Ambleside Schools International provides guidance and support to visionary teams who are called to establish an Ambleside School in their community.

Founding an Ambleside School: A Three-Stage Process

This is a process that requires continual walking in God’s presence, discerning His call, seeking His provision, and a good deal of work.  Once the decision is made to become part of the Ambleside Schools International global community, Ambleside staff will provide counsel and needed resources.

Stage One: The Decision for an Ambleside School 

Stage One is marked by the work of due diligence, during which the group develops and solidifies a firm conviction of the importance of bringing an Ambleside Education to their community. This stage includes: reading suggested materials, watching the videos featured on this site, and attending an Ambleside Internship, where a deeper study of the philosophy, combined with classroom observations, brings clear vision to what makes an Ambleside School so distinctive. Further, you must receive the undeniable sense that God has called you to this work. This calling must be confirmed by each group member, and it must become clear that this is the time to proactively seek to start an Ambleside School.  We’ll discuss five essential aspects of starting a school (leadership, teachers, students, location, financial provision) and with both parties’ concurrence, move to Stage Two with the intention of starting an Ambleside Member School.

Stage Two: Building the Foundation

Identifying and confirming a core team of two to three families/singles and securing the necessary resources are imperative for the initial stages of founding an Ambleside School. While the decision to launch invariably comes prior to having all the needed personnel and resources in place, there must be clarity regarding the needs and potential sources of provision, and then the work of “building the tribe” begins.  The relationship with Ambleside Schools International is formalized as essential needs are secured. Determining the grade levels to be offered, solidifying a core team of supporters and potential teachers, identifying the region that defines the potential location, and setting a date for the first day of school concludes Stage Two.

Stage Three: Preparing to Launch

Stage Three is marked by securing the persons and resources needed to meet the desired launch date.  It is the heavy ‘working’ stage when the school formally establishes itself as a corporation, applies for 501(c)3 status, determines a budget and secures the funds needed, identifies a facility, signs a lease, and secures any necessary zoning approval. Additionally, school leadership will: hire needed faculty and administrative staff, conduct Open Houses and book studies to gather additional families, order curriculum, organize volunteers to paint and decorate classrooms, and take care of the other logistic needs of establishing a facility.

A Note Regarding Investment of Personal Resources: Time and Money

Initially, the principal investment is time. As the school startup process enters stages two and three, there will be a progressive need to invest financially. Historically, these financial costs have been covered by personal gifts on the part of the founders and donors in the community. Expect the required investment to increase incrementally. Costs in stage one are minimal, in stage two they are moderate, and in stage three they are more extensive.

For more information on founding a school, please Email Us.