Announcements

Trinity School at Edgemere is honored to announce that we have received a $10,000 grant from the Cresap Family Foundation to support our mission of providing specialized, individualized education for students with learning differences across Central Oklahoma.

This generous investment will help strengthen the programs and services that make Trinity unique — from small class sizes and multisensory instruction to daily reading therapy, classroom technology, and therapeutic supports. As the only school in the Oklahoma City metro area solely dedicated to serving K–12 students with learning differences such as autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and processing disorders, Trinity fills a critical gap for families seeking an education tailored to how their child learns best.

“Support from the Cresap Family Foundation helps bridge the gap between the actual cost of a Trinity education and what families can afford,” said Lisa Schade, CEO of Trinity School. “We are deeply grateful for their belief in our mission and their commitment to ensuring that students who learn differently have access to the education they deserve.”

More than 200 students from nine surrounding counties rely on Trinity for an educational environment that nurtures academic growth, builds confidence, and supports the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally. The funds from this grant will support general operations, including classroom resources, academic and therapeutic programs, technology, and services that ensure our specialized learning environment remains accessible to families throughout the region.

The Cresap Family Foundation has a long-standing commitment to strengthening Oklahoma communities through support of education, youth development, and initiatives that create lasting impact. Their partnership with Trinity School is an investment not only in our school, but in the potential of every student we serve.

We are sincerely thankful to the Cresap Family Foundation for their generosity and for helping Trinity School continue to open doors for students with learning differences. Together, we are building brighter futures — one learner at a time.

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Trinity School at Edgemere is proud to announce it has been awarded a $3,500 Garden Grant from the Whole Kids Foundation, expanding the school’s commitment to hands-on learning, nutrition education, and sustainable food practices.

This exciting support will strengthen Trinity’s growing farm-to-table program and deepen opportunities for K–12 students to learn through real-world, multi-sensory experiences.

Expanding a Living Classroom

Trinity’s garden is already an active learning environment that integrates science, nutrition, environmental studies, and problem-solving. The space includes self-wicking raised beds, a compost bin, and ongoing collaboration with the school’s on-site chef, who incorporates garden harvests into daily meals.

With funding from the Whole Kids Foundation, Trinity will enhance and grow these outdoor learning components—broadening access to hands-on activities that help students understand food systems, sustainability, and healthy eating.

Why Gardening Matters for Trinity Students

Trinity serves students with diagnosed learning differences, and research shows that multi-sensory, hands-on instruction increases engagement and comprehension. The garden provides a powerful instructional tool where students can touch, observe, experiment, and create—supporting the way they learn best.

This grant strengthens Trinity’s vision of developing a sustainable, year-round garden program that enriches academics, nurtures student wellness, and empowers learners with real-life skills.

Rooted in Community Support

The success of Trinity’s garden has been made possible through generous partnerships and volunteers. Organizations such as Savory Spice, Minick Materials, TLC Garden Center, OKC Beautiful, and numerous individual donors have contributed soil, tools, seedlings, expertise, and labor—helping the garden grow into a thriving educational hub.

“Our garden is much more than a growing space—it’s a classroom, a wellness initiative, and a community-building hub,” said Lisa Schade, CEO of Trinity School. “The Whole Kids Foundation grant allows us to deepen our mission of helping students understand where their food comes from and giving them the skills and confidence to make healthy choices.”

Schade, a master gardener, emphasized in the grant application that the school is committed to budgeting annual funds and fostering ongoing community support to ensure long-term sustainability.

About Whole Kids Foundation

Whole Kids Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Whole Foods Market, supports schools and organizations working to improve children’s nutrition and wellness through edible gardens, salad bars, and healthy eating programs.

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Trinity School is proud to announce that we have been selected as a 2025 Yass Prize Semifinalist, earning national recognition as one of the most innovative and impactful education providers in the country. This prestigious honor—often called the “Pulitzer of Education Innovation”—celebrates organizations that are redefining what’s possible for today’s learners through models that are Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP).

As Oklahoma’s only semifinalist, Trinity stands among an elite group of just 23 awardees chosen from a highly competitive national field. Each semifinalist demonstrates a commitment to advancing personalized, 21st-century learning in ways that accelerate student success and break traditional barriers.

In addition to this recognition, Trinity is honored to receive a $100,000 award from the Yass Foundation. These funds will help fuel program enhancements, expand innovative instructional strategies, and support long-term growth opportunities that empower our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

A Celebration of Trinity’s Mission and Momentum

This achievement reflects the strength of Trinity’s mission: to meet the unique needs of students with diagnosed learning differences through individualized instruction, evidence-based practices, small class sizes, and a nurturing community where every learner is known and supported.

“This honor is a powerful affirmation of the extraordinary work our educators and staff pour into creating a transformational learning environment every single day,” said Lisa Schade, CEO of Trinity School. “Being recognized by the Yass Foundation—and receiving this generous $100,000 award—highlights the strength of our programs and fuels our vision to serve even more families seeking a personalized, life-changing education for their child.”

About the Yass Prize

The Yass Prize, established by Jeff and Janine Yass in 2021, awards up to $1 million annually to the education provider that best demonstrates the STOP principles. Each year, dozens of semifinalists and finalists receive additional funding—including $100,000 awards such as Trinity’s—to accelerate breakthrough education models nationwide.

Since its inception, the Yass Foundation for Education has distributed more than $46 million to help transform learning environments and expand access to innovative solutions for students across the country.

