General Information

Mission Statement

Trinity Episcopal School is committed to the breadth of the Episcopal tradition in both its unity and diversity.

A student of Trinity Episcopal School is challenged to academic excellence while honored as an individual with unique potential.
As faculty and families together influence young lives, students themselves will be affirmed as ambassadors of grace, citizens who live and teach an ethic of service and respect for others.
A student of Trinity Episcopal School is trained in the example of Christ and toward a stewardship of healthy body, lively soul and discerning mind.

The Vision and Guiding Principles for Trinity Episcopal School

Trinity Episcopal School is called to inspire young lives by creating outstanding scholars who are grounded in a firm spiritual foundation and an enduring commitment to the richness of diversity.

TES is grounded in an exceptional educational program that inspires a love of learning and a quest for knowledge. The innovative and integrated curriculum challenges children to fulfill their unique potential as students and scholars.

TES nurtures spirituality as an integral dimension of children’s development, thereby preparing them to share their intellectual and creative talent for the fulfillment of God’s purpose. We observe the cherished rites of the Episcopal Church, including its tradition of reason, openness and acceptance. Our responsibility as children of God affirms our commitment to outreach and service to others.

TES is committed to creating and sustaining a school community that mirrors the racial, religious and economic diversity of greater Charlotte.

History/Founding of Trinity Episcopal School

Germination of an Idea
A decade ago, a group of Charlotte Episcopal clergy and parishioners planted a seed of educational excellence to be nurtured in spiritually rich soil. Today, it is growing at Trinity Episcopal School. Just as we care for the seed that becomes a flower, we also must ensure that Trinity continues to thrive.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of hundreds in our community, Trinity is igniting the minds, bodies, spirits and senses of our children and families.

Trinity opened its school doors in Charlotte’s Center City in August of 2000, and in June 2005, Trinity Episcopal School received its accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Teachable Moments

At Trinity Episcopal School, we believe lessons are found in more than textbooks. We find them while swimming at the Mecklenburg Aquatic Center, celebrating cultural events at Spirit Square, visiting The Nature Museum, discussing the importance of honor in class and laughing and singing during Chapel.

In real-life experiences we find wonderful “teachable” moments to strengthen and reinforce our academic core curriculum. The uniqueness of our community allows us to educate and empower our children to become intelligent, contributing and service-oriented citizens.

Through reflecting on their individual life experiences, they will gain insight, tolerance and fuller education.

A Place to Grow
For our students, the buzzing and humming of our city fulfilling its destiny is almost a life force of its own. The energy is all around us in First Ward. Things which were old are being made new. It excites our senses and fires our imaginations. The possibilities for learning seem endless.

With skyscrapers framed by our classroom windows, our city becomes another textbook offering wonderful lessons that both entice and engage us.

School walls cannot contain us, and Charlotte’s Center City has become our extended campus. We are within walking distance of museums, galleries, businesses, theaters and the public library. Each offers a new learning medium and a new experience, crafting who we are and what we shall become.

Empowering Our Children
We influence our children not only with our words but with our deeds. What they glean from us today, they will use tomorrow. Our children are poised for discovery!

Trinity empowers its students so they may be prepared to be the next generation of leaders in this world. We help them discover wholesome living by becoming conscientious and caring individuals. We encourage them to find their own compassionate, intelligent, discerning, responsible and unique selves.

Where We Are
Trinity Episcopal School sits on approximately four acres of property in the heart of the First Ward Garden District of Charlotte’s Center City. Trinity’s Temporary Village School opened in the fall of 2000 with 102 students in grades K-5. An additional grade was added each year completing the scope with K-8 in 2003, the year our existing building was completed. Today, there are 415 students enrolled for the 2008-2009 school year.

The Trinity Way

The Staff at Trinity Episcopal School…

places children first

honors diversity

lives compassionately

values flexibility and serendipitous learning

exhibits a generosity of spirit, sharing of gifts and talents

creates an atmosphere of collaboration and connectedness

generates positive energy and optimism

demands respect for children, teachers and parents

shares high expectations for all, children and staff alike

believes in differentiation and intrinsic motivation

demonstrates an attentiveness to the surroundings, always “noticing”

commands a sense of trust and openness

accepts responsibility for own actions

admits and strives to correct mistakes

Trinity Episcopal School

2008-2009 Board of Trustees

Al Lindemann, Chair

Gail Fennimore, Secretary

Beth Hobbs, Assistant Secretary

Victor Williams, Treasurer

Garrell Keesler, Parents’ Association President

Smokey Oats, Head of School

Susan Baker

Catherine Browning

Ann Blakeney Clark

DeeDee Dalrymple

Sarah Belk Gambrell

Ruth Ellen Gill

Larry Good

Elizabeth Hardin

Will Joyner

Gail Laughlin

Bill Miller

Bob Miller

Ashley Pollock

Ted Rast

Bruce Rinehart

Stoney Sellars

Bill Underwood

Nicholson B. White

Sophie Wood

Trinity Episcopal School admits students of any race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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