A diverse secular PA homeschool community
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Thursdays ☆ Abbottstown
Elementary, Middle, & High
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Spring Term
April 10 - May 22 2025
10:30-2pm
* Spring Registration will officially open Tuesday April 1st 10am .
Please wait until 10am to submit your completed Registration form found under its own tab, then send your $32 Family Registration Fee through our new link button, to complete your registration process. You will receive a reply within 24 hrs from our THC Gmail, as your form is processed manually throughout the day.
PLEASE READ THE NOTES BELOW, THEN SCROLL DOWN FOR COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
We offer 2 sets of weekly classes to choose from, on either Mondays, Thursdays, or both; each day has its own location. Classes are found on the day tabs at the top.  We also offer online class options. Please 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. 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 both Mondays and Thursdays is 7yo, due to length of classes, readiness levels for structured activities, and number of students. On Thursdays we will offer PreK classes for the younger set, and the possible opportunity for ready 6yos to attend Elementary level classes. Anyone interested in a Mommy Play Group for our Littlest Ones (1-4yo) on Thursdays, please inquire. 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.
Check out our Online tab for more class options!
Please check age ranges in class descriptions below. Jot down your class choices to help you register! ​Scroll below for descriptions and more. Thank you! Enjoy this term's selections:
Teen Life Skills: Jobs, Budgets, etc
Middle/High (ages 12-16)
Thursdays 1st period 10:30-11:20am
As our teenagers get ready to enter the world around them, it’s important they understand how to navigate it. In our class students will learn things such as applying for jobs, interview skills, finance and budgeting and other essential life skills. ​ Come join us as we learn the tools needed to become successful young adults without anxiety and worry.
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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
Women's History 2: Herstory Unveiled
Middle/High (ages 12-16)
Thursdays 2nd period 11:30-12:20pm
(American History, Culture)
This class takes an in-depth look at the herstory of women, following their journey toward equality from the suffragette movement to the present day. We will explore the lives and contributions of groundbreaking women who played pivotal roles in advancing women’s rights, education, science, art, and literature. From Alice Paul’s leadership in securing women’s suffrage to Michelle Obama’s advocacy for education and health, this course highlights the stories of those who have shaped and continue to influence the world. Through these discussions, we will gain a deeper understanding of the powerful impact these women have had on society and their enduring legacies in the ongoing fight for equality.
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Jennifer Capone has taught Kindergarten for 9 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.
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Class Fee: $60
Clay Sculptures
E/M/H/Adult (ages 8-18+)
Thursdays 2nd period 11:30-12:20pm
or Thursdays 3rd period 12:45-1:35pm
Do you love the feeling of clay on your hands, and the joy of making something from nothing? We will be using a variety of techniques to create unique sculptures, including caricature self-portrait bobble heads and gnomes. Lots of creativity is encouraged! This class is being offered at 11:30am or12:45pm to serve everyone who is interested. Students are welcome to sign up for one or both classes. (A $20 discount will be offered to any individual student who enrolls in both sessions.)
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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!"
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Class Fee: $90 (include all materials and firings.)
Rocks & Minerals Science Lab
High (ages 11-16)
Thursdays 3rd period 12:45-1:35pm
(Earth Science, Lab)
In this class, we will explore the fascinating world of rocks and minerals. Topics include the rock cycle, Earth's layers, and techniques for identifying various rocks and minerals. Hands-on labs will include the acid test, volcano modeling, geodes, fossil analysis, and microscope observations. We will also distinguish between crystals and rocks and explore mineral mapping of the Earth’s structure.
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.
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Class Fee: $70 (includes $10 supply fee for geodes and clay)
Lit Study: The Time Machine
Middle/High (ages 12-17)
Thursdays 3rd period 12:45-1:35pm
(English/Lit)
Imagine leaving behind everything you knew. Imagine skipping to the end of a story to see how it ends without knowing the details of how that ending came to be. Now, imagine that the story is of time itself, and the characters are all of humanity. H.G. Wells wrote The Time Machine in an era where science was pushing the boundaries of its own capabilities. When the protagonist creates a device to journey through years, decades, and centuries, he reveals the possibilities, and terrors, that could await us. Join me on weekly discussions as we read the chapters of this fascinating staple of classic literature.
