ILM Tree’s approach is loosely based on the well-known home-schooling manual The Well-Trained Mind which teaches a classical approach to education. We stritve to balance traditional core skills and rigorous expectations with creative and play-based activities, especially for the younger children. The child's Muslim identity is reinforced throughout all their classes, not just in Qur'an and Islamic Studies. 

Grammar Stage (1st-4th grades) 

• Building a solid grounding in reading, writing, and mathematics where foundation for later years are laid 
• Tool building more important than producing work or products 
• Logic Stage (5th-8th grades)
• Beginning synthesizing and analysis of previous knowledge
• Critical thinking and questioning/exploring knowledge and determining how it fits into the bigger picture 

Language Arts 
Language Arts studies at ILM Tree combine the teaching of traditional, foundational skills such as writing, reading, grammar, spelling, cursive, and poetry memorization with the exploration of admirable character qualities in the context of literature discussion. Younger grades balance establishing a firm understanding of the basics with developing the love of the English language. Older students hone their language skills, learning competency in multiple writing styles, literature analysis, and public speaking and debate skills. Curricula are chosen based on their high standards, the thoroughness of their approach, and the clarity of their instruction, but classes rely primarily on the teachers' ability to bring language to life. 

Math 
In ILM Tree's early grades, we utilize the Right Start math program because of its hands-on and engaging approach to mastering math concepts and facts with an emphasis on mastery of mental math skills and basic math facts. Right Start uses a lot of visuals and manipulatives, including the abacus, to increase understanding, which is further reinforced through numerous creative and fun math card games. There is a limited emphasis on "sit-down" work in these early years, but we have found that students attain a solid foundation in their basic math skills. 

For fourth through eighth grades, ILM Tree relies on the Singapore Math Curriculum. Singapore Math is known to encourage an active thinking process and the ability to communicate mathematical ideas and perform complex problem solving. It develops the foundation students will need for more advanced mathematics, with an emphasis on mental math and the model drawing approach. Our math curricula carries students through algebra and geometry, preparing them well for later studies.

Arabic 
Arabic exposure at ILM Tree begins in preschool, with children learning the language thematically and in parallel with their English language learning. Building on those early childhood experiences, students learn to love Arabic, interacting with the language through study of Quran, reading stories, songs, role play, crafts projects, and multiple modalities. Older students continue to develop their abilities in oral and written comprehension and expression, spelling, handwriting, and understanding of Quran using multiple methods. Teachers primarily speak only in Arabic in the classroom and are chosen for their knowledge of fusha (classical) Arabic and their proper pronunciation, as well as their teaching abilities. 

History 
ILM Tree's history program seeks to introduce students to world and U.S. history from the times of the ancients through the modern era. Younger children learn about role models, systems of governance, and cultural beliefs related to different time periods, using a mix of storytelling, discussion, projects, and fieldtrips. Older students go into more depth studying world geography, important historic events, and their impact on modern life, comparing and contrasting with Islamic points of view, utilizing reading assignments, hands-on projects, writing, and class discussion. An effort is made to understand the perspectives of multiple peoples, balancing European and non-European cultures, as well as history as seen from the position of the oppressed. 

Science 
In order to teach that any subject can be visited and revisited in order to gain depth of understanding, ILM Tree students rotate through four main topics in science twice over the course of eight years: Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry and Physics. Nature study is a recurring emphasis, with the preschool and kindergarten age children's science classes focused on the ranch and farm animals, and older students including them in their study as appropriate. Other themes include: the love of Allah and His creation; the history of science; the scientific method; the multiple methods of measurement; and note-taking and nonfiction writing. 

Physical Education/Martial Arts 
Recognizing that our bodies also have rights over us, ILM Tree's physical education and martial arts programs are noteworthy for raising the bar for the students' fitness. P.E. is taught by a professional personal trainer who believes in working hard and playing hard. Older girls are taught by a female teacher who models being active, fit, and modest. All of our P.E. teachers encourage the children toward healthy lifestyles and good eating habits. Our martial arts teachers are all certified black belts who emphasize good behavior, respect, and the value of hard work. Kung Fu, in particular, teaches how to use the attackers strength against the attacker, rather than relying on the strength of the defender. Students have an opportunity to advance in belts through in-class testing.

Islamic Studies
Our focus in the Islamic Studies program at ILM Tree is to ensure that our children learn what is required of them as a Muslim but to deliver the message to them in a way that feels relevant to their lives. Our teachers understand the unique challenges of American-Muslim youth, and we hope to equip them with the knowledge they need to maintain a strong Islamic identity while integrating into the American society. Classes will include lessons in aquida (Islamic beliefs), fiqh (jurisprudence), akhlaq (Islamic character), and seerah (life of the Prophet Muhammad (salallaahu alaihi wasallam)). For more information, please read here. 

Qur'an Program
The goal of ILM Tree's Qur'an program is Qur'anic literacy, building a love and thorough understanding of the Qur'an from a young age. For more information, please read here.