Holy Trinity Classical Christian School (HTCCS), located at 302 Burroughs Ave., launched its second year on August 21 with excitement and a large increase in its student body number. With an approximate 80% increase in students and the addition of a sixth grade class, the school is making good on its promises to have careful, steady growth by adding one grade level per year.

HTCCS offers an educational philosophy shaped by the classical model of the Trivium. There are three phases: Grammar (K-5), Logic (6-8) and Rhetoric (grades 9-12). This centuries-old method applies the biblical concepts of knowledge, understanding and wisdom to the age-appropriate stages of a child’s development. The objective of the classical methodology is to equip students with the tools of learning and the wisdom to apply them to life situations. HTTCS aims to minister across denominational lines.

Headmaster Reverend Chad Lawrence stated, “We had a 100% Grammar School re-enrollment rate at the end of our first year, aside from the few families who relocated out of the town or country. We are simply thrilled and believe whole heartedly in our school, its mission, the success of its curriculum and most importantly, our teachers. We look forward to the school’s impending growth and the impact it will undoubtedly make on our community.”

[caption id="attachment_12843" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Schools-Students-in-Ms.-Lori-Hinsons-first-grade-class-gather-for-a-group-shot-on-the-first-day-of-school.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-12843" alt="Students in Ms. Lori Hinson's first grade class gather for a group shot on the first day of school." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Schools-Students-in-Ms.-Lori-Hinsons-first-grade-class-gather-for-a-group-shot-on-the-first-day-of-school-300x224.jpg" width="300" height="224" /></a> Students in Ms. Lori Hinson's first grade class gather for a group shot on the first day of school.[/caption]

HTCCS maintains its reputation for academic excellence, placing in the top 90th percentile among schools nationwide after participating in a series of year-end
standardized testing. Committed to an intimate and distinct learning experience, HTCCS plans to maintain an ideal teacher/student ratio, with maximum number of students per class capping at 14. The school’s plans are to offer an additional grade per year until it is able to offer a full pre-K through 12th grade education. Adding to its unique atmosphere is its belief in exposing students to the many riches of Western Civilization including great art, music, literature, scientific achievement, and Latin. HTCCS is led by Lawrence and faculty of 20. Lawrence received his B.A. from Grove City College in Grove City, PA.

After two years as a missionary, he entered the teaching profession in California earning a multiple subjects teaching credential through the California State University in Bakersfield.

During his time as an educator, he was named Franklin School Teacher of the Year and awarded the Kern County Excellence in Teaching Award. Discerning a call to the ordained ministry, in 2006 he and his family moved from Bakersfield, CA to Ambridge, PA, where he earned a Master in Divinity Degree from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. He was also awarded the Hebrew Exegesis Award, the Henning Award for Expository Biblical Preaching, and the Senior Leadership Prize.