Frequently Asked Questions about The Trilogy School
- How did you start the school?
Dr. Laura Wyatt and Judy Williams began the school in 1999 to serve the needs of students with learning differences with or without ADHD. They started with 16 students and 4 teachers and have grown to average around 60-70 students with 25-30 teachers each year. They believed that all children can learn if placed in an appropriate environment that builds their skills through their strengths.
- What types of students are successful at Trilogy?
Students who have average intelligence with a learning difference in one, two, or three areas best fit into the classes of four at Trilogy. Students with reading, writing, math, processing, non-verbal, and attentional issues benefit from the specialized curriculum that addresses these areas of difficulty. Students most likely have been mainstreamed into regular classrooms and received resource and accommodations in public school. Small group instruction taught on an individual instructional level allows students to learn in a non-stressful environment and to develop confidence. After two-three years, they are often prepared to move back into a regular classroom setting with minimal support.
- How long do students usually enroll at Trilogy?
Trilogy’s goal is to prepare students for the next level. Instruction to build skills over time usually is not a “quick fix.” Students typically stay at Trilogy for two-three years and make the move back into a public or private school setting at the natural junctures of going into middle school (fifth grade) or high school (eighth grade). Students often leave Trilogy with improved skills but may need academic support as they move to the next level.
- How does the half-day option work?
Students who are enrolled in Wake County Public Schools will need an IEP (Individual Education Plan) or 504 Plan to be released for dual enrollment with The Trilogy School. Trilogy works with administrations of public and private schools to work on details of scheduling to coordinate the school day. Students who are dually enrolled in Wake County Schools have to be in attendance at Wake County Schools for50 % of the day to be counted. Trilogy meets all Wake County requirements for dual enrollment. Once the principal recommends dual enrollment, the application is sent to an assistant superintendent for approval. Faculty and directors of The Trilogy School will meet, if invited, to any IEP meeting to work out the coordinated efforts of teachers and administration. Parents must provide their own transportation when enrolled in the half-day option. Dually-enrolled students usually take Reading, Writing, and Math or individual high school classes at Trilogy.
- How does your curriculum fit in with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and Common Core Standards?
Trilogy consults the Standard Course of Study and Common Core Standards in an effort to cover the concepts. Trilogy may teach the concepts differently and on a different timetable and pace that fits the students’ abilities. Reading, Writing, and Math at Trilogy will incorporate the Wilson Reading System/Orton-Gillingham, and Saxon Math. Common Core standards are woven into the curriculum for students’ exposure and practice. Content courses follow the sequence of Wake County Public Schools’ curriculum. High school students’ graduation requirements are consistent with the North Carolina high school graduation requirements. Trilogy’s grades will transfer to any school also accredited by Cognia. Trilogy is affiliated with the North Carolina Department of Non-Public Education.
- What types of emotional support can we expect?
One of Trilogy’s founders is a school psychologist who works with parents and students on emotional, medication, and personal matters. In 2021, Trilogy has a school psychologist intern who serves all students. The Upper School Director focuses on college planning for high school students. Students may meet with either director for private consultation and support throughout the year. Discipline measures at Trilogy are always designed to teach important ways to self-regulate for the present and the future. It uses positive reinforcement to teach students how to handle all aspects of their emotional life. The directors and teachers are resources students may also use for emotional support any day.
- What is your homework policy?
We follow the same guidelines as Wake County Public Schools: 15 minutes per
class for elementary, 20 minutes per class for middle school, and 30 minutes per
class for high school. Often students do not have that much homework and may
be given an opportunity to complete homework in their Curriculum Assistance or
Academic Enrichment class.. Trilogy is an intense learning environment with
small group instruction, and, therefore, more work is done during a class period
to reduce the homework load. We ask that parents not assist students with
homework; teachers want to see what is missed so they can properly help students
the next day. Trilogy’s goal for every student is that he or she becomes
an independent, responsible learner.
- Typically, what do Trilogy students do after high school?
We help students make a plan for post Trilogy years. Students who graduate from The Trilogy School typically go to college or are enrolled in a program at a community college to acquire skills for the working world. Students often choose small colleges or universities with academic support or a larger university with programs designed to support their needs. Trilogy graduates an average of six-ten seniors a year.
- Does The Trilogy School offer financial aid?
Trilogy is not allowed to offer financial aid due to its legal status as an LLC (limited liability company). However, parents may deduct tuition as a medical expense with a letter and medical diagnosis from their doctor. Also the NC Legislature gives a Disability Grant ($4000.00 per semester) to parents for private school tuition when moving from a public to private school. The website for that information is www.ncseaa.edu. Parents may also take advantage of the Educational Savings Account (www.ncseaa.edu/ESA.htm). Parents are given a variety of payment options from one, two, ten, or twelve payments a year.
- What are the teachers’ qualifications?
Trilogy employs teachers who have a variety of experiences and degrees. Many have master’s degrees in education, reading, learning disabilities, or their subject area. Others have bachelor degrees in the same areas and may be certified in Special Education. Reading teachers have been trained
in the Wilson Reading System or Orton Gillingham methods. Most hold certification in North Carolina or in states that allow reciprocal certification. Several faculty are Board Certified and were awarded Teacher of the Year at their former schools. Refer to the Faculty Option to read more about the faculty.