence and character formation. Emphasis is placed on classic authors and works in a steadily more challenging sequence ranging from Peter Rabbit (in the early grades) to Pinnocchio and The Chronicles of Narnia (in the intermediate grades) to Great Expectations (in grade 8). A complete list of our Classic Reading Curriculum is available from the Development Office, and supplementary reading lists are also available. At Trinity Academy, we want our students to become confident, independent readers who have discovered for themselves that reading is worthwhile and enjoyable.

Writing occupies an important place in the curriculum from K-5 to grade 8. In the earliest years, students learn how to proofread and correct their own work, basing their judgment on a solid foundation of instruction in phonetic spelling, grammar, usage, and punctuation. These skills, along with the reading of fine literature, enable them to develop a clear and confident writing style. Writing instruction in the early grades focuses on narration and description. As students' writing matures, attention is given to principles of organization and development of ideas. In grade 7, students attempt a variety of expository forms, while in grade 8 persuasive writing is introduced.

Love of poetry and the ability to recite poetry well are also fostered throughout the school. Oral recitation by students at all levels is a regular component of school assemblies and presentations. Knowledge of rhetorical forms is further strengthened in competitive forensic activities.

A solid understanding of mathematical concepts is stressed. Students have extensive practice in computation and application, and they become confident in problem solving and logical thinking. From the start, the hierarchy of mathematics is followed, beginning with rote counting, counting objects, recognition of symbols, associating quantity and symbol, writing numerals in sequence and out of sequence, and counting by 1's, 2's, 5's and 10's to 100. Students become familiar with quantitative terms, geometric concepts, money concepts, and time concepts.

As students rise through the early grades (1-3), they learn the four basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Emphasis is placed on memorizing number facts, and eventually on speed and accuracy in computation. Multiple-step problems (using basic operations) are emphasized, and fractions, metrics and further geometric concepts are introduced.

In the intermediate grades (4-6), students master three-digit multiplication and long division, fractions and decimals, along with geometrical concepts of plain figures, perimeter, area and volume. Pre-algebra and pre-geometry are the focus of the grade 7 program, and students who demonstrate aptitude are offered a full algebra course in grade 8.

At all levels, students apply mathematical concepts to everyday situations so that the theory and the practice of mathematics develop hand-in-hand.

Throughout the curriculum, instruction is given in life science, physical science, and earth science. In life science, there is a progression from observation of growth and change in plants, to similar observations in animals. By grade 4, students are studying vertebrates and invertebrates, and human body systems. In physical science, students begin by learning the properties of matter. They eventually explore sound, heat, and light; magnetism and electricity; energy, forces, motion, and work. Earth science introduces students to weather and climate, the water cycle, crystals and rocks, the oceans, land forms, and the solar system. Ecology and conservation will be viewed in the light of our respect for God's creation.

Courses at the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade levels prepare students for the detailed study which will constitute the biology, chemistry, and physics courses in high school. In all aspects of science, students come to appreciate the magnificence and infinite variety of God's handiwork, and man's scientific progress is seen in the context of his responsibility to God's laws.

Beginning in the earliest grades, students learn about the events and discoveries which shaped Western Civilization, and about the men and women who made significant contributions. In increasingly sophisticated course work, students learn of the influence of ancient civilization and how Greece and Rome and the subsequent European civilizations form the heritage from which America developed. Students study our nation's history from its founding to the present day. Beyond the rote memorization of facts, names, and dates, the curriculum emphasizes the significance of historical events and students also read biographies, primary documents, and historical fiction.

Catechism instruction, the study of the faith, and an appreciation of frequent use of the sacraments begins in kindergarten and continues in each grade. The catechetical program is supplemented by readings from Scripture and the lives of the saints. A love of the Blessed Mother permeates the school, and devotions to her are fostered. Traditional forms of prayer are taught in the earliest grades. The love Jesus has for each child is stressed, and devotion to Our Lord is a way of life.

The Eucharistic Chapel of the Holy Spirit is available to students for Adoration and private prayer.

Class rank is not computed at Trinity Academy until the end of the Senior Year, based on the cumulative four-year record of the student.   Because of the Academy's strong academic curriculum, our students face a very competitive academic atmosphere.   We believe, therefore, that even our students in the lower half of their class are strong candidates for admission to good colleges.

In this 8 semester course, taught by professional artist Mr. Peter Auger, who holds a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in Painting and Sculpture, students learn the fundamental elements of artistic design in the media of pencil, charcoal, watercolors, and mosaics. The artistic techniques of perspective and shading are emphasized, and practical study is complemented by the presentation and appreciation of diverse artistic masterpieces.

This 8 semester elective presents a musical experience focused on both theory and practice. Students collaborate with other grade levels on musical presentations performed at school events, and broaden their understanding of musical genre, the elements of style, and diverse pieces.

This two-credit course, is offered to High School students in the Spring semester of their Junior or Senior year, and seek to analyze the potential and power of the communications media of film, internet, journalism, television, and radio. Emphasis is given to the ethical standards of the communications world as well as Church teaching in the field of social communications.

This complementary elective to the High School Literature Curriculum is offered to Seniors during their Spring Semester. Fundamental elements of the business letter, the resume, and professional proposals are emphasized.