The Charlotte Mason Institute (CMI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to researching and promoting Charlotte Mason educational philosophy. CMI offers the Alveary curriculum, teacher training programs, certification courses, and scholarly publications for homeschools, co-ops, and schools.
What is Charlotte Mason Institute?
The Charlotte Mason Institute began nearly two decades ago as annual gatherings of educators studying Mason's philosophy. Under the leadership of Dr. Carroll Smith (then Dean of Education at Gardner-Webb University) and his spouse Andra Smith, these conversations grew into conferences hosting scholars from across North America and beyond. In 2007, Dr. Smith launched the Charlotte Mason Educational Review, and the organization expanded to offer comprehensive resources for implementing Mason's methods authentically. Today, CMI provides teacher training, curriculum, certifications, and scholarly publications—one of the most complete Charlotte Mason ecosystems available.
Key Takeaways
- Offers Alveary, a complete K-12 Charlotte Mason curriculum for families ($299/year)
- CORE training provides 8-week introductory courses on Mason's philosophy ($199)
- Certification programs include Charlotte Mason Certified and Charlotte Mason Trained designations
- Scholarly publications include the Charlotte Mason Centenary Monograph Series
- Nonprofit organization focused on research and accessible education worldwide
The Alveary Curriculum
CMI's flagship offering is Alveary, a comprehensive Charlotte Mason curriculum covering grades 1-12 across all subjects. The name refers to a beehive—students and families working together in purposeful learning. Alveary includes booklists, supply lists, detailed lesson plans, planning tools, and exams, plus original content in French, Spanish, art, geography, and reading.
Family membership costs $299 annually (expiring June 30 each year), with co-op discounts available at $249. Alveary+ offers upgraded digital features including preloaded lesson plans with auto-rescheduling. Registration for the 2026-27 school year opens February 1, 2026. The curriculum meets and exceeds North American standards while maintaining fidelity to Mason's original methods.
Training and Certification
CORE (Conversations on Relational Education) provides the recommended starting point—an 8-week online course offering a rigorous overview of Mason's key ideas in small cohort format. Participants earn 28 Professional Development hours upon completion. Spring 2026 cohorts run February through April.
Beyond CORE, CMI offers the Blue Open Door Program for advanced study, immersion training options (virtual, hybrid, or in-person), and formal certification pathways. The Charlotte Mason Certified and Charlotte Mason Trained designations provide professional credentials for those seeking to teach in Charlotte Mason schools or lead educational programs.
Scholarly Resources
CMI maintains strong academic credibility through ongoing research and publication. The Charlotte Mason Centenary Monograph Series, commissioned for Mason's centenary, features 18 monographs by 24 scholars from three countries—a collaborative effort with the Armitt Museum and Library and University of Cumbria. The organization also curates articles from The Parents' Review, Mason's original journal published for 99 years, grouping relevant selections by topic for modern readers.
This commitment to Mason's original writings, curriculum, and schedules—integrated with current educational research—distinguishes CMI from organizations offering lighter interpretations of Charlotte Mason philosophy.
The Bottom Line
The Charlotte Mason Institute offers perhaps the most comprehensive ecosystem for authentic Charlotte Mason education: complete curriculum through Alveary, professional training through CORE and certification programs, and ongoing scholarly research maintaining fidelity to Mason's original vision. For families committed to implementing Charlotte Mason methods thoroughly, CMI provides the resources and community to do so with confidence.
