Homeschool Helpcenter: Find My Homeschool
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Ambleside
A free, Charlotte Mason inspired K-12 homeschool curriculum developed and maintained by a community of Christian homeschooling mothers. It offers literature-rich booklists, a complete year by year course of study from preschool through high school, and rich educational content grounded in living books, nature study, habits formation, and the nurturing of character and critical thinking. The curriculum mirrors Charlotte Mason’s PNEU schools as closely as modern resources allow flexible, high‑quality, and accessible to families worldwide.
AmblesideOnline – Free Charlotte Mason Homeschool Curriculum (Years 1–12)
Introduction
AmblesideOnline offers a completely free, Charlotte Mason–inspired homeschool curriculum for Years 1 through 12. Using high‑quality living books and an academic schedule rooted in rich literature and classical learning, it empowers homeschool families to guide thoughtful, well-rounded students without the burden of lesson planning.
What Is AmblesideOnline?
AmblesideOnline is a no-cost, book-based curriculum that mirrors Charlotte Mason’s educational vision. It emphasizes a love of learning through literature, narration, nature, art, music, and character development. Each year-level has a carefully curated booklist and suggested schedule, freeing parents to focus on the principles of a Charlotte Mason education rather than curating resources themselves.
Key Features
Free, Living-Book Curriculum
- Complete booklists for Years 1–12, including literature, history, science, poetry, biography, art, composer study, hymn and folksong study, geography, and nature study.
- Incorporates Shakespeare, Plutarch, and other classic works in upper years to deepen historical and literary understanding.
Flexible & Customizable Schedule
- Optional weekly schedules break assignments into manageable daily tasks.
- Designed to fit family rhythms—combine children across years for shared subjects like art, music, nature study, and copywork when practical.
Charlotte Mason Philosophy at the Core
- Emphasizes narration rather than tests, rich ideas, short lessons, and respectful teaching.
- Language art skills develop naturally through exposure, copywork, recitation, and dictation—not artificial drills.
Helpful Curriculum Adjustments
- Adapted versions include Year 3.5, Pre‑7 placement for older beginners, two‑year plans for Years 7–9 or 9–11, and even lighter “AO for Groups” options for co-ops and small schools.
- “AO‑HELP” emergency lesson plans offer streamlined essentials for families needing minimal planning during crises.
Supportive Community Resources
- A comprehensive FAQ, active user forum, video tutorials, and printable brochures help families start strong and stay connected.
- Encouragement, tips, and shared wisdom from experienced Charlotte Mason educators and parents worldwide.
Why Choose AmblesideOnline?
- Truly Free — No cost to use curriculum materials, schedules, or community support.
- Philosophically Deep — Built around the Charlotte Mason method of living ideas and character formation.
- Fully Customizable — Adjust schedules, combine years, and adapt pacing to support your children’s needs.
- Literature-Rich & Multi-Subject — Covers arts, history, sciences, and language through quality living books.
- Community-Backed — A vibrant online community and resources help families thrive confidently.
Getting Started Tips
- Begin by reading the FAQ to understand philosophical foundations and planning steps.
- Choose the year most suitable for your child’s readiness, using placements like Pre‑7 or Year 3.5 if needed.
- Gather booklists and materials—many texts are freely available online as e‑texts.
- Use weekly or daily schedules as guides and adjust them to fit your family’s pace.
- Incorporate narration, copywork, nature study, and art appreciation into daily rhythms to enrich learning.
Conclusion
AmblesideOnline is a standout curriculum for families seeking deep, literature-based, and faith-informed learning—at no cost. Its classical structure, adaptive flexibility, and dedicated support network make Charlotte Mason’s educational vision accessible to homeschoolers everywhere. Whether you’re new to her philosophy or a seasoned educator, AmblesideOnline offers a beautifully organized path to confident, inspired learning.
Ready to explore? Start with the “Getting Started” guide and embark on a rich Charlotte Mason–style journey with AmblesideOnline today!
