A Specialized Approach to Academic Excellence & Catholic Formation
Who We Serve
Holy Trinity Clifton serves students in grades K-8 with average to above-average aptitude who learn differently. This may include (but not limited to) students diagnosed with:
- Dyslexia
- Dysgraphia
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- ADHD
- Anxiety
Our goal is to support the family and student with a transition plan that fits the needs of the student’s profile. Some students may prepare for a transition to High School here at Clifton, graduating from our 8th grade. Some students may transition at a different time. Whatever that decision may be, we will work with you through the process.
Catholic Identity & Faith Formation
At Holy Trinity, faith is the foundation of all academic and personal growth. Students actively participate in a Christ-centered learning environment that integrates Catholic teachings into daily life.
- Weekly Mass & Sacramental Preparation – Students attend weekly Mass, engaging in prayer, worship, and reflection while also preparing for key sacraments such as Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation.
- Christian Leadership & Servant-Leadership – Leadership programs encourage students to embody Catholic values, developing servant-leaders who live out their faith through compassion, integrity, and responsibility.
- Service-Learning & Gospel Values – Every student participates in service-learning projects, partnering with local organizations to support those in need, reinforcing the importance of charity, social justice, and Gospel-centered service.
- Catechist of the Good Shepherd and Theology of the Body - Our younger grades participate in the Atrium of the Catechist of the Good Shepherd. This program allows our students to experience their faith in hands-on and meaningful ways. Theology of the Body is taught in our upper grades for students to appreciate the gift that God has given to each of us. The value and respect of ourselves and one another are stressed as an integral part of our Catholic faith.
Through faith-filled experiences, students build a strong moral foundation, deepen their relationship with Christ, and develop a lifelong commitment to faith, service, and community.
Curriculum – Instructional Methods
- We follow the core curriculum of the Archdiocese of Louisville. Instructional methods vary based on the needs of the children with the goal of skill retention and academic confidence. We dig deeper into content and move at an appropriate pace for the learner.
- Our teachers value differentiation and scaffolding that supports students to build high levels of comprehension and skill acquisition.
- Instruction begins by focusing on the structure of language and gradually moves towards reading and writing.
- Students are explicitly taught study strategies, executive functioning skills, self-advocacy, and social-emotional thinking skills.
- Class sizes will be an approximate 1:5 teacher-to-student ratio.
- Occupational Therapy is offered to build up fine and gross motor development while assisting in eliminating any physical obstacles to academic success.
- Speech Therapy is offered to support articulation and language development.
MAP Growth Testing & Student Outcomes
Holy Trinity uses MAP Growth assessments in math and reading to track student progress and personalize learning. These adaptive tests, taken three times a year, adjust to each student’s skill level and provide insights into mastered concepts and areas for growth.
Students receive a RIT Score in math to help guide instruction, while the MAP Reading Fluency test evaluates literacy skills like comprehension and vocabulary. These results, along with classroom performance and teacher observations, help ensure steady academic growth.
Rather than focusing on a single test score, Holy Trinity takes a holistic approach, using MAP data alongside other assessments to support each student’s individual learning journey and long-term success.
Faculty & Student Academic Support
Specialized Faculty Trained in Learning Differences
- 83% of our faculty hold Master’s Degrees.
- All teachers and administrators are trained in the Orton-Gillingham Approach, accredited through the Orton-Gillingham Academy.
- 1:5 teacher-student ratio ensures individualized teaching.
- Orton-Gillingham Specialist, Speech Therapist, and Occupational Therapist onsite.
Academic Support Services
- Multisensory Content-Area Instruction in Science, Math, and Social Studies.
- Speech-Language Therapy & Occupational Therapy Integrated into the School Day at no additional cost outside of tuition.
- Executive Functioning Coaching for organization and study skills development from a certified occupational therapy assistant.
- Physical Education offered from a certified occupational therapist.
