Trinity Preparatory School
Trinity Preparatory School is an independent, Episcopal-affiliated college preparatory day school located in the Winter Park area of Central Florida, serving students in grades six through twelve.[1][2]
Founded in 1968 by Rev. Canon A. Rees Hay, the school opened with 173 students in grades seven through twelve and has since expanded to emphasize rigorous academics, ethical leadership development, and a low student-teacher ratio supported by highly qualified faculty.[3][4]
Trinity Prep maintains a commitment to comprehensive education, including strong STEM programs—ranked number one in the Orlando area—and diverse extracurricular opportunities that foster real-world learning and student achievement in areas such as speech and debate, where teams have placed in the national top 20.[1][5]
The institution's campus facilitates a close-knit community environment, contributing to its recognition as the top-ranked private school in Central Florida, with over 4,000 alumni having graduated to pursue impactful roles in various fields.[3][6]
History
Founding and Early Development
Trinity Preparatory School was founded in 1966 by a group of Orlando community leaders, led by Rev. Canon A. Rees Hay, with the aim of providing a quality independent secondary education in Central Florida.[4] The school opened its doors on September 9, 1968, initially serving 186 students in grades 7 through 12 on approximately 100 acres of land near Goldenrod.[3] [7] Hay, who served as the inaugural headmaster, emphasized a rigorous curriculum, ethical development, and Episcopal values from the outset, establishing the institution as a coeducational, college-preparatory day school.[4] [7] In its early years, the school operated amid modest conditions, including swampy terrain that required development for facilities, yet it quickly prioritized low student-teacher ratios, strong athletics, fine arts programs, and college guidance to foster student growth.[7] Under Hay's leadership, enrollment expanded from the initial cohort to over 500 students by the time of his retirement in 1982, reflecting steady institutional maturation while maintaining a commitment to character formation and academic excellence.[7] [4] This period laid the groundwork for Trinity Prep's traditions, including its Episcopal affiliation and focus on preparing students for higher education and leadership.[3]Expansion and Key Milestones
Trinity Preparatory School opened on September 9, 1968, initially enrolling 173 students in grades 7 through 12 on a campus spanning 90 acres in Winter Park, Florida.[4] [8] The institution subsequently expanded its offerings to incorporate sixth grade, forming a comprehensive middle school program integrated with the upper school curriculum.[4] By 2018, marking its 50th anniversary, the school had graduated over 4,000 alumni, reflecting steady enrollment growth to around 856 students in recent years.[3] [9] In 2020, the Board of Trustees endorsed the 2070 Master Plan, a long-term strategy comprising three phased developments to enhance facilities and support future expansion over five decades.[10] Significant infrastructure milestones include the development of a $42 million library and events center, featuring modern amenities such as private meeting rooms, collaborative reading spaces, and an upgraded Genius lab equipped with 3D printers, with construction advancing toward completion in the early 2020s.[11] In early 2023, plans advanced for a dedicated science facility, culminating in February 2024 Seminole County approval for campus expansion that lifted the prior enrollment cap and authorized the 33,256-square-foot, two-story Nochur Sankar Science Center.[12] [8] Construction on this state-of-the-art STEM-focused building began in 2024 and reached completion in August 2025, bolstering the school's capacity for advanced laboratory instruction.[13] [14]Mission and Governance
Episcopal Affiliation and Core Values
Trinity Preparatory School maintains an affiliation with the Episcopal Church as an independent coeducational day school, accredited by the National Association of Episcopal Schools. Founded in 1966 by community leaders including Episcopal clergy such as Reverend Canon A. Rees Hay, the institution integrates Episcopal traditions while welcoming students from diverse faith backgrounds, including all major world religions, to foster a pluralistic community enriched by varied perspectives.[4][15][16] The school's spiritual program emphasizes the integration of faith and reason within a Judeo-Christian framework, featuring weekly chapel services conducted according to the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer, with mandatory attendance for all students. A dedicated full-time chaplain oversees these services, provides pastoral counseling, and facilitates student involvement through roles such as readers, acolytes, musicians, and homily contributors. Seasonal observances, including Christmas and Easter services with optional Holy Communion, underscore ethical commitments to loving neighbors as oneself, pursuing justice and peace, and upholding human dignity, accommodating participants from varying beliefs. Academic requirements include a half-credit in social sciences covering topics like ethics, the Bible, and bioethics to reinforce moral reasoning.[16][4] Core values at Trinity Prep center on faith and spirituality, educational excellence, leadership and character development, and a supportive family-like community. These principles affirm the spiritual dimension of education, promoting personal faith exploration alongside rigorous intellectual growth to produce ethical leaders capable of college success, community contribution, and adaptation to societal changes. The values prioritize traditions, individual dignity, ethical behavior, personal responsibility, and a safe, caring environment, aligning with the mission to cultivate lifelong learners who excel academically, act responsibly, and mature spiritually.[15][16][17]Administrative Structure and Leadership