Looking Ahead

Being named a Yass Prize Semifinalist marks a significant moment in Trinity’s growth, impact, and momentum. This recognition strengthens our commitment to ensuring that every learner who walks through our doors receives a personalized, whole-child education that supports their strengths, nurtures their growth, and prepares them for lifelong success.

We are deeply grateful to our educators, families, supporters, and community partners who make this work possible. Together, we look forward to continuing to innovate, expand, and champion the learners we are privileged to serve.

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We are thrilled to share that Trinity School at Edgemere has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation through its Parks & Public Space Initiative/MAB grant program.

This funding will help us create a more welcoming, accessible green space on campus that supports both student wellness and community engagement. Plans include the installation of a shaded pavilion for outdoor learning and picnic use, landscape beautification with native plants, stone barriers for erosion control, and improved irrigation to ensure long-term sustainability.

In addition, the project will encompass the refurbishment of our outdoor staircase and the installation of an additional gate, creating a safe secondary access point that will be used daily by students and the broader community.

At Trinity, we know learning happens both inside and outside the classroom. Thanks to the generosity of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, we can provide an improved outdoor environment where students can thrive, recharge, and connect with nature.

We are deeply grateful to the Oklahoma City Community Foundation for supporting our mission and investing in the well-being of our students.
 

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We are thrilled to share some exciting news with our Trinity community! Trinity School at Edgemere has been awarded a $225,000 grant from Inasmuch Foundation to support general operations. This incredible gift will allow us to move forward with much-needed parking and facility expansions that will directly benefit our students, families, and staff.

As Trinity continues to grow, creating safe, welcoming, and accessible spaces for our community has become a top priority. The expansion will improve parking access for families and visitors, while facility updates will help us better serve students in classrooms and across campus. These upgrades are an important step in preparing Trinity for the future and ensuring that every child has the resources and environment they need to learn with confidence.

“Trinity is deeply grateful for the support of the Inasmuch Foundation,” said Lisa Schade, CEO of Trinity School at Edgemere. “This generous grant helps us prepare our campus for growth while continuing to ensure that every student has access to the facilities and resources they need to thrive.”

For more than 60 years, Trinity has been dedicated to serving students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other diverse learning needs. With small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a whole-child approach, we empower students to discover their strengths and succeed both in and out of the classroom.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Inasmuch Foundation for believing in our mission and investing in the future of our students. This partnership is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together as a community.
 

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We are pleased to announce that Mark Lisle has joined the Trinity School Board of Trustees. Mark brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in the banking industry. He served as Executive Vice President and later as President of BancFirst Edmond, and previously held the position of President and CEO at Citizens Bank.

Now retired, Mark demonstrates a strong commitment to community service and education. His extensive leadership experience and financial expertise will be invaluable assets to our board as we strive to uphold Trinity School's mission and values.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Mark Lisle. We look forward to his contributions and leadership in advancing the vision of Trinity School.

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We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—Mackenzie Bentley, Trinity School’s beloved Chef and Head of Child Nutrition, has been featured in Edible OKC magazine!

The feature highlights Mackenzie’s creative approach to school nutrition, her dedication to serving wholesome, delicious meals, and her passion for making mealtime a meaningful part of the school day. At Trinity, Mackenzie does far more than prepare food—she nurtures our students with every meal she serves.

In the article, Mackenzie shares her philosophy on feeding children well, her journey into school nutrition, and the ways she’s reshaping what “lunch at school” can look like. She’s not just offering healthier options—she’s building a culture of care, connection, and community through food.

Here at Trinity, we’ve long known how special Mackenzie is, and we’re so proud to see her talents and heart for students recognized by a wider audience. Whether she’s crafting allergy-conscious menus, introducing kids to new flavors, or making sure every student feels seen and cared for, Mackenzie brings joy, creativity, and compassion to everything she does.

Congratulations, Mackenzie, on this well-deserved recognition!

Click HERE to view the article.

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Trinity is excited to announce the addition of two dynamic leaders to its Board of Trustees: Aaron Collins and Lucia Frohling.

Expanding Expertise to Empower Students

Aaron Collins, the Superintendent of Metro Technology Centers, brings over 20 years of experience in educational leadership. Known for his dedication to equity and lifelong learning, Aaron’s background in career and technical education has made a lasting impact throughout the state. As a United States Air Force veteran, he is committed to fostering opportunity through education. Trinity School has already benefited from his leadership through a unique partnership with Metro Tech, allowing students across Oklahoma to access its specialized programs.

“I’m honored to join the Trinity School board and contribute to its mission of empowering students with learning differences,” said Collins.

A Passion for Advocacy and Accessibility

Lucia Frohling, Director of Parent Services at Oklahoma Parents for Student Achievement, brings a deep personal connection to the Trinity mission. As the mother of children with dyslexia and dysgraphia, Lucia’s journey navigating the world of learning differences has fueled her passion for educational accessibility. She has spearheaded a groundbreaking program matching students with disabilities to academic language therapists, the first of its kind in the nation. Her advocacy work has transformed educational opportunities for many families across Oklahoma.

“Enrolling our twins at Trinity School was life-changing for our family,” Frohling shared. “I’m thrilled to support this incredible school’s mission.”

A Bright Future for Trinity School

Lisa Schade, CEO of Trinity School, expressed her excitement about the new board appointments: “We are thrilled to welcome Aaron and Lucia to our Board. Their experience, vision, and passion for education will help us continue to grow and support students with learning differences.”

As Trinity School continues to expand its reach and impact, the expertise of these two new board members will play a key role in shaping the future of education for students with unique learning needs in Oklahoma City and beyond.

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