If you are considering TCA, you need to be aware of a few things. First, the culture of exclusivity and mean girls is pervasive and extreme. It starts in middle school and by Upper School is out of control. Being a teenage girl is hard everywhere, but TCA makes it 1000% percent worse. It does not have a Christian culture when it comes to this. In fact, some of the moms who run the bible studies promote the exclusivity or look the other way. Upper School is very socially competitive, and some parents are part of this problem, resulting in lots of kids feeling left out and unvalued. Second, TCA is not a serious athletic school. The lack of quality athletics is huge and has a big impact on the high school experience and culture. TCA can't keep quality coaches and doesn't create winning teams. TCA doesn't value sports. Third, there is a huge lack of diversity in race and interests. If your child is a minority or not a mainstream popular kid, they will be an outsider. A few other things: the academics aren't that great anyway. They don't offer many electives, no dual credit, and very few true leadership opportunities. Food is low quality and college guidance is minimal compared to other private schools. Parents don't meet with college counselors until junior year. You can do better than TCA for the tuition. Maybe TCA was better a decade ago, but it has fallen behind in recent years.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2023
The school and its culture and sense of tradition and family make it very warm and welcoming. The teachers genuinely care about the students. They lead children in a Christ like manner while integrating Christ into the school curriculum.
Submitted by parent on April 19, 2022
No question that Jesus is woven into every fiber of TCA! This is a school that prides itself on growing the whole child and whose focus is driven by bringing out the best each child has to offer. Your child will find more than just a superior education, they will find purpose, drive and determination.
Submitted by parent on November 27, 2018
I attended this school and has such an amazing experience my only prayer was to be able to send my children who now attend!! We are so blessed and they are so happy! Both look forward to school every day! It's truly exceptional!
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2017
TCA is a fabulous fit for my child! The teachers are committed to and enthusiastic about their work and it shows in the way they interact with the students. My daughter is excited to go to school each day, is challenged academically, and is growing spiritually. There is a great balance of the Christ-centered, spiritual aspect working in tandem with the college prep, education piece. I was confident when I choose TCA for my daughter’s education, and it has been even better than I could have imagined!
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2017
We have had a wonderful experience as a new family to TCA this year. The academics have been excellent but what we have appreciated even more is how they teach. Teaching has been very intentional and purposeful. We feel like the teachers really understand our children and have helped them grow academically, spiritually and as a whole person. TCA families have been so welcoming and our kids feel happy, safe and secure.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2017
we have three children at TCA, all there since Kindergarten, now in the middle and upper school. They are very different kids with very different interests but we get everything we are looking for (Christian in practice not just name, competitive sports, fantastic fine arts, very strong academics and caring teachers and staff) all in one school for what is arguably the best value in the Dallas private school market.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2017
We have an 8th grader and 4th grader, both who have been at TCA since kindergarten. We love this school and are so grateful God brought us here. The academics are challenging, but they do lots of things to inject fun. I really appreciate how intentional the administration is in preparing the kids (and parents) for their next big steps, whether it's middle school, upper school or college. I also appreciate their balanced approach to coming alongside us to help raise our kids to live with Christian values, reflecting Christ. And at the root of our love of this school is the people. They aren't perfect. None of us are. But from the administration to the teachers to the coaches to the staff, these are people who love working at this school and are dedicated to serving Christ through their role at TCA. Our kids LOVE going to school because they know they are surrounded by people who love God and love them.
Submitted by parent on March 15, 2017
TCA has provided an amazing place for my children to grow and flourish. As an alum with very fond memories, I was worried it might not meet all of my expectations. Instead, it has exceeded them. Because of the size of TCA, it is able to meet the needs of all three of my children. Academically, spiritually, athletically, fine arts....they offer so many great resources and places for my children to feel loved and grow.
Submitted by other on November 09, 2016
They made the mistake of thinking I was going to put my high energy first grader on stimulants to keep her sedated during class. Perhaps I will but not in the first grade and not in an environment where she's not being taught anything. I spent 30K for prek and k and my daughter learned very very little. Nothing in reading, writing or arithmetic. I finally took my daughter to another private school. After three days of academic testing and said she's preforming at at least a second grade level in everything and a third or higher grade in reading. They recommended skipping first grade and moving her straight into second grade. In less than a week the new school had done more academic testing than Trinity had done in two years... Still I was concerned about my daughters high energy issues and ask her new teacher if I could meet with her. When we met, I ask her how we will be communicating about behavior issues, making sure we're on the same page and what we can do to help her. Her teacher said there's no problem with my daughter, she's doing fine and has no issues that can't easily be handled. Her teacher said she's an expert and can spot problems and would of already let me know if she saw any. I couldn't believe it, I couldn't accept it, I ask her again and again, waited several days and waited several weeks. I keep getting the same answer, no behavior issues. As a TCA alumni I'd say carefully consider if your child is right for TCA. They focus on the 82% kid. If your child is too bright or not bright enough then it's not a good fit. Be prepared to be involved, on a daily basis, in your child's education. If you want someone who can take care of the business of educating your child without your daily intervention then you should keep looking.TCA about traumatized us sending all those silly teacher notes with boxes to initial and sign everyday that highlighted their own classroom management problems. While it didn't seem like it at the time our last day at TCA was truly a blessing.
Submitted by parent on September 25, 2016
Three of my children graduated from Trinity. Not only did it prepare them well for college, but it gave them a safe, healthy environment where they made life long friends. All three attended excellent universities. We owe a debt of gratitude to the faculty of TCA!
Submitted by parent on June 21, 2016
The teachers and staff took a personal interest in my children - encouraging them to do their best and holding them to high standards academically, socially, and spiritually. It was worth every penny spent!