Trinity Preparatory School's administration is headed by Byron M. Lawson Jr., who serves as Head of School and is responsible for leading the institution's operations, strategic initiatives, and educational vision.[18] Lawson, whose background includes formative educational experiences and cultural immersions, reports to the Board of Trustees and directs key administrative functions.[18] The school's governance is overseen by a Board of Trustees, which sets policy, manages finances, and ensures alignment with the institution's mission.[18] The Board includes officers such as Chair Andrew Asher (class of 1991), Vice Chair Ryan von Weller (class of 1997), Secretary Ora-Monet Hughes (class of 2004), and Treasurer Mark Martin.[18] It comprises 23 active trustees, drawn from alumni like Ariff Alidina (class of 1992) and Robert Johnson (class of 1973), as well as community figures including Bishop Justin S. Holcomb of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida.[18] Ex-officio positions are held by leaders of affiliated groups, such as Tobin Baum as President of the Patrons of the Arts and Aimee Nocero Lewis as President of the Boosters organization, while trustees emeriti include five historical figures recognized for past service.[18] Supporting the Head of School are key administrative roles focused on divisions and operations, including an Associate Head of School and principals for middle and upper schools, which handle day-to-day academic leadership and student affairs.[19] This structure emphasizes collaborative oversight, with the Board providing fiduciary and strategic guidance while the executive team executes educational and administrative priorities.[18]Campus and Facilities
Physical Infrastructure
Trinity Preparatory School occupies a 104-acre campus at 5700 Trinity Prep Lane in Winter Park, Florida, bordered by two lakes and a canal that enhance the integration of natural landscapes with built environments.[6][20] The site's topography supports both academic and athletic functions, with middle and upper school classrooms positioned adjacent to the lakes for aesthetic and environmental context.[6] Key academic structures include Stuart Hall (the 400 building), Holloway Hall (the 500 building), and the George S. Witmer Science Center, alongside administrative and library facilities clustered centrally.[21] The campus also features the newly constructed Nochur Sankar Science Center, a 33,256-square-foot two-story facility completed in August 2025, characterized by exposed ceilings, wood-accented collaboration spaces, large glass walls, and an exterior terrace overlooking the lake to facilitate hands-on STEM instruction.[13] Athletic infrastructure centers on the Race Athletic Center, which houses offices, locker rooms, and support spaces, complemented by two gymnasiums, a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, a track and field complex, a weight room, and dedicated practice areas.[6][22] These elements form a comprehensive physical plant oriented toward supporting a college-preparatory program with emphasis on extracurricular development.[6]Recent Upgrades and Sustainability Efforts
In August 2025, Trinity Preparatory School completed the 33,256-square-foot, two-story Nochur Sankar Science Center, featuring advanced laboratories and collaborative spaces to enhance STEM education on campus.[13] The facility, groundbreaking for which occurred in early 2024, measures approximately 35,000 square feet and supports expanded science programming amid the school's strategic facilities plan.[23] [8] Athletic infrastructure saw upgrades including the installation of artificial turf on the baseball field, with construction starting in July 2025 to improve safety, durability, and weather-independent usability.[24] Booster-funded projects renovated the exterior basketball courts adjacent to the RAC gymnasium and provided synthetic turf for indoor training areas, alongside new volleyball standards for the 2025 season.[25] Sustainability efforts at the campus level remain limited in documented scope, with strategic planning from 2023-2028 emphasizing general facilities maintenance over explicit environmental initiatives like energy retrofits or green building certifications.[26] Student-led discussions highlight everyday practices such as reusable materials, but no verified institutional programs target campus-wide reductions in energy use or waste.[27]Academics
Curriculum and Academic Programs
Trinity Preparatory School offers a college-preparatory curriculum for students in grades 6 through 12, structured around core academic disciplines with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and practical application of knowledge.[28] The program divides into Lower School (grades 6-8) and Upper School (grades 9-12), with coursework designed to build foundational skills in middle school and advance to rigorous high school-level challenges.[28] To graduate, Upper School students must earn a minimum of 22 credits, including 4 in English, 4.5 in social sciences (reducing to 3.5 for the Class of 2029 and beyond), 3 in science (with Biology required), 3 in mathematics (including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II), 2 in world language (in the same language over consecutive years), 1 in physical education (0.5 each in Health and Wellness and Personal Fitness), 1 in fine arts, 0.5 in applied science and engineering, and 3 electives.