Episcopal Identity
At Trinity, Episcopal identity is rooted in the core values of faith, community, and service
As a ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church since 1954, we embrace the inclusive spirit of the Episcopal tradition. We welcome individuals of all denominations and faith traditions. Our commitment to nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing compassion, integrity, and respect for one another.
Through worship, prayer, and a vibrant community life, we cultivate an environment where spiritual growth and intellectual curiosity thrive in the Wonder of God’s creation. Our curriculum is enriched by a philosophy of engagement with the broader community, locally and globally.
We believe that education is not just about academic excellence but also about developing character and empathy. In fostering a culture of service, we empower our students to be leaders who advocate for justice and embodying a life lived in service to others.
In embracing our Episcopal identity, we strive to create a school that reflects God’s love. We aspire that every individual in our community is instilled with a sense of belovedness and value, not in what they can do or produce, but in who and who’s they are. Faith formation and learning go hand in hand.
Four Pillars of Episcopal Identity at Trinity
At Trinity Episcopal School, our Episcopal identity is lived out daily through four key pillars that shape who we are and how we learn together. These pillars create a foundation for our community, nurturing students in mind, body, and spirit while welcoming families of all faiths and backgrounds.
School Worship
Worship is at the heart of our life together. Trinity students gather for chapel three times each week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to pray, sing, and reflect in services that are creative, inclusive, liturgical, and regular. Our student-led chapel gives students opportunities by leading prayers, Scripture readings, and reflections that help connect faith to daily life. This rhythm of shared worship teaches students to pause, give thanks, and consider their place in God’s world.
Find out more about what this looks like at Trinity by learning more about our chapel services here.
Religious Formation
Episcopal education values both faith and reason, engaging students in age-appropriate and academically meaningful explorations of Christian tradition while also encouraging dialogue with other faith traditions. At Trinity, this means classroom discussions that foster curiosity, respect, and openness, as well as opportunities for students to ask big questions about life, faith, and purpose.
Find out more about what this looks like at Trinity by learning more about our Sacred Students co-curricular class here.
Community Life
We believe that school is more than academics. It is a community where every child is known, supported, and valued. Reflection, prayer, and care for the whole person are built into daily life at Trinity. From joyful traditions and service projects to shared meals and collaborative learning, students experience belonging and learn the importance of supporting one another with compassion and respect.
Find out more about what this looks like at Trinity here.
Social Justice
Rooted in the call to “love your neighbor as yourself,” Trinity integrates concepts of equity, justice, and service into the fabric of school life. Students participate in service-learning projects, community partnerships, and leadership opportunities that help them see how their gifts can make a difference. In classrooms and beyond, we teach students to recognize the dignity of every human being and to embrace their responsibility to contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
Find out more about what this looks like at Trinity here.
School Worship
Religious Formation
Community Life
Social Justice
FAQs of Episcopal Identity
What does it mean that your school is Episcopal?
As an Episcopal school, we are rooted in the Christian faith as expressed through the Episcopal Church. This means we value a tradition of worship, inquiry, service, and inclusion. We aim to nurture both the hearts and minds of our students, helping them grow in faith, compassion, and understanding.
Do students have to be Episcopalian to attend?
Not at all. Our school warmly welcomes students and families of all faith backgrounds—or no faith background. We believe that diversity enriches our community, and our chapel services and religious studies are designed to be inclusive, respectful, and invitational rather than dogmatic.
What is chapel like?
Chapel is a central and cherished part of our weekly rhythm. Services are student-led, age appropriate and rooted in Christian teachings, with Scripture readings, music, prayer, and messages that speak to the students’ lives. Our chapel reflects the Episcopal tradition while also encouraging students to reflect, lead, ask questions, and grow spiritually.
How is religion taught in the classroom?
Religious education in an Episcopal school focuses on teaching the stories of the Bible, Christian values, and the importance of empathy and community. It also encourages open discussion and respect for other faiths, recognizing that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey.
What values are emphasized in Episcopal education?
Episcopal schools are guided by a set of core values including respect, integrity, compassion, service, and a commitment to equity. We emphasize the dignity of every human being and the responsibility to care for one another and the world around us.
Is Episcopal worship different from other Christian traditions?
Episcopal worship has a rich tradition of liturgy, rooted in Scripture and the Book of Common Prayer. It includes readings, prayers, music, and sometimes Eucharist (depending on the setting). While it follows a structure, there is warmth, beauty, and flexibility, especially in a school setting where services are adapted to be engaging and accessible for students.
How does the school support spiritual growth?
We provide opportunities for students to explore faith through chapel, classroom discussions, service projects, our Godly Play/Sacred Studies specials classes, and quiet reflection. Our goal is not to prescribe what a student should believe, but to offer a foundation of faith and a safe space to ask questions, grow spiritually, and discover who God is calling them to be.
Learn more about Trinity's Episcopal Identity by visiting Trinity Episcopal Church!
Meet the Rector
The Rev. Michael A. Koehler has served as Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church since April 2020 and is the spiritual leader of the Trinity Episcopal School community. Father Michael and the members of Trinity Episcopal Church view the school as both an important ministry and a meaningful outreach of the church. He is deeply committed to supporting the spiritual life of the school, offering a student-driven message each Wednesday during chapel that encourages reflection, growth, and connection to Christ’s teachings.
Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church & School