Schoolhouse

The Schoolhouse is a comprehensive after-school learning community for homeless and formerly-homeless students in grades 5-12. Providing wrap-around academic enrichment and social support, School House services include educational testing, mental health support, case management, individual tutoring and homework assistance, as well as a diverse array of enrichment activities designed to promote positive educational and social outcomes.

“I am thankful to the teachers for motivating me all throughout 7th grade, right when I was about to give up.
Thank you Home Away!” - Cindy, age 13

Homelessness has a direct impact on the education of homeless children. Studies have shown that children without stable housing are twice as likely to repeat a grade and up to 45% more likely to not attend school on a regular basis. An estimated 2,200+ students currently enrolled in the San Francisco public schools are classified as homeless. One article in the San Francisco Chronicle named this population “the most difficult children to teach…because their unstable lives often lead to frequent absences or tardiness, lethargy, health issues and behavioral outbursts.” Though these children are struggling with many difficulties, they remain resilient, energetic, creative and passionate. Home Away offers these children stability and comfort during a tumultuous time in their lives, and works with them to create positive emotional, social, and academic habits. 

The College Exploration program at Schoolhouse provides our high school juniors and seniors with SAT/ACT tutoring, college prep and application support, and mentorship check-ins during a student's first two years of college.

Volunteer opportunities at the Schoolhouse include tutoring, and cooking nutritious meals for students, staff and tutors. Interested in volunteering? Learn more here.