Trinity Valley School review by Vanderbilt University student.
Trinity Valley School (TVS) is very academically orientated. Languages offered include chinese, spanish, latin, and are required for three years. Advanced Placements (APs) are also offered. Three years of science are required, with most students taking APs. English is required every year with options of honors and AP. Math in high school ranges from Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and Statistics with students being placed on a specific math track. There are various humanities classes, both AP and not, as well as elective classes such as Fine Arts, newspaper, yearbook, leadership, creative writing, and other APs. Teachers want students to do well and will help a student in choosing appropriate classes. Doing well in class was what was expected. Students are competitive with each other. Most of the teachers had a "no nonsense" attitude, but they were always willing to help students if they asked. School was structured but at the same time, as we got older we were expected to take more initiative in getting work done- this helped me in college. The AP classes, especially the english ones, prepared me for the rigors of college classes. The choices that were available to us also helped prepare me for the choices in college. One thing-- the teachers really care and are all very good teaachers, so I expected college professors to be this way, however that is not always the case. In the high school, each class has around 80 students, with an average academic class having about 16 students. This varies based on the specific class, for example my AP French class (no longer offered) had 5 students and my leadership class had 9 students. In general AP classes usually have fewer people. Teachers were readily available to students. In addition, high school starts at 9:25- so from 8:30 ish until then students can go to teachers for extra help, to complete group work, or to finish homework! Scheduling has changed since I attended so I cannot comment on the current homework schedule, but it was always manageable. In addition, there is also a test schedule so that a student cannot have more than two tests on one day.
I had a uniquely negative experience with college counseling. We were first introduced to college.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at Trinity Valley School as experienced by former pupil and Vanderbilt University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
I was admitted to TVS in 8th grade. There was a basic application with short.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to Trinity Valley School by former pupil and Vanderbilt University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
The school is relatively small. and there are only about 400 in high school. the small size really allows teachers and students to develop a relationship. Teachers are very dedicated and want to help students succeed. the campus is nice, and as of 2013, is having additions to create more large learning areas. there is also an outside classroom and a ropes course. the campus is secured all the way around the perimeter and there are security gates and someone on duty at all entrances. The majority of students come from middle and upper middle class families, however there are.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at Trinity Valley School as experienced by former pupil and Vanderbilt University student — Login or Sign Up to access full review