Let them learn from first-hand sources of information— really good books, the best going, on the subject they are engaged upon. Let them get at the books themselves, and do not let them be flooded with a warm diluent at the lips of their teacher.
Charlotte Mason
A Living Education
When we look at a child, we see a whole person. Someone made in the image of God with endless potential and an innate desire to know and a curiosity that propels learning, for a lifetime. At Ambleside, we believe that real education is much more than the assimilation of facts, figures and skills. It is rather a lifelong process of one’s mind feeding on ideas expressed through God’s creation, great works of art, music, science and other disciplines, and in “living books.” True learning takes place when students come mind-to-mind with the best minds of history, and ultimately with the mind of God. Ambleside teachers nurture this invaluable process using the Ambleside curriculum which provides a steady diet of inspiring ideas for our students to feed upon daily.
Living ideas are contrasted against the lifeless, “predigested,” hard facts contained in most modern textbooks which are “reduced to the driest statements of fact.” An idea, on the other hand, is “a live thing of the mind, …it ’strikes,’ ‘seizes,’ ‘catches hold of,’ ‘impresses’ us and at last, if it be big enough, ‘possesses’ us… When we hear ‘I have an idea,’ we rise to such an opening as a trout to a well-chosen fly.”
With a “living book,” children show delight and curiosity because they will experience the pleasure of receiving “those sparks of truth from the author.” Furthermore, they will be able to tell back clearly what they have read and will remember it far beyond the next exam.
The Ideas That Drive Us
Whole Person.
Your child is not a vessel to be filled, but rather a complete person who is wonderfully made with an innate desire to learn and infinite potential. By viewing a child in this way, we work to remove any obstruction to that natural desire, and provide inspiration through knowledge.
Relationships.
We believe all truth comes through relationship. Ambleside students develop a grounded understanding of their place because, to us, education is cultivating rewarding relationships with God, self, others and all of creation.
Role of Teachers.
Teachers are highly trained in a method that channels students’ continued love of learning. This enables them to avoid elements which may stifle a child’s curiosity and joy.
Wide and Worthy Work.
Worthy work is intrinsically satisfying. Our students gain the satisfaction of knowing and of work well done. Our students are never asked to complete worksheets or anything unworthy of their time. All their work helps them to grow in precision, attention, and craftsmanship.
Love of Learning.
Every person enters the world with a bright-eyed curiosity and a deep desire to know. We believe it is a school’s job to fuel this with great ideas presented in profound works of literature, art, music, observation, the sciences, and relationship. Traditional systems of education leave little room for curiosity.
Habits.
Structure and habits must be in place for the next layer of learning to begin. While still being fully allowed to operate in the fullness of their youth, teachers walk alongside your child helping them form sixteen academic and moral habits that will serve them for a lifetime.
Role of Parents.
Education should be a collaborative effort between teacher and parent, it is essential to providing the fertile soil for life-long growth. Families are a vital part of our existence.
Lifelong Contributers.
Your child’s education is pursued with fullness of life in mind. This means Ambleside not only prepares your child for college and a rich vocational life, but also forms them to become excellent friends, spouses, givers and members in any community.