Charlotte Mason D.C. Co-operative: Learn to Love Learning
Our mission is to spread an abundant feast for the mind, body, and soul, teaching our children to love what is good, true, and beautiful.
Mission:
About:
We are a 1st - 7th-grade homeschool co-operative rooted in the Christian faith and educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason. We also provide a safe, supervised Charlotte Mason discovery and play program for babies through age 5.
“An observant child should be put in the way of things worth observing."
-Charlotte Mason
Thought breeds thought; children familiar with great thoughts take as naturally to thinking for themselves as the well-nourished body takes to growing; and we must bear in mind that growth, physical, intellectual, moral, spiritual, is the sole end of education.
-Charlotte Mason
Cohort Info:
We anticipate having five different cohorts (classes) in 2025-26 based on age/grade.
The maximum number of students per class is 8 and the spots available are to be filled by new families.
The cohorting of grades may change based on the grades of families who join in 2025.
Nursery - ages 0-3
A safe, supervised Charlotte Mason discovery and play area
Charlotte Mason Discovery - ages 4-5
Assembly & Choir, Intro to Literature/History, Arts & Crafts, Nature/Sensory, Intro to Poetry/Music, Free play, Outdoor play
1st/2nd grades
Assembly & Choir, Literature, Handicrafts, Science, Poetry/Composer Study/Art Study, Art (pencil drawing), Outdoor play
3rd/4th grades
Assembly & Choir, Literature, Handicrafts, Science, Poetry/Composer Study/Art Study, Art (watercolor), Outdoor play
5th-7th grades
Assembly & Choir, U.S. History, Rhetoric, Chemistry, Poetry, Art (watercolor landscapes), Outdoor play
Cost + FAQ
We collect fees for registration, building use, and class specific materials such as books, notebooks, handicrafts, etc. There is an additional art instruction fee that pays a teacher and includes all art supplies. Costs are estimated for 2025-26.
Registration Fee: $100 per family per year. Due at the time of acceptance, non-refundable
Building Fee: $200 per family per year. Payable in two installments of $100 (one per term)
Materials Fees:
-$50-100 per child in Nursery
-$100-150 per child in Pk/K
-$200-250 per child in 1st grade and up
*families keep most materials at the end of the year
Art Instruction Fees:
$150 per child in 1st grade and up
Snack Contribution:
Each family provides bulk snacks for roughly 30 kids, 2-4 times during the year
Commitment
In order to create a stable environment, we ask families to commit to the whole year.
Do I need to be a Christian?
Not all member families are Christian, but we do abide by Christian values as a group when we meet for co-op, and classes do expose the children to Christian practices (prayer, hymn singing, Christian literature, etc).:
What if I use a different curriculum?
Not all member families use a Charlotte Mason curriculum at home, but we do abide as a group by a Charlotte Mason philosophy and teaching style when we meet for co-op.
Do I need to teach?
Yes. We are a true homeschool cooperative. As such, we want to attract homeschooling parents who enjoy the experience of teaching children in some measure. New families typically teach at least one 30-minute class per week and support other classes and operations as needed. We work very hard to match you with the classes that best fit your educational preparation, professional experience, passions, and skills.
Do I need to stay onsite?
Yes. Moms are required to be onsite, contributing, engaged, and supporting classes.
When are annual fees due?
Annual fees are due in July.
How do you help moms/ instructors prepare for a successful year?
We hold three child-free planning meetings each year—in May, August, and January—to support you in preparing for your class. Additionally, we ask that you attend our child-free Charlotte Mason training meeting in September.
We also offer an optional annual opportunity to participate in an external Charlotte Mason adult education event, such as a conference, one-day seminar, or shadowing another group.
When does Co-op begin?
September 2025