At Trinity, financial aid is awarded based on need. Need is determined, as mandated by the KHSAA, using an out of state financial aid service. Factors such as athletic ability or even the name of the applicant are not known by the out of state service. They only have financial information and a number for the applicant. All applicants receive the same percentage of need, to the extent that money is available. There are a few schools in the Louisville area that do a very good job with very high performing students. Trinity is one of those schools. For students that are at risk academically, and I have NO knowledge of this young man's academic standing, there is no better school than Trinity. No one even comes close.

Because you have knowledge of how all the other schools in KY perform with students that are "at risk academically"?

Because you have knowledge of how all the other schools in KY perform with students that are "at risk academically"?

 

Good point!!!

Because you have knowledge of how all the other schools in KY perform with students that are "at risk academically"?

 

Trinity has, over the last decade, made a significant and deliberate focus on their program to benefit kids that are at risk academically. That's no slight to any other schools, but simply a fact. What Trinity can and does do isn't an option for many schools, especially cash-strapped public schools without the funding and resources to implement the programs that Trinity has implemented. Here's a link to Trinity's webpage describing the 4 academic programs, and this link provides informaton on Trinity's Learning Support Program for kids with learning differences. This link provides information about Trinity's Traditional Program, which is the progrram many kids who don't have documented learning differences, but need to learn the dicipline and focus needed to function at a high level academically, begin.

 

I will also note: A kid can be in more than one level at any given time, due to the recognition that a student needing remeidal assistance mathematically, may actually be gifted in language arts, for example. A student may not necessarily stay in one academic "track". Students are evaluated frequently, and it's been my experience that even in the midst of an academic cycle, may be moved "up" or "down" to better address the students individual academic needs as their high school careers advance.

 

As well, the Trinity House System is a very special program that makes Trinity feel "small", and provides additional peer support throughout their time at Trinity.

 

Students at Trinity take the ACT every year, and prep for it throughout beginning their freshman year.

 

All in all, I take nothing away from what any public school is able to do, nor do I take anything away from those schools who achieve great results with students that are academically at or above where they should be. I do take significant pride, though, in knowing that Trinity, as a private school and without any federal or state mandate, have made it their mission to include even students that may be at risk. It's not just an effort to serve these students. Trinity is achieving success serving these students.

Trinity has, over the last decade, made a significant and deliberate focus on their program to benefit kids that are at risk academically. That's no slight to any other schools, but simply a fact. What Trinity can and does do isn't an option for many schools, especially cash-strapped public schools without the funding and resources to implement the programs that Trinity has implemented. Here's a link to Trinity's webpage describing the 4 academic programs, and this link provides informaton on Trinity's Learning Support Program for kids with learning differences. This link provides information about Trinity's Traditional Program, which is the progrram many kids who don't have documented learning differences, but need to learn the dicipline and focus needed to function at a high level academically, begin.

 

I will also note: A kid can be in more than one level at any given time, due to the recognition that a student needing remeidal assistance mathematically, may actually be gifted in language arts, for example. A student may not necessarily stay in one academic "track". Students are evaluated frequently, and it's been my experience that even in the midst of an academic cycle, may be moved "up" or "down" to better address the students individual academic needs as their high school careers advance.

 

As well, the Trinity House System is a very special program that makes Trinity feel "small", and provides additional peer support throughout their time at Trinity.

 

Students at Trinity take the ACT every year, and prep for it throughout beginning their freshman year.

 

All in all, I take nothing away from what any public school is able to do, nor do I take anything away from those schools who achieve great results with students that are academically at or above where they should be. I do take significant pride, though, in knowing that Trinity, as a private school and without any federal or state mandate, have made it their mission to include even students that may be at risk. It's not just an effort to serve these students. Trinity is achieving success serving these students.

That's a well conceived reply, and I don't doubt the ability of Trinity to meet any students needs. But to say "no one else comes close" is simply shortchanging some awfully good academic efforts made by both public and other private schools in our state. I'm not bemoaning the fact that Hicks and everyone else enrolled there can't receive a top tier education. But there are other alternatives academically, no doubt that are on par with Trinity.

 

As for this move, regardless what the father might portray in a phone conversation with GT, there is sporting motivation behind the move. And there's nothing in the world wrong with it. And I will restate my opinion on the move,,,,,he is doing it the right way. No one can say when it's all said and done that he remotely tried to skirt the rules. And for the record, there's not a rule anywhere that says you can't move for athletic purposes alone. There's simply some hurdles to make it happen, and he's jumping them.

 

I highly doubt Hicks is in any academic stress. Let's call it what it is.

I never once said athletics was not a factor in the decision. It most certainly did play a role. I can also guarantee you that the academic side of things was the biggest factor for Hicks and his family making this choice...

