A diverse secular PA homeschool community
☆ Academics ☆ Enrichment ☆
☆ Social Events ☆ Field Trips ☆ Outreach ☆
☆ Thursdays ☆
Abbottstown, PA
K, Elementary, Middle, & High
​​​Autumn Term: Sept 11 - Nov 12 2025
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.
Our Solar System: The Inner Planets!
10:30-11:20am Ages 5-8
Join us on an adventure through space as we discover the wonders of our solar system! We will be focused on the inner solar system (with Part 2 focusing on the outer solar system next semester), learn about constellations, and meet a few of astronauts who made history. Through engaging books, catchy songs, creative art projects, and fun hands-on experiments, students will explore the mysteries of the night sky while building a deeper love for science and discovery. This class will also include at-home options every week, so you have the option to really expand upon our in class learning, if you choose. Tania Groft has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from York College of PA and a master’s degree in School Library and Information Technology from Mansfield University. Tania taught both sixth and fourth grade for a total of 12 years before deciding to stay home to be with her own babies. Four children, over 30 chickens, two cats, homeschooling and coaching Crossfit at a local gym keeps her on her toes, but in any free time she loves to hike, read, and travel - especially to the beach! Class Term Fee: $60
Blossoming Artists
11:30-12:20pm Ages 5-7
In this hands-on class, students will dive into the world of art by learning about a different artist each week. Through engaging stories and discussions, we will explore the lives and works of renowned artists like Ruth Asawa, Marc Chagall, Diego Rivera, Elizabeth Catlett, and more. After each artist study, students will create their own unique art project inspired by that artist’s style and techniques. We will end the semester with an art exhibit to showcase our work. Tania Groft has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from York College of PA and a master’s degree in School Library and Information Technology from Mansfield University. Tania taught both sixth and fourth grade for a total of 12 years before deciding to stay home to be with her own babies. Four children, over 30 chickens, two cats, homeschooling and coaching Crossfit at a local gym keeps her on her toes, but in any free time she loves to hike, read, and travel - especially to the beach! Class Fee: $65 (includes supplies)
Ceramics: Under the Sea!
10:30-11:20am Ages 7-12
This hands on class will explore the hidden world under our planet's oceans, as well as a variety of handbuilding clay techniques. Students will create both sculptural and functional work, such as coral gardens and trinket dishes. Work will be fired, and glazed or painted. Class includes all materials and firing. Holly Davis is a "boymom" of 3 active kids (4 if you include our giant dog!), 2 of which are homeschooled. She has been teaching clay for a little more than 25 years, since she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics (from Arcadia University in Glenside, PA and Glasgow School of Art in Glasgow, Scotland). Holly received her Masters in Education from Wilkes University, in Wilkes, PA. Prior to homeschooling, she taught high school Ceramics for several years. She currently teach clay classes at Creative York. She loves "how clay directly connects us to history and the land!" Class Fee: $130 ($90 + $40 for all materials and firings.)
Science: Exploring Autumn
11:30-12:20pm Ages 7-9
Fall into fun science! Join us for hands-on, fall-themed experiments! Explore apples, pumpkins, colorful leaves, and autumn weather through exciting activities, tasty taste tests, and playful discoveries. Perfect for curious minds ready to investigate the wonders of the season while having a blast! Victoria Craig has degrees in Special Education and Psychology. She believes all children have the right to an individualized education that helps them grow. Victoria currently is a proud homeschool mom of two amazing children. She also works as a counselor at a homeless shelter for women and children. Class Fee: $60 (includes $10 for supplies)
Word Study Games & Music w/Pete the Cat!
12:45-1:35pm Ages 6-9
It's Pete the Cat!! Here to help encourage and inspire us, with reading games, stories, music and activities! Students will have a blast working together, singing with Ms. Julia, and beefing up that positive mindset. She may even bring her guitar! Reading skills not necessary, all levels welcome. We're going to have fun with this one and learn a LOT! So let's "keep walking along and singing our song!", as Pete says! 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 childhood education, music, and the Montessori method.  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: $50
Karate Club
1:45-2:15pm Ages 7-11
Let's kick it with our new Karate Club!! Your kids will learn all the foundations of karate and some taekwondo in this fun vibrant indoor/outdoor multi-age class. Students will have the opportunity to earn a belt and even break a board! Parents are encouraged to cheer them on, after all, the family that kicks together, sticks together! There will also be uniforms for those interested in purchasing one for the class. Grant Spicka has been studying karate for 10 years at Championship Martial Arts and Taekwondo for 2 years. He earned his third degree black belt in karate. A favorite with the younger children, Grant has worked as a instructor for about 3 years. His enthusiam and zest for learning is contagious, bringing an authentic joy into everything he does. Grant also enjoys working on cars, and has taken automotive tech classes at Carroll Community College. He is in his senior year as a homeschooler and is a long time friend in our community. Class Fee: $40
Yummy History: Businesses that Shaped York County
10:30-11:20am Ages 9-12
Did you know that the snack capital of the world is in York County? Join us to learn about the many local businesses that have shaped York Co. and created the snack capital of the world! Bring your appetite as we enjoy sweet and salty foods, learn about people who persevered during failures and succeeded, and the value of hard work. Hope Eberly is a 2nd year homeschooling mama to 3 kiddos. Hope has a bachelor's in social work and has experience in teaching in groups. She strongly believes in lifelong learning and making learning fun! Having lived in York all her life, she is excited to share this unique class that honors the vibrant and delicious heritage of this historic city. Class fee: $60
Graphic Novels and Comics Through History
11:30-12:20pm Ages 9-13
POW! WHAM! BOOM! Comic books have been a strong presence in literary history since the early 20th century. Defying the stereotype of being silly and low brow entertainment, comic books, and their later successor, the graphic novel, have left a permanent and positive mark on our collective imaginations. And there’s so much more about their history, from the 1930’s to present, that you may not know, such as the tragic lives of creators who never received their due, the themes they tried to convey, and the evolution of storytelling itself. 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: $55
​Age of Exploration: What Could Go Wrong?
