The Learning Tree Center crest — a schoolhouse beneath a tree The Learning Tree Center Palm Desert · Est. 1979 EN · ES Pay Tuition Book a Tour
For families arriving from anywhere

Your children have a school in Palm Desert.

Whether you arrive for work, medicine, study or the winter season — the paperwork is simpler than you think, and the welcome is real.

The short version

Most international children can enroll today.

Under federal rules, children of families holding work visas (H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1), investor visas (E-2), and the children of international college students and scholars (F-2, J-2 dependents) may attend a private school in the United States. No special school certification is required — enrollment works just like it does for any local family.

Step one

Talk to us from anywhere

Message the school on WhatsApp or book a video tour. Time zones are our problem, not yours — we answer in English and Spanish.

Step two

Records & enrollment online

Send report cards and immunization records digitally — we guide the translation requirements. Enrollment paperwork is signed electronically.

Step three

A desk within a week

Reserve your child's seat with an online deposit before you travel. Most students begin within one week of arriving in the valley.

Language

Se habla español. Every day, not on request.

Spanish is not a service we switch on for you. It is spoken in this office, in the classrooms and on the playground, and it is taught to every child twice a week.

In the office

Call and speak Spanish

You will not be put on hold waiting for someone who can help. Call (760) 345-8100 in either language and you will be understood.

On the faculty

Credentialed Spanish teachers

Our staff includes a teacher with a BA in Spanish and a multiple-subject credential, and a dedicated Spanish teacher. Your child is not being taught by an app.

For every child

Spanish twice a week, all grades

Thirty minutes, twice a week, from Kindergarten-Prep up. A child arriving with Spanish at home is ahead here, not behind.

Ver esta página en español

The paperwork question

What we actually need.

Families arriving from another country usually expect this to be the hard part. It is not. Bring what you have and we will help you finish the file.

Records

In any language

Send your child’s most recent report card as it is. We will work through the translation with you rather than sending you away to get one certified.

Health

Immunizations, wherever given

California requires full immunization and a physician’s report. Shots given abroad count. A local doctor can review the record and complete the form.

Identity

No Social Security number needed

Our form asks for the last four digits if you have them. If your child does not have one, leave it blank. It is not a requirement to enroll.

Timing

Finish it before you land

The application is filled in, signed and sent as a PDF from your own device, wherever you are. Walk in on the first morning already enrolled.

Start the application Book a video tour

We are a secular, non-profit school. There is no religious requirement and no testing hurdle to clear before your child is welcome.

Common situations

Families like yours arrive every month.

“I'm starting a job at a resort or hospital here.”

Children of H-1B, L-1, O-1 and TN visa holders enroll like any local family. Bring what records you have — we will work with the rest.

“I'm an international student at College of the Desert or CSUSB.”

Your children (F-2 dependents) may attend school full-time while you study. Our campus is one mile from College of the Desert.

“We're here November to March for the equestrian circuit.”

Ask about the Circuit Term — month-to-month winter enrollment with homework coordination for show days, thirty minutes from the Desert International Horse Park.

“We just joined a team at Acrisure Arena.”

Firebirds and Coachella Valley Lakers families arrive mid-season — sometimes mid-year, sometimes from Canada or Europe. A new student can start within a week, any month of the school year.

“We don't want a religious school.”

The Learning Tree is a secular private school — a private education without a religious affiliation, which is uncommon in the valley.

The school provides enrollment paperwork and welcomes every lawful visa situation; it does not give immigration advice. Visa questions should go to your attorney or the U.S. authorities.

See the campus. Meet the teachers.

Tours run every week — in person, or by video call for families abroad.

Book a Tour
WhatsApp (760) 345-8100