Summary: Our academic program culminates in THE PRACTICUM FOR CIVIC LEADERSHIP, a three-part exercise in social entrepreneurship, intellectual exploration, and collaborative engagement — it includes Winter Projects, Global Collaborative Challenge, and Senior Independent Projects. These programs are purpose-built to develop problem-solving skills, promote interdisciplinary exploration, and teach important communication skills.
Trinity-Pawling’s Wintersession program is an intensive three-week period in December where students' sole academic focus is their Practicum projects. Our students are active participants and co-creators — in and out of the classroom. The Practicum provides many opportunities for teamwork and camaraderie, independent study, and the discovery of gifts and talents.
THE INSTITUTES FOR ACTIVE LEARNING are composed of four Institutes focused on Leadership, Citizenship, Environmental Stewardship, and Entrepreneurship. These dynamic tracks of study are meant to stretch the mind and encourage exploration beyond the textbooks. The Institute leaders are passionate about their subject matter and generous with their time, guiding students to become strong leaders and gain the skills and self-awareness to navigate a complex and ever-changing society. Students participate in exciting and challenging activities that focus on each Institute.
Department Director Tom Curley
Student/Teacher Ratio:
5:1
Average Class Size: 10
Summer Programs: Not Offered
Full Time Teachers: 51
Number of AP Courses Offered: 19
Teachers Holding Advanced Degrees: 65.0%
Number of IB Courses Offered: 0
Learning Support
- Evening Study Assistance
- Learning Center
- Learning Differences Support
- Peer Tutoring
- Study Skills Assistance
- Subject Tutoring
- Technology Center
- Writing Center
- ADD/ADHD Support
English
- Classics
- Creative Writing
- Honors
- Literature
- Playwriting
- Poetry
- Public Speaking
- American Literature
History
- Classical History
- European History
- Honors
- Medieval History
- United States History
- World History
Foreign Languages
- Chinese-Mandarin
- French
- Spanish
Religion / Philosophy
- Ethics
- Moral Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Social Justice
- World Religions
Humanities / Social Sciences
Sciences
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Geology
- Health
- Meteorology
- Physical Science
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Psychology
Math
Computer Studies
- Computer Applications
- Multimedia
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Robotics
- Graphic Design
- Media Communications
- Digital Media
Music
- Band
- Choral Music
- Individual Instructions
- Music Theory
- Voice
Performing / Visual Arts
- Acting
- Animation
- Architecture
- Art History
- Ceramics
- Debate
- Design
- Directing
- Drama
- Drawing
- Film and Video
- Graphic Design
- Journalism
- Lighting Design
- Modern Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Pottery
- Printmaking
- Production
- Publications
- Public Speaking
- Screenwriting
- Sculpture
- Silkscreen
- Stagecraft
- Studio Art
- Television Production
- Theater Arts
- Theater Design
- Woodworking
- 3-D Art
- Jazz Band
- Theater History
Special Programs
- Community Service
- Independent Study
- Leadership
- Outdoor Education
- Entrepreneurship
- Physical Education
- Robotics
- Public Speaking
- Student Council
- Digital Design
- Maker Space
Distinctive or New Programs
- The Practicum for Civic Leadership
The Institutes for Active Learning
The Effort Challenge
Summary: ATHLETICS:
At Trinity-Pawling, sports are for everyone. We play to stay fit and have fun. But sports have even bigger lessons to teach us: about success and failure; leadership and sacrifice; how to find serious stamina and resilience within yourself.
Guided by some of the best coaches in New England, we strive to become true scholar-athletes — by our skill and also by who we are as people. In the end, we display the full measure of our character on the field, the court, the track — wherever we compete.
ARTS:
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or newly creative, we’ll introduce you to a variety of art forms so you can discover and nurture your passions.
We believe that cultivating self-expression builds confidence and focus, which is why art classes are central to our curriculum. You’ll take at least one year of music, theater, visual arts, art history, or music appreciation, with the opportunity to continue on to advanced-level classes.
Your instructors are teachers and accomplished professional artists who are active in their fields. You’ll learn from the best, and you’ll do it in our Gardiner Arts Center, a showpiece in itself, which houses a 400-seat theater, rehearsal spaces, practice rooms, a dark room, and art studios.
Arts Department Director: Gabe Avis
Athletics Department Director: Brian Foster
Notable Achievements: 2018 Varsity Hockey Founders League Champions
Arts
- Acting
- Animation
- Architecture
- Art History
- Ceramics
- Debate
- Design
- Directing
- Drama
- Drawing
- Film and Video
- Graphic Design
- Journalism
- Lighting Design
- Modern Design
- Painting
- Photography
- Pottery
- Printmaking
- Production
- Publications
- Public Speaking
- Screenwriting
- Sculpture
- Silkscreen
- Stagecraft
- Studio Art
- Television Production
- Theater Arts
- Theater Design
- Woodworking
- 3-D Art
- Jazz Band
- Theater History
Interscholastic Sports
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country Running
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Soccer
- Squash
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Wrestling
Recreational Sports
- Basketball
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Football
- Golf
- Hiking
- Ice Climbing
- Mountain Biking
- Outdoor Education
- Power Lifting
- Rock Climbing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Tennis
- Weight Lifting
- Ice Skating
Summary: As a college preparatory school, the entire Trinity-Pawling community works together to provide our students with the guidance and support they need to find success in college and beyond. Our dedicated college counseling team has an individualized and student-centered approach as they help each student navigate the college selection process.
From researching and visiting to applying and interviewing, our Office of College Counseling strives to make the entire experience efficient, focused, and rewarding.
