Full-time, five-day
community learning
Philly ALC School is our full-time, five-day-a-week learning community for children and youth who want to immerse themselves in self-directed education. Members of our community attend daily, weaving together all that Philly ALC has to offer — outdoor exploration at Awbury, imaginative play or project-based learning at Hawthorne, Drop-In Fridays at Natural Creativity, and adventures across Philadelphia.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Why Families Choose Philly ALC School
Families choose our full-time program because it offers daily immersion in a supportive, multi-age community where learning is self-directed and co-created. The city, nature, and our hub spaces all become classrooms, giving young people endless opportunities to grow with curiosity, purpose, and confidence.
A Week at Philly ALC
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:
Monday
Learners set intentions for the week and begin diving into projects, play, or explorations. Some start indoors at Hawthorne, others head out into the city for field trips or projects.
Tuesday – Thursday
Roots at Awbury: Children immerse themselves in free play, nature exploration, and outdoor adventures.
Roots at Hawthorne: Younger learners build, imagine, and create in our indoor play-based community.
Workshop: Older learners design and pursue projects, meet with mentors, and collaborate with peers.
Cross-age opportunities naturally arise, with learners visiting each other’s spaces or joining group offerings.
Friday
Work continues at Hawthorne, while some of the community gathers at Natural Creativity Center for Drop-In Fridays. This day is open and flexible — families explore together, new friends join in, and parents are welcome to co-work alongside the program.
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Reflection & Sharing
Across the week, we pause to reflect on our plans, celebrate discoveries, and share what we’ve created. This cycle of intention, play, reflection, and sharing helps anchor the freedom of self-directed learning in community connection.
The City as Our Classroom
Throughout the week, Philadelphia itself becomes a learning space — libraries, museums, parks, and neighborhoods are all part of our curriculum.