Ambleside Online is a completely free Charlotte Mason homeschool curriculum providing detailed schedules, living book lists, and teaching resources for kindergarten through 12th grade.
What is Ambleside Online?
Ambleside Online is a gift to the homeschool community—a complete Charlotte Mason curriculum offered entirely free. Created by the Advisory (a group of experienced Charlotte Mason educators), AO provides weekly reading schedules, carefully curated book lists, and comprehensive teaching guidance for Years 0-12. The curriculum centers on "living books"—engaging literature written by passionate authors rather than dry textbooks. Subjects include history, literature, geography, science, poetry, art study, music appreciation, and nature study, all integrated through Charlotte Mason's educational philosophy.
Key Takeaways
- Completely free curriculum including schedules, book lists, and extensive teaching resources
- Covers kindergarten through 12th grade using Charlotte Mason methodology
- Centers on living books rather than textbooks, with many available free online or at libraries
- Requires parent understanding of Charlotte Mason philosophy for effective implementation
- Does not include math or foreign language—parents select those separately
What the Curriculum Includes
AO provides 36-week schedules divided into three 12-week terms, listing specific readings for each week across all subjects. Book lists are meticulously curated to provide what Charlotte Mason called a "feast of ideas." The curriculum includes artist and composer studies (rotating each term), poetry selections, folk songs, hymn study, and nature study guidance. Extensive support materials include Charlotte Mason's complete six-volume series, Parents' Review magazine archives, and active community forums.
How It Works Day-to-Day
A typical Ambleside day involves parent-led reading aloud, student narration (oral or written retelling), copywork, and independent reading for older students. Subjects receive short, focused attention rather than lengthy sessions. History might mean 15-20 minutes of reading followed by narration. Poetry study could be five minutes of recitation. The approach emphasizes depth of engagement over volume of coverage. Parents need to understand Charlotte Mason's methods—particularly narration and living books—to implement AO effectively.
What You Still Need
AO deliberately doesn't prescribe math or foreign language curriculum, allowing families to choose programs that fit their needs. You'll also need to acquire the books—though many are public domain and available free through Project Gutenberg or similar sources, others require library cards or purchases. Some families spend very little using libraries creatively, while others prefer owning books for markup and reuse with younger siblings.
Is It Right for Your Family?
The Bottom Line
Ambleside Online offers genuine educational richness at no cost—a remarkable resource for families drawn to Charlotte Mason's philosophy. The catch is investment: not money, but time learning the methodology and energy implementing daily lessons. AO requires an engaged parent willing to read aloud, listen to narrations, and guide discussions. For families who embrace that involvement, it provides an education centered on beautiful literature and deep thinking. For those wanting more independence or a complete package, paid Charlotte Mason programs might serve better.
