Trinitas Blog

James Cowart

James Cowart
Before coming to Trinitas, James Cowart served as Head of School at a classical Christian school in Tennessee. Mr. Cowart and his wife Joy have five children, all of whom attend Trinitas.

Recent Posts

Classically Educated Parents

Posted by James Cowart on Mar 5, 2023 6:09:50 PM

With very few exceptions parents of students in classical Christian schools are not classically educated. Many of us, probably most of us, attended and then graduated from government schools or traditional Christian schools. By God’s grace, though, we have found a better path for our children.

One of the best things about classical education is the idea that parents can be educated alongside their children.

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Topics: Blog Posts, Parenting, Classical Education, Parent Involvement

A Seat at the Table

Posted by James Cowart on Feb 19, 2023 1:00:00 PM

Classical Christian schools like Trinitas frequently refer to "the Great Conversation." At its root, the Great Conversation is simply an ongoing exchange of great ideas across time and space.  It first requires each successive generation to listen and comprehend the ideas and wisdom of its forebearers and then to contribute constructively to the discussion. Given the lamentable state of public discourse in our world today, it seems that our present generation may be ill-equipped to contribute to the Great Conversation.

The president of the Association of Classical Christian Schools, David Goodwin, places the blame on the shoulders of modern education stating "We are bringing up children who do not have the skills to engage in intellectual discourse, who believe only in themselves, and whose deepest theological thought originates in their own mind.”

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Topics: Blog Posts, Classical Education, Social Issues

Commoners in the King’s Court

Posted by James Cowart on Feb 12, 2023 1:00:00 PM

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Classical School Teacher Fair at Hillsdale College. Over a two-day period, I had the privilege of interacting with many high-caliber college students who are receiving a top-notch liberal arts education including two of our own recent graduates. This experience reminded me that our students work hard in a rigorous academic setting and often attain the goals they are aiming at, college being one of them. Even though our teachers encourage students to do their best rather than focusing on grades, the grades often come to students who work hard and have some academic talent, and getting into a good college is one reward for that. But the story doesn’t end there.

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Topics: Blog Posts, Classical Education, College Admissions

Children See, Children Do

Posted by James Cowart on Oct 16, 2022 4:00:53 PM

It’s a long-standing Trinitas tradition to close out each day with the entire school singing the Doxology together. To lift our voices together and sing “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.” is the best way I know how to depart one another’s company. It is like we take all of the energy expended, the knowledge and wisdom pursued, the time invested in training affections, and the virtue cultivated and affix the postage of worshipful prayer to it before sending it heavenward for the day. It is a glorious experience. Even if the little ones sing a tad too loudly to be on key and I struggle to start on the same pitch two days in a row, it is a glorious experience.

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Topics: Blog Posts, School Life, Parenting

A Lesson for Labor Day

Posted by James Cowart on Sep 4, 2022 12:00:00 PM

One hundred twenty-eight years ago, the United States Congress officially recognized the social and economic impact of American workers by, ironically, giving them a day off. Since that time, the first Monday in September has been a federal holiday often celebrated with parades, fireworks, and backyard barbecues. Acting as the unofficial end of summer, Labor Day might also represent the end of lazy summer living and the start of the demands of a new school year. Yet for the thoughtful Christian, even a secular holiday such as Labor Day should be cause for contemplation.

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Topics: Blog Posts, Parenting, Christian Education, Social Issues

A Blessing for Trinitas Graduates

Posted by James Cowart on May 29, 2022 5:19:36 PM

Graduation is such a special time in the life of young adults. In the present age, it has become arguably the most important rite of passage into adulthood. Eighteen-year-olds across the nation stand on a threshold: thirteen or more years of compulsory schooling is behind them, and the whole world lies ahead. Education, career, marriage, everything is ahead of them, and finally, they get to make their own decisions about where to go and what to do.

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Topics: Blog Posts, School Life, Alumni, Christian Living

Tasty Travel

Posted by James Cowart on Mar 6, 2022 5:50:32 PM

Trinitas has a long and tasty history with barbecue. You might even say it's an integral part of a Trinitas education! Back in the early days of the school, our founding headmaster’s father, Grampa Trotter, used his meat-smoking prowess to bring school families together for picnics and community-building events. Even Grandma Trotter pitched in with her famously delicious, but always secret sauce. Although the Trotter family has all passed on from our school, the tradition of sharing good barbecue with friends and family still remains, particularly in connection to the annual Trinitas Junior/Senior Aesthetics trip.

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Topics: Blog Posts, School Life, History, Aesthetics Trip

Socratic Dialogue, Trinitas, and You

Posted by James Cowart on Feb 21, 2022 9:17:33 AM

What possible connection could there be between an ancient Greek teaching method, learning experienced shared by Trinitas students, and how intentional parents can train thoughtful children?

First the answer to the question and then an explanation. The connection is this: the pursuit and apprehension of Truth.

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Topics: Blog Posts, History, Classical Education, Teaching

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Each week we enter what has been called the Great Conversation, writing about issues important to classical education, parenting, and culture from the Trinitas perspective. We invite you to join us as we explore topics as diverse as the smartphone habits of teenagers, kindergarten readiness, and legislation that may affect the future of Christian schools.  

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