Hemlock Hill Academy
The Eastern Hemlock is the Pennsylvania state tree, when this special tree is a sapling it grows best under the shade and nurturing of a Mother tree.
Everything in the forest shares nutrients through the network of fungus that connects their roots underground. The Hemlock tree will grow big and strong with healthy roots in the under story of a Mother tree. When the tree has grown tall enough, over time it will naturally emerge into the canopy. The community relationship of the forest works together to raise up young saplings into tall and wise trees.
Mission Satement
Our mission is to provide the homeschooled child a unique learning environment immersed in nature. We aim to utilize a child's innate desire to explore their surroundings and empower their voice. It is our goal to create nourishing friendships and foster a lifelong love for learning and understanding of nature.
Our Learning Philosophy
For a well rounded educational experience at Hemlock Hill, we’ve created an approach that we call the S.N.A.I.L philosophy.
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Science
With the use of the Scientific Connections through Inquiry curriculum and hands on activities, our students are introduced to applying the scientific method in a fun and engaging way. Involving children in research can be highly beneficial for their cognitive and emotional development.
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Nature
Children are naturally curious about the world around them. Through nature studies, we are able to make connections to the local forests, watersheds, plants, animals, fungi, and more! Concentrating on seasonal topics helps children feel more in tune with nature.
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Art
Our students create artwork to display their understanding of the current Science or Nature topics. Using this method inspires a deeper understanding of the subject. Regular art projects also increase creativity and exploration of color, shapes, and mediums.
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Independence
In a forest school setting children are encouraged to take healthy risks and gain confidence. Our students learn personal responsibility of gear and getting dressed appropriately for the weather. We build in public speaking to classmates that helps to form an individual “voice” among the group.
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Life Skills
When children are given the opportunity to be involved in community tasks it builds pride, confidence, and value. Our students are learning life skills such as cooking, weaving, team building, foraging, knot tying, catching crayfish, fire building, and more!
Sample handwriting pages
Samples from the Information Session
Samples, Life cycle of a Sunflower
Butterfly Study
Bird artwork
Classroom
Wood stackers
Observing Creek Life
Hopping Friend
Finding and Drawing Spiderwebs
Finding and Drawing Spiderwebs
Making a Life Size Spiderweb
Curriculum
Hemlock Hill Academy uses the SCI Curriculum that applies fun and engaging Science lessons. SCI celebrates the connection of scientific exploration and the natural world. Their curriculum was created with the inspiration from Bernard Nebel’s book Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding.
