In-Person Program

A Microschool for Middle Schoolers

The In-Person Program at School House Lane (SHL) is a small, secular microschool for students in grades 5–8. Meeting two days per week in Germantown, SHL combines academic challenge with the warmth of a home-based, close-knit learning community.

Each month, students also participate in a full-day field trip that connects classroom lessons to Philadelphia’s cultural and historic sites.

Program Structure

• Schedule: Two full days per week (9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.), either Tue/Thu or Mon/Wed.
• Homework: 2–4 hours per week, primarily in reading, writing, and history. Assignments are individualized as needed. Homework and feedback are managed via Google Classroom.
• Technology: Students bring a laptop or tablet with keyboard for in-class writing.

Communication & Support

• Ongoing Feedback – Instead of traditional grades or tests, students receive regular oral and written feedback, along with occasional quizzes and rubrics for essays and projects, supporting growth through reflection and guidance.
• Narrative Reports – Issued twice per year to provide a thoughtful look at each student’s progress and development.
• Portfolios & Evaluations – Families receive a comprehensive SHL portfolio and end-of-year evaluation that meets Pennsylvania homeschool requirements.
• Conferences – 1:1 student-teacher conferences 3-4 times per year, plus parent-teacher conferences twice per year, fostering open communication and collaboration.
• 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: $6,600/year (64 program days).
• Payment Schedule:
  • $825 deposit (non-refundable).
  • 3 invoices in fall ($2,475).
  • 4 invoices winter/spring ($3,300).
• What’s Included: All instruction, narrative reports, portfolio support, and evaluations.
• Not Included: Curriculum materials and field trip costs.

Enrollment requires a nonrefundable deposit to hold your child’s spot. After a four-week trial period, families commit for the school year with a good-faith agreement to provide one month’s notice if withdrawing.

Enrollment & Fit

• Student Readiness – Students should be confident readers and independent writers who are willing to participate in adult-guided academics and contribute positively to group activities.
• Learning Needs & Strengths – The program supports both students who are naturally strong in academic skills and those who wish to build them. In many cases, SHL can work for students with learning differences or neurodivergence depending on their goals and needs.
• 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. There may be an opportunity for prospective students to “shadow” for a few hours..