In the Middle School years (grades 6 through 8) Trinity’s students
begin the ascent which leads them to the ultimate goal of our educational
program – admission to the college of their choice! Courses are chosen
and ordered to give students a solid foundation of cultural, mathematical,
and scientific knowledge and academic skills to prepare them for the rigors
of the Upper School and college. Students are guided through increasingly
complex literature and learn to write about that literature analytically;
they also learn the skills of descriptive, persuasive, and creative writing.
Learning and applying the rules of good grammar in the writing process are
central to the Language Arts curriculum.
Instruction in mathematics continues in the University of Chicago math program
of the Lower School. Emphasis is placed both on understanding math concepts
and mastering basic mathematical skills. Students learn their math facts AND
how to apply them to the solving of problems. Students with strong skills
and interest in math are strongly challenged with Pre-Algebra in the seventh
grade and Algebra I (for high school credit) in the eighth grade
Science education embraces Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science as the students move into an increasingly sophisticated and complex understanding of the world in which they live. Students are expected to carry out lab investigations and experiments in the well-equipped science lab in the Kirkpatrick Building.
Students at Trinity learn where things are on a world map and to understand and value the rich history and traditions of our native state. The also begin the well planned and articulated five year history sequence of Trinity in the eighth grade course on Ancient and Medieval Western History. Trinity School believes strongly that a sound understanding of our past and our historic traditions and values is essential to understanding the present and preparing for the future.
As business and commerce become more and more international the need to learn a second and third language increases if America is to be competitive. Throughout their Lower School years students have been exposed to aspects of Spanish, and in the sixth grade systematic, academic learning of the language begins. Students who complete the eighth grade at Trinity will have completed a full high school credit of Spanish. They are expected to take at least two more years in the high school.
A wonderful world of art opportunities awaits students in the Middle School. In the sixth grade they are introduced both to art and music in alternating marking periods; this is a time for them to explore their creative talents and interests. In the latter two grades they choose whether to pursue art (drawing, painting, ceramics) or choral music. Trinity School has an enviable history of superior student achievement in art and music.
Students are required to take PE every other day, but many prefer to take the route of competitive athletics after school for their physical exercise. For girls teams compete in volleyball, basketball, softball, tennis and track, and for boys there are opportunities to play soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, and track.
In the Middle School the emphasis is placed on skill development and participation initially, but competition becomes increasingly important in the latter years.
Other courses offered in the Trinity Middle School are computers in sixth and seventh grades, a values clarification course in seventh grade and health for high school credit in eighth grade.
A student who succeeds in the challenges of the Trinity Middle School program is well prepared for the rigors of the Upper School’s college preparatory program. It is the expectation of Trinity School of Texas that every graduate will go to a college or university; to date, this expectation has been fulfilled. Highlights of the Upper School program include:
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