Education That Inspires, Not Just Informs
At Living Faith, we believe education should be a feast of ideas, cultivating a love of learning, wisdom, and Christlike character. Inspired by the Charlotte Mason philosophy, we provide a rich, literature-based, and nature-infused education that nurtures both the mind and heart.
ACADEMICS
What is a Charlotte Mason education?
A Charlotte Mason education is a rich, literature-based approach that nurtures a child’s mind, heart, and character. It emphasizes the use of living books instead of dry textbooks, narration over rote memorization, and time spent in nature to cultivate curiosity and observation skills. Rooted in the belief that "children are born persons," this relational method values habit formation, beauty, and a broad curriculum that fosters a lifelong love of learning and a deep relationship with God.
What is a Relational Education?
The concept of a relational education centers on the idea that children have a natural curiosity and desire to learn, and it is the role of education to nurture this innate love for knowledge. Education should focus on connecting children to the world around them, fostering relationships with ideas, nature, and people.
This approach emphasizes living books, story, hands-on experiences, and direct observation rather than relying solely on textbooks and rote memorization.
It also requires short lessons, outdoor exploration, and the cultivation of good habits. Narrative and story are used as powerful tools for conveying complex ideas and inspiring imagination. By incorporating storytelling into the curriculum, students develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and an appreciation for the human experience. Outdoor experiences, such as nature walks, observation of natural phenomena, and hands-on exploration, provide students with opportunities to develop their senses, cultivate a sense of wonder, and connect with the world around them. When we are successful at this, students will increase the number of things for which they care about and will connect all elements of life and education to our Creator.
Curriculum
Living Faith implements the Alveary curriculum and teacher training programs published by Charlotte Mason Institute. CMI is a research-driven organization that is dedicated to providing a wealth of resources for the 21st century Charlotte Mason educator. Alveary curricular content reflects current education and brain research in coordination with the preservation of Mason’s timeless principles. Subjects to be taught are carefully and thoughtfully considered. These subjects will be taught in short segments to allow for the training of attention and diligent work.
Our Kindergarten class will follow a play-based model and will include short lessons in language arts, math, nature study, gardening, Bible and the reading of great literature. Our days will incorporate plenty of free play and exploration.
"Education is the Science of Relations"; that is, that a child has natural relations with a vast number of things and thoughts: so we train him upon physical exercises, nature lore, handicrafts, science and art, and upon many living books."
— Charlotte Mason, Philosophy of Education