In 1952 Trinity Catholic School opened its doors as Blessed Sacrament School to 102 students in first through fourth grades at its present location on Miccosukee Road and Brevard Street. The school consisted of a one-building attachment to Blessed Sacrament Church and was known locally as 'The Reading School.' Enrollment doubled the following year and almost 60 years later the school now serves over 460 students from Pre-K through Eighth Grade.

Begun by three Dominican Sisters from Adrian, Michigan, who pioneered the fledgling school, Trinity was then led by six principals from the Adrian Order (O.P.) and the Franciscan (O.S.F.) Order. The present principal, Mrs. Janet Gendusa, holds the distinction of being our first lay principal. In the early 50's the Sisters resided in a home across the street from the school and eventually a convent was constructed, which now overlooks the campus as the John Neuman Retreat Center. Lay teachers now make up the entire faculty.

From 1952-1976, the school was under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of St. Augustine. In 1977 the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee was formed under its first Bishop, Rene Gracida, and Blessed Sacrament School was renamed Trinity Catholic School. Organizationally, the school is guided by the Diocese, the Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, the School Advisory Board, and the Principal. As the only Catholic Elementary School in the area, the school remains a ministry of Blessed Sacrament Church, but is financially, spiritually, and liturgically supported by the parishes of Blessed Sacrament, Good Shepherd, St. Thomas More, St. Louis and St. Eugene's Chapel.

The original mission of the school was 'that every child will learn to read.' The modern concept of teaching the 'whole child' has broadened the scope of our mission to meeting the physical, spiritual and academic needs of students and keeping pace with changing times. The demand for greater use of technology and making connections among subject areas has resulted in applied learning rather than segmented and purely factual mindsets.

Plans for Florida Catholic Schools Accreditation began in the 1960's but it was not until 1970 when the Florida Catholic Conference established a set of principles and standards to guide the process. Since the time Trinity completed its first accreditation it has maintained this status. The last self-study was completed in 2010.

In 2001-02 an extended day care program was initiated at the request of the Trinity School Board as a lever to increase enrollment and provide parents with a Catholic-based option to child care. 'Beyond the Bell' has become a strong program offering Trinity students various enrichment activities until 6:00 each evening.

In 2007 Principal Gendusa established a Pre-Kindergarten three year old program also in response to a growing need for a quality early childhood program built around Catholic standards. Now students can boast of eleven years of Catholic Education when they graduate from Trinity.

Our present pastor, Monsignor John V. O'Sullivan, has been a strong supporter of the school since his appointment in 1979 and is responsible in overseeing the school's development. In 2009, as part of a prepared homily on the importance of Catholic education, he defined Catholic Schools in the following way: 'A Catholic School is a place where:

• Students experience information, formation and transformation.
• Students come to know that they are made from love, to love and be loved.
• Students are educated for life and not just to make a living.
• Students are formed by relationships and come to know that they are fully alive when in community with others.
• Students learn that they have an eternal destiny in the presence of a God who love and cares for them uncontrollably.

Since our inception, Trinity Catholic School has become an established, well-respected part of the capital city's central downtown location and its academic reputation has remained strong. In 2006, then Florida Governor Jeb Bush issued a proclamation in honor of Catholic Schools Week. In it he paid tribute to our legacy, stating: 'Whereas, students who attended Trinity Catholic School have received an outstanding education, thus contributing to the welfare of the entire community; and Whereas, Trinity Catholic School has shaped many leaders in Florida.

Along with many physical changes that have occurred at Trinity, there has likewise been progress in the development and delivery of academics and curriculum that have kept pace with a changing conception of education at its best, thus contributing to a continuing legacy of excellence.

Return to About Trinity