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Homeschool Family
Welcome, Homeschool Families!
We have worked with many families like yours and strive to make the transition as seamless as possible. As a former homeschool mom myself, and now a mom of two Trinity graduates, I appreciate the difficult process of deciding to change from a method that has many benefits for students and their families. For my family, homeschooling felt like coloring with a 24 pack of crayons—really, really nice crayons, but limited colors nonetheless. Trinity is the 64-crayon box, that big one with the sharpener. Now my children have access to so many more colors.
"For my family, homeschooling felt like coloring with a 24 pack of crayons—really, really nice crayons, but limited colors nonetheless."
Trinity provides more “colors” than our family could ever even use! But they are available, allowing Trinity students to explore so many different paths and opportunities, all while tremendously growing in their Christian faith. I am so grateful to Trinity for providing all of those “colors” I never quite could as a homeschool mom.
Email or call the Admission team, and we will walk through this process together!
Jennifer Frey
Admission Consultant
jfrey@tcsfairfax.org
We started homeschooling to afford our family time together. These days it feels as if all we do is drive to and from co-ops.
Thinking about switching from homeschooling to a traditional classroom?
We welcome homeschool families at Trinity and we are here to ease the transition.
Our Dean of Enrollment guides Upper School families through course selection and credit transfer. Some things to know:
- Consider switching in eighth grade to give your student a full year of transition before ninth grade when all classes are added to a transcript that will follow him or her to college.
- Earning a TCS diploma requires full-time enrollment in grades 11 and 12.
- Homeschool credits may be verified through admission tests or through CBEs (Credit by Examination) from certain universities.
Homeschooling was a great fit in the early years of educating our children but now that advanced math, science, and foreign languages are on our doorstep we feel ill-equipped to continue.
Honors Choral Ensemble Performs
at the White House
Did you know?
Trinity Christian School also provides numerous, built-in extracurricular opportunities, including 36 sports teams, choral music, instrumental music, theater arts, visual arts, clubs, student government, honor societies, internships, and more. Social opportunities abound like Prom, Homecoming, Spirit Week, Fall Dance, Coffee House, Day Away, service projects, and more. Lower School social opportunities include PTO sponsored events like Bingo Night, Father-Daughter Dance, Father-Son Camp Out, Field Day, Spirit Nights, bowling, and much more!
Hear from a parent
Homecoming Pep Rally
Varsity Girls Cross Country Win State Championship
We are so grateful for the streamlined ease of transitioning from homeschool to Trinity. Socially and academically the change has been seamless, and we have gained so much in the process. What a blessing we have in Trinity Christian School!
Homeschool Parent
The Trinity Experience
Faculty and Staff
Our faculty and staff are tremendously dedicated men and women who are passionate about Christian education; they are mentors, role models, and leaders who see their students as image-bearers of Christ and invest in students’ minds and hearts. They invest time beyond the bell at the end of class and often beyond our students’ time at TCS. When commencement is over, seniors carry with them not only a well-rounded education and impressive college acceptances but regularly the phone numbers of some of their teachers as well so that they can text or call just in case they need a little pick-me-up or a reminder they are indeed capable and ready. More than a dozen of our alumni have come back to teach and other alumni return to coach or help in other ways, as one person put it: “Trinity gets into your blood and you just don’t want to leave.”
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Christian Worldview
Students at Trinity interact daily with God’s Word through reading, memorizing, and integration into each subject. Students are taught to have the mind of Christ and to evidence their convictions in corresponding action.
Challenging Academics and Higher Scores on Standardized Tests
Trinity provides challenging academics and enhanced educational experiences through extra-curricular activities and Advanced Placement courses. Our alumni consistently report that Trinity prepared them well for college. Our students also test higher on standardized tests.
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Communication
Trinity makes it easy to stay in touch and know what is happening on campus. Weekly school-wide emails, a Parent Portal, a Student Portal, and frequent access to your teachers help you stay on top of all you need to know and remember. Parents and students alike are able to schedule notifications at an interval of choice to be notified about missing assignments and grades. Towards the end of the day, all students have seminar time and teachers have office hours. Parent-teachers conferences are scheduled in the fall and as needed throughout the year.
