VISION

We believe in an optimistic approach to learning by providing opportunities to engage the minds of learners 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.

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.
VLC has been able to offer significantly discounted field trips for members of the community.
VLC in conjunction with Lycoming & Clinton Counties Homeschool Community offers a high school graduation the 4th Saturday in May.
VLC offers a high school prom for all area high school homeschooling families.
Summer meet ups at local parks
Roller Skating
Kaos Fun Zone
Bowling
A social event for 5th -9th graders!
We offer a homeschool art show and competition in April with cash prizes in a variety of media and age categories.
We offer a homeschool science fair to support the exploration of all avenues of science with science oriented judges.
At the holiday season we offer an opportunity for homeschool students to become young entrepreneurs and participate in the idea of creation of unique gifts and selling them to the community.

Who We Are

Not-for-Profit

We are a registered 501(c)(3) organization in the state of PA. 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

(doors open at 8:30am; arrive no later than 8:45am)

Pine Street Methodist Church, Williamsport

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

Fall Session: 6 weeks of field trips; 6 weeks of classes ending before Thanksgiving (now closed for the fall 2024)
Spring Session: 6 weeks of classes starting in the 2nd week of January (Week off) 6 weeks of classes ending in the first/second week of April

Valley Learning Community is located in Williamsport, PA

Adjustments are made for snow and other unforeseen issues.

VELA Grantee 2020 & 2021

2023, 2024 Raise the Region Participant

2023, 2024 HSLDA Group Grantee

Wegmans Community Grant 2023

Gift Card Donations 2024

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 Director/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 1 grandson.
Assistant Educational Director

Jaretta Barker
Founding Board Member

Sarah Pinckney
Leadership Member

Audrey Comerford
Leadership Member

Kristin Burkholder
Leadership Member

Meredith Hayes