Curriculum

"When love and skill mingle, expect a masterpiece." — John Ruskin

All of the curriculum at Trinitas fits beautifully within the classical model. We have created a program of study which equips students with the essential tools of learning, familiarizes them with classic works and important events, and is highly engaging. As teachers and parents, we are committed to helping students cultivate a life-long love of learning, to helping them discover, discern, and desire truth.

Worship, Bible, and Character Education

Each morning, Trinitas students and teachers gather for morning prayer. Parents and siblings are always welcome to attend. Our Bible curriculum teaches students salvation history and inspires them with stories of heroes of the faith. Each week students memorize scripture passages which accompany the stories being told. Trinitas students are taught the skills necessary for self-discipline through intentional character instruction (our headmaster likes to refer to these skills as the "the lost tools of living"). Trinitas also sponsors various volunteer opportunities including evenings for families to help out at Kids Food Basket.

Language Arts

At Trinitas, we desire that our students not only read well but also that they be well-read. To this end, we employ an excellent phonics-based reading program in grades K-2 followed by a literature-based reading program. Literature selections, both those assigned in class and read aloud by the teachers, are made from a list of classic texts and are often integrated into the history curriculum. For a list of books read at Trinitas, consult our reading list.

One mark of a well-educated person is the ability to write well. The only way to learn to write well is to practice, practice, practice. Trinitas students begin an intensive study of English grammar in the 1 st grade combined with frequent writing exercises, both expository and creative. Outside reading and writing are encouraged through voluntary participation in the Trinitas Thoughtful Reader book clubs and the Calvin College Young Authors Festival.

History

"Most of all, perhaps, we need intimate knowledge of the past." —C.S. Lewis

Tell a child a story and he will be able to retell it in astonishing detail. Because stories naturally capture the imagination of the child, Trinitas students don't simply memorize lists of dates and events, they read a well-written and engaging narrative of world history together with historical fiction and select primary sources. Giving oral review presentations, creating time-lines, writing and illustrating their own set of history cards, and participating in engaging field trips are just some additional ways students at Trinitas gain an intimate knowledge of the past.

Latin and Greek

"I will say at once, quite firmly, that the best grounding for education is the Latin grammar. I say this not because Latin is traditional and medieval, but simply because even a rudimentary knowledge of Latin cuts down the labor and pains of learning almost any other subject by at least fifty percent." — Dorothy Sayers

Trinitas students are introduced to Latin songs and vocabulary in grades K-2. They begin a more intensive study of Latin grammar in grade 3 using a curriculum that is integrated with our English grammar curriculum. Trinitas 6th graders use a highschool-level Latin text; they also begin their study of classical Greek.

Math, Science, and Logic

Trinitas uses the Primary Mathematics series (otherwise known as Singapore math). This curriculum not only teaches students math, but also teaches them to think mathematically. It prepares grammar students well for the next stages of the Trivium. Singapore Math has received international acclaim: Singapore 's 4 th and 8 th grade students scored top place for mathematics in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) in 1995, 1999, and 2003. These students were using the Primary Mathematics series. Singapore math has also received rave reviews from teachers, parents, and students: pilot studies have shown significant improvement in math performance as well as in student attitudes toward math; students were markedly more enthusiastic and confident about math.

Our science curriculum (FOSS) is one of three recommended by the National Science Resources Center, the National Academy of Sciences, and the Smithsonian Institution as meeting their criteria for "an exemplary elementary science program." Trinitas students don't just learn about science, they do it. FOSS is not a piece-meal approach to a science program; it is a coherent, well-thought out curriculum carefully designed to fit the development of the students as they progress through the grade levels. We think it works nicely with the stages of the Trivium.

Critical thinking is taught beginning in grade 3. The students move to a more formal study of the structure of arguments and the identification of fallacies in grades 5 and 6. Trinitas students find the material very engaging and are eager to try to put their skills to use against their parents!

Physical Education, Art, and Music

Students at Trinitas have physical education two times per week where they learn to play such games as basketball, soccer, and field hockey as well as practice other skills related to physical fitness and good sportsmanship. Students also participate in the Fifth Third River Bank Run Junior and the Grand Rapids Kids Marathon.

In addition to singing each morning during morning payer, Trinitas students have weekly music classes where they are taught to read music, practice choral song, explore instruments, and study music history. Students in grades 3-6 also play the recorder. All Trinitas students have the opportunity to perform in various programs throughout the year and to enjoy field trips to the GR Symphony.

All grades have weekly art classes where they are taught technique as well as art appreciation and art history. Students are provided explicit instruction and guided in imitation as well as encouraged in the expression of their individual creativity. The results are impressive. 

Extracurricular Activities and Special Events

At Trinitas, students have the opportunity to participate in field trips (parents and siblings are welcome too), spelling bees, speech meets, Christmas and Easter programs, Grandparents' Day, Fine Arts Night, Young Authors Festival, Science Fair, Trinitas Thoughtful Reader book clubs, Skateboard club, and family volunteer nights at Kids Food Basket.