Enrichment Opportunities
Special Area Classes
- Visual Art
- Performance Art
- Technology, Digital Citizenship, & Research-Based Projects
- Physical Education (Including Minds-in-Motion for motor-skill development)
- Life Skills and Executive Functioning
- Counseling and Social Emotional Curriculum through Friendzy Curriclum©
Extracurricular Activities
- Off-campus field trips to enhance real-world learning experiences.
- Athletics, PEP (Pupil Enrichment Program), Boy/Girl Scouts, Musical Theater, Student Council, KYA, KUNA and academic clubs are offered throughout the year.
- Theater performances are held at Clifton’s state-of-the-art Eifler Theater.
Clubs and Activities
Many Clubs and Activities are offered after school to our students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade. All of these activities involve not only our teachers and students but also our parents.
- Quick Recall academic teams are open to students in 4th through 8th grades.
- 6th Grade Showcase and Governor’s Cup for 7th and 8th-grade students encourage students to showcase their academic excellence in various competitions.
- KYA (Kentucky Youth Assembly) works to teach students a better understanding of our government system in regard to the legislative branch.
- KUNA (Kentucky United Nations Assembly) works to teach students about the needs of individuals living in other countries, as well as educate our students about various cultures.
- Book Bee is open to students in 3rd through 8th grades.
- Student Council leaders in 6th-8th grade serve our school and parish with “Leadership Through our Faith, Academics, Community, Environment, and Service activities”.
- School plays and musicals are offered to students of all grade levels at various times throughout the year.
For more information on any of these activities, please contact our Director of Student Activities, Ashley Davenport, at [email protected].
Developing the Whole Child
Academic, Social & Emotional Growth
At Holy Trinity, we emphasize developing the whole child through academics, extracurriculars, and community involvement.
- Service Learning: Students gain real-world experience through participation in local service organizations.
- Athletics: Over 95% of students participate in our no-cut sports programs, including soccer, basketball, and more.
- Performing Arts: 40% of students engage in music and drama programs, showcasing talents in live productions.
Apply For Clifton
Please follow the steps below to complete Holy Trinity Clifton’s online application.
Note: Application Procedures for Holy Trinity St. Matthews can be found HERE.
1. Parents, schedule a visit!
We would love to sit down with you and share the mission of Holy Trinity – Clifton and what we can offer your student.
2. Online Application
After your visit, complete the online application at the bottom of this page. If the child is a current Holy Trinity student, you will not need to complete an online application.
3. Submit School Records:
- Report cards and progress reports for the past two years
- Current School Accommodation Plan, IEP or 504 Plan
- Birth Certificate, Sacramental information, immunization records, social security number, entry level physical
- Current Standardized Test Scores
- Full Psyco-educational Evaluation Report completed within the past two years (specifically W.I.S.C. III) *We can help you obtain this. Please contact the school for a list of referrals. The cost will be incurred by applicant.
- Speech and Language Evaluation (if applicable)
- Behavioral Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and/or Physical Therapy evaluation(s) if applicable to your child
- Release of Records signed by parent/guardian Click here for form
- Legal and/or court documents if applicable
- Parents/guardians may be asked to update or provide additional testing to begin the admission process if more information is necessary to determine placement.
- Previous school(s) contact form (completed by Holy Trinity Clifton)
4. Informal assessment by HTCS staff
5. Fill out information sheet
After a thorough review of the potential student’s complete application, Administration will notify the family: (1) Acceptance (2) Wait List (3) Non-Acceptance
Tuition assistance is available to qualified applicants through the Catholic Education Foundation. An application can be completed at http://www.ceflou.org/
Priorities for Admission:
- Holy Trinity Parishioners with children already enrolled at Holy Trinity
- Holy Trinity Parishioners with children not yet in school
- Parishioners in good standing at other Archdiocesan Parishes/Schools (letter of good standing required)
- Non-parishioners, including non-Catholics