Philly ALC School

Philly ALC School is a self-directed learning community for children and youth ages 4-18. Families can choose full-time immersion (five days a week) or flexible part-time schedules that work for their needs.

Our community weaves together all that Philly ALC has to offer: outdoor exploration at Awbury Arboretum, project-based learning at our Hawthorne campus, and adventures across Philadelphia. Whether attending daily or part-time, students engage in a culture of trust, autonomy, and collaborative learning.

At Philly ALC School, we believe learning is natural. It happens all the time, and it happens best when learners follow their curiosity and make their own choices. Our facilitators hold space for young people to plan, explore, and reflect on their days. Together, we cultivate a culture of trust, respect, and support, where community members share their intentions and discoveries, and help one another grow.

Anyone in the community can offer an activity, project, or exploration—whether it's building, art-making, science experiments, cooking, or a trip into the city. Participation is always optional. The best offerings are sparked by real interests and needs in the group, not by imposed requirements.

We also practice how to live together. Learners and facilitators talk through conflicts, listen to each other, and create agreements for moving forward. We respect each other's bodies, hearts, and minds. Consent is central: stop means stop. In this way, Philly ALC School is not just about what we learn, but how we learn together.

Attendance Options

Families can choose the level of commitment that works for them:

Full-Time
(5 days/week)

Complete immersion in the community rhythm. Students experience the full range of our programs—outdoor days at Awbury, project work at the school, city explorations, and community gatherings. They develop deep relationships and consistency in their learning journey.

Full-time enrollment serves as your child's primary school and fulfills Pennsylvania's compulsory attendance requirements.

Part-Time
(flexible schedule)

Choose the days and activities that work for your family. Part-time students participate in the same community and learning experiences, with a schedule tailored to their needs.

Part-time enrollment is designed to complement homeschooling or another primary educational arrangement. We're happy to support families navigating PA homeschool requirements, documentation, and evaluation.

Learning Approaches

All ages learn together in a multi-age community where cross-age mentorship and collaboration happen naturally.

Group of 5 young learners standing around a volcano science experiment

Younger Learners
(ages 4-11)

Learning happens by engaging in play-based exploration—building, creating, discovering through hands-on experience at our Hawthorne campus and outdoors at Awbury Arboretum.

Two teenagers sitting in a music room, each playing a guitar; a third child on a beanbag chair is partially visible

Older Learners
(ages 12-18)

Our older learners design their own projects, set intentions, and collaborate with mentors and peers to pursue meaningful work.

Practical Details

Schedule

Days:
- Monday–Friday (full-time)
- Flexible schedule (part-time)
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

What to Bring

Packed lunch and snacks
Water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothing
Any project materials

What We Provide

Fridge, microwave, basic supplies
Materials for projects and exploration
Facilitation and community support

A Week at Philly ALC School

Every week at Philly ALC School blends the rhythms of our various programs, and city adventures into one full-time community. While no two weeks look the same, here’s a glimpse of what families can expect:

Learners setting the week using a large digital calendar

Monday

Set intentions for the week. Dive into projects, play, or city explorations. Some start with games, reading, or building; others head out into Philadelphia.

Tuesday

Neighborhood playgrounds, project work, or city trips. Learners tackle ongoing work—art, writing, coding, building—or gather for board games and collaborative play.

Wednesday

More self-directed exploration. Continue projects, visit museums or libraries, explore seasonal events, or hang out at Hawthorne with games and friends.

Group of young learners playing by a creek

Thursday

Outdoor day at Awbury Arboretum with our Roots at Awbury community. Free play in the woods—climbing, building, exploring, and connecting with nature.

Learners engaged in a game of Dungeons 'n Dragons

Friday

Project work, play, and community time. The weekly D&D game is a Friday tradition, alongside ongoing projects, board games, art-making, and collaborative activities.

Throughout the Week

We pause regularly to reflect on our plans, celebrate discoveries, and share what we've created. This cycle of intention, play, reflection, and sharing anchors the freedom of self-directed learning in community connection.

