Trinity Area School District
Tucked into the rolling hills of Washington County, the Trinity Area School District stands as a remarkable blend of history, innovation, and community. Founded in the 1800s as Trinity Hall Military Academy, the district’s deep roots are still visible throughout its modern campuses. Antique yearbooks, uniforms, and furniture are proudly displayed at the high school—a nod to the district’s beginnings and a reminder of how far it’s come. Today, Trinity continues to evolve while still holding tightly to the values that have shaped generations of Hillers.
Trinity High School’s hallways are buzzing with the energy of hands-on learning, innovation, and a strong sense of dignity. One of the district’s greatest points of pride is its in-house Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. With 39% of students participating, these programs give students the opportunity to earn industry credentials and enter the workforce immediately after graduation—if that’s the path they choose.
What’s especially impressive is how these programs are woven into the fabric of the school community. Students don’t need to be enrolled full-time in a CTE program to explore career pathways—courses can be taken as electives, allowing every student the chance to develop new skills. Alumni frequently return to share their experiences and lend a hand, showing how meaningful these programs are, even long after graduation.
The variety of programs available speaks volumes about Trinity’s commitment to real-world readiness. In the Veterinary Technology program, for example, staff members bring in their pets for grooming and checkups, giving students authentic, hands-on experience. The Power Motorsports program welcomes community members who bring in boats and jet skis for winterization—a true example of learning through service. Other programs, such as Agriculture Mechanization, Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Therapy, Applied Horticulture, Early Childhood Education, and Business and Accounting, give students a strong foundation in both technical skills and professionalism.
Supporting these programs are tools and technologies that rival college labs. Thanks to grants such as the LSA and Moonshot initiatives, the high school boasts equipment like 3D printers, Wazer waterjet cutters, CNC machines, and precision manufacturing tools. Students are encouraged to experiment, design, and problem-solve with resources that bring their ideas to life.
But perhaps one of the most inspiring aspects of Trinity High School is how it engages its surrounding community. Through the Community Education Liaison program, retired professionals—from nurses and engineers to police officers and lawyers—can earn an emergency substitute certification and serve within the district. This innovative initiative has been a huge success, bringing decades of professional wisdom into classrooms and building powerful intergenerational connections.
Partnerships also play a major role in the Trinity experience. Crazy Horse Coffee, a Washington-based business, partners with the school’s Hiller Café, while CHROME Federal Credit Union sponsors the Hiller Vault, the in-house student-run credit union. Both spaces provide valuable real-world experience in business operations and customer service.
Inside, the Esports Arena gleams with high-end technology and team spirit, giving students an opportunity to explore the rapidly growing world of competitive gaming and digital collaboration. Faculty professional development is equally forward-thinking, as teachers are engage in training around computational thinking, AI integration, and modern instructional strategies to ensure Trinity students are prepared for the future.
Community service is also central to the school’s identity. Students and staff partner with local organizations to give back—whether it’s distributing turkeys during the holidays, packing elementary student backpacks with food for the weekends, or keeping school food pantries stocked. The underlying goal is always the same: eliminate barriers for students and help them reach their goals, whatever they may be.
Just down the hill, the new Trinity Intermediate School feels like a glimpse into the future of education. The building is spacious, filled with natural light, and full of energy. Its state-of-the-art media center, podcast studio, and makerspace offer endless opportunities for creativity and exploration. Inside the makerspace, students can design, build, and tinsker with materials and technology—from 3D printers to crafting tools—learning through experimentation and play.
Flexible seating, outdoor classrooms, and wide-open spaces encourage students to move, collaborate, and think differently. Teachers use reward-based learning to inspire positive behavior—students who meet goals might earn time in the makerspace to create leather patches for hats or print custom designs. Personalized learning blocks allow students to explore interests ranging from dance to virtual travel with VR headsets.
The scale of the Intermediate School makes it a true district asset. Large spaces, including the expansive gymnasium, are shared with other Trinity schools for programs and events. Connected to the main building is the Trinity Athletic Complex, a modern, climate-controlled facility that eliminates the limits of Western Pennsylvania weather. Students can train, lift, and even fly drones year-round, supported by a certified sports performance coach who helps them learn how to train safely and effectively.
Physically connected to the Intermediate School, Trinity Middle School bridges the excitement of elementary discovery with the independence of high school. The building hums with the unmistakable buzz of middle school energy—students collaborating, experimenting, and learning by doing.
The FabLab is a centerpiece of the building: a large, open, creative space where students can invent, design, and bring their ideas to life. Whether they’re exploring robotics, building prototypes, or experimenting with digital fabrication tools, it’s a space that encourages curiosity and teamwork.
The media center mirrors that same spirit of innovation. Bright, open, and flexible, it’s a space where students gather to research, create, and even compete—its layout has hosted Esports competitions that fill the room with excitement and friendly rivalry. Just steps away is the Middle School Esports Arena, a vibrant room glowing with Trinity blue lighting. The gaming computers here were built by Trinity High School students themselves—a perfect example of how collaboration and mentorship extend across grade levels.
Adding to the impressive facilities, the natatorium houses the Trinity swim team and supports both athletics and physical education programs throughout the year. The ability to practice and compete on campus builds pride and unity, giving students yet another way to connect through school spirit and shared experiences.
With its blend of hands-on learning, technology integration, and student engagement, Trinity Middle School perfectly captures the district’s mission to prepare every learner for success in a rapidly changing world.
A short drive away, Trinity West Elementary School, one of four elementary schools within the district, bursts with color, imagination, and Dr. Seuss-inspired imaginativeness. The classrooms are filled with inviting reading nooks, hydroponic setups where students grow plants and displays of creative projects, such as LEGO constructions tied to books they’ve read. In the library, students explore the interactive iSandbox, a digital, 3D learning tool that combines augmented reality with tactile play. Every elementary building in the district features one, adding a unique, immersive dimension to early learning.
Each building in the Trinity Area School District proudly displays its blue and white spirit. The consistent branding across facilities not only reflects school pride but reinforces a sense of unity and belonging. It’s a visible reminder that no matter the age or stage, every student is part of something bigger.
At its core, Trinity is a district deeply committed to its vision—helping students reach their full potential and supporting them every step of the way. From its rich history to its modern innovation, the Trinity Area School District continues to honor its legacy while boldly shaping the future of education for its students and community.
