About our school

Trinidad School:  A Brief Glimpse

Location:   Nestled in the redwoods 30 minutes north of Eureka, the county seat of Humboldt County. The unique geographical features of Trinidad Head, the memorial lighthouse,and Trinidad Harbor create one of the most beautiful and scenic places to live - the jewel of Humboldt County!

The Community:   The school serves the small rural communities of Trinidad and Westhaven, minutes away from Redwood National Park to the north and Humboldt State University (Arcata) to the south. Tourism, fishing, timber and small business comprise the local economy. The nearby Trinidad Rancheria is a Native American community whose children attend our school and whose leadership provides yearly financial support for our programs.

Enrollment:  Approximately 180 students

Average class size:

            Grades 5-8:  25 students

            Grades K-3:  20 students

Mascot and Colors:  Dragons, green and white

Available Programs:  Programs

Awards:  California Distinguished School, 2000.

For a Personalized Tour or to answer your questions, contact:

Desiree Cather in the school office (707) 677-3631;
Jacqueline Stratton, Parent Teacher Organization President (707) 677-3631;
or Kindergarten teacher Emilee Arispe (707) 677-3631.

Trinidad School Highlights

Facilities:   1994-95 School Modernization Project; nineteen station computer lab, colorful murals painted by children; Garden Project planted and maintained by children; 1998 Field Improvement Project; Running Track; walking distance from beach access and Humboldt State University's Marine Laboratory. Upcoming projects: Roof Modernization ($805,000 Deferred Maintenance grant - 2009); Heating System Modernization ($580,000 Deferred Maintenance grant - 2010)

Curriculum and Instruction:   Trinidad School offers a high-quality standards-based curriculum, mastery of basic skills, and enrichment for all students with music, visual arts, and physical theater. The Resource Specialist / Title I Teacher offers instruction to special needs students. Trinidad School promotes the philosophy that all students have special talents and abilities. Enrichment projects and activities occur in classrooms and for the community throughout the year. Our staff includes a choral and instrumental music instructor, a Marine Studies Coordinator, a drama instructor, and an Artist-in-Residence.

M.A.R.E. (Marine Activities and Resources Education):  This curriculum from Lawrence Laboratories, University of California at Berkeley, provides all students K-8 with a marine studies program, taking full advantage of our location near the Pacific Ocean and Humboldt State Marine Laboratory.

Student Recognition:  Student-of-the-month (grades 5-8), Trinidad Civic Club Civic Award, Principal’s Honor Roll (B or above) and High Honor Roll (B+ or above), Veterans Day Essay Competition, Spelling Bee, Humboldt County Art Show, and team sports awards.

After School Education and Safety program:  For K-8 students from 12:30 to 6:00 p.m.  Enrollment forms are available at the school.  Some students may qualify for free care.

Hot Lunch and Nutritious Snack Program:  Daily hot lunches with free and reduced-price lunches available to qualified students.  Morning breakfast/snack program also provided.

Bus Service:  Afternoon service only (3:30 p.m.) is available to district students who reside outside the city limits.

Outreach Efforts:  Trinidad School feels a commitment to its community.  For example, the students and staff support Beach Cleanup Day, Pennies for Peace, Sister School in Africa, the local Food Bank, as well as salmon restoration projects on local rivers.  In addition, the District is exploring partnerships with other local school districts in areas such as instruction, administration, the arts, staff development, and sports programs.

Organizations:  The Parent Teacher Organization provides activities for students and families, as well as fundraising events for the school.  Trinidad School Education Foundation serves to raise funds for a variety of school programs, and among other projects has funded choral and instrumental music instruction for the past four years.  The School Site Council provides input on the fiscal planning, implementation, and evaluation of such programs as GATE (Gifted And Talented Education technology, library services, Title I services, and School Improvement.

Volunteers:  Parent volunteers are encouraged to participate in their child’s education, and are an important part of the instructional program.

Visitors:  Trinidad School has an “open door” policy.  You are welcome to visit any time.  Call (707) 677-3631 to make arrangements, or have “coffee with the principal” 8:00 a.m. on the first Friday of each month.

Programs and Services:   For descriptions of a wealth of programs and services provided at Trinidad School, please go to the main menu and click on "Programs".