Admissions
Our programs are offered on an annual basis, from September through May. That is our Program Year. Tuition is calculated using that time frame and can vary slightly from year to year based on the number of weeks in each Program Year.
We maintain a rolling admission process, which means that we accept new families at any time during the year; tuition is always prorated based on your actual start date.
We are a secular and diverse organization, welcoming all peoples from all backgrounds. We do not discriminate for any reason.
It is our goal to support this community by offering our homeschooling programs in a way that balances sustainability with affordability. Our focus is to make our programming accessible to all families in this community. We partner with longstanding anchors of the neighborhood, like the Awbury Arboretum, to sustainably share space and pool resources. Most of our supplies are donated or are culled inexpensively from thrift stores or garage sales. We operate this way because we believe it is important in order to keep our costs as low as possible while maintaining an outstanding staff.
Tuition for the 2018-2019 Program Year
Day Program & Intermediate Program
Full-Time tuition covers both Tuesday and Thursday, along with all workshops, for the entire Program Year. Part-Time tuition covers Tuesday or Thursday, along with all workshops for that day, for the entire Program Year. Registration for individual workshops only may open as space allows.
- Full-Time: $3,400 per child for the Program Year.
- Part-Time: $1,870 per child for the Program Year.
Teen Program
- Monday: $1,705
- Tuesday: $1,870
- Thursday: $1,870
Tuition is discounted 9% for teens who attend more than one day a week.
Registration Deposit
We require a $100 non-refundable Registration Deposit with your registration. This deposit will be 100% applied to your tuition. Deposit is waived if you register prior to June of the Program Year.
Discounts
- Early Bird: Pay your full annual tuition in June before the Program Year and save 5%.
- Sibling Discount, Full-Time: Save $110 for each additional full-time child from your household.
- Sibling Discount, Part-Time: Save $55 for each additional part-time child from your household.
Financial Aid
Talking Stick has a limited amount of financial aid available, funded mostly through the community. We base our decisions on a case-by-case basis after considering several factors, including household income. You can apply for financial aid at the time of your registration.
Installment Plans
Installment Plan 1: This plan includes approximately 12 installments, beginning in June before the Program Year begins. This plan is best for those who would like a lower amount due each month.
Installment Plan 2: This plan includes approximately 9 installments, beginning in September of the Program Year. This plan is best for those who would like to avoid any tuition bills over the Summer.
Making Payments
Invoices will be sent via email around the first of the month, and payments can be made online using any major credit card or by mailing a check to Talking Stick Learning Center, PO Box 4632, Philadelphia, PA 19127.
