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 in-person microschool or virtual/hybrid ELA program, and families can benefit from supportive homeschool consultations and evaluations.
- 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, enrichment workshops, and field trips.
- Affirming, inclusive environment: Relationships with learning and with one another are guided by respect, care, and inclusion.
With more than 26 years of teaching experience, Melissa Church brings expertise, creativity, and compassion to every class. 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!
In-Person Microschool Program
Grades 5–8 | Germantown, Philadelphia
The In-Person Program is the heart of School House Lane. Meeting two days per week in Germantown, this microschool offers a full middle school curriculum in a warm, home-based setting.
What Students Learn
Language Arts
Reading, writing, grammar, literature studies, and communication.
History & Social Studies
A global perspective in world and American history.
Science
Weekly science lessons taught by additional teachers.
Enrichment Workshops
Cooking, art, nature, hiking, and more.
Monthly Field Trips
Connect lessons to sites and experiences around Philadelphia.
Homework
Homework on Google Classroom deepens learning, and encourages independence and interaction.
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.
Virtual Language Arts & Hybrid Program
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.
How It Works
- Virtual Option: Two live Zoom classes per week (1.5 hrs each) thoroughly covering a year of ELA concepts with an interdisciplinary humanities lens. Virtual classes co-occur with the in-person ELA class.
- Hybrid Option: Virtual classes plus monthly in-person days when students join Germantown classmates for history, lunch, and social time.
- Homework: Weekly assignments (2–3 hrs) in reading and writing with Google Classroom supporting feedback and questions throughout the week.
Supportive Components
- 1:1 student/teacher and parent/teacher Zoom conferences for individualized feedback and reflection.
- Narrative reports, portfolio support, and end-of-year evaluation paperwork (for PA residents).
Who It’s For
The Virtual/Hybrid program is ideal for families who:
- Live outside of Philadelphia but want access to SHL’s unique approach.
- Are seeking a year-long, in-depth middle school Language Arts program.
- Want live, small-group online learning with high engagement and personalized instruction.
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.