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Our Learning assests and Inquiry-Based Approach

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At Trinity, we believe children learn best when they are curious, engaged, and actively involved in their learning. Our curriculum is rooted in an inquiry-based approach that invites students to ask questions, explore ideas, and make meaning through hands-on experiences. Learning is not just about finding the right answer, but about developing the skills, habits, and confidence to think deeply and learn independently.

Our approach to learning places students at the center of the learning process. Teachers design meaningful experiences that encourage exploration, discussion, research, and reflection. Students are guided to investigate real-world questions, test ideas, collaborate with peers, and communicate their thinking in multiple ways. This approach nurtures a love of learning while building strong academic foundations.

Kate Benson.

Inspired by the work of Kathleen Murdoch, the six learning assets provide a shared language for learning. They represent the skills and dispositions that support meaningful, personal inquiry. They are interconnected and develop over time, helping students understand themselves as learners while engaging thoughtfully with others and the world around them.

Through daily classroom experiences, students learn to think critically, manage themselves, work with others, communicate effectively, research thoughtfully, and contribute positively to their community. These learning assets help prepare students not only for the next grade but also for lifelong learning.

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Curriculum by grade

Kindergarten Snapshot
Kindergarten Snapshot

Kindergarteners are naturally curious, imaginative, and eager to explore. They learn best in an environment that balances structure with opportunities for discovery and inquiry. Students are encouraged to think critically, share ideas, and pursue their interests, building confidence, creativity, and independence.

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Grade 1 Snapshot
Grade 1 Snapshot

Grade 1 students are curious, imaginative, and eager to learn. They approach every task with wonder, humor, and energy, building confidence as they explore reading, writing, math, and the world around them. Teachers guide students to take ownership of their learning, think independently, express ideas, and collaborate with peers.

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Grade 2 Snapshot
Grade 2 Snapshot

Grade 2 is a year of curiosity, humor, and discovery. Students are eager learners, taking risks and exploring ideas while developing confidence and independence. Teachers guide them to see learning as a process, nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving in a supportive, fun environment.

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Grade 3 Snapshot
Grade 3 Snapshot

Grade 3 at Trinity is a year of curiosity, creativity, and growth. Students are eager to explore ideas, solve problems, and express themselves. Our teachers guide them through engaging, hands-on experiences that balance independent exploration with collaboration, helping students refine their thinking and take risks confidently.

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Grade 4 Snapshot
Grade 4 Snapshot

Grade 4 is a year of reflection, independence, and deeper thinking. Students grow academically, socially, and emotionally, exploring fairness, justice, and ethical questions while taking greater ownership of their learning. Teachers guide students through challenges, helping them build confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

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Grade 5 Snapshot
Grade 5 Snapshot

Grade 5 is a year of perseverance, pride, and growth. Students embrace challenges as opportunities to think critically, solve complex problems, and take meaningful action. Through discussions, projects, and service-learning initiatives, they apply their skills and passions, preparing for middle school while celebrating their accomplishments.

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Specialist Classes

SCIENCE

Trinity's science program offers a rich, hands-on learning experience that fosters curiosity and student agency. Our curriculum aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), emphasizing inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. Students explore ecology, living organisms, and environmental science starting in the early grades. As they progress, they study physics, chemistry, and geology, with math integrated throughout as the language of science. Learning occurs in the science lab, garden, and greenhouse, where students conduct real-world investigations.

DESIGN THINKING

In our design thinking lab, students engage in projects that involve prototyping, testing, and refining their ideas. The lab becomes a space where creativity and technical literacy intersect, helping students see technology as a tool for personal expression and problem-solving. Our Design Thinking program helps students solve problems and develop executive functioning skills, enabling them to approach complex challenges confidently and creatively. These transferable skills are valuable across various fields, from science and technology to the arts, and are crucial in preparing students for an ever-evolving world.

ART

At Trinity, we believe every child is an artist with a unique voice. Inspired by the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) philosophy, our art program allows students to lead their creative exploration. This choice-based approach fosters curiosity, student voice, and agency, encouraging students to explore their ideas, experiment with materials, and express meaningfully.
Our curriculum is guided by the Studio Habits of Mind, a framework from Harvard’s Project Zero that nurtures essential skills in art and life.

MUSIC

We use a child-centered and performance-based approach that treats music like learning a language. Across their elementary years, musicians will learn to read sheet music, understand music theory, explore music technology, play various percussion instruments (tuned and untuned), and sing melody and harmony on the pitch and in time. Each class forms a grade-level band that prepares and performs songs for various Trinity school events throughout the year. Students rotate roles within their band, from playing multiple instruments to singing.

LIBRARY

Weekly library visits provide students with hands-on learning experiences that go beyond books. They encourage them to explore diverse perspectives and reflect on what makes stories meaningful to them. This cultivates a love for reading and creates a sense of community as students share their literary discoveries. Our library supports inquiry beyond the classroom, offering students the resources and inspiration to pursue personal interests and uncover new passions. Annual author visits give students an exciting glimpse into the creative process, sparking their imagination and empowering them to express their unique voices.

SPANISH

As students explore the Spanish language, they also gain insights into the diverse cultures it represents, promoting inclusivity and reflecting the growing diversity within our community. By exposing students to a diverse range of opinions, thoughts, and cultural backgrounds, we encourage them to be more open-minded. This approach aligns with our inclusive culture, fostering students who appreciate the differences of others and are excited to learn about various cultures. Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the U.S., so this exposure enhances their linguistic abilities and overall cognitive development.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES & SERVICE LEARNING

Trinity's Religious Studies programs are rooted in the Episcopal Christian tradition and focus on love, empathy, and service. We celebrate diverse spiritual paths and encourage students to explore their beliefs while learning about the world’s major religions.
Service is woven into both Chapel and Religious Studies. Students are inspired to make a difference through community outreach and environmental care and learn that their actions can positively impact others and the world.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E)

We recognize that quality physical education is not solely about motor skill development but is also a vital opportunity for students to cultivate confidence, resilience, and social-emotional skills. Our approach ensures that every child feels empowered to explore how they move within their environment while developing the physical competence and understanding needed for lifelong fitness and well-being.
Through developmentally appropriate games, cooperative challenges, and sports-based learning, students refine fundamental skills and apply them across diverse physical activities.