As U.S. Test Scores Plunge, Trinity Academy Students Excel
The COVID-19 pandemic was not kind to students. Across the U.S., standardized reading and math scores plunged to levels we haven’t seen since 1992.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assesses student achievement every other year and releases results as The Nation’s Report Card. In 2022, the average NAEP fourth grade mathematics score dropped five points, and the average eighth grade mathematics score dropped eight points. Reading scores dropped three points at both grade levels.
Meanwhile, Trinity Academy students stayed in the 99th percentile in both math and reading scores. In other words, our students are among the top 1% in reading and math in this country.
On the most recent Iowa Test of Basic Skills, our kindergarten students averaged grade 2.2 in their core total scores. That means our kindergarteners had already achieved the learning standards expected of students in the second month of second grade. Our third grade students averaged grade 8.1, which means they met eighth grade learning standards.
Across our school, most students scored ahead of their grade by at least a full year (and often more). You can see the full results here.
Again, we achieved these results at a time when students at other schools are struggling more than ever. The NAEP found that 38% of eighth graders across the U.S. earned math assessment scores that were “below basic” this year.
Our school didn’t just get lucky. Our students are not unusually gifted; admission to our school is not based on rigorous entrance exams or IQ tests. We believe these results come from real-time education, dedicated teachers, and a tried-and-true curriculum.
The Trinity Academy Curriculum
At Trinity Academy, our mathematics curriculum is grounded in computation, mental calculation, and memorizing basic math facts. Our reading curriculum emphasizes phonics, mastery of syllables, spelling, and repetition. We teach classic literature rather than the Common Core reading curriculum.
We also use an independent curriculum for science, history, and geography. Students study U.S. history from its founding to the present day. They learn how Greece, Rome, and subsequent civilizations form the heritage from which America developed. They learn life science, physical science, and earth science, with ecology and conservation viewed in light of our respect for God’s creation. We instruct students in the Catholic faith and Catechism, too.
Trinity Academy uses traditional, non-electronic learning materials. We don’t use Chromebooks, Smartboards, or electronic curriculum resources. Instead, we use physical textbooks and chalkboards. We engage the material through class discussion.
We believe children deserve to have a challenging curriculum and a loving, faith-based school community. We believe they deserve to achieve mastery of basic learning skills like reading, spelling, and math. As a parent, you likely believe your child deserves these things, too.
At each new stage of a child’s life, more of their calling is revealed. At Trinity Academy, we strive to equip students for their future vocations, whatever those vocations may be.
You can read more about our independent curriculum in this blog post from Robin C. Mitchell, Ph.D., Headmaster and Founder of Trinity Academy.