Community
Undeterred by travel from nearly 70 different zip codes, Trinity has a thriving community throughout all thirteen grades. Through parent-teacher conferences, community events, volunteer opportunities, and more, parents at Trinity are encouraged to be involved and become an integral part of their child’s education. Students have ample opportunity to engage with other students and parents alike through activities that range from the father-son camp out to the senior prom to the school-wide family picnic attended annually by about 1000 people.
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Facilities
Located on over 25 acres, the TCS campus is a lovely pastoral respite from all that surrounds it. A shaded terrace overlooks the lake and just around the corner, tournament sized turf fields accommodate lacrosse, soccer, recess, and PE. Inside the buildings, there are great science rooms, an outstanding resource center, spacious classrooms along with a beautiful Lower School library and Upper School media center. TCS has acquired additional land on Shirley Gate Road in order to expand its opportunities.
In the News
Senior Enoch Nigatu '18 got a yes from Yale University! Enoch is the first-ever Gryphon to be accepted to the Connecticut university.
Enoch took a summer Shakespeare course at Yale before submitting his application. He appreciates his former Arts & Aesthetics teacher, Mr. Antiel, for encouraging him toward this achievement. He is also thankful for encouragement from his classmates.
"My friend Josh and I really helped push each other this year to be more ambitious," said Enoch.
Prior to his passing in June of 2022, Trinity alum Gret Glyer '08 was the CEO of DonorSee, the platform that shows you that your money is working and then proves it with personalized video updates.
From 2013 to 2016, Gret lived with the world’s poorest people in Malawi, Africa where he built more than 100 houses for the homeless and crowdfunded $100,000 to build a girls’ school in rural Malawi.
Gret has been featured in USA Today, National Review, HuffPo, Acton Institute and is a TEDx Speaker. He was the host of The Gret Glyer Podcast and gave regular talks on charity, poverty and perspective.
The University of Virginia selected Sam Powers '16, a recent Trinity graduate, to receive the prestigious honor of living in one of 54 rooms along the famous Lawn. These rooms are located in one of Thomas Jefferson’s original buildings, the Academical Village, and the application process to be accepted is rigorous. According to the University of Virginia website, “Students selected to live on the Lawn enjoy the distinction earned by their unselfish service and achievement in their respective fields of activity and academics.” Read more here.
photo credit: Sanjay Suchak, sanjay@virginia.edu
More about Upper School
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Public School Family
Welcome, Public School Families!
Each family’s story and needs are unique. This page is designed to think along with those who are coming to Trinity from public schools. We invite you to explore the many topics on this page and (always!) to get in touch with us if you have additional questions or concerns.
I miss my friends to the moon and back, and that's a fact. But the environment and the way I'm getting treated is a lot better. Everyone is so kind and there's no judgment. As much as I don't want to admit it, I'm happy I moved schools. The academics and community here are unbelievably different, in a good way. I have learned more in two weeks then I would learn in a month and a half in public school. That's crazy to me. Everyone is so nice! It's honestly beautiful how kind everyone is. Change can be good.
TCS Transfer Student
Hear from a parent
Hear from a student
In Trinity we find a Christ-centered learning environment where God is seen as the source of all knowledge, and His Word as the means through which wisdom is obtained. Our daughter is surrounded by faithful adults who are willing to answer her questions and who sincerely care about her growth as a person. We have so appreciated having a peer group of families who share a commitment to seeking to know the Lord better in all their pursuits. We are grateful that Trinity believes discipleship to be central to its mission, and we appreciate that our daughter is sharpened by the diversity she finds in the Body, and challenged by the presence of
adolescents in various stages of faith.Trinity Parent
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What to expect when you switch from Public School to Private School
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Faculty and Staff
Our faculty and staff are tremendously dedicated men and women who are passionate about Christian education; they are mentors, role models, and leaders who see their students as image-bearers of Christ and invest in students’ minds and hearts. They invest time beyond the bell at the end of class and often beyond our students’ time at TCS. When commencement is over, seniors carry with them not only a well-rounded education and impressive college acceptances but regularly the phone numbers of some of their teachers as well so that they can text or call just in case they need a little pick-me-up or a reminder they are indeed capable and ready. More than a dozen of our alumni have come back to teach and other alumni return to coach or help in other ways, as one person put it: “Trinity gets into your blood and you just don’t want to leave.”
