Programs & Services
At School House Lane (SHL), we believe that middle school is a time when children deserve both challenge and care.
Why Choose School House Lane?
Our programs provide comprehensive academics in a nurturing, inclusive environment. Middle schoolers can participate in our Core Academic Program, Studio & Study Day, SHL Arts Day, or our Virtual/Hybrid ELA Class, and families can benefit from supportive homeschool consultations and evaluations. All in-person programs take place at our Germantown location.
- Small class sizes: Every child receives meaningful attention and ongoing feedback.
- Robust Language Arts program – the core of SHL: Literature, writing, grammar, and deep discussions.
- Full middle school curricula: American history, world history, and science.
- Interdisciplinary approach: Content connections woven through academics, projects, and field trips.
- Creative exploration opportunities: Visual and performing arts experiences and studio-based projects that complement core academics.
- Affirming, inclusive environment: Relationships with learning and with one another are guided by respect, care, and inclusion.
- The middle school years: All programs are designed for grades 5-8, but as homeschoolers, there is some flexibility.
With more than 26 years of teaching experience, director Melissa Church brings expertise, creativity, and compassion to every program and group of students. Families choose SHL because it combines the best of homeschooling flexibility with the guidance of a passionate teacher and the joy of friendships — an ideal setting for tweens developing academic skills and taking responsibility for their learning!
Grp 2 · 11:30am
Core Academic Program
Group 1 Tuesday/Thursday, Group 2 Tuesday/Friday, 9-3.
The Core Academic Program is the heart of School House Lane. Each core group meets two days per week in Germantown, where this microschool offers a full middle school curriculum inspired by the warmth of a one-room schoolhouse model.
What Students Learn
Language Arts
Reading, writing, grammar, literature studies, and deep discussion.
History & Social Studies
A global perspective in world and American history.
Science
Investigation through labs, readings, projects, and scientific debate.
Projects
Exploring ideas and content through visual art, research, creative writing, and more.
Monthly Field Trips
Connect lessons to sites and experiences around Philadelphia.
Homework
Homework on Google Classroom deepens learning and encourages independence.
Parent Support
- Narrative progress reports and parent/teacher conferences (twice per year).
- A complete homeschool portfolio and end-of-year evaluation paperwork.
- Ongoing communication and consultation.
Studio & Study Day
Group 1 Friday, Group 2 Thursday, 9-3
Studio & Study Day is available to enrolled SHL core students. One day/week of self-directed projects, homework support, and social connections — thoughtfully guided by staff throughout the day.
What Students Do
Studio Time
Art projects, maker activities, and hands-on materials
Study Hall
Homework support and focused independent work
Social Time
Free time to connect with peers across both core groups
SHL Arts Day
SHL Arts Day is open to SHL students AND the wider homeschool community. A one-day/week arts program for middle schoolers who want to create, perform, collaborate, and express their artistic voices together. Each semester ends with a performance and/or art exhibition.
What Students Explore
Original Work
Developing original pieces in visual and performing arts
Art Forms
Music, theater, movement, drawing, set design, scriptwriting, and more
Ensemble Skills
Design, perform, reflect — small groups build craft and community
- Led by Melissa Church with a network of professional teaching artists
- Rotating residencies bring fresh expertise throughout the year
Virtual & Hybrid ELA Class
Grades 5–8 | Online + Optional In-Person Days
The Virtual Language Arts & Hybrid Program gives families the flexibility of online learning while maintaining SHL’s small-group, high-engagement environment for those seeking a year-long, in-depth middle school Language Arts class.
How It Works
- Virtual: Two live Zoom classes/week that co-occur with in-person lessons covering a year of ELA readings and concepts with an interdisciplinary humanities lens.
- Hybrid: Optional in-person days when students join Germantown classmates for a full day of academics.
- Homework: Weekly assignments with Google Classroom supporting feedback.
Supportive Components
- 1:1 student/teacher and parent/teacher Zoom conferences.
- Narrative reports and end-of-year evaluation paperwork (for PA residents) included.
Consulting & Evaluations
For Homeschooling Families in Pennsylvania
In addition to student programs, SHL offers direct support to parents through consulting sessions and annual evaluations.
Homeschool Consulting
Whether you are just beginning your homeschool journey or looking to refine your approach, SHL provides:
- Guidance in supporting and facilitating your child’s learning.
- Advice on structure and engagement in the homeschool day.
- A non-judgmental space to discuss questions and concerns.
- An alternative educational lens for seeing learning beyond the traditional model.
PA Homeschool Evaluations
Pennsylvania law requires homeschoolers to complete an annual evaluation with a certified evaluator. At SHL, evaluations are:
- Conducted by a teacher with 26+ years of experience.
- Serving grades 1-12, including Special Ed.
- Supportive and encouraging – families often describe them as “stress-free.”
Parents can leave evaluations confident that they are compliant with PA homeschool law, but more importantly – proud of their family’s teamwork.
Ready to Learn More?
Choosing a homeschool program for your children is a big decision. At School House Lane, we’re here to partner with you in creating a joyful, rigorous, and meaningful middle school experience.