Virtual & Hybrid Program
The Virtual & Hybrid ELA Program at School House Lane gives homeschool families the flexibility of online learning in a core subject with the benefits of small-group connection and robust curriculum.
Live Online Classes + Optional In-Person Days
Designed for grades 5–8, this program offers a complete Language Arts curriculum taught live where students learn alongside both virtual and in-person students.
ELA Curriculum
From foundational skills to creative expression, students build confidence as readers, writers, and speakers while exploring the world of words.
Broad themes that cross multiple subjects drive the curriculum choices each year to foster ongoing content connections.
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.
We foster growth in the writing process, structured writing, creative writing, literature terms and analysis, discussion, oral presentation, vocabulary, critical thinking, and personal reflection.
Virtual Learning
- Schedule: Two 90-minute Zoom classes per week (9:15–10:45 a.m.) either Tue/Thur or Mon/Wed, from September to June.
- Group Size: Varies, but always kept small. 2–4 virtual students and 6-10 in-person students per group.
- Weekly homework: (2–3 hours) in reading and writing. Students complete assignments based on their individual skills and understanding, with a focus on effort and following directions rather than a universal standard. Homework is an important part of the program—it extends learning throughout the week and supports the completion of an academic year’s worth of content. Homework and feedback are managed via Google Classroom where students and teachers frequently interact.
- Assessment: Instead of traditional grades or tests, students receive constructive oral and written feedback on all of their work along with rubrics for projects, 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.
- Engagement: Classes run concurrently with in-person sessions, so online students join the same discussions and lessons as the students who attend the in-person microschool program.
- Materials: Students need access to a computer in a quiet space (headphones can be helpful). Parents are provided with a book list. Most writing activities take place through docs on Google Classroom. Being able to print work at home is occasionally useful, though not required.
Hybrid Option
Families may add up to eight in-person days per year (9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.) in Germantown. Hybrid days include:
- Participation in their regular Language Arts class.
- A History/Social Studies lesson.
- Lunch and free social time with peers!
This blended approach allows students to experience both the flexibility of online learning and the richness of in-person community. When hybrid students come in-person, they are already familiar with their peers through ELA collaboration.
Communication & Support
- Narrative Reports – Issued twice per year, these reports provide a thoughtful look at each student’s progress and development, highlighting the teacher’s observations of growth and engagement in ELA.
- Portfolios & Evaluations – Work completed in ELA contributes significantly to your child’s homeschooling portfolio. The virtual program includes an end-of-year homeschool evaluation and all required PA state paperwork.
- Conferences – 1:1 student-teacher Zoom conferences and parent-teacher conferences twice per year. These meetings provide a safe, supportive space to discuss individualized learning, reflections, and developmental questions.
- Parent Communication: Families receive ongoing support and guidance as needed. Regular email updates, access to Google Classroom, and posts on social media provide a detailed view of student learning and program happenings.
Tuition & Commitment
- Virtual Program: $2,208/year (64 days; 32 weeks).
- $276 deposit (non-refundable).
- 3 invoices in fall ($828).
- 4 invoices winter/spring ($1,104).
- Hybrid Add-On: +$35 per in-person day (up to 8 days).
- What’s Included: Instruction, narrative reports/conferences, and evaluations.
- Not Included: Curriculum materials.
Families confirm their commitment after the first billing period.
Enrollment & Fit
- The program is designed for students who are confident readers and independent writers, and who can stay engaged in a longer virtual class where discussion and writing are the primary modes of learning.
- It works best for students who enjoy collaboration, can manage homework independently, and are open to thoughtful, supportive challenges from a teacher.