Challenging Academics and Higher Scores on Standardized Tests
Trinity provides challenging academics and enhanced educational experiences through extra-curricular activities and Advanced Placement courses. Our alumni consistently report that Trinity prepared them well for college. Our students also test higher on standardized tests.
Class size
In many cases, your class size will be smaller. Smaller class sizes allow students at Trinity to have more one-on-one attention with their teachers, engage more with their peers, and have more opportunities to contribute to classroom discussions that foster learning. Lower School classes tend to be approximately 20 students per class and Upper School classes have an average of 14-18 students per class and 60-80 per grade level. Soon after you join the TCS community you will know all your classmates’ names and they will know yours!
Uniforms
On most days TCS students wear uniforms. Uniforms help to create positive learning environments by removing distractions in classrooms and creating a common ground. Students are able to focus on academics rather than what they and others are wearing. Wearing uniforms allows students to get ready for school quickly, helping to streamline morning routines. Uniforms also help the family budget and remove the pressure students perceive to wear the latest clothing trends to school. The uniform exchange is open to anyone and all items in the exchange are available free of charge. The last Friday of the month that school is in session, students may wear modest casual dress. Occasionally, a non-uniform day is announced by way of reward or for a special occasion.
Stricter Safety Policy
Trinity maintains high standards for discipline and respect. During the school day, students are not permitted to use cell phones in any way. Students in the Upper School commit to an honor policy pledging to revere God, be respectful of others, and be responsible for their actions. Bullying and other inappropriate conduct are not tolerated and are addressed through a progression of consequences all of which aim for restoration and reconciliation.
A full time on-campus security director promotes and maintains safety on the campus of Trinity Christian School.
Communication
Trinity makes it easy to stay in touch and know what is happening on campus. Weekly school-wide emails, a Parent Portal, a Student Portal, and frequent access to your teachers help you stay on top of all you need to know and remember. Parents and students alike are able to schedule notifications at an interval of choice to be notified about missing assignments and grades. Towards the end of the day, all students have seminar time and teachers have office hours. Parent-teachers conferences are scheduled in the fall and as needed throughout the year.
Community
Undeterred by travel from more than 60 different zip codes, Trinity has a thriving community throughout all thirteen grades. Through parent-teacher conferences, community events, volunteer opportunities, and more, parents at Trinity are encouraged to be involved and become an integral part of their child’s education. Students have ample opportunity to engage with other students and parents alike through activities that range from the father-son camp out to the senior prom to the school-wide family picnic attended annually by about 1000 people.
Christian Worldview
Students at Trinity interact daily with God’s Word through reading, memorizing, and integration into each subject. Students are taught to have the mind of Christ and to evidence their convictions in corresponding action.
Athletics
Trying out for sports at a smaller school means fewer cuts. Thanks to great coaches and hardworking athletes Trinity teams hold quite a few conference championships and a couple of state ones too. The gymnasium seats almost 1000 people and the new turf fields allow teams to practice rain or shine.
Carpool
TCS students live in more than 60 different zip codes. This means that most people who would like to carpool are able to find other families near them. If you live in Fairfax County, your commute to school may be shorter than your ride on the school bus to your neighborhood school since you will not be making stops in between. If you live outside Fairfax County, your commute may be longer and give you time to take one more look at a homework assignment or relax on the way home.
Facilities
Located on over 25 acres, the TCS campus is a lovely pastoral respite from all that surrounds it. A shaded terrace overlooks the lake and just around the corner, tournament sized turf fields accommodate lacrosse, soccer, recess, and PE. Inside the buildings, there are great science rooms, an outstanding resource center, spacious classrooms along with a beautiful Lower School library and Upper School media center. TCS has acquired additional land on Shirley Gate Road in order to expand its opportunities.
