This school's academics are hard, yet really fulfilling. All of Trinity's academics are good, but Trinity excels in its humanities programs: English, history, and classics. Those programs greatly overshadow the math, science, and language departments, but those departments are changing a lot and are improving at a very fast rate. For example, the math department has welcomed three new teachers, the science department is completely revamping its curriculum, and the language department is updating its teaching AP material and adding teachers to expand its Mandarin program. All of the teachers are engaging, interesting people that really do their best to get to know their students both in and out of the classroom, and to challenge the students. And challenge they do! The academic requirements are steep: four years of English, three years of history, three years of Mathematics, three years of languages (or have achieved proficiency up to AP or Level IV) two years of laboratory science (freshman year science does not count), two semesters of arts (visual or performing), and a couple others that I can't remember. The amount of work that they give you far exceeds anything from middle school, and it's up to you to finish it all. I found myself working 4 - 6 hours a night to get as much done as possible, using every minute of free time both at home and school to work. Indeed, that is part of the school's philosophy: labore et virtute, with labor and virtue. However, you are not expected to do it alone. Teachers really emphasize their availability to students for help of any kind. Making appointments with teachers during your free periods is very easy, and highly encouraged. If students are really struggling, an Achievement Center is available, and if students want to do more, teachers are always willing to engage in deeper conversations and more advanced learning outside of the classroom. Some friends I knew were taking online math classes on advanced topics with teachers, and this all happened from performing well on tests and sitting down with a teacher. Whatever you want to do, you can make happen; you just need to put in the time and effort. Classes usually involve a combination of lecture and discussion. In humanities classes, you are given readings, which teachers expect you to talk about in class. Indeed, in-class participation (answering questions, introducing a discussion point, etc.) plays a large part in the grading for every class, be it English or science. It is not difficult to get involved in class, however, due to the small average class size. Classes never exceed eighteen students, creating an environment conducive to participation and discussion. All this is excellent preparation for college! The high-intensity workload makes college work seem like nothing, and the mental training that Trinity puts you through allows you to not just to complete your assignments, but draw some new meaning from them. Trinity is made for the type of person who really likes learning a lot and doesn't mind putting in the hours needed to discover some truly wonderful things about their work and life in general, and this type of person really flourishes in college! So, if you can make it through Trinity and get past the rigor and learn the lessons that it has to offer, you will be more than prepared for college and the life ahead.