[29] Departments such as English focus on literature analysis and writing, mathematics progresses from Algebra to AP Calculus BC, sciences cover Biology through AP Physics, and social sciences include world history, ethics, and economics.[29] Advanced programs include 35 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and over 40 honors options, spanning subjects like AP English Language and Literature, AP Calculus AB/BC and Statistics, AP Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, AP Human Geography and World History, and AP Studio Art.[30] Specialized offerings encompass AP Computer Science A, robotics, programming in C++, and access to the Malone Schools Online Network (MSON) for additional interdisciplinary courses such as ethics in medical research.[29] World languages include French, Spanish, Chinese, and Latin, with AP options in French Language, Spanish Language and Literature, and Latin.[29] Unique features integrate STEM experiences, such as engineering design challenges and independent research, alongside fine arts programs in visual arts, music, and theatre.[31] The curriculum supports college readiness through a low 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and opportunities like internships and international trips tied to academic themes.[28]Faculty Qualifications and Teaching Methods
Trinity Preparatory School requires faculty to hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field, with many positions preferring or requiring advanced degrees such as a master's.[32][33] Approximately 77 percent of the school's faculty possess advanced degrees, reflecting a commitment to hiring educators with specialized expertise.[34] Job postings emphasize practical experience, typically a minimum of five years in public or independent schools for middle and upper school roles, alongside strengths in curriculum development and instructional design.[35][36] Faculty engage in ongoing professional development through attendance at educational events and workshops, fostering continuous improvement in pedagogical skills.[34] Full-time positions include responsibilities beyond classroom teaching, such as advising students and contributing to extracurricular duties, ensuring a holistic approach to faculty involvement.[33] Teaching methods at Trinity Prep incorporate 21st-century approaches, emphasizing a growth mindset among both educators and students to promote adaptability and resilience in learning.[30] Instruction encourages students to analyze issues from multiple perspectives, refine arguments, and defend viewpoints through interactive discussions and real-world applications, rather than rote memorization.[30] Programs like the Mountain School of the National Network (MSON) utilize live, collaborative online seminars that connect students with peers nationwide under faculty guidance, integrating technology for dynamic, seminar-style pedagogy.[37] This framework aligns with the school's mission to develop ethical leaders capable of critical thinking and ethical reasoning.[30]Performance Metrics and College Outcomes
Trinity Preparatory School reports average SAT scores for the Class of 2025 of 668 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 658 in Math.[38] For the Class of 2024, the school documented an average composite SAT score of 1329, comprising 663 in Reading and Writing and 666 in Math, alongside an average ACT score of 27.[39] These figures exceed national averages, with the 2024 SAT total surpassing the U.S. benchmark of 1024.[39] [40] In Advanced Placement coursework, 94% to 98% of upperclassmen participate in AP exams annually, with 83% to 85% achieving scores of 3 or higher.[38] [39] The school's graduation rate stands at 100%, with all graduates pursuing postsecondary education.[41] College counseling yields robust outcomes, with over 99% of seniors gaining admission to four-year institutions.[39] The Class of 2025, comprising 119 students, received 1,282 acceptances from 258 colleges across 1,840 applications to 330 institutions.[38] [39] Matriculants from recent classes (2021–2025) enrolled in 119 colleges spanning 17 states and one international location, including selective programs at Boston College, Duke University, University of Florida, and University of Miami.[38] Students secured a 30% acceptance rate to colleges with national rates below 20%, averaging 9% selectivity.[39] Approximately 54% attend public universities and 46% private ones, with a 97% first-year retention rate.[39] The Class of 2024 earned $44 million in merit scholarships.[39]| Metric | Class of 2024 | Class of 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. SAT (Total) | 1329 | ~1326 (ERW 668, Math 658) |
| Avg. ACT | 27 | 29 |
| AP Participation | 98% | 94% |
| AP Pass Rate (3+) | 83% | 85% |
Athletics
Athletic Programs and Participation
Trinity Preparatory School maintains an extensive athletics program featuring 15 sports and 54 teams operating at varsity, junior varsity, and middle school levels.[1] Approximately 70% of the school's enrollment of about 870 students—equating to roughly 600 individuals—participate in these programs each year.[42][1] Participation rates remain high for both male and female students, reflecting broad involvement across genders.[41] The offered sports encompass baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.[43] These programs compete within the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) frameworks, with teams scheduled through regular seasons, districts, and state-level events.[43] Middle school athletics emphasize skill development and multi-sport exposure, while upper school teams focus on competitive performance.[44] School leadership promotes a philosophy of multi-sport participation over early specialization, aiming to foster physical, mental, and character development among athletes.[45] Coaches are directed to support students engaging in multiple seasons or sports, reducing injury risks associated with repetitive training and enhancing overall resilience.[45] An Athletic Boosters Club provides supplemental funding and community support to sustain equipment, facilities, and travel needs for these initiatives.[25]Championships and Notable Achievements
