Trinity Academy (Kansas)

Three businesspersons, Bill Nath, Pete Ochs, and Bob Smith, decided to establish a Christian school in Wichita. The school first opened in the fall of 1994; 20 acres (8.1 ha) of land had been donated and the staff had been hired the previous spring. Classes were initially held in rented space in Central Community Church since the school could not afford to build a permanent school building. Initially, 61 students attended the school. The school later sold its initial land and bought a larger plot of land.[1]

Its permanent $2.5 million building, which opened in 1998, was financed through donations. It has 16 classrooms and is in eastern Wichita, on 75 acres (30 ha) of land. By 2006, the school had grown to 266 students, making it the state's largest non-Catholic Christian high school. Another building campaign was held. Approximately $5 million was raised, and in 2008, the expansion was complete with more classrooms, an auditorium, and a second gymnasium. The school continued to grow beyond 300 students. In 2013–2014, the school celebrated its 20th anniversary by unveiling a new $3.5 million football stadium and track. A cross-country track was added in 2014.[1]

In 2016, an elementary and middle school.[2] was added. The school opened at Eastminster Presbyterian, a nearby church. A new K-8 building was opened in January 2017, just south of the high school. Phase I of the new $5 million elementary and middle school includes 13 classrooms, a commons, a music room, a science room, a library, a kitchen, and offices.
Notable alumni include Ben Adler, former Kansas State football player, Morgan Burns, a former-athlete-turned-minister, and Felix Johnson, comedian, and sports talk radio host.

It is a member of the Kansas State High School Activities Association,[3].

According to the Trinity Academy Statement of Faith, the school believes the following:
"Trinity believes that the above doctrinal statement comprises the essentials of the Christian faith and the basis for our unity as believers. Doctrines open to more than one interpretation by sincere, obedient, and loving Christians are not emphasized so that unity and peace in the fellowship of God’s people will not be disrupted. It is not the intention of the Board to cause division within the body of Christ by insisting that a student adheres to a particular interpretation of doctrines on which Christians may differ. When confronted with such subordinate doctrinal issues, students are encouraged to seek further counsel from their parents or pastor."

The school prohibits its students from having sexual activity.[4]

In 2016 the school made students sign contracts saying that they may be expelled if they or any of their family members were revealed to be homosexual/LGBT and/or promoting homosexuality/LGBT.[5] The administration responded by saying that it would not "necessarily deny admission to a student with same-sex attraction" and that it would not and has not rejected a student for having a sibling who identifies as LGBT.[3] The school stated that the students' families should determine whether they can follow the school's Biblical worldview. Tom Witt of Equality Kansas criticized the policy, saying that it punishes third parties for the actions of others. The school received criticism on social media.[4]

• Statement from Trinity Academy to KSNW about the LGBT-related contract (Archive)

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