Talking Stick Learning Center is a non-profit educational initiative that offers young people an environment in which 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.
We believe young people not only deserve but need to be part of organizations that nourish curiosity, rather than quench it. That operate from an understanding that self-directed learning is more meaningful and thus more deeply internalized than an externally imposed education. That recognize the advantages of collaboration over competition. That make it acceptable to take risks and encourage the trial and error that comes with genuine problem-solving. That give the time and space necessary for true creativity and innovation. That stimulate complex and critical thinking through authentic interactions and experiences. And where effective communication is clearly modeled and actively taught.
Talking Stick offers all that and more in an environment free from grading, and testing. Participants are excited to be here, and at the close of the day, are in a healthy, happy, and more wholesome frame of mind, having spent the day actively engaged. We have found that children flourish in freedom. At Talking Stick young people are leaders, thinkers, and creators, not only prepared to take their role as citizens of the 21st century but as innovators of that future.
Talking Stick Learning Center is located in the Garden Classroom and the Cope House at Awbury Arboretum, a 55 acre wooded parkland in Northwest Philadelphia.
We have been offering programs for homeschoolers ages 4 to 17 since 2006. Please check out our current offerings for children ages 4 to 10 years, and children ages 10 to 17 years, and for teenagers ages 13 to 17.
It is our goal to balance sustainability with affordability, with a focus on making our programming accessible for all families. 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.
"Since we can’t know what knowledge will be most needed in the future, it is senseless to try to teach it in advance. Instead, we should try to turn out people who love learning so much and learn so well that they will be able to learn whatever must be learned."
- John Holt
Board of Directors
The Talking Stick Board is a vibrant and passionate group that is dedicated to guiding our organization. The Board consists of volunteers who bring a high degree of professionalism and business acumen to our team and are committed to furthering the vision and philosophy of Talking Stick to a wider audience.
Jessica Esquivel
Sonia Gordon-Walinsky
April McGreger
Ken Trautwein