The boys' soccer team won the FHSAA Class 3A state championship in 2023, defeating the opponent via penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw in the final, marking the program's first such title.[46][47] Trinity Prep's boys' cross country team claimed the FHSAA state championship in 2013.[48] The team repeated as state champions in 2014, securing a second consecutive title and contributing to the program's historical total of 18 state victories as of that year.[49] Individual standout Chas Cook won the boys' Class 2A state cross country title in 2015.[50] In track and field, senior Victoria Hill earned her fourth and fifth individual FHSAA state championships in jumping events during the Class 1A meet on May 9, 2025.[51] The girls' tennis program achieved a milestone in 2025 when senior Laziza Talipova reached the FHSAA state singles final, the first such appearance by a Trinity Prep female player since 1983.[52] Across sports, teams regularly capture district titles and advance to regional and state competitions, reflecting consistent competitiveness in FHSAA-sanctioned events.[53]Student Life
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
Trinity Preparatory School offers a broad range of student clubs and extracurricular activities focused on academic enrichment, leadership, service, and personal interests, complementing its core academic programs. These opportunities include competitive academic teams such as Model United Nations, which simulates international diplomacy; Quiz Bowl for rapid-fire knowledge contests; and Science Olympiad, emphasizing hands-on STEM challenges.[54] Students also engage in Envirothon for environmental science competitions, Geography Bee, and History Bowl events tailored to middle and upper school levels.[54] Technology and innovation clubs feature prominently, with dedicated groups in robotics and competitive programming that prepare participants for regional and national contests, building on the school's STEM initiatives.[31][54] Speech and debate activities, through the school's Forensics program, develop public speaking, argumentation, and policy analysis skills via tournaments like those hosted by the Florida Forensic League.[55] Service and leadership clubs include Builders Club, which organizes community projects and volunteer efforts, fostering civic responsibility among members.[54] Interest-based options encompass Anime Club for media and culture discussions, Board Games Club for strategic play sessions, Competitive Chess Club for tournament preparation, and Competitive Programming Club for coding challenges.[54] Additional pursuits like Bake Away! provide creative outlets through culinary activities. The school supports over 50 such clubs historically, encouraging broad participation to cultivate diverse skills and extracurricular depth.[56]Arts and Performing Programs
Trinity Preparatory School maintains comprehensive performing arts programs that integrate theater, music, and related disciplines, available to middle and upper school students through elective courses, ensembles, and productions. These programs emphasize practical involvement, skill development, and public performance, with opportunities extending to competitions and professional collaborations.[57][58] The school produces over 20 fine arts and theatrical events annually, including concerts, plays, and musicals, supported by facilities such as the Freitag & Falk Blackbox Theater and a dedicated music keyboard lab.[59] Masterclasses with professionals, such as Yale's Whiffenpoofs and Broadway performers, enhance instruction and exposure.[57] The theater program offers roles in acting, directing (primarily for juniors and seniors), and technical production, including lighting, sound, and set design, across 6-8 annual productions such as middle and upper school plays, a competitive one-act play, a summer intensive, and a spring all-school musical.[60] Students participate in the Thespian troupe, competing at district and state festivals, and engage in community outreach, including partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club.[60] Productions have achieved recognition through invitations to the American High School Theater Festival and performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2022.[60] Recent accolades include Applause Awards from the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, such as Outstanding Young Performer for a role in a 2025 production. Faculty include experienced directors like Janine Papin, a Jimmy Award winner with Globe Theatre credits, and Carlos Raul Acevedo, producer of over 70 shows.[60] Music programs encompass band, orchestra, and choral ensembles, with courses in piano, percussion, strings, woodwinds, music theory, ear training, and songwriting, culminating in Advanced Placement Music Theory.[58] Key groups include the Trinity Wind Ensemble, Blue and Gold Band, TPSF Drumline, Pep Band, and the a cappella Vocal Society, which advanced to semifinals in the International Championship of High School A Cappella in a recent competition.[58] Performances occur at school events, community venues, and state/national competitions, with outreach to hospitals and retirement homes; collaborations feature artists like alumni Denée Benton, a Tony and SAG Award recipient.[58][60] Forensics, integrated into performing arts, provides training in public speaking and debate starting in eighth grade, preparing students for competitive speaking events.[57] The broader arts framework supports these efforts through the Patrons of the Arts group, which funds visiting artists and enrichment, and an Arts Hall of Fame recognizing alumni achievements after a decade post-graduation.[61][62]Traditions, Community Service, and Student Conduct
