130 Years of Catholic Education

Trinity Catholic School in Protivin, Iowa has deep roots in the tradition of Catholic education connected to Holy Trinity Parish and the surrounding rural communities. A parish grade school was first built in Protivin in 1896. As enrollment grew, the larger Rudolphinum School opened in 1927 to serve both grade school and high school students. A new grade school building was constructed next door in 1955. Although the high school later closed in 1968, Catholic elementary education continues in Protivin.

​Changing demographics and enrollment patterns led neighboring parish schools to work together. Students from St. John Nepomucene (Fort Atkinson) joined St. Luke’s School (St. Lucas) prior to St. Luke’s school closing, and in 1997 the parish schools of St. Lucas, Fort Atkinson, and Holy Trinity (Protivin) were merged, with the consolidated school operating in Protivin under the name Trinity Catholic School.

Today, Trinity Catholic School serves as the elementary educational ministry for the Christ Our Hope Cluster, drawing families from the communities and parishes of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Lawler), Holy Trinity (Protivin), Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Little Turkey), St. Mary (Waucoma), St. Luke (St. Lucas), and St. John Nepomucene (Fort Atkinson).