How to Blend Charlotte Mason & Classical Education Effortlessly)
/We're excited to share with you the heart and soul behind The Gentle + Classical Press. As we mark our sixth year, we find immense joy in bringing together the best of Christian homeschooling with the time-honored Charlotte Mason and classical education philosophies.
(If you’d enjoy a video version of this post, check it out below. If you prefer to read, keep going.)
Our Vision: Empowering Homeschool Families
At The Gentle + Classical Press, our vision is deeply rooted in supporting and uplifting Christian homeschool families. We believe in education that's not just about academics but also about cultivating a home filled with goodness, beauty, and truth. It's our mission to make home education a delightful and spiritually enriching experience for both parents and children.
Why We Choose an Eclectic Approach
We're often asked about our eclectic approach. Simply put, we don't confine ourselves to a single educational philosophy. Inspired by thinkers like Karen Glass, we see the beauty in blending Charlotte Mason's methods with classical education principles. We aim to bring practicality to these philosophies, making them accessible and relevant to modern homeschooling families.
In my 13 years of home education, I’ve met very few home educators who staunchly cling to only one method of education without considering the fullness and richness available through others. I was always surprised to never find a curriculum that married Miss Mason’s philosophies with classical education, with a touch of unit studies. And that is how Gentle + Classical came to be. I figured if I loved the idea and almost every homeschool mom I met used both, then there were probably others out there like us, looking for the perfect blend!
Building More Than Academic Skills
For us, in the early years, foundational learning transcends even reading, writing, and arithmetic. It's about nurturing virtues such as wisdom, kindness, and patience from a young age. We strive to develop not just the intellect but also the character of our young learners, grounding them in faith and virtue.
Our Curriculum: A Feast of Flexibility
We liken our curriculum to a buffet - rich, varied, and adaptable. We understand that each family is unique, and so is each child’s learning journey. Our goal is to provide a flexible curriculum that can be tailored to suit the diverse needs and rhythms of your family. You never have to fear “missing” out when you approach our curriculum as a buffet. Everything is there, ready to use and pre-curated for you - you only have to pick and choose what fits the needs and appetites of your learners for now, then come back to the rest when you’re ready.
Holistic Learning: Caring for the Whole Family
At the core of our philosophy is the belief in holistic education. We go beyond the conventional scope of homeschooling, integrating art, culture, and spiritual growth into our programs. We aim to enrich not just the minds of our children but also the family as a whole, fostering a nurturing and spiritually vibrant home environment. The culture of your home and the wellness of everyone in your family is just as important to academic and life success as anything found in a textbook.
Our Approach: Preparation for Ease
We advocate for a bit of preparation at the outset to ensure a smoother journey ahead. By investing time in organizing and planning at the beginning of your school year, we help families enjoy a more relaxed and fulfilling homeschooling experience throughout the year.
Christ-Centered: The Heart of Our Mission
Everything at The Gentle + Classical Press revolves around our Christ-centered ethos. This foundation influences every aspect of our curriculum and guides our business decisions. In a world filled with distractions and challenges, we strive to be a beacon of faith and stability for your family. While we won’t ever get it all “right,” it’s our greatest joy to work our hardest to bring the Gospel into every home that choose Gentle + Classical materials.
A Community for All
While our primary audience is homeschooling moms, we warmly welcome dads, grandparents, guardians, and educators of all backgrounds. We cherish building a community where each member feels valued, supported, and connected. We also understand the importance that every child sees reflections of themselves in their school work. To that end, we seek to include diverse characters in our book selections and artistic representations.
Reflecting on Our Journey
As we reflect on our journey with The Gentle + Classical Press, we're filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve so many wonderful families. Our mission is more than providing a curriculum; it's about partnering with you in the beautiful, holistic education of your children. We're committed to offering a learning experience that intertwines knowledge with faith, wisdom, and love.
Here's to nurturing wise, compassionate, and Christ-following little hearts and minds together!
If you find that what we’ve outlined above sounds like the way you desire to educate your child, you can find all of our FREE Teacher’s Guides right here.