A diverse secular PA homeschool community
☆ Academics ☆ Enrichment ☆
☆ Social Events ☆ Field Trips ☆ Outreach ☆
☆ Mondays ☆
Hanover, PA
Elementary, Middle, & High
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Winter Term: Jan 12 - March 9 2026
Welcome to The Homeschool Collective! Our vibrant community offers homeschool families multiple locations, on different days, each with their own set of weekly classes from which to choose! Classes are found on the day tabs at the top.  Please first read about our fees and policies under the Fees tab, to better understand those details, as well as the About Us tab, for our stance on diversity, sick policy and more, to be sure we are a good fit for your family. Please use the Registration Form found on the "More" tab above to begin enrollment. Parents are welcome to enroll their children in 1 or more drop-off classes. Fees are pay per class, for the term. Once a class becomes full, a waitlist will be started. You will be notified by the email you list on your Registration Form, about class status. You may need to check your spam folder for our email. Please read about our class philosophy on the About Us Page, under the "More" tab above.  We believe in the benefits of mixed age classrooms and acknowledge skills and concepts as a continuum of learning. Elementary classes include a range of activities, skills, and extension lessons in place to support all learning styles and levels. Some classes are listed as Elem/Middle or Middle/High, for a wider range of ages, and will be tailored to the majority age range.  Please stay to assist your child as needed if they are struggling with completing activities, or having difficulty coping within this structured classroom environment.  Also consider a partial schedule, as learning to cope in social settings can be exhausting at any age. Our minimum age on Mondays is 7yo, due to length of classes, readiness levels for structured activities, and number of students. Wednesdays & Thursdays may offer PreK/K classes for 4-6yos, and possible inclusion of ready 6yos to Elementary level classes. You are asked to supervise your child on the grounds when they are not in class.  As well, a small snack between classes is advised if a child cannot wait until their schedule is finished. Masks are welcome but not required. We ask that all families stay home when recovering from illness, or wear masks when questionable, to respect the health of all families and tutors, and honor our diversity of comfort levels. PreK-5 year olds are welcome to play together outside under parent supervision.
Art for Positivity: My Inner SuperHero!
9:30-10:20am Ages 7-11
What kind of SuperHero are you? What are your Super Powers? Not sure? Come join SuperNova Sara & SuperGalactic Sam as we explore some SuperHero Shennanigans together! Using Art & Creativity we will create SuperHero Names, Comics & More! Through these creative activities, students will build self-esteem, reflect on their strengths, and learn how "With great power comes Great Responsibility". Amy Rich is an Art therapist coach that loves to work with children, creating a magical reality that helps our kids get and stay Creative. Amy runs her own business, Fragmented Rainbows, offering group art therapy workshops for all ages, as well as at the YWCA. She is excited to now share her talents with our homeschoolers! Class Fee: $ 60
Rockin' Science: Landslides, Cycles, and Geodes
10:30-11:20am Ages 7-9
Look Out! AVALANCHE!!! Ever wonder why volcanoes explode? Or if a mountain will last forever? Learn more about these and other earth science questions about rocks and the land we stand on! In this class we will build on the "rock" foundation we started in autumn, mining deep into earth's mysteries on how rocks are made, mineralogy, and identification. Students will have fun with lava viscosity experiments, make edible Rock Cycle models, and dig in to what soil actually is! We'll try to save Slide City from a landslide, and turn up the pressure on diamonds! Knowledge is built on a strong foundation... Make YOURS a ROCK! Julia Hancock has been teaching students for 25 years, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Middle School Education, Math & Science concentrations, a Master's in School Counseling, and certifications in early childhood education, music, and the Montessori method.  Inspired by music, writing, and nature, she brings energy and a creative spirit to the learning process. For the last eight years Julia has enjoyed homeschooling with her daughter and offering many clubs and classes to their local homeschool community.  Class Fee: $60
"Bunnicula Strikes Again!": Mystery Series, Jr Lit Study
11:30-12:20pm Ages 7-9
Hello friends, it’s me Harold, I thought my writing journey would end after Bunnicula, as you know, that is not the case. Join me this winter on yet another adventure with my best friend Chester, and our new family member Howie. We have a new problem, (at least Chester thinks so) Bunnicula Strikes again!! I can’t wait for Ms. Jess to share my latest writing with you . Signed, Harold In this class students will work together to predict plot, analyze characters, and hypothesize its latest mysterious caper, in this FOURTH EDITION of Ms. Jessica's very popular Bunnicula Lit study, for anyone who loves a good mystery! Ms. Jessica will read the story each week and guide them in this fun beginner level lit class. Whether its building rockets and rollercoasters for science, inspiring kids to embrace physical fitness and a positive healthy lifestyle, or diving deep into the past with her love of history, Jessica Stephens is always ready to bring learning to life through exploration, projects, and a constant curiosity for how things work! Along with studying to be a fitness instructor through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Jessica has enjoyed homeschooling her children for over 20 years, being active outdoors, and travelling together. Class fee: $40
The First Peoples: Exploring Native American Cultures
1-1:50pm Ages 7-14