College Information
Percentage of graduates who attend college: 100.0%
Middle Percentile of SAT Scores |
Reading |
Math |
Writing |
25th percentile |
500 |
510 |
25.0 |
75th percentile |
570 |
630 |
28.0 |
College attended in the past 5 years by our graduates:
George Washington University: 11
Hobart and William Smith Colleges: 31
St. Lawrence University: 15
Syracuse University: 16
Sacred Heart University: 12
University of Vermont: 17
Boston College: 7
Emory University: 12
Pennsylvania State University: 15
University of Rochester: 8
University of California Berkeley: 13
Cornell University: 7
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: 11
Drexel University: 11
Franklin & Marshall College: 7
Boston University: 12
Gettysburg College: 10
Sewanee University: 5
Carnegie Mellon University: 5
Elon University: 11
Marist College: 11
Trinity College: 17
Notable Alumni
Christopher Wren
Class of 1954
Retired from The New York Times after nearly twenty-nine years as a reporter foreign correspondent and editor. He is the author of Those Turbulent Sons of Freedom and Walking to Vermont.
Paul Rachman
Class of 1978
Is an American film director who directed the highly praised 2006 documentary American Hardcore which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was released by Sony Pictures Classics.
Andrew Masset
Class of 1967
Is an actor known for Halt and Catch Fire Remember the Titans and Kill the Messenger.
Michael Melford
Class of 1968
Is an American photographer artist and teacher known for his National Geographic magazine assignments.
Joseph Callo
Class of 1948
Is a Naval History Magazine Author of the Year. His most recent book is a memoir titled The Sea Was Always There.
Chukky Okobi
Class of 1996
NFL football player Pittsburgh Steelers 2001–07 Super Bowl XL Champion
Maurice Vaughn
Class of 1986
MLB first baseman three-time All-Star AL MVP
Gil Junger
Class of 1972
Is an American director for Touchstone Pictures most famous for 10 Things I Hate About You
Quotes From Alumni
“Attending Trinity-Pawling helped me mature as a hockey player and a young man. It gave me the experience and education I needed to make it to the next level.”
-, Class of 2014,
“After completing the LEAD Program at Trinity-Pawling, I have a lot more confidence as a student. When I write papers in college, I know I have the tools and skills to do it well.”
-, Class of 2017,
“Trinity-Pawling had an excellent impact on my life. There, I learned to become a better person, student, and friend. I still use techniques and skills learned at the School on an everyday basis. Thank you to the teachers for their commitment and support. Go Pride!”
-, Class of 2007,
“The community surrounds you to help you be a better person. Your dorm parents are there for you 24/7. It’s similar to a family. They want the best for you and they want you to excel. I have that same feeling when I go home.”
-, Class of 2016,
“My four years at Trinity-Pawling provided me with a myriad of leadership opportunities, serving as captain, proctor, and prefect. Yet, I'm most proud of my role as acolyte and Senior Sacristan. The Chapel shaped me as much as sports did.”
-, Class of 1986,
“Trinity-Pawling taught me to work hard and put myself in the right situations, even if it means taking a risk. It gave me the self-confidence that now fuels me as an entrepreneur.”
-, Class of 2007,
“I learned more about leadership in my two years at Trinity-Pawling than I did in my four years at West Point.”
-, Class of 1999,
“The focus on effort at Trinity-Pawling stuck with me. I see it coming through in my professional work and my work in law school, both where I have to give 110% of my life. The lessons I learned at Trinity-Pawling kept me organized and taught me how to manage my time and maintain a disciplined schedule.”
-, Class of 2011,
“I credit all of my success to this place. Trinity-Pawling really does turn boys into men. Proud to be an alum Go Pride!”
-, Class of 1975, P'11
“My four years at Trinity-Pawling provided me with a myriad of leadership opportunities, serving as captain, proctor, and prefect. Yet, I'm most proud of my role as acolyte and Senior Sacristan. The Chapel shaped me as much as sports did.”
-Stew McKnelly, Class of 1986,
“The community surrounds you to help you be a better person. Your dorm parents are there for you 24/7. It’s similar to a family. They want the best for you and they want you to excel. I have that same feeling when I go home.”
-Trey Aiello, Class of 2016,
“Trinity-Pawling had an excellent impact on my life. There, I learned to become a better person, student, and friend. I still use techniques and skills learned at the School on an everyday basis. Thank you to the teachers for their commitment and support. Go Pride!”
-Elliot Kaitz, Class of 2007,
“After completing the LEAD Program at Trinity-Pawling, I have a lot more confidence as a student. When I write papers in college, I know I have the tools and skills to do it well.”
-Jeff Thompson, Class of 2017,
“Attending Trinity-Pawling helped me mature as a hockey player and a young man. It gave me the experience and education I needed to make it to the next level.”
-Johnny Coughlin, Class of 2014,
“The focus on effort at Trinity-Pawling stuck with me. I see it coming through in my professional work and my work in law school, both where I have to give 110% of my life. The lessons I learned at Trinity-Pawling kept me organized and taught me how to manage my time and maintain a disciplined schedule.”
-Jacques Zelnik, Class of 2011,
“Trinity-Pawling taught me to work hard and put myself in the right situations, even if it means taking a risk. It gave me the self-confidence that now fuels me as an entrepreneur.”
-AJ Chan, Class of 2007,
“I learned more about leadership in my two years at Trinity-Pawling than I did in my four years at West Point.”
-Kevin Emore, Class of 1999,
“I credit all of my success to this place. Trinity-Pawling really does turn boys into men. Proud to be an alum Go Pride!”
-Michael Waller, Class of 1975, P'11