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!
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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.
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VLC in conjunction with LCCHA has been able to offer significantly discounted field trips for members of the community.
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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. -
Odyssey of the Mind (OotM) is an international program that teaches students creative problem-solving, teamwork, and performance skills. Students work in teams to solve a long-term problem and present their solution at a competition. The program also includes a spontaneous problem that teams must solve on the day of the competition.
Who We Are
Fall hike at Ryder Park
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.
Pumpkin Patch Day
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.
Artists for our 1st published book!
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: 12 weeks of classes ending before Thanksgiving
Spring Session: 12 weeks of classes starting in January* and ending in the first/second week of April
*Updated start time: January 21st, 2025 (because of church event; no week off)
Spring 2025 registration for returning families opens Dec. 1st; Registration opens for new families Dec. 8th. ($10 fee required at sign ups; remaining payment due on or before start of classes)
Registration is now closed and we are full for the spring of 2025
Valley Learning Community is located in Williamsport, PA
Adjustments are made for snow and other unforeseen issues.
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 tp 8:30pm
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
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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.
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Assistant Educational Director
Jaretta Barker
Mother of 3; 6th 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.
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Founding Board Member
Sarah Pinckney
Sarah Pinckney is a homeschooling mom of four. She calls herself the “reluctant homeschooler” as she never planned to be a home educator. However, it was clear that it was the right path for her family, and ten years on, she wouldn’t have it any other way! Sarah has a B.S. in Hotel Administration from Cornell University. When she isn’t chauffeuring her kids, you are most likely to find her in the kitchen, baking and listening to an audio book.
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Leadership Member
Audrey Comerford
Mother of five; 5th year of homeschooling
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Leadership Member
Kristin Burkholder
Mother to four kids and homeschooler for six years, since oldest was kindergarten age. She has embraced unschooling with a combination of gameschooling. Kristin has a Bachelor of Architecture from Philadelphia University (now Thomas Jefferson) and enjoys creative ventures of any kind. She also enjoys cooking and camping off-grid.
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Leadership Member
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.
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Leadership in training
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.
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Leadership in training
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.