In the heart of Wahiawa, on California Avenue, Trinity Lutheran School has welcomed Preschool through Grade 8 students into its ʻohana since 1953. The school's motto, "Focused on Excellence - Centered in Christ," captures what families find inside its doors: a Christ-centered education built on a foundation of Lutheran teaching, set within a community that has cared for Central Oʻahu families for more than seven decades.
The school is wholly owned and operated by Trinity Lutheran Church (TLC), a non-profit corporation that joins more than 1,800 Lutheran schools across the United States and Canada in affiliation with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). Daily and weekly worship are woven into school life; the principal and church pastor lead together; and the school's mission - to share the love of the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, Friend, and Teacher through worship, service and educational excellence - is rooted in the same confession as the congregation next door.
A small-school advantage shows up everywhere. At Trinity, every student is known, loved, and encouraged to grow in faith, learning, and confidence each day. That sense of family has been the school's identity since its founding, and it shapes everything from how teachers greet students in the morning to how the school walks alongside families through challenging moments together.
Seven Decades on California Avenue
Since 1953, Trinity Lutheran School has been a cornerstone of Christian education in Central Oʻahu. The school holds three layers of accreditation: HAIS (Hawaii Association of Independent Schools), NLSA (National Lutheran School Accreditation), and WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Most of its students come from Central Oʻahu, serving what the school's mission statement calls "a typical cross section of families from our island community."
Day-to-day operations run through an administrative team that includes the principal, the church pastor, and the church's Board of Trustees, elected by the congregation to oversee the work of the church. General support and specific council come from the California-Nevada-Hawaii (CNH) District Office in Livermore, California, and the LCMS National Office in St. Louis, Missouri. A School Advisory Team (SAT) of trusted church members and parent volunteers advises the principal; the team is advisory only and does not set policy. Parents are always welcome to speak with the principal or pastor.
The school also partners with the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS), which annually licenses the staff, program, and facilities of the Preschool and the PS-8 Extended Care Programs. The Preschool is licensed to serve children with staff-to-child ratios that vary from 1:12 to 1:16 depending on age, and the Elementary Extended Care Program is licensed to serve up to 40 children through age 12.
Mission, Doctrine, and Lutheran Identity
Trinity's mission rests on three pillars named in its philosophy: Worship, Service, and Educational Excellence.
In Worship, the school believes that God creates and nurtures the body of Christ and shares His love through His Word and His Sacraments. Students respond through prayer, praise, thanksgiving, the study and reflection of His Word, and the knowledge of the Law's demands and the comfort of the saving Gospel of Christ.
In Service, the school draws on John 13:35 - "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" - to teach that students and teachers should help each other and the community, modeling Christ-like compassion and love for all people.
In Educational Excellence, the school believes lifelong learners are those who continue to apply their Christian principles and beliefs as productive members of society in a constantly changing and technologically advancing world. Students learn to think critically, analyze information, identify appropriate resources, and explore and evaluate possible solutions.
The doctrinal foundation is explicit. The Christian teachings and practices of Trinity Lutheran School are based upon beliefs in the Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - as revealed in Scripture. The school accepts the sixty-six canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and accepts the Book of Concord as a true and genuine exposition of the doctrine of the Bible.
By the grace of God, Trinity Lutheran School aims to be a place that:
- Demonstrates the love of Jesus Christ through the kindness and caring of faculty, staff, students, families, church, and community.
- Pursues educational excellence through the tireless enthusiasm and continuous growth of all teachers and learners.
- Partners actively with students, parents, school, church, and community through clear and consistent communication, involvement, and opportunities for fellowship.
- Sends students into their churches, communities, and the world with a firm foundation in faith so their lives may be a beacon of Christ's light to everyone they meet.
The mission shapes the daily experience. Students recognize themselves as unique children, redeemed and forgiven by God; learn God's Law and Gospel as found in Scripture; read and reflect on God's Word; interact with others in the body of Christ; pray formally and spontaneously; accept and treat others as God's children; worship daily in their classrooms and weekly in chapel; forgive and accept forgiveness; practice Christian virtues as presented in Scripture (Galatians 5:22-23); share their faith life through service and word; and respect their bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
A Seamless Journey from Preschool Through Grade 8
Trinity's program covers the full arc from the earliest learners to eighth grade graduates, with each year building on what came before.