Want to know the difference between "nation" and "tribe"? Ever wonder how a circular boat can be made from bison hide? Want to make a pre-colonial map of America BEFORE it was America?! Come explore the cultural diversity and traditional lifestyles of Native American nations across our country. In this multi-sensory class, students will learn accurate tribe names, how the landscape of their region affected their lifestyle during pre-colonization era, and create a visual map of this diversity across 6 major regions. We'll discover music, artifacts, do some crafting, cook some authentic foods, and try map-making as we become more familiar with these nations, and dispel some of the myths about natives past and present. Students will learn culture appropriate terminology, and even practice speaking some phrases in various languages! Come join us! Wado! Julia Hancock has been teaching students for 25 years, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Middle School Education, Math & Science concentrations, a Master's in School Counseling, and certifications in early childhood education, music, and the Montessori method.  Inspired by music, writing, and nature, she brings energy and a creative spirit to the learning process. For the last eight years Julia has enjoyed homeschooling with her daughter and offering many clubs and classes to their local homeschool community.  Class Fee: $65
Elementary:
Adventures in Literature: Odysseys & Mysteries
9:30-10:20am Ages 9-14
Welcome to Adventures in Literature. In this class we’ll take adventures under the sea, fight alongside Musketeers, travel with pirates and so much more. Each week we’ll cover a piece of classic literature. We’ll discuss the characters, story, and the author’s writing style. We’ll compare and contrast the different stories we read, and other fun activities to encourage a love of reading. Come join us as we travel through the magical world of storytelling. Jessica Stephens has followed her passion for studying the intricacies of history for over 30 years. She has a fascination for unearthing and sharing the many interconnecting storylines concerning our nation's past. Jessica enjoys homeschooling her children and bringing history to life through stories, projects, and travelling together with other homeschooling families! Class Fee: $60
Slime Science: The Press on Polymers!
10:30-11:20am Ages 9-14
Slime is so popular, so why not use it to teach our children about science. Slime provides many learning opportunities across multiple subjects, including tactile sensory play, science and chemical reactions, math and ratios, hands-on STEM/STEAM, problem-solving and much more. In this fun engaging class, we will learn how to make slime as well as the science behind it. The fact is, there is a science behind slime! Slime is chemistry in motion. Students will explore why slime is a non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it does not conform to the standard rules of fluid dynamics. We’ll also learn about other chemistry concepts such as Polymers, Cross-linking, and Viscosity! All this and slime making!! Your child isn’t going to want to miss this hands-on science class. Jessica Homan is a Spiritual Mentor, Author, Artist, Poet and a proud Homeschool Mama. She loves to use her talents to inspire her clients and students to live intentional lifestyles. Jessica lives with her husband and three teenage children, where she loves swimming, gardening, meditation and being alone in nature. During the summer months she travels to the shore, as nothing makes her feel more at peace and grounded than wading in the healing energies of natural salt water. Class Fee: $60
Medieval Knights: Life, Lords, & Legends
11:30-12:20pm Ages 9-14
Ever wondered if you could do what it takes to become a Medieval knight? What better way is there to learn about Medieval History than through the lens of Medieval Knights?! Along the way we’ll have fun with activities like designing a shield, a medieval themed strategy game, and designing our own sword. Students will learn about the daily life of knights as well as their roles in battle. From siege engines to jousting, we’ll cover famous knights, key battles, ruling monarchs, legends and truths, along with following the changing role of knights throughout the middle ages. By the end of this course you’ll know if you have what it takes to become a Medieval knight and survive the dangerous and gritty lives they lived. Melissa Ring has been a popular summer camp instructor in Gettysburg, a Teacher’s Assistant and Substitute in local public schools for over 5 years, and long-time Homeschooling Mom of 3 kids. She is an avid photographer and studio owner, and has offered photography classes for The Homeschool Collective in the past. Melissa has a passion for working with children and teens to make learning fun and engaging. We're excited to have her back! Class Fee: $ 60
The First Peoples: Exploring Native American Cultures
1-1:50pm Ages 7-14
Want to know the difference between "nation" and "tribe"? Ever wonder how a circular boat can be made from bison hide? Want to make a pre-colonial map of America BEFORE it was America?! Come explore the cultural diversity and traditional lifestyles of Native American nations across our country. In this multi-sensory class, students will learn accurate tribe names, how the landscape of their region affected their lifestyle during pre-colonization era, and create a visual map of this diversity across 6 major regions. We'll discover music, artifacts, do some crafting, cook some authentic foods, and try map-making as we become more familiar with these nations, and dispel some of the myths about natives past and present. Students will learn culture appropriate terminology, and even practice speaking some phrases in various languages! Come join us! Wado! Julia Hancock has been teaching students for 25 years, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Middle School Education, Math & Science concentrations, a Master's in School Counseling, and certifications in early childhood education, music, and the Montessori method.  Inspired by music, writing, and nature, she brings energy and a creative spirit to the learning process. For the last eight years Julia has enjoyed homeschooling with her daughter and offering many clubs and classes to their local homeschool community.  Class Fee: $65
upper Elem/Middle:
Oceanography & Marine Ecology
(Science)
