The application process for the 2019-2020 school year is now closed. Please fill out the Interest Form for future consideration.

Admissions process

ILM Tree relies on a very thorough admissions process to ensure all families understand what it means to be part of our unique co-op. We use these steps to ensure families are willing to adhere to our vision and homeschooling philosophy.

Please be aware, however, that there are very limited spots, and while we wish we could accommodate all families, we are simply bound by limitations of space and size. Applications are only accepted and processed if there is space in the class for which the family is applying.

If multiple families apply and are determined to be positive additions to the ILM Tree community based on the steps of the application process, the managers will offer membership to that family who provides the most to the co-op by way of skills. We also prioritize families who have a background in homeschooling because they tend to understand what it takes to educate your own child and are used to spending a great deal of time with their children.

We strongly encourage all families to actively pursue other educational options while they are going through the ILM Tree application process.

Below you’ll find the details of how families can join our co-op.

1. Attend a tour on one of the available dates listed above.

2. Submit an interest form. Managers will send an official application only if we have space.

3. Submit completed application and signed agreement forms by January 31, 2019.

4. Schedule a Parent Shadow Day* to attend the potential future class for EACH of your children. Shadow Days are offered during co-op hours, with the following timings:

   Early Childhood (including KG): 8:05 am-12:30 pm

   1st grade - 8th grade: 8:05 am-3:35 pm

   *Children are NOT allowed to attend Parent Shadow Days, please arrange alternative care

5. Both parents attend an interview.

6. Schedule a Student Trial Week for all students applying to be in 1st grade and up. The student must spend ONE FULL WEEK with their potential class. Trial weeks are scheduled between Feb. 15 and March 15. During the Trial Week, the mother will attend a Weekly Community Meeting on a Monday from 1:15-3:15. We may ask Early Childhood students to attend one shadow day.

7. ILM Tree will communicate a decision to the family in April. Families who meet all criteria but don’t have space in their child’s class will be put on our waiting list and will be contacted should space become available.

We realize this admissions process may look very different from other schools or educational organizations. We strongly believe all steps are essential components of our application process and are therefore required. Completion of the Application Process does not guarantee admission.

Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants who live farther than a 30-minute drive to ILM Tree. We have found that the significant demands of ILM Tree membership — in addition to a long commute — tend to be more than families can successfully manage.