Early Learning: Preschool and PreKindergarten
To enter Preschool, students must be 3 years old by September 1. To enter PreKindergarten, students must be 4 by September 1. Preschool students who turn 3 after September 1 may join upon their third birthday and complete a second year of Preschool to ensure they meet the PreKindergarten age requirement.
Students entering Preschool and PreKindergarten must be fully toilet trained before their first day. Children may not wear pull-ups and must be able to independently recognize when they need to use the restroom, use the toilet without assistance, clean themselves appropriately, and dress themselves afterward.
Preschool classes for 3-year-olds provide a Christ-centered, child-focused foundation where young learners are nurtured in mind, body, and spirit. Classrooms are designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Children learn through hands-on experiences such as puzzles, dramatic play, arts and crafts, and music, with teachers fostering their unique learning styles while encouraging kindness, empathy, and respectful interactions. Beyond the classroom, students enjoy enrichment activities like field trips, special performances, and classroom celebrations, building a strong sense of community.
PreKindergarten builds upon that foundation with a Christ-centered, child-focused curriculum designed to prepare students for Kindergarten and beyond. The program uses a blend of ABEKA ABC-123, the One in Christ Bible Curriculum, and Scholastic My Big World, alongside the school's own preparatory resources. Daily routines balance structure with exploration: read-alouds, songs, calendar and weather activities, independent table work, and indoor/outdoor play. Through hands-on learning - puzzles, roleplaying, arts and crafts, journal writing, and early exposure to letters and numbers - children develop curiosity, problem-solving skills, and confidence. PreKindergarten students are also introduced to sign language and basic Spanish and Hawaiian words, encouraging cultural awareness and a love of language.
Schedules in the Early Learning Program include half days (7:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), full days (7:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. on Wednesdays), and "Plus" days (7:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), all five days a week.
Elementary: Kindergarten Through Grade 5
In the elementary years, students progress from Kindergarten through Grade 5. Each grade has its own classroom and teacher, and the school keeps families connected with current lessons and updates. The Faith Alive Bible (ESV) is part of the curriculum. Students have physical education twice a week and wear TLS polos and uniform bottoms three times a week. Students are required to have one TLS Hunter Green polo - the school color.
The elementary team includes dedicated teachers for each grade, and Open House tours let prospective families meet these teachers in their classrooms.
Middle School: Grades 6 Through 8
Collaboration and creativity are encouraged with Trinity Lutheran sixth through eighth graders. From literature to science to math, students interact with their classmates and communicate their thinking clearly. Fine arts education, community service, and technology integration are valued at Trinity Lutheran. Middle school students have the opportunity to join the school's robotics team. Outdoor education includes a sixth-grade camp, while the seventh and eighth graders venture to a neighboring island to explore and learn outside the classroom. Students who graduate from Trinity Lutheran transition well into challenging honors courses and top private high schools.
Middle School is led by dedicated subject-area teachers - science and math, social studies, and English Language Arts - with separate teachers for physical education, art, and music.
Worship in the Rhythms of the Day
Worship is woven through the school day. The mission and philosophy statement is direct: students worship daily in their classrooms and weekly in chapel.
For families, this means faith formation is not a separate add-on but a continuous part of the rhythm of the school week. The result is a community in which prayer, scripture, and Christian virtues shape the conversation between teachers and students throughout the day. Chapel services give the whole school a shared moment of worship, while classroom devotions keep faith active in every subject.
Crusader Athletics
Trinity Lutheran School is proud to participate in the Lutheran School Sports League (LSSL), offering both Basketball and Volleyball at the Varsity and Junior Varsity level for girls and boys in grades 4 through 8.