Trinity Preparatory School upholds several longstanding traditions rooted in its Episcopal heritage, including weekly chapel services conducted according to the Book of Common Prayer.[4] These gatherings foster a sense of community, with students participating as musicians, readers, and acolytes. Special chapel observances occur for Christmas and Easter, incorporating Holy Communion.[4] The school's motto, "Ad astra per aspera" (To the stars through challenge), embodies its emphasis on perseverance amid rigorous academics.[4] Middle school students engage in an annual Honor Code Ceremony, where grades 6–8 recite and sign the pledge, reinforcing institutional values.[63] Community service at Trinity Preparatory School is entirely voluntary, with no mandated hours, yet students demonstrate substantial involvement. The Class of 2024 collectively logged over 25,000 service hours across four years.[64] Key initiatives include partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, through which students have built 24 houses—the most by any U.S. school—and raised $2,176 for Maui wildfire victims in 2023.[64] Annual food drives with Second Harvest Food Bank collect more than 8,000 pounds of donations, while sophomores have packaged over 30,000 meals in single sessions.[64] Clubs such as Key Club and Best Buddies contribute further, selling over 1,000 roses to raise $2,500+ for the Special Olympics and assembling 260 Easter baskets for local distribution.[64] Student conduct is governed by the school's Honor Code, which states: "I will maintain my self-respect. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate anyone who does."[65] This pledge is recited and affirmed during ceremonies, promoting personal integrity and peer accountability.[63] An Honor Council, comprising students, investigates suspected violations and recommends actions to administrators, aiming to cultivate an atmosphere of trust.[66] The broader code of conduct, outlined in the student handbook, addresses infractions ranging from academic dishonesty to behavioral disruptions, with penalties up to expulsion for severe breaches.[67] Enrollment contracts require parental acknowledgment of these standards, emphasizing representation of the school in all activities.[68]Admissions and Demographics
Enrollment Process and Selectivity
Trinity Preparatory School operates a rolling admissions process supplemented by an early decision option, with applications strongly encouraged to be submitted early to ensure availability of spaces in its grades 6-12 program. The online application for the 2026-27 school year opens on September 8, 2025, and requires submission of academic records such as report cards, at least one teacher recommendation, and standardized test scores. For entrants in grades 6-9, Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) results are mandatory; for grades 10-12, acceptable tests include the ISEE, PSAT, SAT, or ACT.[69][70][69] An admissions interview is required for all applicants, conducted by the admissions team to assess fit, character, and interest in the school's community. The application fee is $85, non-refundable, and prospective families are guided through the portal-based process by contacting the admissions office at 321-282-2515 or [email protected]. Upon acceptance, a 10% tuition deposit is due, applied toward the annual tuition of $29,990 for the 2025-26 year, with additional new student fees of $2,200. Financial aid applications, handled via the Clarity platform, must be submitted by February 3, supporting over 28% of students with $2.9 million awarded annually.[41][69][71] The school's selectivity is moderate, reflected in a reported acceptance rate of 73%, which aligns closely with the 69% average for private schools in Winter Park, Florida. This rate, verified through school updates, indicates evaluation of academic preparedness via ISEE or equivalent scores alongside qualitative factors like recommendations and interviews, rather than ultra-competitive thresholds seen at elite national preps. With total enrollment at 856 students and average class sizes of 17, admissions prioritize holistic fit over sheer volume, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 11:1.[2][2][9]Student Body Composition and Diversity Metrics
Trinity Preparatory School enrolls approximately 860 students across grades 6 through 12, operating as a co-educational day school.[72] The student body maintains a gender ratio of roughly 52% male and 48% female.[73] Racial and ethnic composition reflects a predominantly white student population, with significant representation from Asian and Hispanic students, though exact figures vary slightly across reporting sources due to differences in data collection and categorization methods. According to aggregated student data, the breakdown is as follows:| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 45.4% |
| Asian | 14.9% |
| Hispanic | 13.5% |
| Unknown | 11.2% |
| Multiracial | 7.3% |
| African American | 3.9% |
| International | 2.5% |
| Pacific Islander | 0.8% |