Discover TriStar Cottage School
About Us
Founded in 2012 by a collaborative group of homeschooling families in Clarksville, Tennessee, TriStar Cottage School began as a grassroots effort to share educational strengths and support one another. What started with 18 families and a handful of classes has grown into a thriving academic community serving over 100 families with more than 120 classes across all core subjects and electives. Rooted in the belief that every child is a unique learner, TriStar empowers students and parents through personalized education, shared teaching, and a strong sense of community.
We are committed to academic excellence, lifelong learning, and honoring the vital role of parents in their child’s education. Our values reflect a deep respect for individuality, family, faith, and the collaborative spirit that brought us together. As we’ve grown, so has our commitment to structure, safety, and quality—ensuring a nurturing, respectful, and empowering environment for
all. At TriStar, education is not just about academics—it’s about building relationships, fostering growth, and walking alongside families in their homeschooling journey.
Our Mission
TriStar Cottage School’s mission is to educate and empower both students and parents by offering enriching classes and supportive resources. We aim to foster academic success for students while ensuring parents remain actively engaged in their child’s educational journey.
Our Core Values
- Empowerment - We believe in equipping students and parents with the tools, confidence, and knowledge they need to thrive in their educational journey.
- Individuality in Learning - We recognize that every child is a unique individual who learns in different ways. We honor and support each student’s distinct learning style and pace.
- Lifelong Learning - We believe that education is not confined to the classroom—it is a lifelong process that nurtures curiosity, growth, and discovery.
- Parental Partnership - We value the essential role of parents and foster strong relationships between families, students, and educators to create a collaborative learning environment.
- Community & Respect - We respect the authority and influence of families, government, and the church in children’s lives. We strive to build a supportive, respectful community grounded in shared values.
- Integrity & Compassion - We uphold honesty, kindness, and integrity in all we do, creating a safe and inclusive space where every student and family feels valued.
Our Staff
Jill Trapp
Executive Director
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.
Theresa Milton
Director of Programs
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.
Carol Parker
Operations Coordinator
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.
Board of Advisors
Robert Brady
Jennifer Christy
Jennifer Christy
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Jennifer Christy
Jennifer Christy
Jennifer Christy
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Amber Van Orden
Jennifer Christy
Amber Van Orden
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Tutorial Registration
We are excited to start enrollment for our
2025-2026 Tutorial Classes.
Check out our Tutorial page.
Registration Begins June 1, 2025
NOW OPEN!!!!!