Philadelphia itself becomes a learning space—libraries, museums, parks, markets, and neighborhoods are all part of our curriculum. Students explore the city, engage with their communities, and discover learning everywhere.

Program Calendar

Family Testimonials

Families choose Philly ALC School because it offers a supportive, multi-age community where learning is self-directed and co-created. They also appreciate that:

Full-time enrollment means you're not managing PA homeschool paperwork, finding evaluators, or navigating requirements on your own. We handle the administrative side so you can focus on your family.
The city, nature, and our school spaces all become classrooms
Students experience learning as joyful, meaningful, and connected to their real lives

Philly ALC School gave our son back the joy of learning that a traditional classroom had started to wear away. At six, he was already being labeled “disruptive”—for things like interrupting class to ask to use the bathroom. In a conventional setting, those moments became problems; at Philly ALC, where children are treated as capable people whose needs matter, they aren’t.

It’s been a relief to see him recognized for who he is, rather than reshaped into who a classroom expects him to be.

- Parent (A.V.)

I stopped by recently and four kids were playing chess on two boards, laughing and chortling. Two of them had added Bananagrams tiles and turned it into an elaborate fantasy game. I played Monopoly with an eight-year-old who beat me soundly. Another kid was working on a year-long math program he'd created for himself. Other days, I've seen kids writing novels, painting with watercolors, and sewing giant animal stuffies.

None of it is "have to." All of it is "want to."

It seems so simple: replacing mandatory classes with voluntary offerings. Simple, and yet revelatory. It makes me tear up to be part of it.

- Parent & volunteer (A.G.)

Location

Address

756 S 11th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Public Transit

Metro:
L (Market-Frankford Line) to 11th St
B (Broad Street Line) to Lombard-South

Bus:
Route 45 (Fitzwater & 11th/12th);
Route 40 (11th & Lombard/South)

Regional Rail:
SEPTA (all lines): Jefferson Station
PATCO: 9th-10th & Locust

Car Parking

Limited street parking available; 20-minute zone on S 11th St in front of entrance

Bicycle Parking

Outdoor bicycle rack available

Accessibility

The Philly ALC School is located on the second floor and is not wheelchair accessible.

Access requires navigating exterior steps at the entrance and a full flight of interior stairs (with a mid-level platform).

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages does Philly ALC School serve?

We welcome learners ages 4-18. Our multi-age community allows younger and older students to learn alongside each other while engaging in developmentally appropriate activities.

Does Philly ALC School count as school in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Full-time enrollment (five days per week) serves as your child's primary school and fulfills Pennsylvania's compulsory attendance requirements. We work with families to ensure required processes and documentation are in place.

What if my child attends Philly ALC School part-time?

Part-time enrollment complements another educational arrangement—homeschooling, unschooling, cyber school, or another program. We support families navigating PA homeschool requirements and can connect you with evaluators familiar with self-directed learning.

Can Philly ALC help us figure out what schooling option makes sense for our family?

Absolutely. We regularly support families in understanding Pennsylvania's education options and choosing a path that aligns with their values and needs. Reach out for an info session to talk through your situation.

How is learning documented?

Students document their learning through projects, reflections, blogs, and community sharing. We don't use grades or standardized tests. Instead, we develop authentic relationships where facilitators witness students' growth and support their self-reflection over time.

Can my child start mid-year?

Yes. Because learning is self-directed and emergent, families can join anytime based on space availability. We recommend starting with a trial day and family reflection to ensure a smooth transition.

How much does it cost?

We use trust-based tuition where families decide what they can sustainably contribute. Some families pay more to support those who pay less. Tuition is prorated for mid-year or part-time enrollment. See our Enrollment & Tuition page for full details.

What if my child has specific learning needs?

We honor diverse learning styles and needs. Students have freedom to move, take breaks, and engage in ways that work for them. However, students who require constant one-on-one supervision or extensive specialized support beyond what our facilitators can provide may not be a good fit. Contact us to discuss your child's specific needs.

Ready to join Philly ALC School?

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