At Trinity, we desire to provide a rich yet unhurried approach to education. We believe that a vibrant intellectual education doesn't need to be rushed. Trinity is a place where children are free to be children, to learn as children, and to play and read in ways that fit their natural bent at each age. For this reason, we want to place children properly in their grades, so that upon entering school they can have confidence and tranquility as they begin their educational experience.

Parents should please follow the following guidelines in the application process. The Admission Committee may recommend the July 1 cut-off date for students applying to other grades, regardless of their current class placement.

Transitional Kindergarten
Students must be five years old on or before December 31 of the school year for which they are applying. For 2023–2024, a student must be born no later than December 31, 2018.

Kindergarten
Students must be five years old on or before July 1 of the school year for which they are applying. For 2023–2024, a student must be born no later than July 1, 2018.

First Grade
Students must be six years old on or before July 1 of the school year for which they are applying. For 2023–2024, a student must be born no later than July 1, 2017.

TK–grade 6 applicants attend a classroom visit

Each applicant is asked to participate in a campus visit. They will spend most of their time in the classroom. The teacher will introduce the class and invite the visiting student to participate in the lessons. The student will also participate in a one-on-one assessment with our Lower School applicant assessor during their visit.

Each assessment is designed by Trinity’s faculty to understand the student’s academic aptitude, behavioral skills, and work habits for Lower School. Time slots will be reserved for applicants who meet the priority application deadline. Parents applying for a student after the January deadline will be contacted by the Enrollment Management Office to schedule these assessments. Questions regarding scheduling can be directed to Administrative Assistant Lisa Chetelat.

TK–grade 2 applicants complete a Gesell observation

At Trinity School, we view children as individuals and as whole beings. We know that all children grow sequentially through patterned and predictable stages of development at their own rate. We believe that young children learn best in environments that align with their developmental age, and our teachers maintain a sound understanding of and commitment to what is developmentally appropriate for the various ages and stages of growth. This information can be effectively used by parents, educators, and other adults who interact with or act on behalf of children.

Visit our Gesell Testing page for further information

Grades 3–12 applicants complete a MAP Growth Assessment*

Trinity School regularly administers the MAP Growth Assessment in reading and math. Prior to the assessment, an email will be sent with details about how to prepare. A member of the Enrollment Management Office will be available throughout the testing for any questions the student has or any breaks he or she may need.

*Trinity also accepts the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), and applicants in grades 9–12 may submit the SSAT, PSAT, SAT, or ACT in lieu of the MAP Growth Assessment.

You may log into your application portal at any time to view the status of your checklist items. Trinity’s Admission Committee will review your student’s application and make a decision only after all required forms and documents have been received and the appropriate visits and assessments have been completed.

The Director of Enrollment Management will return a decision by the date listed in our admission timeline. Trinity’s notification dates are in keeping with those of the Triangle Independent School Consortium (TISC). Applicants will be able to view their admission decisions on their Veracross admission portal account, which is set up through the online application process.

Applicant Wait Pool
Due to high demand for placement and high re-enrollment rates at the school, qualified applicants may be placed in a wait pool. All students placed in a wait pool are considered qualified for admission, should a place become available. The school does not rank applicants placed in the wait pool. Whenever a space becomes available, the school will offer admission to the candidate who is the best fit for that class.

Late Applications
Applications received after the priority deadlines will be processed and considered as they are received. While most classes are filled from our initial applicant pool, we do occasionally have spaces available in the spring and summer. Please contact the Admission Office with specific questions. The school gives precedence in the allocation of flexible tuition rates to families who meet the priority deadline.

Tuition ranges for the 2023–2024 academic year:

TK–K: $5,900–$14,950

Grades 1–5: $8,200–$20,490

Grades 6–8: $9,200–$22,860

Grades 9–12: $10,900–$27,190

Please reference our flexible tuition and scholarship pages to learn more about the application processes, which typically follow the same timeline as your student’s application for admission

Please see our early care and after-school programs page to learn more about related fees and the registration process.