A diverse secular PA homeschool community
☆ Academics ☆ Enrichment ☆
☆ Social Events ☆ Field Trips ☆ Outreach ☆
☆ Mondays ☆
Hanover, PA
Preschool/KinderPrep,
Elementary, Middle, & High
Spring Term: March 30 - May 18 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.
Big Book Fun: Cooking, Counting, Music, Art & Stories!
9:30-10:20am Ages 3-6
Let's bring literature to life as we connect through multi-sensory activities! Using extra large sized Big Books, we'll read and discuss stories, then engage in themed projects that relate to topics such as food, science, dinosaurs, numbers, animals, weather, and more. As a group we'll explore cooking, counting and sorting games, music and rhyme, alliteration and art! All ages and levels welcome; parents too! Sit with us as we sing, play, and discover together! Julia Hancock has been teaching students for 25 years, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Middle School Education, a Master's in School Counseling, and certifications in Early Ed, Music education, and Sound Therapy & Frequency Entrainment. Inspired by children, music, and nature, she brings energy and a creative spirit to the learning process. For the last ten years Julia has enjoyed homeschooling with her daughter and offering many clubs and classes to their local homeschool community. Class Fee: $60 Class Fee: $
Spring Wonders: Seeds, Rainbows, Bugs, & Weather
10:30-11:20pm Ages 3-6
Join us for a joyful journey into the wonders of spring! In this hands-on class, little learners will explore the changing season through stories, nature discovery, simple science experiments, art, and movement. Each week we’ll investigate a new spring theme — from sprouting seeds and blooming flowers to buzzing bees, baby animals, frogs, rainbows, and more. Our class rhythm includes a read-aloud, engaging hands-on activity, creative art project, and playful movement time, all designed to nurture curiosity and a love of the natural world. Spring Wonders encourages exploration, sensory learning, and community connection in a warm and playful environment. Jessica Plank has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University and a master’s degree in teaching, curriculum, and instruction from Penn State University. Jessica has taught 4th and 5th grade for 20 years. She has 2 teenage daughters who are very active in volleyball and softball, which keeps us all very busy! She enjoys reading, putting together puzzles, traveling to beachy locations, and walking! Class Fee: $60
Preschool & Kinder prep program:
We are so excited to welcome families to our new Preschool & Kinder Prep Program!!
Ages 3-6, kids will work at their ability, practicing our foundation goals of reading and math readiness through play, as well as social-emotional wellbeing.
Every age and stage welcome!
Adults to remain on Property, and welcome in room, participating or observing.
Parents must be available to help their child with bathroom needs and emotional support. Gradual separation is encouraged, once child feels safe and comfortable.
Come be a part of our interactive morning!
Enjoy a $10 discount if you register for our full Preschool/ Kinder Prep Program!
Art for Positivity: My Inner Gremlinz
9:30-10:20am Ages 7-11
Art is about letting go, trusting yourself, believing in something greater than you. Through art we will look at the things that steal our confidence and learn to be the best versions of ourselves. Building confident kids one creation at a time! 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: $65
Salt Lab Science: Experiments & Investigations
10:30-11:20am Ages 7-9
Come explore one of the most amazing versatile minerals on the planet! Salt is such a powerful fascinating rock -- what a great way to round out our year long research on Rocks & Minerals! We'll dig into density, crystallization, freezing points, solubility, salinity, and more! Salt Volcano, anyone? 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
Bunnicula 7: Edgar Allen Crow":
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, but as you know, that is not the case. Join me this spring for our final adventure with my best friends Chester, Howie, and of course, Bunnicula. I never thought my writing journey would lead to seven books. For those of you who have never read my books, all are welcome. My last writing is one for ages as they say. 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 FINAL 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
Enjoy Playtime Outside with Friends, under Parent Supervision
1-1:30pm
Elementary:
Animal Adaptations: Nature’s Survival Superpowers!
