Who we are
TriStar Cottage School supports families who have chosen a different path for their children’s education. We believe parents are the primary educators, and we exist to come alongside them with community, support, and meaningful learning opportunities.
At TriStar, students are active participants, not passive learners. Our classes are designed to engage, challenge, and encourage growth within a relational, supportive environment.
We are a nonprofit, family-driven community where parents, teachers, and students all play a role. We value relationships, shared responsibility, and the kind of learning that shapes both knowledge and character.
We use a variety of curriculum and teaching approaches, including some faith-based materials, while also valuing the richness that comes from a diverse and multicultural learning community. Our goal is to create a space where families feel supported, respected, and engaged in their educational journey.
Mission Statement
TriStar Cottage School’s mission is to educate and empower parents who choose alternative education options for their students.
Our Team
Jill Trapp
Jill Trapp serves as the Executive Director of TriStar Cottage School, bringing over 17 years of experience as a dedicated home educator. A passionate advocate for family-centered learning, Jill is the proud mother of five daughters, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter. She is married to a first responder, and her life reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and education.
Jill holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership (MOL). She is currently completing her Doctorate in Education with a focus on Organizational Leadership, further equipping her to lead and grow TriStar with vision and excellence.
Known for her heart for families and her ability to bring people together, Jill is passionate about empowering parents, supporting students, and building a thriving educational community rooted in faith, integrity, and collaboration.
Executive Director
Theresa Milton
In 2012, Theresa Milton founded Clarksville Homeschool Co-op with a vision to create a welcoming and diverse community where families could learn and grow together. From the beginning, the co-op opened its doors to anyone with a passion for teaching and a desire to contribute. What started with just 25 families quickly grew to 75, revealing that this community was becoming something larger and more meaningful than she ever imagined.
Theresa is a proud mother of five, ranging in age from 16 to 39, and “Mimi” to eight wonderful grandchildren, ages 2 to 18. Her life experiences—both the joyful and the challenging—have given her a deep compassion for supporting families through every season of their journey.
Today, she continues to serve the co-op under the leadership of a dedicated Executive Director, now part of a thriving community of 115 families. Theresa remains honored to be part of this journey and is excited about the future as the co-op continues to grow and support one another.
Director of Programs
Operations CoordinatorCarol Parker
With over eight years of experience as a home educator, Carol Parker brings a strong foundation in organization, communication, and a deep passion for empowering families to take ownership of their children’s education. From mentoring teens to guiding preschoolers, she thrives on building meaningful relationships across all ages and stages.
Her background in mechanical engineering fuels her enthusiasm for teaching STEM and science, where she seeks to inspire curiosity and confidence in every student. As a proud mother of two boys and the wife of a military veteran, Carol has spent many years serving in leadership and volunteer roles within both military and homeschool communities, including as a former Family Readiness Group Leader.
At Tristar, Carol is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where every family feels a sense of belonging. Whether supporting families behind the scenes or working directly with students in the classroom, she considers it a joy to serve and grow alongside such an amazing community.
Contact us
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