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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
Social Time until 2pm - Hang out after classes with friends. (guardians on property please)
Paragraph Writing: Investigating Science
Elementary (ages 10-13)
Thursdays 1st period 10:30-11:20am
Inspiration and organization are the cornerstones of this writing class that focuses on elements of a paragraph. Each week students will explore various science topics, brainstorm research questions together, practice how to organize our facts, and learn the keys to a simple paragraph. Students will begin together in class, then use the step by step process at home to complete their paragraphs. Students may even share their writing in next week's class, as their excitement for the topic overcomes their hesitation! This class breaks down the process into manageable steps to boost independence and confidence in our budding non-fiction writers. Personal choice science topics keep things fun and motivating, which is especially helpful for those hesitant or reluctant writers! The class will culminate in the creation of a group science magazine!​​
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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 the Montessori method. As a musician and nature lover, she is inspired by children, music, and nature, and brings energy and a creative spirit to the learning process. For the last nine years Julia has enjoyed homeschooling with her daughter and offering many clubs and classes to their local homeschool community.
Semester Fee: $55
Commentary and Symbolism of Dr. Suess Literature
Middle (ages 10-12)
Thursdays 2nd period 11:30am-12:20pm
Welcome to the zany world of Dr. Suess, a realm full of wonder and meaning! In this class, students will be reading Dr. Suess stories and delving into the meanings behind them. With each story we’ll be discussing the message Dr. Suess was sending to the reader. Students will discover these books are more than just colorful pictures and fun rhymes. They are a multi-faceted commentary on the world around us.
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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!​
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Class Fee: $55
Rocks & Minerals Science Lab
Middle/High (ages 11-16)
Please scroll up for details on this class, open to this age group
Clay Sculptures
E/M/H/Adult (ages 8-18+)
Please scroll up for details on this class, open to this age group
Art and Roald Dahl
Elem/Middle (ages 8-10)
Thursday 1st period 10:30-11:30am
Although many of Roald Dahl's books have been made into movies, not all have been brought to life... Yet! We will read and discuss The Magic Finger by Dahl. Students will illustrate the story as we go, drawing the characters as they see them in their mind's eye. We will experiment with a variety of materials throughout the class, including a 3D character.
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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!"
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Class Fee: $65
Skip Counting for Math Facts, Multiplication & Division
Elementary (ages 8-11)
Thursdays 2nd period 11:30-12:20pm
8-16-24-32! Let's use music and skip counting to get our Math Facts down! Whether your child is just entering this phase of math skillwork, or they are a frustrated middle schooler who could use a fun right-brained strategy for relief and success, this class would be a perfect fit. We'll sing our way through Fact Families and apply our knowledge in tactile ways to decode multiplication and division, 2 sides of the same coin. No Prep necessary! Come as you are and let the anxiety disappear. Lite homework for those who want some carefully placed follow-up.
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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 six years Julia has enjoyed homeschooling with her daughter and offering many clubs and classes to their local homeschool community.
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Class Fee: $50
Science of Combustion
Elementary (ages 8-11)
Thursdays 3rd period 12:45-1:35pm
Ignite your curiosity as we explore the world of combustion. We will use hands-on experiments and demonstrations to learn the scientific principles of combustion, including chemical reactions, heat and light. We will see how combustions are used in everyday life from cooking to transportation. Students will review safety protocols including fire prevention and safety. Of course, while learning all of this serious science that shapes our world, we will also enjoy plenty of jaw dropping scenes and enjoy a few exciting booms.
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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.
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Class Fee: $60 (includes $10 for supplies)
Montessori Reading & Writing for Beginners
Elementary (ages 5-8)
Thursdays 3rd period 12:45-1:35pm
What better way to complement your child's homeschool experience than by discovering the joys of a Montessori classroom! This class will let your child develop their early reading and writing skills through open Montessori-style materials. Children will choose freely between activities that cover a range of levels, from phonemic sorting items, tracing Rainbow letters, and handwriting practice, to inventive spelling with letter tiles, short vowel word family work, and rhyming, and deeper skill applications like story sentence creations, sentence structure analysis, and cursive! The Montessori method encourages independence, growth, and self-pacing. Within this unique Montessori environment, children will also grow an awareness of detail and intention, personal space & respect, focus and concentration. This experience is perfect for students of any age still exploring letter sounds, those who “hate” spelling, struggle with handwriting, or hit a wall in early journal writing. Warning: Be prepared for a major shift in inspiration, motivation, and how they view themselves as a reader and writer!
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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 six years Julia has enjoyed homeschooling with her daughter and offering many clubs and classes to their local homeschool community.
Class Fee: $50
Preschool Club
Preschool (ages 3-6)
Thursdays 2nd period 11:30-12:20pm
Have a 3-6 year old? Join us for FREE fun and socializing. Bring your favorite game, puzzle or activity to play and share. Kids can take turns each week bringing their favorite book to read together aloud, as we gather together in our beautiful sunlight preschool room upstairs to play and learn together. Preschool Club can also be a great time for grown-ups to socialize and make new friends too! A parent or guardian must be present, as this is not a Drop Off Activity. This group time is free of charge, after sending your family Registration Fee of $32 upon registration. BYOLunch, inside or out, follows right after Club at 12:20pm, for anyone interested.
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