Crusader Varsity Volleyball runs October through December, while Varsity Basketball runs February through April, with practices held three to four times per week. Varsity level sports in the LSSL are competitive, with a focus on building higher level team play based on fundamental skills. Playing time in league games is at the discretion of the coach. Although designed for student-athletes in grades 7 and 8, younger students are invited to try out for the team.
Junior Varsity Volleyball runs August through September, while Junior Varsity Basketball runs January through February, with practices two to three times per week. JV level sports are designed to focus on fundamental skills and developing the love of the game. Playing time is as equal as possible for all members of the team. The JV level is designed for students in grades 5 and 6, but student-athletes in grade 4 are often invited to participate.
In addition to Volleyball and Basketball, Crusader Athletics participates in a competitive Cross Country meet in November as well as a Track and Field meet in May, both for students in grades 4 through 8. The school is blessed to have an athletic court on site, where it holds practices after school and hosts home games; some home games are played at Wahiawa District Gym down California Avenue. Away games are played at LSSL member campuses around the island, including ʻAiea, Kāneʻohe, and Pearl City.
Middle School Electives: Debate, Drama, Robotics, Yearbook
Middle school students choose from a set of electives that broaden their experience beyond core academics.
Debate invites students to sharpen their critical thinking, communication, and public speaking skills in a supportive environment. Students learn how to research topics, build strong arguments, listen actively, and express their ideas with clarity and confidence. Through structured debates, collaborative discussions, and friendly team competitions, students grow in their ability to think thoughtfully, speak respectfully, and engage with differing viewpoints.
Drama gives students the opportunity to explore creativity, build confidence, and develop strong communication skills through theater. Students learn the basics of acting, stage presence, character development, and storytelling while participating in skits, improvisation, and scripted performances. Through teamwork and hands-on practice, students discover their unique talents, support one another, and grow more comfortable expressing themselves in front of an audience.
Robotics is an exciting program that allows students to problem solve in a very hands-on environment. Trinity Lutheran School's robotics program includes an introduction to basic robotic coding and Lego design, with students utilizing Lego Mindstorm kits and various Lego robotics materials. The objective of this course is to build robot programming skills as well as problem-solving strategies, with students working hands-on in teams to design, build, program, and document their progress.
Yearbook gives students a hands-on opportunity to help create Trinity's annual yearbook from start to finish. Students learn essential skills in photography, layout design, editing, and storytelling as they work together to capture the school year's most meaningful moments. By the end of the year, students can take pride in producing a keepsake that reflects the heart of their school community.
Extended Care: Before and After the Bell
Trinity offers Extended Care on school days throughout the school year, not during intersession periods.
Before School Care (BSC) is offered daily beginning at 6:30 a.m. Students are signed in with the BSC teacher and are escorted to the upper school lanai at 7:15 a.m.
After School Care (ASC) is offered daily from school dismissal time through 5:30 p.m. (with school dismissing at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and ASC continuing through 5:30 p.m.).
A Faculty and Staff That Knows Every Student
The school's faculty and staff are introduced by name, with current lessons and updates shared with families in many grades.
Lonnie Karges serves as Principal, leading the administrative team that includes Alissa Baligad (Business Manager), Carol Flores (Office Manager), and Kilihune Kamaka (Office Assistant and Classroom Aide).
In the Early Learning Program, Dr. Lani Carson teaches PreKindergarten and Marie Lairsey teaches Preschool along with After School Care.
The elementary team includes Elizabeth Brose (Kindergarten), Michelle Callahan (1st Grade), Blythe Harlan (2nd Grade), Daesha Johnson (3rd Grade), Tiyana Fao (4th Grade), and Jessica McKerrow (5th Grade).
Middle School subject teachers include Molly Serrano (Science and Math), Emily Otten (Social Studies), and Taylor Donaldson (English Language Arts).
K-8 specialty teachers round out the faculty: Michelle Patterson (Art), Rachel Ernest (Physical Education), and Ingrid Karges (Music). David Usui supports the After School Care program.
