A shared foundation for a Charlotte Mason community.

A Charlotte Mason community needs more than Charlotte Mason activities or a curriculum. It needs parents who understand the principles behind it.

Many people are first drawn to a Charlotte Mason education through something they find appealing: nature study, living books, art appreciation, or the prospect of a richer, more meaningful education for their children. They join a parent group or co-op, eager to participate and learn alongside others. These are good beginnings. But it’s possible for a group to adopt Charlotte Mason’s practices without developing a clear understanding of the philosophy that gives them their purpose.

Over time, differences in understanding can become apparent. Families may have very different expectations about teaching, discipline, curriculum, the child’s role in learning, or even what constitutes a Charlotte Mason education. A shared curriculum and a calendar of activities cannot, by themselves, establish a shared educational philosophy.

That’s where First Steps into Charlotte Mason Education can help.

Building a Common Foundation

First Steps is an eight-week online course designed to help parents understand Charlotte Mason’s foundational principles through a careful, guided study of her own writings. Rather than beginning with methods and activities, the course begins where Mason began: with the child as a person. From that foundation, parents explore the nature of education, the responsibilities of parents and teachers, the formation of habits and character, the place of living ideas, and the principles that govern Charlotte Mason’s methods.

The eight weeks build upon one another, helping parents see how the different parts of a Charlotte Mason education fit together. This matters for a group because a common understanding of educational principles gives families something more substantial to build upon than a shared curriculum.

It helps parents understand why certain practices belong in a Charlotte Mason education, recognize when those principles are being misunderstood, and make thoughtful decisions about how they should be carried out. It also gives a community a common language for discussing questions and differences that will inevitably arise.

More Than a Book Study

Many Charlotte Mason groups begin by reading a book together. These books have introduced countless parents to Mason’s ideas and can be a valuable starting place for discussion.

First Steps builds on that kind of introduction by offering a structured study of Mason’s foundational educational principles, with her original writings at the center. The lessons provide historical and philosophical context, address common misunderstandings, and help parents consider how the principles govern the practical work of education. Rather than simply discussing what they appreciate about Charlotte Mason’s methods, parents are encouraged to examine the ideas behind them and develop a more thorough understanding of the philosophy they are bringing into their homes and communities.

How It Works for Groups

The course is designed to be completed individually, making it easy to incorporate into an existing group, parent education program, or informal study group. Each parent completes the weekly lesson and reading at home, then gathers with the group to discuss what they’ve learned, consider questions, and share observations from their own families.

Group leaders do not need to be Charlotte Mason experts. The course provides the teaching and readings, allowing leaders to concentrate on facilitating discussion and helping parents learn together. Groups can establish a schedule that suits their community. Some meet weekly for eight weeks, while others meet every other week to allow more time for reading, reflection, and application.

Each family receives:

• Their own course account with lifetime access
• All eight weeks of lessons, available from the beginning
• Selected readings from Charlotte Mason’s writings
• The downloadable First Steps Journal
• Access to optional deeper-study resources

Plan for approximately one hour of reading each week, with additional time for reflection and practical application.

Group Enrollment & Pricing

We offer discounted course enrollment for groups of five or more families.

Regular individual enrollment is $97.

The group leader’s course seat is complimentary with a group of five or more participating families.

One person coordinates registration and payment, and we’ll help arrange individual accounts for each family.

Price covers one household, and parents in the same home can share it.

A Few Things to Know

Can families work through the course at different paces?

Yes. All eight weeks are available from the beginning, and each family can work through them at its own pace. Groups may find it helpful to follow a common schedule so everyone is prepared to discuss the same material.

Is the course suitable for parents who are new to Charlotte Mason?

Yes. First Steps assumes no previous knowledge of Mason’s educational philosophy. It is equally useful for parents who have been using Charlotte Mason methods but would like a firmer understanding of the principles behind them.

Is the course Christian?

Yes. The course is written from a Christian perspective, recognizing that Mason’s educational philosophy is deeply rooted in her understanding of God, the personhood of the child, and the nature and purpose of education.

Is the group leader’s enrollment free?

Yes. When five or more families enroll together at the group rate, the group organizer receives a complimentary course seat.

Can I preview the course before recommending it to our group?

Yes. You can explore a sample of Week 1 to see the teaching approach, original readings, and reflection questions before deciding whether the course is right for your community.