We are so glad you are here! Explore this page to learn more about our kindergarten program, the admission process, kindergarten readiness milestones, and more. Kindergarten at Trinity is the beginning of a well-designed K-12 progression. Each year builds upon the next to provide a challenging academic experience fortified by Biblical truth.
Trinity kindergarten classes, typically 18 students each, are helmed by a highly capable teacher and a full-time instructional assistant. With limited spaces available, we recommend you apply during our priority admission window (see timeline below), as we expect to fill all spaces during this first round of decisions.
As always, we are happy to help with any questions you have. Email us at admission@tcsfairfax.org, and join us on campus for a visit. It is our privilege to serve your family during this important transition to kindergarten!
Message from Mrs. Booth, Lower School Principal
Your child will hear the truth of God's word all day long.
Marianne Booth
Lower School Principal
Kindergarten at Trinity
How does Trinity's Kindergarten program differ from other programs?
The Trinity Christian School kindergarten program is a full day, academic experience. We offer a yearlong Christian Studies curriculum centered around Biblical truth. Reading is approached systematically using phonics (letter sounds, chunking words, identifying rhyming words), reading aloud (by the teacher, while teaching comprehension strategies, guided reading, and independent reading), and developmental writing (“Kid Writing”). For math, we use an intentional process of learning, utilizing concrete (manipulatives), pictorial (pictures), and abstract (numbers, diagrams, and mental math) strategies. Most of our kindergartners are reading comfortably by the end of the year and have mastered math facts in addition and subtraction through 10.
Types of Kindergarten Programs
Different kindergarten classrooms are based on various early childhood program philosophies. While options are great, so many options can get confusing. Here is an overview to help you understand what the different approaches are and which may best suit your student.
Trinity Christian School's kindergarten program follows an academic model.
Emphasizes laying a solid foundation in math, science, reading, and writing through formal instruction that follows a set curriculum.
Emphasizes the importance of play in a child’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. Views play as the main medium for learning.
Emphasizes experiential learning to gain independence. Classrooms are mixed-age so that younger students learn from older students.
Emphasizes appreciation for nature and the environment through games and music. The teacher typically stays with the same class, moving up through grades with the students.
Emphasizes the arts and learning without a formal curriculum. Lessons remain flexible and are based on the interests of the students.
Emphasizes exploration of surrounding environment. Teachers plan experiences to encourage curiosity and discovery in the classroom.
Emphasizes the integration of subjects under a theme to help students relate academic skills to real-world scenarios.
Emphasizes the importance of unique learning styles. The method by which a teacher instructs is based on each individual student.
September 1
The Admission Portal opens for applications to the 2024-2025 school year. Take the first step of your journey towards becoming a member of Trinity's Class of 2037! We are happy to help you with any questions that arise during the application process.
November 7, 9
November Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
As part of your application, you will schedule a time for your child to come to Trinity for a Kindergarten Readiness Assessment. If you live out of the area, the Admission office will schedule a remote Kindergarten Readiness Assessment with your child.
November 10
Priority Admission Deadline for kindergarten applications. All applications completed by this date will be considered during our first round of kindergarten admission decisions. Applications completed after this date will be considered on a rolling, space available basis. Decisions are generally issued within 10 days of a completed application during the rolling admission window.
November 16
Admission decisions are released for all candidates that have a completed application by the Priority Admission Deadline. Applicants will receive a decision of accepted, waitlisted, or declined. If your child is added to the waitlist, you will be contacted if a space becomes available.
November 30
If accepted, this is the deadline to lock in your child’s space, by paying the tuition deposit of $1,200, the one-time, once-per-family facility fee ($750), and completing the enrollment contract. After this date, spaces that have not been secured will be released to admission candidates on the waitlist. Enrolled families are added to the TCS New Family Portal.
Dec. 2023 - Summer 2024
Trinity will continue taking applications for kindergarten after the Priority Admission Deadline. These applications will be considered for the kindergarten waitlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kindergarten First Glance
What is the Kindergarten First Glance?
We welcome you to join us for a “Kindergarten First Glance” program! Programs are scheduled for September 21, October 5, and October 19, 2023, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Tour the campus, look inside our kindergarten classrooms, and meet our Lower School Principal and kindergarten teachers. You are welcome to bring your prospective kindergartner along!
Missed Kindergarten First Glance? You are also welcome to register for an on-campus tour or Open House program.
Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
What takes place during the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment?
As part of the kindergarten application process, applicants are required to take part in Trinity’s Kindergarten Readiness Assessment. Students are invited to come to campus in small groups for a fun morning. Our experienced team of teachers and administrators observe the students in academic, social, and physical activities. Your child will be assessed on their progress towards developing kindergarten readiness skills appropriate to their age and development stage within the context of Trinity’s academic program.
Kindergarten Readiness Milestones
How do I know if my child is ready for kindergarten at Trinity?
At Trinity Christian School, our goal is to admit children who will truly thrive and excel in our kindergarten program. Developmental readiness includes traditional markers such as knowing letters and numbers, but readiness is not limited to phonemic and math awareness. Six major developmental areas can indicate your child’s readiness for a full-day academic kindergarten program like Trinity’s. We encourage you to use our “Kindergarten Readiness Checklist” as a general gauge and guideline. Ideally, a student entering kindergarten will consistently demonstrate the skills in each of the six developmental areas in August of 2024. A child’s admission to Trinity’s kindergarten program is based on many factors, but you can use this checklist to track your child’s progress and ultimately decide if it’s time to apply.
Admission Office Contact Information
Christy Hume
Director of Admission
703.273.8787 x303
chume@tcsfairfax.org
Vanessa Watson
Assistant Director of Admission
703.273.8787 x302
vwatson@tcsfairfax.org
We invite you to take the next step
Special Evening Open House on Wednesday, October 11
Don’t miss this special evening Open House for families interested in admission for the 2024-2025 school year! This event is filling up quickly! Sign up today!
Questions? Visit our Admission site or contact the Admission team at admission@tcsfairfax.org.
