About Trinity Lutheran School
Trinity Waconia is a distinctively Christian school committed to faith, family and service to our community. At Trinity Waconia we strive for excellence by valuing hard work and a commitment to being the best in all areas. That’s why students receive opportunities to grow in academics, the arts, athletics, character, leadership, service, and their Christian faith. We believe in educating the whole child – mind, body, and spirit.
We also value the partnership of the parents, students, and teachers who work on behalf of our school community. Together, we’re committed to preparing our students to be tomorrow’s leaders.
See for yourself what Trinity Waconia is about. We welcome you to visit our campus. Simply call the school office at (952) 442-4165 to schedule your appointment. You are welcome here.
Engage
At Trinity we provide a loving atmosphere where students can grow into the person God has called them to be without fear. We value innovation and strive to discover the best practices for student learning. Christ remains at the center of all we do as we strive to exceed expectations and provide a positive school experience for every student and family.
Empower
At Trinity we lead, serve, and teach with great passion because we are confident in what God has called us to do. We work to cultivate that same passion and confidence in every one of our students.
Equip
At Trinity we prepare Christian leaders for today’s complex world. We provide students with opportunities to learn and grow as they build skills for Christ-centered lives. We surround our students with well-equipped staff and a loving support network, including parents, families and friends.
Serve
At Trinity we are committed to raising up the next generation of Christian leaders. Beyond their personal faith in God, there is also a real need to teach the next generation about God’s plan for every area of life in today’s society. Our students will be prepared to confidently serve and lead in all areas of their lives.
Trinity Lutheran Church and School, established in 1865, has long been an integral part of the Waconia community and a part of its rich history. Today the church and school remain as a beacon on the hill to our neighbors and all visitors to our community.
In 1866 Trinity built a two-story log house in Waconia. The first floor served as a parsonage and the second floor was used as a place of worship and for school purposes. In 1867, a separate wood frame church was built on the south side of Second Street. During these early years, the pastor ministered to the congregation and also taught the school children.
By 1876 the old two-story log cabin had become inadequate for school purposes and the congregation built a new 30’x20’ school house. In addition, the congregation called its first teacher, who served Trinity for 43 years.
As the congregation grew, the erection of a new church and school began in 1890. The church was of a Gothic style and the new school was a brick veneer building with accommodations for 100 students. This church, located at the corners of Elm and Second Streets, served as the home for Trinity Congregation until 1969 when Trinity moved to its present church home at 601 Second Street East.
In 1922 renovation took place in the church and plans for a new school where started. The new school building at 233 Olive Street South was dedicated in 1924. This building is now the current American Legion. By 1926 enrollment increased to the point of necessitating the hiring of a second teacher.
Student enrollment in grades 1-8 continued to climb to over 130 students. In 1949 an addition to the school was added providing a large auditorium, kitchen, library, office and two classrooms. A hot lunch program was added in 1952 and additional faculty were added during the 1950’s. In 1962 a kindergarten program began.
In 1967 Trinity purchased 20 acres to provide for future growth and expansion. By 1969 a new church which included a gym and fellowship hall had been constructed and dedicated at our current location, 601 East Second Street. By 1973 the school moved to the new location with classes arranged in the church building in temporary classrooms. A new school was added to the church building in 1975 with nine classrooms, a library and spacious lunchroom. Enrollment in kindergarten through grade 8 had climbed to over 230 by 1976 and within five years a preschool program was added.
Throughout the 1990’s and early 2000’s enrollment continued to grow. In 1995, two classrooms were remodeled and an addition of four classrooms was added to the school building with the purchase of additional property. Once again, in 2005, Trinity expanded the school to meet the growing needs of our community. The addition included a full-size gym, music room, several classrooms and technology upgrades.