The Learning Tree Center crest The Learning Tree Center Palm Desert · Est. 1979 EN · ES Pay Tuition Book a Tour
The longest running independent school in the Coachella Valley

A school with the whole world in it.

A private preschool and elementary school in Palm Desert, Pre-K through 6th grade. Non-profit, family-run since 1979.

Se habla español

Learning Tree students in red uniforms smiling together on the Palm Desert campus
An independent school

47 years, and still family-run.

The Learning Tree Center has served Coachella Valley families since 1979, on its own three-acre campus in Palm Desert. It is the largest independent school in the valley, and every decision about your child is still made by the people who teach them.

Our mission

With the child in mind — we teach the whole child, and build success upon success.

Palm Valley families welcome.  A seat ready now, plus a $1,000 first-year grant for 2026-2027. Call for details.
Call (760) 345-8100 Learn more

Why families choose us

Everything a childhood needs.

Pre-K & TK

Ages 4–5
Language, math and science foundations — with music, art and cooking.

Elementary

K – Grade 6
Reading, spelling, mathematics and science — ready for any middle school.

After-school + summer

Care included
Before- and after-care included with tuition. Daily hot lunch and the summer program are separate.

Online learning

Call for a plan
Live remote classes for traveling families and students joining from abroad. Enrolling now, priced per family, so call us.

Daycare, under 4

Coming soon
Children 4 and up are welcome today. Care for under 4 is returning, pending state licensing. Join the list.

Enroll from anywhere.

Work visa, student visa, winter season — your children can enroll now, and usually start within a week.

Two Learning Tree students reading a book together
Learning Tree students proudly holding dragon drawings they made in class Learning Tree students with their arms around each other outside on campus Three Learning Tree students in uniform smiling together
A 501(c)(3) non-profit

Every dollar stays here.

Tuition does not cover everything. Donations pay for classroom technology, field trips, the science fair and scholarships for families who need them. We use a platform that takes no fee, so the school keeps 100 percent.

Donate to the school

Tax-deductible. The Palm Desert Learning Tree Center is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit.

What we ask of every child

Eight things, before anything else.

These open our handbook. Three rules govern the rest: respect yourself, respect others, respect property.

A private school near you, wherever you are in the valley.

Non-profit since 1979

Family-run and educator-led for more than four decades.

State-registered

A California private school on file with the state Department of Education.

Pre-K through grade 6

One campus for the early years, with before- and after-care.

Se habla español

We welcome families in English and Spanish, every day.

What families say.

“As busy working professionals, we believe The Learning Tree is the perfect school for our family.”

Naota & Nora Hashimoto · Parents

“The top-notch education and the daily teachings of integrity and morality make this school environment truly special.”

Caryl Brennan · Parent

“I encourage all parents looking for a unique, challenging and fun pre-school, to visit and tour The Learning Tree.”

Dr. J. Chaparro · Proud Parent

“They are truly consistent and continue to deliver great educational experiences.”

Kate Harrington · Grandmother
Campus tour

Welcome to our world.

In person, or by video from anywhere on earth.

Book a Tour
WhatsApp (760) 345-8100