guides

Harrisburg and West Shore Area Homeschool and Cyber-School Corner

Dynamic Guide for Cumberland Valley and Capital Area Non-traditional Students (Updated Monthly)

By Rachael Benion, publisher, Macaroni KID Harrisburg and West Shore August 18, 2024

Homeschool and Cyber School resources in the Capital Area and Cumberland Valley

Greetings, homeschooling heroes and academic adventurers of the Harrisburg and West Shore area! If you’ve ever found yourself neck-deep in a sea of curriculum printouts, DIY science experiments gone awry, or the timeless struggle of convincing your kids that learning is actually fun (yes, it’s possible!), then buckle up—this resource guide is here to save the day!

Picture this: You’re in the middle of a science project, the kitchen looks like a tornado hit a lab, and your child’s enthusiasm for learning is currently as high as their latest LEGO creation (which is, naturally, teetering precariously on the edge of the table). Enter our Harrisburg and West Shore Homeschool Resource Guide, the cape-wearing superhero of your homeschooling journey, ready to swoop in and save you from the clutches of chaos.

Inside this dynamic guide, updated monthly, you’ll find everything you need to transform your living room into a hub of educational excitement. Stay tuned for:

  • The Best Local Spots for Field Trips: Because sometimes a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered. And yes, we mean the kind where you get to escape the house and let your kids learn about history without turning your kitchen into a history museum.
  • Creative Curriculum Ideas: If your kid’s idea of a science experiment is seeing how many marshmallows they can fit into their mouth, this section is for you. We’ve gathered engaging and imaginative lesson plans that’ll make you the coolest teacher on the block.
  • Supportive Local Groups and Events: Because even the most dedicated homeschooling parents need a break, and a chance to trade survival stories and snack recipes with fellow warriors.
  • Resourceful Tools and Supplies: From finding affordable materials to the best online resources, we’ve done the legwork so you can focus on creating those A+ moments.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie trying to figure out how to balance teaching and keeping your sanity intact, this guide is your new best friend. We’ve scoured the Harrisburg and West Shore areas to bring you a treasure trove of resources designed to make homeschooling as enjoyable as possible.

So grab your coffee (or tea, or whatever keeps you going), dive into this guide, and get ready to conquer the world of homeschooling with flair, laughter, and maybe just a few less messes. Because let’s face it: if anyone can turn the chaos of home education into a series of fun and memorable adventures, it’s you!

Welcome to the ultimate homeschooling resource guide. Now go forth and educate—like the superhero you are!

Upcoming Events (last updated 8/18): 

Rooted in Nature "Bubbles" (2-8yrs) @ Willow Park (Camp Hill)August 26, 2024

🆓Homeschool Day (K-12) @ Kings Gap (Carlisle)September 4, 2024

Rooted in Nature "Messy Monday" (2-8yrs) @ Willow Park (Camp Hill)September 9, 2024

Homeschool: Creek Study (k-4th) @ Oakes Museum (Mechanicsburg)September 10, 2024  ||  September 11, 2024  || September 13, 2024

Homeschool: Creek Study (5th-10th) @ Oakes Museum (Mechanicsburg)September 13, 2024

Homeschool Day @ Lake Tobias (register by 9/1) (Halifax)September 19, 2024

Homeschool: Insects (k-4th) @ Oakes Museum (Mechanicsburg)September 23, 2024 || September 24, 2024 || September 27, 2024

Homeschool: Insects (5th-10th) @ Oakes Museum (Mechanicsburg)September 24, 2024

Homeschool Day (K-12) @ Refreshing Mountain (near Lancaster)September 23, 2024 || September 27, 2024 || October 3, 2024 ||October 4, 2024

Fall Homeschool Day (Register by 9/29) @Hershey Gardens October 1, 2024

Homeschool: Food of the Gods: Chocolate in Mesoamerica @ Hershey Story Museum October 2, 2024 (Every Wednesday in October at 10 and 1) 


Classes and enrichment programs: 

Homeschool Physical Education Classes at Camp Hebron (Halifax) 

Gamers & Coders @ The Whitaker Center (Harrisburg) 

Homeschool Swim Team (8yrs-18) @ West Shore YMCA (Camp Hill)  Community guests welcome/do not need to be a member

Rooted in Nature (Camp Hill) (ages 2-8) Outdoor enrichment classes with a caregiver 

Good and Rooted Nature School (Ages 0-12) (Marysville) Homeschool enrichment classes, camps, and more



Free printable library for subscribers (More coming soon!):