Trinity Pawling School
In 1907, Dr. Frederick Luther Gamage founded the Pawling School for boys. In 1946,
it was renamed Trinity-Pawling in recognition of its ties to the Trinity school
in NYC. In 1978 T-P formed its own Board of Trustees and became separate from Trinity.
Its “Four Pillars” philosophy shapes the educational foundation, and prepares students
for a lifetime of academic, athletic, social and spiritual growth.
The School is located on 140 acres and has two football fields, two baseball fields,
an all weather track, four lacrosse fields, the McGraw Pavilion for wrestling, the
Rock Squash Courts, the Tirrell Hockey Rink, the Hubbard Gymnasium, and the Carleton
Athletic Center. The school donates the use of many of these facilities to the betterment
of the community. Athletics are mandatory each of three terms; a variety of sports
and ability levels from varsity to recreational are available. The School is a member
of New England’s Founders League, one of the oldest and most competitive in the
country.
At the center of campus is Cluett Hall which incorporates a 25,000 volume library,
student center, administrative offices, the school store, mechanical drawing rooms,
faculty apartments and student dormitories. The Dann Building houses academic class
rooms, a state-of-the-art science and technology wing, and the John Allen Reading
Room which was dedicated in 2005. Other campus buildings include the DePew Memorial
Chapel, The Art Center and 400 seat Gardiner Theater (2005), dining hall, a 16 bed
infirmary, faculty homes and the Headmaster’s residence.
Day students from the immediate area account for approximately 80 of the 320 students;
the remainder of the population comes from 31 states and 13 counties. The Middle
School consists of 7th and 8th grade students on an honors track. One hundred percent
of graduates go on to attend college, and 90% of recent graduates attained admission
to their first or second choice school. Over 20 courses are offered at the Advanced
Placement level, potentially earning a student college credits upon successful completion
of a year-end exam. A substantial financial aid budget, granted on the basis of
need, ensures a diverse student body.
Group ratings are made according to the school’s unique effort system, which awards
marks in each area of life – academic, athletics, extracurricular activities, and
dorm (or citizenship). A weighted average of these marks comprises the group rating
and a student’s privileges are tied to the group he is in. Thus, a student has direct
responsibility for many aspects of his weekly schedule – the number of free periods
and weekend privileges, for example.
Resident faculty encourages extra help sessions for students who demonstrate the
need. Typically, each advisor is responsible for 8 students, allowing for strong
personal relationships to develop. Evening meals are usually sit-down, family style.
A social director schedules activities and trips for the students including Broadway
plays, NYC sporting events as well as dances and excursions with nearby girls’ schools.
The School also hosts the Pawling Concert Series, which produces classical, jazz
and other popular music concerts throughout the year.
The School seeks students who want to actively pursue their academic and social
development in a caring atmosphere. A strong academic program in harmony with fine
athletics brings the school together.