Charlotte Mason (1842–1923) was a British educator who dedicated her life to improving the quality of children’s education. She envisioned a generous and broad curriculum for all children, regardless of social class. She wrote six volumes on education: Home Education, Parents and Children, School Education, Ourselves, Formation of Character, and Towards a Philosophy of Education. She also wrote books of poetry entitled Savior of the World, which are written on the gospels. From her initial volume and lectures the Parent’s Educational Union was formed and the periodical the “Parents’ Review” was birthed to keep in touch with members. In 1891 she formed the House of Education to train governesses and other children’s workers. The PEU became the PNEU or Parents’ National Educational Union and the Parents’ Union Schools were formed in which children from all backgrounds were taught publicly. These schools taught children using Miss Mason’s philosophies and methods. Eventually the graduates of her schools supplied teachers for the PUS schools that were thriving throughout England. She spent her later years overseeing the schools that had sprung up from her vision to give each child the education he was due. In her time over 40,000 students were trained using her philosophy worldwide.
The Charlotte Mason method of education thrived until the decrease of godly values in public education. In the 1980’s Karen and Dean Andreola brought her volumes from England to the United States, where they have been reprinted. Since the release of Miss Mason’s Volumes and also the release of the book, “For the Children’s Sake" by Susan Macauley Schaeffer, there has been a growing movement of the Charlotte Mason method in homeschool and schools around the world. Macauley’s book is a gentle overview of Miss Mason's method and principles. We highly recommend reading this book if you are new to the Charlotte Mason method.
