Academics

Departments & Curriculum

To prepare for the demands of a rapidly evolving future, the Trinity curriculum emphasizes active, collaborative, inquiry-focused learning that develops confident and creative thinkers.

We value learning within community as the means to achieve our best selves. Trinity provides a diverse range of courses supporting a variety of learners. Trinity's curriculum is extremely diverse with over 100 courses including over 30 International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) offerings and a full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Students and faculty alike thrive on the variety of electives offered as well as the international standard of excellence of an IB World School.

Aligned with Trinity’s mission to challenge students to discover their paths, teachers guide students to make course selections that encourage growth, exploration and passion. Students choose within a comprehensive, cohesive curriculum, including AP and IB programs, that prepares students for educational success in college. Graduation requirements include 23 credits to be earned in grades 9 -12.

(Select a department from the drop-down menu below to see a complete list of current course offerings and faculty.)

Select a Department

Graduation Requirements

List of 11 items.

  • English - (4 credits)

    Students are required to earn an English credit each year. 

  • Mathematics - (4 credits)

    Students are required to earn a mathematics credit each year. Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 are required.

  • Science - (3 credits)

    3 years of laboratory science are required.  The 9th and 10th grade required sequence of semester courses, Conceptual Physics and Scientific Research for 9s and Biology and Chemistry for 10s, earn 2 laboratory credits.

  • Social Studies - (4 credits)

    Students are required to earn a social studies credit each year. U.S. History and Government are required.

  • World Languages - (3 credits)

    All students must complete level three of a language and be engaged in language studies for at least three years.

  • Fine Arts - (1 credit)

    One year-long or two semester courses are required.

  • Religion - (1/2 credit)

    One semester course in religion is required.

  • Electives

    All courses beyond the minimum requirements for graduation are elective credits. These include year-long and semester classes which supplement and enrich the required academic program. 

  • Community Service

    Ten hours required each year. 

  • Junior Work Week

    All members of the junior class must participate in Junior Work Week, an opportunity for students to explore a career or specific job of interest. The experience culminates in a series of writing assignments (journal and “college essay”). More information about the specifics of Junior Work Week can be found at trinityes.org/juniorworkweek.

  • Physical Education/Activity Credit

    Students are required to earn two activity credits during each of their 8th, 9th and 10th grades; one activity credit during their junior and senior years. For grades 8-10, at least one of the activity credits must be earned from a Trinity team sport (non-manager), strength and conditioning, yoga or the outdoor program. For grades 11 and 12, credits can be earned from either participation in a Trinity team sport, approved Trinity group activity or from an approved off campus activity. Group activities can include drama productions (on-stage or backstage), pep band, robotics and athletic team managers. Off campus activities, such as horse-back riding, ballet, ice-skating, etc. can count for activities credits (grades 8-12) once they are approved by the Athletic Department. 

Notes

List of 6 items.

  • Advanced Placement (AP)

    ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) denotes courses which are part of the curriculum of the College Entrance Examination Board. They are designed to allow students to do college-level work in high school. To be admitted to AP courses, the student must have at least a B average in the pre-requisite subject, be recommended by the teacher, and have the approval of the department head. Students are expected to maintain at least a C average at the end of the first semester to remain in the program. Students are expected to take the AP exam at the end of the year. A fee applies to all students taking an AP exam.

  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

    International Baccalaureate (IB) is a two-year, intellectually challenging curriculum with an international focus for students in grades 11 and 12. The IB diploma candidate takes six IB tests in the following subject areas: English, social studies, world language, math, science and an elective. In addition, each student writes a 4,000-word essay and fulfills an extra-curricular and community service requirement. A valuable component of the program is a course called Theory of Knowledge, which teaches how knowledge is acquired and validated. Students enrolled in IB courses are expected to take the IB exam. A fee applies to all students taking an IB exam. For further information, contact the IB Coordinator.

  • Electives

    Electives are offered each year based on sufficient enrollment in the course.

  • Rotational Class Schedule

    In the fall of 2015, Trinity adopted an eight-day rotational schedule, which has resulted in the following positive benefits for teachers and students:
    • Broadening the scheduling opportunities for students
    • Balancing the impact of athletic dismissals on instructional time
    • Providing more time for collaboration with a midday discovery period
    • Allowing students with more rigorous course selections the opportunity to schedule both an elective and a study hall period, thereby reducing stress
    • Expanding one period per rotation to allowing for labs, activities and group work
    Read more about this schedule >>

  • Grading Scale

    Trinity moved to a 10-point grading scale beginning in the 2020-21 school year.

    Read more about this change >>

  • Additional Information

    For additional academic information regarding grading scales, exams, progress reports, etc., please consult the Parent-Student Handbook distributed in the fall of each year.
     

Trinity Episcopal School

3850 PITTAWAY DR | RICHMOND VA 23235-1099 | Phone: 804.272.5864 | Fax: 804.272.5865 Email: mail@trinityes.org