I never once said athletics was not a factor in the decision. It most certainly did play a role. I can also guarantee you that the academic side of things was the biggest factor for Hicks and his family making this choice...

Was he in academic distress? If the answer is no, then the Trinity rehabilitation angle that seems to be portrayed here is hogwash. Again, he's moving for both. Didn't mean to put words into or out of anyone's mouth in this thing.

Was he in academic distress? If the answer is no, then the Trinity rehabilitation angle that seems to be portrayed here is hogwash. Again, he's moving for both. Didn't mean to put words into or out of anyone's mouth in this thing.

 

He is not in academic distress, but he is like most of the recruits I deal with in that he has some work to do after not taking things as serious as he should as a freshman. Hicks is a bright, and mature young man for his age from my dealings with him over the last 18 months or so. They simply felt T was the right choice for a lot of reasons. Academics and athletics are both on that list...

Was he in academic distress? If the answer is no, then the Trinity rehabilitation angle that seems to be portrayed here is hogwash. Again, he's moving for both. Didn't mean to put words into or out of anyone's mouth in this thing.

 

I didn't get the impression that it was a "Trinity rehabilitation". But, I do want to emphasize, that what may be deemed as acceptable in the eyes of many, may not be for this kid's parents. For instance, if he's making C's in a non-challenging curriculuum, it's possible his parents know he could do better, and want a program that will challenge him. Maybe they recognize that while gifted athletically, one needs to have discipline on AND off the court. Maybe they think the environment at Trinity as a whole is better suited to what they want for their son. I can't even begin to speculate. But it's my experience that no one chooses to pay $10-11K for athletics alone. Even with financial aid, they're looking at at least $5K. And again, I don't know anyone willing to fork over $5K for athletics alone to a school that will definitely require academic dicipline and focus as well.

He is not in academic distress, but he is like most of the recruits I deal with in that he has some work to do after not taking things as serious as he should as a freshman. Hicks is a bright, and mature young man for his age from my dealings with him over the last 18 months or so. They simply felt T was the right choice for a lot of reasons. Academics and athletics are both on that list...

And I commend them for their choice. Took some nerve to donate an entire h.s. season.

I didn't get the impression that it was a "Trinity rehabilitation". But, I do want to emphasize, that what may be deemed as acceptable in the eyes of many, may not be for this kid's parents. For instance, if he's making C's in a non-challenging curriculuum, it's possible his parents know he could do better, and want a program that will challenge him. Maybe they recognize that while gifted athletically, one needs to have discipline on AND off the court. Maybe they think the environment at Trinity as a whole is better suited to what they want for their son. I can't even begin to speculate. But it's my experience that no one chooses to pay $10-11K for athletics alone. Even with financial aid, they're looking at at least $5K. And again, I don't know anyone willing to fork over $5K for athletics alone to a school that will definitely require academic dicipline and focus as well.

I agree about the speculation, however, to think that folks won't go to the extreme of paying what they think will advance their chances athletically is a bit naive IMO, mom. Not that Hicks needed that in this instance.

I agree about the speculation, however, to think that folks won't go to the extreme of paying what they think will advance their chances athletically is a bit naive IMO, mom. Not that Hicks needed that in this instance.

 

 

Well, I guess I'll have to see your naive with a "I know and have know A LOT of families, and none of them, despite all the rumors otherwise, chose to pay tuition for athletics alone". I'll raise you a "What's your experience with families choosing Trinity?"

Well, I guess I'll have to see your naive with a "I know and have know A LOT of families, and none of them, despite all the rumors otherwise, chose to pay tuition for athletics alone". I'll raise you a "What's your experience with families choosing Trinity?"

This was your quote " And again, I don't know anyone willing to fork over $5K for athletics alone to a school that will definitely require academic dicipline and focus as well. "

I don't have any experience with Trinity. I wasn't speaking of them with your general statement. For those of us who didn't graduate from there, the world still revolves apart from Trinity.

Sorry to skew this thread. I take part of the blame. I wish the kid luck.

This was your quote " And again, I don't know anyone willing to fork over $5K for athletics alone to a school that will definitely require academic dicipline and focus as well. "

I don't have any experience with Trinity. I wasn't speaking of them with your general statement. For those of us who didn't graduate from there, the world still revolves apart from Trinity.

 

No one expects that the world revolves around Trinity. But, do expect when questions or misinformation are posted, that we'll respond. I would hope that the fact that the answers are not just opinions, but that fact exists to support them carries some weight.

 

I too wish him success, just as I wish all kids success at whatever school they attend, and at any pursuits they may take, athletic or not.

I never once said athletics was not a factor in the decision. It most certainly did play a role. I can also guarantee you that the academic side of things was the biggest factor for Hicks and his family making this choice...

Or is it simply the reason they want everyone to believe on which their choice is based?