Submitted by other on April 16, 2016
This school completely prepared me for the college curriculum. I am finishing up my freshman year of college easily with a 4.0 GPA taking 17 hours. Every step of the way the teachers and faculty encouraged me to excel, to dig deeper into concepts, and really understand how to solve problems. Each and every one of my teachers were enthusiastic about their subject and about making sure I understood each lesson. They were available and willing to come early and stay late to help me succeed in their class. I was not only prepared academically but also spiritual. I learned how to apply each concept I learn and relate that to how God has created and sustained the earth. I feel completely confident in the Word and because of the community I had at Trinity, i was encouraged to find a similar group of solid christian friends in college. However, not the entire student body is strong in their faith, but that is to be expected. If you are looking for a school with perfect people, that is not here, frankly that is not anywhere. Yes, bullying is there, but the faculty takes this very seriously, and most of the time when people "get away with bullying" it is because nobody tells someone. But this is a school with faculty and staff who love the Lord and pour out into each of the students. I learned so much about grace, faith, and love by the stories and actions of my teachers. When I have a family, I will do whatever I can in my power to make sure my children attend this school. Trinity Christian Academy prepared me academically, spiritually, and in character to thrive on a secular campus and make movements for the kingdom of God on my campus.
Submitted by student on March 02, 2016
Elementary school and middle school were both fine. The teachers were great, and the other students were friendly. However, the high school is absolutely miserable for anybody who isn't rich or athletic. It often causes huge amounts of anxiety from both the academic and social pressures. The academics cater to a very small group of people;most find it too difficult, and a few others find it boring or too easy. Most the teachers are helpful, but people in the administration often pick on certain students who don't fit their mold of a perfect TCA student. It's full of brainwashed, elitist, hypocritical students who have a "holier than thou" attitude. Religion is forced on students constantly in an extremely specific way, and anybody who doesn't fit their idea of a Christian is outed by their peers. The administration is brainwashing the entire student body to be an exclusive "Jesus club." Voicing an opinion different from your peers will result in an onslaught of insults. the majority of students end up being slapped in the face with reality when they go off into the real world. TCA is not teaching Jesus's message of love and grace for everybody, but they are promoting a completely different message through their words and actions. Quite a few people have been turned away from the faith by TCA's approach rather than drawn to it. Overall, this school is a horrible choice for anybody who doesn't fit their religious mold and isn't smart, athletic, and rich, so stay far away.
Submitted by student on December 04, 2015
If your child isn't not a brilliant student then TCA is not for you. In high school it is a requirement to take honors and AP english and history, for some students that's too much. Also if your child doesn't take honors and AP classes sophomore through senior year, then they will feel like they've not worked hard enough because the rest of their grade is taking harder classes. Have your child take choir or drama 1 in high school as an elective. Let me just tell you that the art program as good as it may be IS NOT worth it. All you get is teachers who are somewhat rude in their critiques, count you off for things they told you to do, and give you a ridiculous amount of homework and art papers. Go to Prestonwood or public school, your child will excel.
Submitted by other on April 14, 2015
As a past student I would never recommend this school to anyone. If you only went there through 4th grade it would be fine. After you reach middle school it all goes down hill. Students are bombarded with work they are not prepared for and the teachers aren't much help. The high school is the worst part. The administration is made up of egotistical people who do not care for the kids well being. Everything is weighted, cheer and drill team tryouts, ambassadors, counselor interviews, etc. They also refuse to replace teachers who are terrible at their jobs because they give the school money. The student body is a mess of cliques and bullies. Whenever I speak to people who still go there they say they wish they had the courage to leave. If you send your child here you will be trapped in the TCA "bubble". The "bubble" is the inescapable social barrier that forms there. The kids there never know what the real world is like until they graduate. Many alumni had trouble making friends after going to college because they lived and breathed TCA their entire lives. Run, don't walk, run away from this school.
Submitted by parent on September 18, 2014
This is a great school if your child excels in sports and academics. If not...forget it. They provide absolutely NO help if your child is underperforming. You must hire a tutor. No after school help. No before school help. They won't even switch teachers if it's not a good fit. It's your problem alone if your child needs a little help. Bullying is rampant. Shocking what "good Christian kids" say to each other when they think no one is looking. There is absolutely no parent involvement. Especially out of school. No parties, social gatherings or moms get togethers. You have to be nominated to be a room mom!!! Very strong alumni presence...and not in a good way. Very ostracizing and unfriendly to new families.
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2014
This is a great college prep school. We were previously at an "elite", secular private school. The Lower School is a loving and nurturing gem. My dd says that it is like a play date everyday. Strong art, great playground, chapel. Incredible reading program. Middle School is about building independence. Strong academics, numerous sports and fine arts. They also study Latin. High behavior standards. The US is where it all comes together. My high schoolers actually feel like the administration cares about them, individually as a person. My son is taking many honors classes in math, science, technology and English/history. It is challenging, even for gifted students. Most graduates go to UT, TAMU and Baylor, but also Princeton, Cornell, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt, Duke, etc. There is also a strong emphasis on spiritual development through reflection, mission trips and community service. It compares to the best private schools in Dallas, with one big difference: the teachers pray for the students and are committed to developing them for the glory of God.
Submitted by parent on July 26, 2014
Excellent school. Strong academic curriculum with a core foundation in Christian values. No school is perfect but it's far better than school nearby, both public and private. As a parent, I've watched my child develop lasting friendships without the social pressures from their previous school. The academic rigor is strong while preparing students for life beyond the classroom. TCA continues to seek excellence from its students with a strong biblical foundation. Highly recommend.
Submitted by parent on July 15, 2013
Serves the average to above average student; the caliber of students in general is far less competitive than more prestigious schools like ESD, Parish, Greenhill, Ursuline, etc. Sweet Christian families and a strong community but not a springboard to the Ivy League.