Structured-Community Days
Scale How Cottage School aims to build and support a close-knit community of
families who are actively striving to implement a living education using
Charlotte Mason's method. Through our structured school days, we provide a
feast of subjects, by form, that are outlined in Mason's curriculum. The
selected subjects are taught using Mason's methods and are extended upon by
families at home during "off" weeks. In addition to lessons, structured days are
set up to provide refreshment, community interaction, and inspiration for all.
Scale How Cottage School families are also invited to build deeper
relationships by participating in field trips, wild and free days, service
projects, retreats, and other family events held throughout the year.
More Details...
Our campus is located at Zion Church in Kurten, Tx. We meet, on average, two Fridays per month for structured days. Classes are divided by form and duration is short in keeping with Charlotte Mason's scheduling method. We have community gathering times built into each day where everyone comes together to share in subjects like artist study, composer, handicraft, and singing.
We are thankful for this community of families in Bryan College Station, Brazos Valley, and surrounding areas that the Lord continues to assemble. We share the same mission: to educate our children in a Christian homeschool using Charlotte Mason's rich philosophy of education and supporting each other along the journey.
Our "programme" is listed below. These
subjects are planned with the expectation
of being extended upon at home through
reading, narration, and assignments. They are
intended to be integrated with remaining subjects at home.
We incorporate Mason's teaching methods
and give children opportunities
for copywork, narration, recitation,
drawing, map work, and reading aloud. In
addition, because of the community
atmosphere, they also get to work together
with other Charlotte Mason students,
participate in creative group activities, and
receive multiple public speaking
opportunities throughout the year.
Our year is based around three terms. We meet for six structured days per term concluding with our end of term event. These events are reminiscent of
the "children gatherings" Charlotte Mason would regularly host at her schools. During our end of term event, children will have the opportunity to participate
in timeline work, a showcase of presentations, a Shakespeare play, and our fun end of term book club
celebration.
"Programme" of Subjects (2022/23)
❖ Citizenship - Form III only
❖ Botany - Form III only
❖ Spanish - Optional for form I-III
❖ Community Gathering:
Scripture recitation, hymn,
composer, folk song, artist
study, and poetry
❖ Geography
❖ Shakespeare
❖ Snack & Share - Form I only
❖ Handicraft
❖ Ukulele
❖ P/E
❖ Special Science Study
❖ Literature Book Club
Scale How History Time Period:
(22/23): Early American Year, 1000-1650
(23/24): Colonial American Year, 1650-1800
Teachers & Families
Scale How Cottage School is under the direction of Charlotte Mason moms and educators who are passionately endeavoring to deepen their
understanding of Mason’s philosophy and methods by reading, attending conferences, and receiving
consultations from other veteran Charlotte Mason educators. We also have a support team of Form Leaders
who are committed to researching her methodology and are available to encourage and assist families in their
implementation at home. Our goal is to pursue an authentic interpretation of Mason’s vision of attaining “smooth and easy days” and to create an encouraging atmosphere.
Attending families must be striving to
implement the philosophy of Charlotte
Mason in their homes to ensure that your
hopes for your children resonate with our
vision and goals for the school and are in
keeping with the philosophical distinctives
of our work as a community.
Little Sprouts
Scale How Cottage School Nursery offers a safe and nurturing environment
where children are free to explore, try new things, and develop as individual
beings. Priority is placed on emotional wellbeing and building early
relationships that support confidence, resilience, and independence.
Children are encouraged and supported to develop individual learning styles,
while following their own interests, indoors and outdoors.
While an unstructured lesson plan is offered, children will be surrounded with
rich learning opportunities through play, observation, conversation, and real-
life experiences.
A clean, safe, secure, and exciting environment is provided indoors and
outdoors.
Early Learners
Our Early Learners Program is Charlotte
Mason focused and open for children aged
4-5. Families must have children in
Forms I-III in order to participate in the
Early Learners Program.
In the Early Learners Program little ones
can be found enjoying free play and nature
exploration outside. Each class meeting
also consists of a short special study object
lesson, reading, and craft that mirrors the
same topic our older children are studying
in their classes. We often incorporate our
book club novel, if possible, through
discussion or crafts. Giving ample time for
movement and play is our main focus.
What Form Is My Child In?
Nursery 0-3 years
Early Learners 4-5 years
Form I: 6-8 years / Grade 1-3
Form II: 9-11 years / Grade 4-6
Form III: 12-13 / Grade 7-8
At the current time we serve forms I-III only. Ages 4-5 can attend the Early Learners class, if they have at least one sibling in form I-III.