Lunch
Trinity partners with vendors such as Jason’s Deli, Chick-fil-a, Chipotle, and others, to give students an opportunity to purchase lunch. Seniors often eat lunch on the patio and other Upper School classes are able to eat on the terrace overlooking the lake or stay inside and use the Multi-Purpose Room. Students in grades four and under, eat lunch in the classroom. With a full forty minutes for lunch, students are able to eat unhurriedly and enjoy some downtime.
The difference the school has made for our family is nothing short of a miracle. No more anxiety or stress about waking up for school. My dad was visiting and said he could see such a difference in the kids. Thank you for all your compassion, patience, and direction in helping us transition.
Julie Helm, Trinity Parent
Hear from an alum
Hear from a teacher
Trinity Christian School offers a strong academic program that is based on the Judeo-Christian principles. We believe that a faith-based education is essential to helping them mature into productive, happy, and grounded people. Trinity Christian School also offers a structured, supportive community where they can strengthen their faith so that they will be able to defend their beliefs. We hope that our children will benefit from an environment where the faculty will help them reach their academic potential, they will be among peers with similar faith and moral standards, and that they will feel pride in their educational institution.
Trinity Parent
freshmEn girls bible study
Grade 4 class worship
Tips to help you transition from public school to Trinity:
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Any faculty or staff member will be eager to help you and get to know you. Always feel free to ask for help whether you need to find the nearest bathroom or wonder if you chose the right class schedule. If we don’t know the answer, we will help you find someone who does!
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Sports and clubs are a great way to get to know other students. You may have fewer classmates living in your neighborhood and therefore it will help you to be intentional about making friends. Be sure to attend the Back to School Open House and make the most of Day Away. Be on the lookout for students who wear Ask Me buttons during the first week of school and take full advantage of having a Peer Mentor.
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Summer assignments, including optional ones, are a good way to get a feel for the academics at TCS. In math, calculators are introduced a little bit later and play a smaller role. Try to do at least some of the math summer work without one.
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Our foreign language classes are conducted, for the most part, in that language. It’s a great idea to train your ear to the language by playing it in the background either through song or reading or even the movies you might watch.
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One Friday of each month and a few other days sprinkled throughout the year, are non-uniform days. Check your closet to see what fits the guidelines for casual dress. Leggings, jeggings, and torn jeans are not permitted at school, neither are pants with writing on your seat or clothes that are especially tight or revealing.
One of the many things I appreciate about Trinity Christian School is its firm and clear stand on the truth of God's Word - without compromise. This is critical and rare for the times in which we live.
Amy Snider, Trinity Parent and Employee
Chapel
Faculty and students gather together to pray.
A group of students from the class of 2017 lead praise.
I could have wept with joy to hear my teachers begin each class with a prayer to Jesus Christ. I did not believe that a place like Trinity existed until I experienced it for myself.
Emma Bayer Watkins, Class of 2008
Scripture Memorization
Each semester, Trinity's staff and students memorize scripture together. Watch the video below to hear them recite Romans 8:18-39.
My family loves Trinity Christian School. The academics are rigorous, the athletics are competitive and most importantly, the faculty and staff disciple the students.
Maria Smith, Trinity Parent
Military Family
Welcome, Military Families!
Visiting Trinity
As a community with numerous former and current military families on staff, we understand that scheduled admission events don’t always line up with your house hunting leave. We are glad to accommodate you whenever you are in the area and will do our best to welcome you on campus when it suits you. We are eager to help however we can. One example of this is the TCS zip code directory which will guide you to know the locations where you will find more or fewer TCS families.
A Welcoming Community
Each year TCS welcomes approximately 120 new students; Northern Virginia is highly transient! In our graduating classes of 60-80 students, we average around a dozen students annually who have attended TCS for all thirteen years. We understand what it is like to be new on our campus! And many of us know what it is like to unpack those boxes one more time… Here are some ways we make your transition into the Gryphon community a great one:
- Peer Mentors provide academic and social support to new students in grades 9 through 12
- Buddies support our new students in grades 7 and 8
- Mentor Moms reach out to all new parents to be a resource and to offer encouragement and friendship
- A varied summer program provides opportunities to new students to get to know the campus as well as a few returning students
. . .one of my biggest advantages at West Point was something Trinity instilled in me - the desire to seek out mentorship from instructors. The small class sizes enabled the extraordinary TCS faculty (like Mr. P) to invest immensely in me and every student. . . It has been such a blessing to attend an institution like Trinity Christian School and build relationships with faculty members like Mr. P. I hope they view my victories in life as their own personal ones too.
