Learning About Alveary Schools
From Melissa Ferguson, Operations Director:
I’ve had the opportunity this past year to work more closely with our Alveary schools and have learned a lot as my family has always homeschooled. Homeschool families are important to the Charlotte Mason Institute and make up the majority of Alveary members. So why the focus on schools as well? We know not every family is able to, or prefers to, homeschool, and we believe every child deserves to have a Charlotte Mason education.
Here are a few things I have found interesting about our growing number of Alveary schools:
- Many of our schools are small, and some are what are currently called micro schools. They often bridge the gap between home and school by providing instruction a few days a week, or partial days. Some are small enough to combine two or more grades in a classroom, much like you are combining students in your home.
- Sometimes Alveary co-ops grow into schools. Your Alveary co-op may be going really well so you decide to meet two days a week. Maybe you even decide to add a third day, or your number of students really grows. Surprise! You’re now a hybrid school.
- Some of our Alveary schools have a very special purpose. One of our schools is serving families with children affected by autism and other special needs. Another is a school for at-risk boys on a working farm. Charlotte Mason education is for all children, and the focus on personhood is especially relevant in these schools.
- Several Alveary schools, such as Crestwood Day School, are full 5-day-a-week schools and are a huge help to parents who love Charlotte Mason education but aren’t able to homeschool for a variety of reasons or prefer the community a school provides.
- However, not all schools are small, private schools. CMI works closely with the first public Charlotte Mason charter school in the United States, and we hope to work with others. All children deserve a Charlotte Mason education.
- Finally, CMI has a practicing school where we provide training immersions for home and classroom educators. In fact, we have an immersion coming up in April! We provide a whole menu of training opportunities to educators in person and online.
If you’re nearing the end of your homeschool journey and would like to use your knowledge within a Charlotte Mason school, we know several who are in need of teachers. If you would like to start a Charlotte Mason school, we have resources to help you every step of the way. To learn more, watch these videos!
We’d love to hear from you! Do you have experience with an Alveary school, or would you ever consider starting a Charlotte Mason school? Share your thoughts and questions in this Fabulous Friday post. Let's continue spreading the beauty of a relational education to all children!
Notes
1. Office Hours: Here is the link from Wednesday’s Office Hours with Debi Zahn, “Organization Tips from a Mom of Many.”
2. Employment Opportunities: CMI has a short-term paid contract position available through June for someone with graphic design and tech skills. Email melissa@cminst.org with your qualifications and availability if this sounds like you.
3. Conference Speakers: We're thrilled to introduce our lineup of speakers for "The Joy of Making.” Get ready for keynote talks, practical immersions, workshops, and fireside chats. Find details here and join us in Wilmore, Kentucky, from July 25-27, 2024.
4. New “Contact” Link: We have created a new form to help us streamline our process of answering your questions. You’ll find the new link in the Hive and on our website. Please refresh your browser and/or update your bookmarks.
5. Foundations Course: Deepen your understanding of relational education in our Foundations Course. Sign up for weekly emails or find it on your dashboard under Resources.
6. Exams: Term 3 exams are available on your dashboard.
7. Alveary Ambassador Kit: Find inspiration and resources for sharing Alveary with friends in our new Alveary Ambassador Kit.
8. Practicing School Observation and Training: Join us for this three-day event hosted at Blue Willow Tutorial—an Alveary/Charlotte Mason school—located in Athens, Tennessee. See more details here.
9. RightStart Math: Use promo code MATH15 to receive 15% off your entire order when you purchase an RS2 Math Set. Offer expires March 31.