In the school's philosophy, this small, dedicated team is intentional. Faculty and staff recognize that Trinity is "uniquely Lutheran," with a primary purpose of religious education and faith development through challenging, enriching, and rewarding educational and social experiences.
The Admissions Journey: From Tour to Enrollment
The admissions journey is built around getting to know families in person. Scheduled campus tours are available on weekdays after the school day ends at 2:45 p.m. (1:45 p.m. on Wednesdays). During a visit, families see the grade level classroom of interest, meet the teachers, ask questions about curriculum and daily life, and walk through the admissions steps with a member of the Admissions Team.
The school also hosts an Open House each fall, where families can explore the classrooms, meet teachers, and learn about the Christ-centered curriculum. Registering in advance connects families with the Admissions Team during the event for an application and enrollment credit.
Once a family decides to enroll, the enrollment fee is due with the enrollment form, and a student's spot is not secured until both the form and fee are received. Seats are filled on a first-paid, first-served basis.
For Preschool and PreKindergarten, the application checklist includes the application and enrollment forms and fees, a copy of the child's birth certificate, and two health forms required by the State of Hawaiʻi - the DOE Student Health Record and the DHS Supplement Form.
For Kindergarten, students must be 5 years old by September 1. The application requires a student application, a birth certificate, an assessment, and an interview.
For Grades 1 through 8, the application requires a student application, a birth certificate, a teacher reference form, the current report card, the previous school year's final report card, most recent standardized test scores (if applicable), an assessment, and an interview.
Trinity Lutheran School does not discriminate against students of any race, color, gender, or national or ethnic origin.
Tuition, Discounts, and Financial Aid
The school organizes tuition by program. For Preschool and PreKindergarten, families choose between half-day, full-day, and Plus-day schedules, with all programs running five days a week. Elementary tuition (Grades K-4) is set separately from Grades 5-8.
A number of payment plans are offered: Annual (paid in full by July 10, with a 5% tuition discount), Semesterly (two payments, due July 10 and December 10), Quarterly (four payments, due July 10, October 10, January 10, and April 10), and Monthly (ten payments, July through April). Tuition payments are processed securely through Vanco Simply Giving using a checking or savings account, with no service fee. To set up the payment account, the Business Office requires a voided check or bank-issued deposit slip along with the completed enrollment form.
Discounts include:
- Multi-Child Tuition Discount: the second child receives a 5% tuition discount, the third child a 10% discount, and the fourth child a 15% discount, automatically applied each school year.
- Military Discount: a 5% discount for active-duty service members, applied each school year.
- Family Referral Credit: $250 awarded per referred family (not per student) once the new family has enrolled a student in Preschool through Grade 8 and the student has attended TLS for three consecutive quarters within the same school year.
- Trinity Lutheran Church Membership Discount: members of Trinity Lutheran Church receive a special discount as thanks for being part of the church ʻohana.
Financial Aid is available for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8. The school's heart is to make quality, Christ-centered education accessible to every student who desires it, regardless of a family's financial situation. Financial aid applications are processed once a student is re-enrolled or completes new enrollment.
Preschool and PreKindergarten families can also apply for tuition assistance through partner organizations: the Pauahi Foundation and Preschool Open Doors (PATCH Hawaii), which provides scholarships for 3 and 4-year-olds.
Uniforms and Supplies
Kindergarten through 8th grade students wear school uniforms daily. The dress code policy is found in the Student/Parent Handbook. Students have physical education twice a week and wear TLS polos and uniform bottoms three times a week. Students are required to have one TLS Hunter Green polo - the school color.
Uniforms must be purchased through the exclusive uniform vendor, Pueo Print Co., or through the gently used clothes closet on campus (available during scheduled school events).
A School That Lives Its Mission
From the moment students arrive in the morning to the time they leave in the afternoon, Trinity Lutheran School is designed around a single conviction: every child is uniquely created, deeply loved by God, and filled with purpose. The school's motto - Focused on Excellence, Centered in Christ - is more than a phrase. It is the daily rhythm of a community that has been forming Christian students in Central Oʻahu for more than seventy years, a place where faith and learning move together, generation after generation.