I’m not familiar with this “collaborative” or “university” model. How does it work?
Please see the home page to read more about our classical, Christian, collaborative model.
What does an average week look like?
Students attend classes 2 days a week (Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs) from 8:40 am to 3:45 pm. Beginning in Grade 7, students come to campus on Fridays as well. At-home instruction takes place on the other days.
What does it cost?
For 2024-25, TCA's tuition rate is $4190 per student per year for grades K-6, and $4990 per student per year for grades 7-12, plus a non-refundable deposit of $200 per student. Pre-K tuition is $2950 per student. There is a 10% tuition discount for additional students from the same family.
Families will also want to budget for uniforms and books (cost will vary depending on grade). Our Board is committed to keeping costs low, making TCA accessible for as many families as possible.
How many students make up the student body?
For the 2023-24 academic year, we have a student body of 437 students in grades pre-K through 11. Our student-to-teacher ratio is 11:1.
How is TCA different from home schooling?
In homeschooling, parents bear responsibility for the entire educational process: choosing curriculum, planning lessons, teaching, grading, recordkeeping, etc. In a university-style academy, the curriculum, lesson-planning, teaching, and grading are handled by the school, leaving parents free to participate in the most enjoyable part of education: co-teaching. Students receive a top-quality classical education using the best curriculum and practices, and parents get the joy of facilitating learning without having to manage the entire educational process.
Is financial aid available?
Yes! Thanks to some generous donors, we have funds available to provide need-based financial aid. All families desiring financial assistance must first apply for admission to TCA. Once admitted, families desiring financial assistance will fill out a third-party financial aid application, and aid will be awarded to families who demonstrate financial need.
Where is the Trinity Classical Academy located?
Our on-campus days take place at the TCA Campus located at 800 N. Front St, Waterloo, NE 68069.
Is Trinity Classical Academy accredited by the State of Nebraska?
No. The academy operates as an “exempt school” under Rule 13 of the Nebraska Administrative Code, which allows private, denominational, and parochial schools to be exempt from accreditation requirements that would violate the sincerely held religious beliefs of parents. The reason for this exemption is twofold: 1) State accreditation comes with specific mandates that we feel interfere with parent-directed Christian education; and 2) the State of Nebraska’s accreditation process does not include a category for “part-time” university-style educational models that combine classroom instruction with parental co-teaching. Because of this exemption, TCA works with parents to file Rule 13 forms with the State of Nebraska each summer, gathering and submitting the appropriate information on parents' behalf.
Does TCA offer pre-kindergarten?
Yes, our Pre-K program is intended for children who are preparing for kindergarten at TCA. Pre-K students must be 4 years old by July 31 to start Pre-K in August of the same calendar year.
Is TCA only an elementary program?
No. We are currently serve students in grades K-11, and we add a new grade every year, with the aim of becoming a full K-12 academy.
Who else is doing this?
These types of programs are flourishing in larger cities all over the nation. For some comparative examples, check out:
Who oversees Trinity Classical Academy?
The Board of Trustees broadly oversees the TCA’s affairs; the Head of School is in charge of daily operations.
Who should I contact with further questions?
Feel free to direct any additional questions to info@tcaomaha.com. Even better, attend one of our informational meetings to hear more in person!