9:30-10:20am Ages 12-16
"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever." This quote by Jacques-Yves Cousteau captures the mystery and inspiration of the ocean and all that lives within it. In this class students will learn about its vast currents and their global effects on the Earth, and do experiments on how salinity and density creates its thermohaline circulation. They'll work together on Ocean WebQuests to uncover details on habitats, zones, tides, waves, and pressure. Students will also investigate marine food chains, symbiotic relationships, and invasive species. They'll dive into fragile ecosystems like coral reefs, and what the marine community is doing to stabilize and rehabilitate them. Influential oceanographers, human impacts on oceans, and current conservation efforts will round out our watery journey. There's so much to learn, it'll be hard to fit it all in! Let's set sail and head for the horizon! This course fulfills the high school requirement for .2-.5 credit, depending on the level of participation and work effort submitted by student, and parent preference for further supplement. Final grade and credits earned are determined by parent supervisor. Julia Hancock has been teaching students for 25 years, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Middle School Education, Math & Science concentrations, a Master's in School Counseling, and certifications in early childhood education, music, and the Montessori method.  Inspired by music, writing, and nature, she brings energy and a creative spirit to the learning process. For the last eight years Julia has enjoyed homeschooling with her daughter and offering many clubs and classes to their local homeschool community.  Class Fee: $70
European History: France & The Age of Enlightenment
(European/World History)
10:30-11:20am Ages 12-16
Welcome to the House of Bourbon, one of Europe’s most powerful royal houses. A house of opulence, high fashion, betrayal, and the guillotine. Come travel back in time with me to study these once powerful kings whose dynasty was destroyed by greed and revolution. Each week students will have in class assignments relating to the topic of the day, as well as home assignments. This course fulfills the high school requirement for .2-.5 credit, depending on the level of participation and work effort submitted by student, and parent preference for further supplement. Final grade and credits earned are determined by parent supervisor. Whether its building rockets and rollercoasters for science, inspiring kids to embrace physical fitness and a positive healthy lifestyle, or diving deep into the past with her love of history, Jessica Stephens is always ready to bring learning to life through exploration, projects, and a constant curiosity for how things work! Along with studying to be a fitness instructor through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Jessica has enjoyed homeschooling her children for over 20 years, being active outdoors, and travelling together. Class fee: $60
Scrumptious History Part 2: America 1950's - 1980's
11:30-12:20pm Ages 12-16
Feeling adventurous? Would you try some Sequin Salad? Bacon Squares? Let’s take a culinary journey into the modern history of food in 20th Century America! Following the shift from Industrial Age to Commercialism, students will learn how the Food Industry became an influential force in the family kitchen, and how it altered what was on the table from the 1950’s to 1980’s. From Will Keith Kellogg introduction of Corn Flakes to the world, to Jell-O and TV dinner, from processed favorites to snacks that were Moon Landing worthy! We'll uncover some fascinating food recipes and discover the secret history behind some of our favorite foods. We will also apply our growing cooking skills with some tasty cooking projects, bringing the flavors of the past into the present! This course fulfills the high school requirement for .2-.5 credit, depending on the level of participation and work effort submitted by student, and parent preference for further supplement. Final grade and credits earned are determined by parent supervisor. Jessica Homan is a Spiritual Mentor, Author, Artist, Poet and a proud Homeschool Mama. She loves to use her talents to inspire her clients and students to live intentional lifestyles. Jessica lives with her husband and three teenage children, where she loves swimming, gardening, meditation and being alone in nature. During the summer months she travels to the shore, as nothing makes her feel more at peace and grounded than wading in the healing energies of natural salt water. Class Fee: $70
Teen Club and Yearbook Club
1-1:30pm & 1:30-2pm Ages 12-16
Teen Club: After lunch all teens are welcome to hang out in the Arcade for Social Time! Yearbook Club: Thank you to all of the teens that participated in part one of the yearbook club! It was such a success. In this second installment, we will be editing the yearbook photos, designing spreads, creating poetry and artwork, getting pictures inside the classroom, and holding a picture retake day. As a homeschooler, one of the only things that we are missing is getting to have a yearbook! Well now we are going to fix that! If you have a passion for photography, design, or any type of creative outlet, this is the club for you. Together, we can create our own version of what we think a yearbook should be!. Watching everyone bond throughout the school year is so much fun and we get to have this exciting opportunity to put these memories into book form. Katie Dull is so honored to be a part of the teaching staff at The Homeschool Collective! Bringing joy to children is her passion. As a paraeducator, she worked in the public school system for 4 years. In this position, she specialized in the Read Naturally program, provided specialized instruction to students in grades K-5, and organized social events. Once the pandemic hit, she started to homeschool her two children. Watching a light bulb come on and their confidence grow is her goal each time she steps into a classroom. In her spare time, she loves quizzing her children on pop culture, karaoke and game nights with her family, and watching her children shine on the field and on stage. Class Fee: $20
