Trinity Temple Academy was established in 1933. The first classes were held in an adjoining room of the Trinity Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 308 Bergen Street in Newark, New Jersey.
When the church relocated in 1953 to 35–37 Hillside Avenue in Newark, the school continued operating in the basement of the new church building. In 1973, the present facilities at 1500 Maple Avenue in Hillside, New Jersey, were purchased, providing a permanent location for the academy’s continued growth and development.
The first pastor to organize the school for the children of the church was Pastor Kibble Sr. Over the years, other pastors have faithfully supported and strengthened the school’s mission, including Pastor Harold Kibble Jr., Pastor Campbell, Pastor Weatherford, Pastor Taylor, Pastor Fordham, and Dr. Miles, along with pastors Pastor Brewer and Pastor Williams. Together with dedicated church members, they have worked to ensure that the school continues to serve God’s purpose in education.
From an original enrollment of fewer than 50 students in six classes, the school grew to nine classes serving approximately 175 students. Throughout the years, students have been inspired and guided by committed teachers whose instruction helped shape the lives of many alumni. Among those who began their educational journey at Trinity Temple Academy are church leaders such as Pastor Richard Barron, Harold Kibble, and Walton Whaley. Other pastors who have walked the halls of Trinity Temple Academy include Pastor Ronald Reeves and Pastor Andre Campbell. Numerous professionals, including attorney Natasha Lewis, are also graduates of this institution.
Leadership at Trinity Temple Academy has remained dynamic throughout its history. Beginning with its first principal, Florence Williamson, and continuing to the present administrator, the educational mission of the school has continued to grow and flourish. Other principals who have served the academy include Alyce Lewis, Guy Jobson, Glenn Roberts, T. Michael Brown, Earl Greenich, Vernon Cato, Margery Morgan, Harriet Edwards, Ian Kelly, David Green, Gabriel Alexis, James Bennett, Carl Grear, Dr. William Thomas, Sharon Jack, Charles Washington, Dr. Perry, Nadine Gilmore, Dr. John Alberty, and the current principal Shaianne Nwadike.
Many school boards have also faithfully guided the academy through various challenges and periods of growth. Chairpersons have included Janice Elliot, Ronald Sullivan, Rod Spearman, JoAnne Winfrey, Herb Thomas, Michelle DuPree, Dr. James Trawick, Lisa Thomas, Pastor Larry Williams, Dr. Clifton Burt, Dr. Norman Miles, Earl Allbrook, and the current chairperson Dr. Erma Percival.
For more than sixty years, Trinity Temple Academy has partnered with the City of Hillside to provide excellent academic instruction and character-centered education to students of diverse backgrounds, without regard to religion, race, or ethnicity. Families from various faith traditions have entrusted their children to the care and instruction of Trinity Temple Academy.
Finally, the academy acknowledges the dedication and faithfulness of its faculty and staff, whose invaluable contributions have shaped generations of students. Their commitment, sacrifice, and service have left a lasting impact—one whose full value, it is believed, will be revealed only in eternity.