Self-Directed, Topic Based Programs
for Homeschoolers

55-Acre Nature Parkland in Northwest Philly
Since 2006 Philadelphia, PA

Local Philadelphia Resource

Founded in 2006 in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia
Talking Stick Learning Center has been serving the local homeschooling community
for more than a decade.

We Know This Community. We Live Here.

Talking Stick Learning Center is a Philadelphia non-profit educational initiative that offers young people an environment to explore, collaborate, and create.

The Talking Stick method organically develops essential life skills such as decision making, creative problem solving, communication, self-management, and critical thinking. We provide a safe and supportive space that respects the individual and nurtures children's innate curiosity and desire to learn.

It is our goal to support this community by balancing sustainability with affordability, with a focus on making our programming accessible for all families. We partner with longstanding anchors of the neighborhood, like the Awbury Arboretum, to sustainably share space and pool resources.

We are a service group of Mt. Airy Community Services Corporation (MACSC), a 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to serve as a stable financial umbrella for nonprofit groups serving the Northwest section of the city of Philadelphia. Other MACSC members are Weavers Way Community Programs, Mt. Airy Learning Tree, Mt. Airy Garage, and the Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment.

Talking Stick Families Live across the Greater Philadelphia Area

Our current families come from across the city, across the state, and even across state lines. We are very proud to serve as an accessible homeschooling hub for the local and greater Philadelphia communities.

Our Philosophy is Unique

Organic Self-Directed Group Learning Topic-Based
We've successfully navigated and charted the complex waters
surrounding how to effectively homeschool toddlers
all the way through teens.

Teen Open House: Monday, February 25

Talking Stick is hosting a Teen Open House on Monday, February 25, from 12pm-3pm. Stop by to talk to staff ...
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How can you help children learn math?

It's no secret that many kids say they hate math. Perhaps what they are saying is that they hate the ...
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A Mixed Bag

My own educational experiences growing up were a mixed bag. It was mostly characterized by sacrificing self-esteem and self-direction on ...
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Beyond Homeschooling

Flexibility in academic work is one of the many benefits of choosing to homeschool. You can learn to read when ...
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The Unique Value of Talking Stick: The Facilitator

Over the years at Talking Stick I have come to realize what is the most important aspect of the work ...
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Talking Stick Favorites: Games Worth Acquiring!

Labyrinth The board consists of shiftable cards that make up a scrambled maze in the beginning. The object of the ...
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Our Staff is The Difference

Highly educated, highly dedicated homeschooling parents and education professionals,
fully trained in our unique philosophy,
and committed to providing a rich homeschooling experience for our community.

Directors


Katie O’Connor

Founder, Co-Director, and Lead Facilitator since 2006

Katie has a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania. She is ardent about the importance of self-directed learning experiences and works to make such experiences as accessible as possible. She has worked in alternative learning environments such as the Albany Free School and Open Connections.

Katie founded Talking Stick Learning Center in 2006 and now serves as Founder, Co-Director, and Lead Facilitator. Katie leads the Day Program. Katie is also responsible for all staff training as well as the development of the vision, mission, and philosophy of Talking Stick.

Angie Hoppel

Co-Director, Facilitator since 2011

Angie received a B.S.E. in Civil Engineering Systems from the University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. from the University of Washington, and is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. A mother of four with a private law practice, she has been homeschooling for 13 years. She is passionate about alternative education and is committed to facilitating learning through real experiences and interactions.

Angie coordinates much of the administrative and back-office tasks. She is a trained Talking Stick Facilitator, leads several Intermediate and Teen Programs, facilitates the Day Program, and also monitors many of the supplemental programs.

Facilitators


Each Family is Part of Our Family

We've been serving this community for more than a decade,
we live here and are part of the fabric of the community,
and many of our families have been with us from the beginning.

Program Blogs