The Summer Institute is a week-long intensive that educates participants on the Charlotte Mason philosophy of teaching through a combination of lecture and hands-on experience.

Institute Attendees learn the philosophy and practical skills implied in Charlotte Mason’s maxim that a teacher has three legitimate instruments of education: atmosphere (relational circumstances), discipline (habits of good living), and life (the mind’s proper food). Participants experience the application of these educational tools, first as a pupil and then as a teacher, preparing them well for their own teaching based on the philosophy and practice of Charlotte Mason.

The Summer Institute begins with small group readings, narration, and discussion of Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy. Then, upon entering the Ambleside classroom, experience what it is like to be a student at an Ambleside School. Summer Institute faculty teach from the Ambleside curriculum, including lessons in science, history, mathematics, Bible, literature, grammar, phonics, composition, nature study, composer study, and more. Following each lesson, shared observations bring further understanding to the Ambleside Method.

The week culminates with hands-on application of the Method of the Lesson as lessons are planned and taught by attendees. Summer Institute faculty provide curricula, assistance, and supportive critiques throughout the planning and teaching of these lessons.