Claire Wang '14
Annual Veterans Day Chapel
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This was the first time (as a Vietnam Vet) that I've been mobbed by kids wanting to shake my hand for what I did.
Hear from Trinity's Veterans Day Chapel Attendees
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From start to finish the program took my breath away.
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- Thank you so much for doing this, my father and grandfather are both vets and said that they had never been invited to such a program. They said that they really appreciated the effort that went into telling “their” story.
- We’re new to the school and had heard about the program. What we saw and experienced exceeded everything we had heard.
- I was impressed with the kids who met us as we walked in and escorted us to our seats; from start to finish the program took my breath away.
- I have never had to shake so many hands; especially when the kids actually seemed really genuine in thanking me for my service (currently serving officer)
- I wish my husband could have experienced this; he never got a chance like this to be thanked for his efforts. - Widow of a Vietnam Vet
Honoring Veterans
In addition to the Annual Veterans Day chapel, there are many other events where Trinity students, both young and old honor our nation's veterans.
Members of the Lower School Chorus went to Washington Dulles International Airport to welcome World War II veterans arriving from their Honor Flight. The Honor Flight Network serves veterans by bringing them to visit their war memorials. Click the video to watch our students greet these veterans and honor their service to our nation!
Each year, the entire Lower School takes a moment in their Grandfriends Day musical presentation to honor those who have served or are serving in the armed forces.
Trinity students went to Washington D.C. to thank WWII and Korean War Veterans for their service. Over 700 veterans came to visit their memorials with the help of Honor Flights. The Honor Flight Network exists to help every single veteran in America, willing and able to board a plane or bus, to visit their memorials.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Trinity have a Color Guard?
- Why does a Christian school like Trinity have a military-style Color Guard?
- Does Trinity have a Service Academy/ROTC Scholarship Coordinator?
Does Trinity have a Color Guard?
Yes, Trinity's Color Guard is a student-led organization. Students receive leadership training in addition to mastering skills needed in the Color Guard. Students earn promotion to higher rank based on mastery of drill skills and concepts and demonstrated leadership.
Trinity Christian School seeks to honor the sacrifices and efforts of the men and women who have served in our nation's military by wearing uniforms from those periods in history. Uniforms and field equipment are provided although students have the option of researching and obtaining their own uniforms. Every effort is made to ensure that authenticity is maintained.
Hear from a student
"When I was a freshman, I asked God to show me what my purpose was. He told me to join the military. I had not expected a response and I certainly had no idea how to go about following that. Thankfully, one of my friends told me about Color Guard and how it would be a good way to get my feet wet in the military life. I was still unsure the entire time if I wanted to continue this past high school into the actual military, but I kept myself open to the idea. That idea became cemented in my life as I spent year after year with Mr. Petzrick. He kept encouraging me to continue onto ROTC or one of the military academies.
He gave me a love for my country and a sense of duty. He taught me about the life of a soldier and the willingness to sacrifice that comes with it. Most importantly, he taught me the ethics of a soldier so that I could never forget my faith while serving. I finally realized that I wanted to go into the military so that I could become more like Mr. Petzrick. He gave me my desire to follow God’s call."
Briscoe Nance '19
How did Trinity's Color Guard begin?
In 2006, a handful of TCS students asked Mr. Petzrick to help them organize a military-style Color Guard. Over the years the Color Guard has grown from a single team of five members to an organization with three squads of seven, a formal leadership structure, and an exhibition drill team. The Color Guard is a student-led organization and leaders earn their advancement based on demonstrated performance and rigorous written and hands-on testing. In addition to presenting the colors for numerous TCS sporting events, the Color Guard has organized and conducted our annual Veterans Day Recognition Chapel and special remembrances for Patriots Day and Pearl Harbor Day. The Color Guard has also supported the wider community and presented the colors for organizations such as the Association of the US Army, the West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference, the Military Community Youth Ministries, the Air Traffic Controllers Conference, and several political rallies and scout troops.
