Palmer School and Trinity Episcopal School merged to become Palmer Trinity School in 1991. This new independent Episcopal school was destined to become a premier educational institution. What was not predictable in this same period was Hurricane Andrew’s direct hit of the Palmer Trinity campus in 1992. Roofs blown off, windows broken out, trees and shrubs uprooted, the fields flooded—the beautiful campus was devastated. Classes started in tents that fall.
Over the past 30 years, Palmer Trinity has grown in students and acreage. Post-hurricane landscaping and the school’s commitment to environmental preservation are reflected in the serene tropical loveliness of gumbo limbo trees, Royal Poinciana trees, palms, ferns, orchids, other foliage native to the area and a muster of peacocks. As we look to the future and expand to our South Campus, the infrastructure is in place for a new Classroom building, Olympic-size pool, Chapel and more playing fields.
Today, Palmer Trinity’s students come from 30 countries where 50 percent are bilingual and 30 percent speak three or more languages. Students represent Episcopal, other Protestant Christian, Roman Catholic, Jewish, Islamic, and Hindu faiths. As an Episcopal school, Palmer Trinity welcomes students and families of all faiths, and promotes an affirming, inclusive atmosphere.
Palmer Trinity’s dedication to excellence spans all facets of school life. Honors and Advanced Placement courses, the Harkness approach, global education and initiatives in experiential learning reflect Palmer Trinity’s commitment to strong traditional education alongside creative, innovative education. The school’s 50 athletic teams testify to the growing and successful sports program. The excellent drama, music, and visual arts programs offer students a broad range of options in creative expression.
Weekly convocations, with emphasis on topics of ethics, along with monthly worship that encourages spiritual formation in each individual, bond the students together in spiritual, as well as academic growth. A number of outreach projects both in country and abroad provide hands-on experience in sharing the resources that we have been given with those less fortunate.
Palmer Trinity School (PTS) is also a full global member of Round Square, a long-standing worldwide network of innovative schools in 40 countries across five continents. Palmer Trinity is the eleventh school in the United States to be granted membership to Round Square. Round Square schools share a passion for experiential learning. Together Round Square works hard to ensure that our pupils have every opportunity to achieve in ways and to levels beyond their perceived limits. Round Square opportunities are available to all students at Palmer Trinity from grades 6–12 for conferences and exchanges.
With the approval of our Master Site Plan, Palmer Trinity has commenced designing the School’s South Campus, while updating classrooms and facilities on our existing 22-acres. This work will ensure that the School’s physical spaces optimally support our mission and programs. Our facilities will enhance our efforts to maximize interdisciplinary collaboration among departments and divisions, while energizing and showcasing the spirit of innovation. The campus will also demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and energy conservation, functioning as laboratories that help us educate our students to be prudent stewards of the global ecosystem.
As we expand and develop our School and campus, we will continue to uphold our mission as reflected in our motto, Virtus, Humanitas et Spiritus, supporting the power of virtue, humanity and spirit.
For more information about Palmer Trinity School visit www.palmertrinty.org or call (305) 251-2230.