Trinity Christian School (Fairfax, Virginia)

Coordinates: 38°50′01″N 77°19′57″W / 38.8337°N 77.3325°W

Trinity Christian School
"Pursuing Excellence for the Mind & Heart"
Location
Fairfax, Virginia
USA
Information
Type Private
Established 1987
Headmaster Dr. David Vanderpoel
Faculty 83 faculty (35 holding Master's degrees, and 4 PhD's)
Number of students over 680 students (K through 12th)
Color(s) Blue and White
Mascot Gryphon [A lion with the head and wings of an eagle]
Website http://www.tcsfairfax.org/

Trinity Christian School is a K-12, independent Christian school centrally located in Fairfax County, serving all of Northern Virginia.

Brief history

In 1985 a group of parents saw the need for a Christian school in Northern Virginia. Together with the leadership of Truro Episcopal Church, they began to explore the options of founding such an institution.

In 1987 the vestry of Truro voted unanimously to found Trinity Christian School, with Dr. J.C. Lasmanis named as its first headmaster. Trinity opened its doors to a total of forty one students from first through third grade, taught by three faculty members in classrooms provided by Truro.

In 1990 Jim Beavers took over the reins as headmaster. During Mr. Beavers' time in office: a 4th and 5th grade were added, a middle and upper school were established, enrollment greatly increased, and the faculty grew. Eventually the school spread to encompass four different campuses in and throughout Fairfax county.

In 2001 Trinity named a new headmaster, Dr. Todd Williams, and graduated its first senior class. By this time fifty faculty members served over four hundred students on Trinity's four campuses. Although there had been many advantages for the school in growing so quickly, unity between the different campuses was becoming a problem. So shortly after taking office Dr. Williams made it a top priority to unite all the students onto one main campus. After two years of hard fundraising, Trinity proudly opened the doors to its new 25 acre campus facility, located in Fairfax off of Braddock Road next to George Mason University. The new building included a state of the art computer lab, two custom made art rooms, a practice gymnasium, and a science lab. All classes were moved to the new campus that fall.

In 2005 Dr. Williams resigned as Trinity's headmaster to accept the presidency of Philadelphia Biblical University. After much deliberation, the Trinity Christian board of trustees appointed then-teacher Dr. David Vanderpoel as the school’s fourth headmaster. Since taking office, Dr. Vanderpoel has overseen the construction of Trinity’s Phase II building project, including: a second building complete with a gymnasium [stadium seating for 900 and a large stage], a new weight room, a performing arts wing, two science labs, and two sections of kindergarten.

In June 2012, Trinity Christian School was awarded accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED.

From its modest beginnings in 1987—— with forty-one students in grades first through third, three faculty members, and a couple of spare classrooms—— Trinity has grown tremendously. Today, Trinity Christian School claims an enrollment of over 680 students in grades K through twelve, 83 faculty members (with over 40% holding advanced degrees), and 92,000 sq/ft of buildings (totaling $30 million) on a 25-acre campus.

School profile

Alumni

Over 500 alumni since 2001

96% of Trinity's graduates are college-bound

Acceptances to over 196 colleges and universities

Trinity claims alumni from such schools as: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, The University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, Northern Virginia Community College, The University of Virginia, The College of William & Mary, Baylor University, Texas Christian University, Vanderbilt University, Ohio State University, Virginia Tech, George Washington University, Clemson University, The University of Oklahoma, The University of Alabama, Auburn University, Florida State University, The University of Kentucky, Grove City College, The University of Maryland, Penn State University, The University of Pittsburgh, and Wheaton College (Illinois).

$3,040,000 in Scholarships to Class of 2012

SAT Average Score (Class of 2014): 1848 (96 students tested)

ACT Average (Class of 2014): 27 (41 students tested)

Academics

Trinity offers a rigorous academic program that includes Biblical integration.

National Merit Scholars:
- 65 Commended
- 20 Finalists (2002–2014)

AP Classes: Calculus, Computer Science, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, French Language, Music Theory, Physics 1: Algebra-based, Physics 2: Algebra-based, Statistics, Studio Art 2-D Design, Studio Art: Drawing & Painting, United States Government, United States History

Honors Classes: Algebra I, Algebra II w/Trig, American Literature, Biology, British Literature, Chemistry, Choral Ensemble, Geometry, Latin 4, Physics: Algebra-based, Precalculus, Spanish 4

Enrollment

Over 680 students
54% girls, 46% boys
451 families
Over 140 churches represented
Over 60 zip codes

Athletic Teams

Middle school teams
Girls Boys
Basketball Basketball
Cross country Cross country
Soccer Soccer
Volleyball
Cheerleading
Varsity teams (* indicates JV also)
Girls Boys
Basketball* Basketball*
Cross country Cross country
Lacrosse Lacrosse
Soccer Soccer*
Track Track
Volleyball* Baseball
Cheerleading*
Golf (co-ed)

Athletic Honors

Trinity competes in the Delaney Athletic Conference (DAC) and has won numerous honors, including:

Traditions

Traditions include an annual homecoming dance, homecoming game, homecoming week (during which each upper school class competes in fun contests), upper school coffee house, junior mid-course celebration, middle school talent show, dodgeball tournament, spring art show, senior prank, 5th & 8th grade promotions, tribial ritual around patio and dance around the patio, Grandfriends Day, and a middle school trip to Camp Letts, among other events.

Performing Arts

TCS Student Clubs

TCS Memberships

References

    External links