Why does a Christian school like Trinity have a military-style Color Guard?
Trinity Christian School seeks to honor the sacrifices and efforts of the men and women who have served in our nation's military by wearing uniforms form those periods in history.
Trinity's Color Guard also seeks to:
- Provide support for athletic events, special school and community programs, and assemblies
- Develop students leadership through hands-on opportunities and service
Hear from a veteran
"Please express to your staff and students my many thanks to TCS for inviting us vets to your Veterans Day Chapel program today and making us your special guests. It was a wonderful program that included an impressive screen display, a very talented choir, a close to perfect student color guard, impressive student speakers in period military uniforms, the playing of taps, a personal thank you note that was hand delivered to every veteran in attendance, and more. Army Major Petzrick delivered passionate and inspiring remarks regarding the importance of honor. And in the end, so many students came by and shook my hand and thanked me for my service. WOW, that was so cool! It was all such a blessing to me. Blessings to everyone at TCS and may our Lord continue to bless this teaching ministry."
John Harlow Sgt.Maj. of Marines (Retired) Vietnam 1966-1967/Gulf War 1 1990-1991
Does Trinity have a Service Academy/ROTC Scholarship Coordinator?
Does Trinity have a Service Academy and ROTC Scholarship Coordinator?
Yes, Trinity has a Service Academy and ROTC (SA/ROTC) Scholarship Coordinator who serves as a single resource point of contact for TCS students and parents for questions and processing of service academy and ROTC scholarship applications. The SA/ROTC Coordinator also does the following:
- Maintains contact with SA liaison and admission officers to ensure up-to-date information is available for students and parents
- Assists students in processing of SA/ROTC applications:
- Reviews essays and student profiles as needed
- Arranges for fitness assessments
- Conducts pre-interview assessments to better prepare students for congressional or ROTC interviews
- Prepares letters of recommendation as needed; advises other teachers in the preparation of SA/ROTC letter of recommendation
- Monitors the application process
- Identify available ROTC schools and universities
- Answers questions regarding:
- Differences between services, academies vs. ROTC scholarships, pathways to commissioning, etc.
- Enlistment vs. Commissioning through SA/ROTC
- When should a student begin preparing for application?
- Nominations vs. Acceptance to SA
- Provides recommendations for parents/students regarding medical waivers
Hear from a student
Trinity is blessed to have Mr. Petzrick as a member of the faculty. He is an excellent source of information concerning the ROTC scholarship and service academy application process. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was an Army ROTC instructor at Duke University. This makes him a very valuable resource when considering the different options available for pursuing a military career. Trinity also has very strong academics and a wide variety of leadership opportunities which help in building a competitive application for an ROTC scholarship or a service academy.
Andrew Harlow '19
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In the News
TCS senior Tim Park '17 became the first Trinity student to ever receive an appointment to the four major U.S. military service academies. Tim applied to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Naval Academy. After learning of his appointment to West Point, Tim had the opportunity to share his story with several local and national news channels!
Daniel Hanna '22 is the second Trinity student to receive an appointment to the four major U.S. military service academies (U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point), a rare and remarkable achievement! Daniel has committed to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Hear from parents
"My son, Timothy Park, TCS Class of 2017, received appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he is presently a Cadet in the West Point Class of 2021. He also received a four- year Army ROTC Scholarship to attend New York University and the University of California at Berkeley. My family absolutely believes that Mr. Paul Petzrick played a tremendously instrumental role in assisting and guiding my son that allowed him to receive his appointments and scholarship."
Claire said that Mr. P's battle experience during the Gulf War inspired her to reflect on the meaning of life. She said she has to answer the question raised by Mr. P, "How am I to spend my life?"
