Core Academic Program
A full middle school curriculum curated with care and intention toward interdisciplinary connections. With a primary focus on the humanities, students also delve deeply into science and enrichment areas, supported by projects and workshops.
A Microschool for Middle Schoolers
The Core Academic Program at School House Lane (SHL) is a small microschool for grades 5–8 designed for students who enjoy intellectual engagement and a strong sense of community. Meeting twice a week in Germantown, SHL pairs deep learning with the warmth of a close-knit environment.
Our program helps students tap into what they know, build on foundational skills and texts, and develop deeper thinking, thoughtful expression, and confidence in sharing and questioning ideas. We lean heavily into reading, writing, and discussion across all subject areas. The materials used are an eclectic blend of secular resources and unique lessons designed for the students, while activities balance individual work with partner and small group collaboration.
Language Arts & Literature Curriculum
From foundational skills to articulate expression, students build confidence as readers, writers, and communicators while exploring the world of words and deep ideas.
Broad themes that cross multiple humanities subjects drive the curriculum choices each year to foster ongoing content connections and interdisciplinary thinking.
Readings span a variety of genres – historical fiction, poetry, fantasy, and more -and often center on a historical period for a portion of the year. Roughly 8-10 novels are studied per year, in addition to poetry, essays, primary documents, short stories, etc.
We foster ongoing growth in the writing process across both structured, text-supported writing and creative writing. Through literary analysis, discussion, oral presentation, vocabulary development, critical thinking, and personal reflection, students deepen their skills and confidence as writers.
Social Studies & History Curriculum
Students gain a global perspective alongside in-depth studies of the American story, exploring societies, events, and movements from multiple viewpoints.
Broad themes connect historical events across regions and time periods, with attention to stories and contributions that are often underrepresented in traditional history narratives.
Readings and activities include primary sources, historical fiction, maps, and timelines.
We use the Curiosity Chronicles Curriculum alongside a focused study of American history.
Students not only learn “what happened before,” they develop historical thinking that helps them critically examine whose stories have been told, whose have been overlooked, and how the past shapes the present and their own role in shaping the future.
Science Curriculum
Science at SHL is taught by passionate, experienced teachers who design each year’s curriculum around their area of expertise to engage curiosity and foster hands-on investigation.
Students observe, hypothesize, experiment, and analyze results, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They also read scientific texts, write about findings, and engage in debates to understand evidence and connect scientific ideas across disciplines.
We currently use the REAL Science Odyssey curriculum, offering a rigorous, approachable study of life, earth, and physical sciences. Each year the overarching area of science study can shift to new disciplines.
Field Trips
Students in the Core Academic Program embark on full-day field trips throughout the year that bring classroom lessons to life through Philadelphia’s rich cultural, historic, and recreational sites.
They attend performances, explore the city’s playgrounds, museums, and public spaces together. Field trips are also meant to inspire a sense of community adventure and joy!
Studio & Study Day
SHL Core students can choose to attend an optional 3rd day/week for self-directed and teacher-supported studio art, maker, or literary projects, as well as time and assistance with homework.
This extra day is also an opportunity to socialize with the other core group.
Program Structure
- Schedule: Two days per week (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.), either Tue/Thur or Mon/Wed. Field trips occur on regular program days. Mid-September to early June with a 3-4 week winter break and a 1-2 week spring break.
- Long-term participation: Students can continue in the program throughout grades 5–8, building a consistent foundation in learning and community through the middle school years. Homeschoolers who later choose a more traditional high school find that SHL prepares them strongly for that transition.
- Homework: 3-5 hours per week in reading, writing, history, and science. Students complete assignments based on their individual skills and understanding, with a focus on effort and following directions rather than a universal standard. Homework extends learning throughout the week and supports the completion of a full academic year’s worth of content. Homework and feedback are managed via Google Classroom where students and teachers frequently interact.
- Materials: Students need a laptop or tablet with a keyboard for in-class writing. SHL provides all learning materials, including textbooks, novels, workbooks, and printed resources. Students maintain an organized binder throughout the year, which becomes their end-of-year portfolio.
Relationships, Communication, & Assessment
School House Lane thrives on the relationships we build. Our learning environment prioritizes every child feeling heard and valued, so their engagement and participation genuinely matter. We function as an evolving community, and open communication is essential whether we’re discussing academic content or social needs.
- Learning Feedback and Effort – Instead of traditional grades or tests, students receive constructive oral and written feedback on all of their work, along with rubrics for projects and occasional “quizzes” as practice assessment, supporting growth through reflection and guidance. Students complete their work because they are committed to the program; they know that their effort and their ideas are needed by everyone.
- Narrative Reports – Issued twice per year to provide a thoughtful look at each student’s progress and development. Reports cover the teacher’s observations of your child’s growth in all subjects, as well as social, emotional, and developmental insights. Parents often remark on how well the reports capture who their child really is beyond their academic progress.
- Portfolios & Evaluations – Families receive a meaty and meaningful SHL homeschool portfolio and end-of-year evaluation paperwork that meets Pennsylvania homeschool requirements.
- Conferences – 1:1 student-teacher conferences 3-4 times per year, plus parent-teacher conferences twice per year, fostering individual relationships with the teacher. Conferences are an important opportunity to discuss more individualized learning reflections and personal issues in a safe, caring space.
- Parent Communication: Families receive ongoing support and guidance as needed about their child’s experience at SHL and general homeschool help. Regular email updates, access to Google Classroom, and posts on social media provide a detailed view of student learning and program happenings.
Tuition & Commitment
- Tuition: $7,000/year (68 program days, roughly $100/day).
- Payment Schedule:
- $1,000 deposit (non-refundable).
- 6 invoices of $1,000 each scheduled throughout the school year.
- What’s Included: All instruction, narrative reports/conferences, and evaluation paperwork.
- Not Included: Curriculum materials and field trip costs.
Enrollment requires a nonrefundable deposit to hold your child’s spot. By mid-October families commit for the school year with a good-faith agreement.
Enrollment & Fit
- Student Readiness – Students should be confident readers and independent writers who are seeking adult-guided academics and are open to supported challenge.
- Learning Needs & Strengths – The program supports students who are naturally strong in academic skills and those who wish to build them. In many cases, SHL can work well for students with learning differences or neurodivergence.
- Group Dynamics – The aim is to create small groups that will gel as vibrant learning and social communities. Age, interests, and learning styles will be considered in the grouping process.
- Fit & Orientation – We ensure a good fit through conversations and an in-person meeting with both parent and child. When possible, partial shadow days are offered for $50/student.