VISION*

We believe in an optimistic approach to learning by providing opportunities to engage the minds of homeschoolers and make them feel one with their world.
We believe in providing community, which makes learners feel connected while promoting peace and good will toward others.
We believe in giving our learners the courage and strength for their daily tasks as well as encouraging positive thinking, cheer, and contentment with their own educational goals.
*At this time we only serve verified traditional homeschooling families; this does not include public cyber school families.

VLC offers various opportunities to engage the homeschooling community. Check our list of activities!

Valley Learning is a democratic homeschool community that services families who are looking for a non traditional learning opportunity. Weekly classes are held in 12-week sessions 2 times year.
This program* is designed not only to enrich our students' educational experience but also to foster a deeper sense of community, responsibility, and an appreciation for the outdoors among homeschool families. By integrating the principles of safety, teamwork, leadership, and environmental stewardship, our Clay Target Team will provide a unique platform for personal development and community engagement.

The Homeschool Clay Target Team is a co-educational sports program that invites students from grades 6-12 to learn and compete in the sport of clay target shooting. This program emphasizes safe firearm handling, sportsmanship, and the disciplined skill of clay target shooting within a supportive team environment. Practices and competitions will take place at local, state-approved ranges under the guidance of certified instructors who are committed to teaching not only the sport but also the importance of conservation and ethical outdoor practices.
*See tab at top for more information
Valley Learning Cycling is a homeschool mountain bike team serving students in grades 6–12 throughout Central Pennsylvania. As part of the PICL and NICA leagues, we provide a fun, supportive environment where student-athletes can develop mountain biking skills, build confidence, form lasting friendships, and enjoy the outdoors.
Riders of all experience levels are welcome- from beginners trying mountain biking for the first time to experienced riders looking to grow their skills and compete.
🚵 Homeschool students grades 6–12
🌲 Central Pennsylvania
🤝 Inclusive team culture
🏁 PICL & NICA affiliated

Who We Are

Not-for-Profit

We are a registered 501(c)(3) organization in the state of PA under the umbrella organization of Maranatha Home Mission Network . All funding received by participants will go directly back into the organization to support the Mission of VLC. We can supply a letter of donations received for tax purposes to any individual or entity that makes a donation to VLC.

Non-Discrimination

Valley Learning Community (VLC) is a non-discriminating group of homeschooling families who meet together and work cooperatively to achieve common goals. Our intention is to organize around common interests such as academics, social time, the arts, activities, crafts, service work, and projects to support each other on the journey of home education.

Diversity

VLC strives to create a diverse community in which all members are safe, respected and valued. We believe that in actively promoting a diverse learning environment, we are fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth for all. Furthermore, we seek to transcend mere tolerance of differences and aspire to a celebration of the varied appearances, abilities, perspectives, and values that characterize our community.

VLC takes an opt-in approach to education, meaning that all participants choose to engage. No student will be required to participate in a class or activity, and students have the freedom to remove themselves from a class or activity should they so choose.

With this freedom comes the understanding that students who opt-out cannot distract others who choose to continue in the activity. Furthermore, we ask that students not “pop” in and out of a class. If a student opts out, s/he will need to wait for the next class before rejoining, unless other arrangements have been made with the instructor (e.g. a student needs a break to regulate his/her emotions but will rejoin the class after the break).

For group games (especially in gym class & gameology), we ask that students who opt-in to do their best to stick with the commitment to see the game through. This helps to ensure fair play. Obviously, physical injuries that prohibit continuation of play are understandable. This is a general guideline to help students remember that their decision to participate affects others, particularly in group games.

— Educational Philosophy

VLC Learning Opportunities !

Yearly Schedule

Tuesdays 9am-12pm (Grades K-6)

Thursdays 10am-1:30pm (Grades 7-12)

Pine Street Methodist Church, Williamsport

We offer two (Fall & Spring) 12-week sessions

Fall Session: Classes begin 9/1 & 9/3 12 weeks of classes ending before Thanksgiving
Spring Session: 12 weeks of classes starting January 5/7th and running to March 23/25th (Registration closes January 3rd)
*1st or 2nd week just depends on the church’s schedule
Register here:
7-12 Grade
k-6 Grade
Valley Learning Community is located in Williamsport, PA

K-6 Fall Class Schedule for 1st 6 weeks

7-12 Fall Class Schedule for 1st 6 weeks

VELA Grantee 2020 & 2021

2023, 2024, 2025

 Raise the Region Participant

OM 2025 Teams

VLC Clay Target Team (Started 2024)

The last Tuesday of the month. Meeting at the Williamsport YMCA 6:30 to 8:30pm

VLC 2024-2025 Yearbook

2023, 2024 HSLDA Group Grantee

Wegmans Community Grant 2023

Gift Card Donations 2024 (2x)

Donation Recipient 2024

OM 2024 Regional Winners!

Contact Us

valleylearningcoop@gmail.com
Director: Dr. Carolyn McKeon

(570) 916-1376

Assistant Director: Jaretta Barker

(724) 372-4604

VLC Leadership Team

Educational Vice-President/Founder

Dr. Carolyn McKeon
28 Year Homeschool Veteran; 30+ years in education; Full-time Professor at Purdue University Global & Part-time adjunct instructor at Rasmussen University. Mother of 4 men (3 daughter-in-laws) and 2 grandchildren.
Executive Director

Jaretta Barker
Mother of 3; 7th year homeschooling; Homeschool Evaluator (K-12 and Special Education); Holds teaching certificates in both Early Childhood (N-3) and Special Education (PK-12); Graduated from Lock Haven University of PA.
7-12 Director

Meredith Hayes
Meredith is a “boy mom” of three, ages 14, 11, and 5. She and her husband, Tony, have homeschooled their sons since 2019, predominantly utilizing the “unschooling” style. Originally from Pittsburgh, Meredith and her family reside in the Loganton area. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking, and playing with the family's three cats.
K-6 Director

Tori Dawes
Tori grew up in the mountains of Trout Run, PA. She attended Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. Currently, she spends her days managing the Fair Play Distillers tasting rooms and homeschooling her 8 year old son. In her spare time, she also enjoys quilting, knitting, reading, hiking and spending time outdoors with her family and German Shepherd.
Parent Liaison

Rebekah Richardson
Rebekah is a California transplant and mother of 1. Her homeschool style is eclectic and developing every year. She is also involved in local theater productions both on stage and behind the scenes.
Parent Liaison

Emily White
Emily is a mom of three who has been homeschooling for 14 years. Her homeschool style is eclectic and she loves dreaming up creative ways to teach and learn. Emily has a degree in journalism and loves reading and writing. When not homeschooling or getting together with friends to play board games and discuss books, she enjoys cooking, creating, cross stitching, working puzzles, and dreaming up fun ideas.