Hear from students
"When I was a freshman, I asked God to show me what my purpose was. He told me to join the military. I had not expected a response and I certainly had no idea how to go about following that. Thankfully, one of my friends told me about Color Guard and how it would be a good way to get my feet wet in the military life. I was still unsure the entire time if I wanted to continue this past high school into the actual military, but I kept myself open to the idea. That idea became cemented in my life as I spent year after year with Mr. Petzrick. He kept encouraging me to continue onto ROTC or one of the military academies.
He gave me a love for my country and a sense of duty. He taught me about the life of a soldier and the willingness to sacrifice that comes with it. Most importantly, he taught me the ethics of a soldier so that I could never forget my faith while serving. I finally realized that I wanted to go into the military so that I could become more like Mr. Petzrick. He gave me my desire to follow God’s call."
Briscoe Nance '19
Alumni Updates
Trinity alumna Claire Wang '14 graduated from West Point with honors. She ranked 26th in her class of 972 (top 4%) and received her diploma from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General General Dunford USMC (the highest ranking military officer in the U.S. Armed Forces). She was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant.
Trinity alumnus Alex Clenance ’14 was chosen to be the guidon bearer for his squadron at Texas A&M. The 18 mile March to the Brazos was his first occasion to be in that role!
Trinity Alumnus Andrew Schoka '12 was the first cadet ever from Virginia Tech to branch as an Army Cyber Warfare officer!
Andrew recently graduated from the Cyber Basic Officer Course.
Trinity is part of West Point's Long Gray Line. On May 26th 2018, Trinity alumna Claire Wang '14 graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and thereafter was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. TCS faculty member Mr. Petzrick, and TCS alums David Jaquish '14 and Tim Park '17 attended the commissioning ceremony which was along the banks of the Hudson River on West Point's campus. Mr. Petzrick is a graduate of West Point's Class of 1977. Claire Wang is a graduate of West Point Class of 2018. David Jaquish is a cadet in West Point's Class of 2019, and Tim Park is a cadet in West Point's Class of 2021.
Trinity Christian School holds a special place in my heart. It was the first institution that helped me challenge and believe in myself. I arrived as a brand new sophomore after spending 7 years in a foreign country and having just relearned English. I would have laughed if someone told me I was going to be the first from my family to join the military.
Mr. Petzrick was my first period chemistry teacher on my first day of school. Two things stuck out: his high standards for every one of his students; and his Go Army flag. He made the point to get to know me beyond the curriculum and constantly provided me constructive feedback about my study habits and how to grow in confidence. Through his fascinating classroom stories, I quickly learned how his West Point education and the military profession transformed him, and Mr. P truly was someone I wanted to emulate. Additionally, he would hold lectures on his own time, such as the "We Were Soldiers" movie seminar that expounded on the values of Duty, Honor, and Country; and his strict adherence to the Honor Code instilled in us 15 year olds both the discernment and desire to do what's right.
I almost gave up applying to West Point because the process was twice as complicated and lengthy as other college applications. However, Mr. P walked me through the steps and helped me see the bigger picture of the path I was choosing. Despite the extraordinary amount of paperwork and records needed by congressional staff and the Academy, Trinity remained on top of the deadline and submissions. My college counselor, Mrs. Gaffin, communicated extremely well with my West Point liaison, and kept me informed through the different stages.
I commissioned into the U.S. Army from the United States Military Academy on May 26th, 2018, as an Honor Graduate (top 4% of the graduating class, 26th out of 972 cadets). Having Mr. P, the reason why I applied in the first place, attend my graduation was the cherry on top.
I cannot emphasize enough how God's grace and the support of friends and family carried me to that point. But one of my biggest advantages at West Point was something Trinity instilled in me - the desire to seek out mentorship from instructors. The small class sizes enabled the extraordinary TCS faculty (like Mr. P) to invest immensely in me and every student. I saw myself grow in surprising ways. This armed me with a proactive mentality not known to many of my West Point peers. Similar to my time at Trinity, I would visit my West Point professors during their office hours to ask for additional instruction, discuss my goals and aspirations, and absorb their varied experiences. As a result, I have been stretched beyond my comfort level and pushed to unimaginable heights.
It has been such a blessing to attend an institution like Trinity Christian School and build relationships with faculty members like Mr. P. I hope they view my victories in life as their own personal ones too.
Claire Wang '14