(Science)
9:30-10:20am Ages 9-12
Why does a Giraffe have such a long neck? How can a Leaf-Tailed Gecko disappear into a tree? And what makes a Bald Eagle such a powerful hunter? In this exciting class, students will uncover the amazing “superpowers” animals use to survive. Through experiments, games, creative challenges, and teamwork, students will explore camouflage, migration, extreme habitats, predator vs. prey strategies, and more. The class ends with a fun Adaptation Expo where students share their own animal creations or research projects. Jessica Plank has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Millersville University and a master’s degree in teaching, curriculum, and instruction from Penn State University. Jessica has taught 4th and 5th grade for 20 years. She has 2 teenage daughters who are very active in volleyball and softball, which keeps us all very busy! She enjoys reading, putting together puzzles, traveling to beachy locations, and walking! Class Fee: $65
Lit & Writing with Choose Your Own Adventure Stories!
10:30-11:20am Ages 9-12
Do you take the left path with the skeleton on the ground, or the right path full of eerie sounds? Do you join the mysterious stranger who holds a treasure map, or take the map for yourself? In this Choose Your Own Adventure class, you don’t stop at simply reading and picking a character’s fate. Together we'll create possibilities by writing our own story, with choices full of excitement and the unknown! All students of varying writing abilities are welcome! We'll focus on creative ideas and basic story elements, making this a no stress opportunity to mix writing into our love for a good mystery. Come join me, and let’s decide our fate together! 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
Musical History: Symphony Stories of Classical Composers
11:30-12:20pm Ages 10-14
How do we help kids remember great composers, their masterpieces, and what they meant? With music and stories, of course! Using melodies from their compositions, students will memorize facts about famous Classical European composers, their life, music, and meanings. We'll share short story narratives, that give students an eye into a "day in the life" of these famous composers: Beethoven walking in nature one morning, why Hayden create a surprise ending to one of his symphonies, and more. Students will discover beginning rhythm and notation skills, and engage in melody playing on a beautiful rosewood xylophone, percussion instruments and more. "Bach's, tiny little, minuet, All, we must do is, practice it, When you sing and play it, You must count to 3 it, Isn't hard just 1-2-3!" Julia Hancock has been teaching students for 25 years, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Middle School Education, a Master's in School Counseling, and certifications in music and Sound Therapy & Frequency Entrainment. Inspired by children, music, and nature, she brings energy and a creative spirit to the learning process. For the last ten years Julia has enjoyed homeschooling with her daughter and offering many clubs and classes to their local homeschool community. Class Fee: $65
Intro to Herbology
11:30-12:20pm Ages 9-14
The world of herbs is diverse: from culinary, medicinal, healing and soothing. Herbs can brighten the dullest foods, heal wounds and even calm the soul. In this class we will focus on the health of the body and mind. Students will learn how herbs can be used to relieve pain, ease digestive, kill infections, boost oxygen uptake in the blood, and much much more. How powerful is it for kids to learn there can be a whole mini pharmacy in their own backyard. Then imagine seeing your child cooking with fresh herbs and enjoying the deep flavors they bring! While also being able to use those herbs to help heal physical wounds and soothe your inner soul. Students will be making herbal teas, herbal pillows and bath products, as well as an herbal reference guide and mini garden to raise at home! I am honored to be offering this beginner herb course and to cultivate an ever-evolving journey with herbs for your child and hopefully your entire family. 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: $85 ($70 + $15 for supplies)
Enjoy Time Outside with Friends, under Parent Supervision
1-1:30pm
upper Elem/Middle:
Intro to Herbology
11:30-12:20pm Ages 9-14
European History: The Six Wives of Henry VIII
9:30-10:20am Ages 12-16
A dynasty in its infancy, and a king who needed an heir. What issues could this possibly cause? A lot, if you were one of the six wives of Henry VIII. Come join me as we learn about the lives of these six women. The perilous journey they faced as the wife of one of the most powerful men in the world. A group of women whose lives depended on two things, staying in the good graces of the king, and a son. Each week students will have in class assignments relating to the topic of the day, as well as home assignments. 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
World Geography
(Geography/World History)
10:30-11:20am Ages 12-16
