Trinity Adding Seventh, Eighth Grade

Trinity Catholic School is making a comeback. Next school year the parochial school at 1306 W. Montgomery will add a seventh grade to its elementary school program. The following year it will add an eighth grade.

“This expansion has been able to go because of the diocese support, parent and parish commitment, and the growing community commitment to Trinity School,” principal Mike Trudeau said.

In 1969 St. Joseph’s and St. Anthony’s Catholic schools were consolidated to form Trinity. In 1988, the higher grades were eliminated because of lack of interest. Seventh and eighth graders transferred either to St. Charles Catholic School or to Glover Middle School.

The additions mark Trinity’s stabilization after years of dropping enrollment and struggles to pay the bills.

That stabilization comes in part from a Catholic school program called Fair Share that lets families pay only as much tuition as they can afford. In the West Central neighborhood, many families were unable to afford tuition at the private school, which next year will be $2,900 per student.

For Trinity students, the addition of the seventh and eighth grades will mean more stability, Trinity teacher Jaci Meyers said.

“The kids develop a comfort level and a loyalty to the school during their years here,” she said. “It’s been hard for them to leave at the seventh grade.”