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 PK - 8th-grade homeschool co-operative rooted in the Christian faith and educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason. We also provide a safe, supervised play area for babies 0-3. Moms are required to stay onsite to teach and support the co-op.
“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 will have 6 cohorts in 2026-27 based on age/grade. The maximum number of students per class is 8, except Middle School which can accommodate up to 12. The grade arrangement and/or course offerings for classes may change based on the ages of students, interest, and teaching availability.
Nursery (ages 0-3)
Supervised free play, Themed activities, Nature walks, Outdoor play
PK (ages 3-5)
Assembly & Choir, Intro to Literature/History, Arts & Crafts, Nature/Sensory, Intro to Poetry/Music, Free play, Outdoor play
K/1 (ages 5-7)
Assembly & Choir, Literature, Handicrafts, Science, Poetry/Composer Study/Art Study, Art (Brush Drawing), Singing Games, Outdoor play
2/3 (ages 7-9)
Assembly & Choir, Literature, Handicrafts/Composer Study, Science, Art (Pen & Ink Drawing), PE, Outdoor play
4/5 (ages 9-11)
Assembly & Choir, Literature, Science, Poetry, Art (Pen & Ink Drawing), Shakespeare, PE, Outdoor play
Middle School (ages 11-14)
Assembly & Choir, U.S. History, Physics, Creative Writing, Art (Clay Modeling), Shakespeare, PE, Outdoor play
Cost + FAQ
We collect fees for registration, building use, and class specific materials such as books, notebooks, handicrafts, art supplies, etc. There is an additional art instruction fee that pays for a highly qualified teacher. Costs are estimated for 2026-27.
Registration Fee: $100 per family per year. Due at time of acceptance, non-refundable.
Building Fee: $200 per family per year. Payable in two installments of $100 (one per term).
Materials Fees:
$20-50 per child in Nursery
$50-100 per child in PK
$150-200 per child in K/1 and up
*Families keep most materials and art supplies at the end of the year
Art Instruction Fees:
$150 per child in K/1 and up
Snack Contribution:
Each family is expected to provide 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 2026
