The people themselves begin to understand and to clamour for an education which shall qualify their children for life rather than for earning a living. As a matter of fact, it is the man who has read and thought on many subjects who is, with the necessary training, the most capable in handling tools, drawing plans, or keeping books. The more of a person we succeed in making a child, the better will he both fulfill his own life and serve society.
- Charlotte Mason, Philosophy of Education
Wy do we educate? Charlotte Mason's answer challenges us. She suggests that success, as commonly understood, is not sufficient. "If people only 'get on' to success they still have very far to go. Perhaps every child – every person – must 'get on' to a different kind of success: I mean the power to live the life God has given him."
Ambleside Schools International (ASI) is dedicated to fostering educational renewal based on Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and practice. To this end, ASI seeks to build and serve a global community of parents, teachers, and schools that provide a “living education.”
A living education empowers students to author lives that are full and free—rich in relationship to God, self, others, ideas, work, and creation. A living education provides the tools people need to live well in all aspects of their lives—personal and professional, present and future. At ASI, we strive to make this living education, with its view of success for every child and every person, available to all.
Children who receive a living education grow in relationship with the knowledge of God, man, and the universe. They become persons who give back to society, care for their kin, love their neighbors, and cultivate a rich intellectual life.
To make a living education accessible to all, Ambleside Schools International:
- articulates a vision for students and their education.
- clarifies a vision for parents, teachers, leaders, and pedagogy.
- defines a philosophy and practice of education.
- develops a broad and rigorous curriculum, a “treasure trove of worthy thought and worthy work.”
- establishes a sound program of training, resources, and support.