The History of TRISMS
TRISMS was developed in the late 1980’s by two women who desired to give their children far more than was available at the time in the home school world. Linda Thornhill and Sally Barnard had no intentions to write an award-winning curriculum, or to ever even publish it, but when others learned what they were doing, they wanted to do it, too. Thus, TRISMS became a “real” curriculum in 1990 in the form of TRISMS Volume One. As their children thrived using Volume One, the next step was to lead them into high school, so TRISMS Volume Two became a reality just a couple of years later.
Over the years, the curriculum has grown to a five-volume program that fits the classical method to a “T”. (The classical method isn't a buzz word. It's a method of education that hadn't come to the attention of home schooling yet.) Now, TRISMS offers a complete Middle School program with History's Masterminds and a four to five year High School program featuring four volumes – the last having been released in 2005.
Each TRISMS volume has been a work of many, not just the original authors. Before release, each volume has been beta tested in co-ops, homes, charter schools, and various settings in the U.S. and around the world. Many updates, improvements, and modifications have added to the value of the program. One example is the incorporation of The Institute for Excellence in Writing in each volume, adding even more skill development in the area of communication to our students.
Meet the Authors….
Linda Thornhill graduated from the University of Tulsa with a B.S. in education in 1977. Her senior paper was on curriculum and learning styles. She has experience with various learning settings; open classroom, multi-level, and peer grouping, within the public school system. She homeschooled her three sons, and currently teaches art classes and TRISMS courses in home school co-ops as well as teaching art individually and at a private school Linda has a talent for making learning fun from resources already on hand.
Sally Barnard has home schooling experience with her four children. she has taught many co-op classes for home schoolers. Sally is a versatile organizer with extensive volunteer experience in public, private, and home schools. She has worked with children who have special educational needs, as well as with gifted children. Sally understands the need for each child to excel at his/her own rate while developing individuals talents and interests.