From the deep tropical rainforest to the brightly colored coral reefs.... From the sky above to the ground below... There is so much to learn while we ignite our curiosity to explore! In this World Geography class, we will take a closer look at the world around us, its continents, cultures, and history. There will be 7 continent and ocean lessons with handouts. Each continent project will follow the same three basic steps: THINK~ we will go over vocabulary words, locate land and water masses, discuss the geology and ecology of each continent. READ~ we will research and read information on each continent and its countries. EXPLORE~ we will explore the continent's many countries and cultures, along with the people and their languages and accents. Come EXPLORE THE SEVEN CONTINENTS ! 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
Intro ot Biological Antropology
11:30-12:20pm Ages 12-16
"Man still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin.” This famous quote from Charles Darwin lightly touches on the basis of biological anthropology; which is the study of human variation, behavior, and primarily evolution. But what is evolution? Why is it so often misunderstood? And finally, what is it that we can learn from the bones of our ancestors? All of these questions and more will be answered in this course, where first I will take you through what anthropology is, and its history, before moving into more case study based assignments where you will look at prehistoric bones and apply the concepts of science, evolutionary mechanics, and comparative anatomy to better your understanding of humankind. Hi I'm Stephen Nell! I was homeschooled my whole life before starting college, and I am now a senior in college working for a bachelors of science in anthropology, with around one semester of work before I finish my degree. I have always been fascinated by questions of the human past, and that is what eventually drew me to anthropology, and now teaching. Ideas of human behavior I believe are some of the most important to study, as they enable us to better our understanding of ourselves, as well as others. I am also a cellist, which has allowed me to have participated in multiple orchestras, and have taken classes with some amazing musicians. I believe in an applied, multidisciplinary approach to learning. I have always found that when I have been asked to apply the information I am studying, I come away with a much better understanding of it. I also have found that experience with multiple different fields of study always ends with a better understanding of underlying core concepts that would otherwise not have come to light. I hope that in taking my classes you will come to share my fascination with the nature of humanity, and can learn to apply the concepts I teach you to any field you end up pursuing. Class Fee: $ 70
Cello Tutoring
(Music)
12:30- 1pm, or 1pm-1:30pm. Ages 12-16
I believe that music is one of the greatest forms of communication and expression. It is one of the few ways I have found to take something that I am feeling, and allow another person to feel it too. I am a university level cellist, and have worked with accomplished musicians in my university’s music program. I have performed in orchestras, and have taught college students who were new to the instrument. In taking this course, students will work one on one with me to create a good basis for those who are new to the instrument, or to refine techniques for those who have experience. For beginners we will be using the Essential Techniques for Strings books, purchased separately. This course will also require the student to have a cello. If one is needed, students may either purchase one, or enroll in a rent to own program for a student cello from a music store such as Menchey Music in Hanover. Hi! I am Stephen Nell. I was homeschooled my whole life before starting college, and I am now a senior in college working for a bachelors of science in anthropology, with around one semester of work before I finish my degree. I have always been fascinated by questions of the human past, and that is what eventually drew me to anthropology, and now teaching. Ideas of human behavior I believe are some of the most important to study, as they enable us to better our understanding of ourselves, as well as others. I am also a cellist, which has allowed me to have participated in multiple orchestras, and have taken classes with some amazing musicians. I believe in an applied, multidisciplinary approach to learning. I have always found that when I have been asked to apply the information I am studying, I come away with a much better understanding of it. I also have found that experience with multiple different fields of study always ends with a better understanding of underlying core concepts that would otherwise not have come to light. I hope that in taking my classes you will come to share my fascination with the nature of humanity, and can learn to apply the concepts I teach you to any field you end up pursuing. Class Fee: $75
Enjoy time Outside with Friends, under Parent Supervision or Teen Club
1-1:30pm
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