12:45-1:35pm Ages 9-13
Join us as we journey with history’s boldest explorers into the unknown. From the New World to Vikings and the Arctic, we’ll examine how they navigated new parts of the world, why exploration was so important, and what happened when things didn’t go as planned. Alongside tales of bravery and discovery, we’ll explore the lasting impact on native peoples and the world that followed. Jennifer Capone has taught Kindergarten for 8 years, directed the Wisteria Campground's Summer Arts and Crafts Program in both Pa and Ohio, leads a local Girl Scout troop, offers classes to homeschoolers in many groups, and runs her own Etsy business. She enjoys time at home with her teen, crafting together and homeschooling at their own pace.  ​Class Fee: $60
Readers Theater
1:45-2:30pm Ages 9-14
Let’s go on a magical adventure that combines both drama and literacy in the classroom! In this class, we will bring retellings of your favorite folktales to life through Reader’s Theater. Picture this! The Three Little Pigs have access to the technology of today’s world! Or The Lion and the Mouse is set in a bustling metropolis. We will be reading and performing 5 scripts throughout this course. On the first day, the students will choose their character, learn vocabulary words, and add descriptive language to enhance characters and settings. On the second day, the students will be able to choose from theater props and costumes to bring their characters to life and put on the performance of a lifetime. There are many extension activities that will be provided, and you can do them at home if you choose! Katie Dull is so excited to join 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, Everett & McCartney. Watching a light bulb come on, and a child’s 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 stage. Class Fee: $40
Walden Pond: Henry David Thoreau's Poetry & Activism for Our Nation's Wildlands
10:30-11:20am Ages 12-16
He was labeled many things, such as an anarchist, abolitionist and environmentalist. Thoreau was, at his heart, a writer with unwavering principles, viewpoints, and beliefs. The life of Henry David Thoreau is not just an example of a person in American history, but of American history itself, and the spirit of one unwilling to back down from what mattered to him. Each week students will have lectured based activities, as well as group discussions and projects, while we discuss not only the poetry of Thoreau, but how he changed the world in the time he was living in. 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: $65
Dark Origins of Fairy Tales
11:30-12:20pm Ages 12-16
In this course, we’ll dive into the original, often grim fairy tales and how they’ve changed over time. Through discussion and analysis, we’ll examine the historical and cultural contexts that shaped the original tales, the moral lessons they were intended to teach, and whether those messages remain in the modern retellings. From Cinderella to Little Red Riding Hood, uncover the darker roots hidden beneath the happily-ever-afters. Jennifer Capone has taught Kindergarten for 8 years, directed the Wisteria Campground's Summer Arts and Crafts Program in both Pa and Ohio, leads a local Girl Scout troop, offers classes to homeschoolers in many groups, and runs her own Etsy business. She enjoys time at home with her teen, crafting together and homeschooling at their own pace.  Class Fee: $65
Life Science & Lab
12:45-1:35pm Ages 12-16
Discover the hidden world of life! In the fall term, students explore what makes something alive, the chemistry of cells, and how energy powers life. Hands-on labs—from pond water microbe hunts to enzyme reactions and microscope explorations of plant and animal cells—build observation and analysis skills. The term culminates in a creative cell model project, letting students showcase their understanding of cell structure and function. This will be a year long course. Labs and demonstrations will be done in class along with review of basic concepts and any outside assignments. In order to meet a variety of needs, there will be additional assignments given at several different levels of depth. Not all students will complete every assignment. Students interested in a robust biology course will complete most of their work outside of class. Victoria Craig has degrees in Special Education and Psychology. She believes all children have the right to an individualized education that helps them grow. Victoria currently is a proud homeschool mom of two amazing children. She also works as a counselor at a homeless shelter for women and children. Class Fee: $80 (Additional $20 for families wanting weekly teacher support & feedback on all labs and extension assignments)
Algebra Made Easy (for Haters & Fans)
1:45-2:30pm Ages 12-16
Allergic to Math? Does it make you anxious, angry, frustrated, or frantic? Does the thought of needing Algebra for graduation make you want to flee the country? In this Part 1 of 3, students will discover that math can actually be obtainable and accessible,, given the right teacher. In this class students will find that Algebra is a simple 2 step process... I promise. Leaning on the short and simple text Painless Algebra, students will be guided through only a few questions per class to focus on understanding and process. Quality over quantity. Lessons are short and visual We'll cover all the fundamental content for high school credit, while side stepping advanced Algebra concepts. No text purchase necessary. No additional math program needed. It'll be that easy! Short weekly home assignments will be given, with in-class homework review. Perfect for 7th grades and up! Will count for high school. Students interested in attending this class as simple supplement to their own home curriculum, are also welcome. 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 childhood education, music, and the Montessori method.  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: $80
