Embracing a Charlotte Mason Catholic Curriculum
As Catholic homeschool moms, we’re always looking for a curriculum that not only nurtures our children’s minds but also their souls.
One educational approach that continues to captivate hearts and homes is the Charlotte Mason method—a philosophy that harmonizes beautifully with Catholic theology on the human person and the role of parents in the education of children.
If you’ve been curious about adopting a Charlotte Mason Catholic curriculum, this guide will help you understand its core principles and how our faith formation resources support a Charlotte Mason-style education.
What Is the Charlotte Mason Method?
Charlotte Mason was a 19th-century British educator who believed that “education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.”
Her method emphasizes:
1. Living Books Over Textbooks
Rather than dry facts, Mason advocated for "living books"—rich, narrative-driven texts that spark imagination and un-sermonized moral reflection.
The Catholic Church also treasures the power of storytelling, from Salvation History to the lives of the Saints to the parables of Christ. These stories don't just teach—they transform.
2. Habit Training and Formation of Character
Charlotte Mason emphasized habit training as foundational to education—forming virtues like attention, order, obedience, and honesty.
This aligns directly with the Church’s emphasis on virtue and spiritual discipline. As the Catechism says, “The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God” (CCC 1803).
3. Short Lessons, Nature Study, and the Arts
Mason recommended short, focused lessons to nurture attentiveness and avoid burnout, along with a deep engagement with nature study, fine art, and music appreciation.
These practices invite wonder even down to the soul—what Pope John Paul II called a “contemplative gaze”—and connect children to the beauty of God’s majesty.
Why Catholic Families Are Turning to a Charlotte Mason Approach
Catholic moms love Charlotte Mason because her philosophy speaks to the whole child: mind, body, and soul. It is a restful yet rigorous path, rich in beauty, truth, and goodness—transcendentals we are called to embody as children of God.
More importantly, Mason’s emphasis on living ideas, moral formation, and wonder-filled study easily integrates with Catholic sacramental life, liturgical seasons, and family devotions.
But many Catholic moms find themselves cobbling together resources to make the Charlotte Mason method fully Catholic. That’s where Into the Deep comes in.
How Into the Deep Supports Your Charlotte Mason Catholic Curriculum
At Into the Deep, we design faith formation resources that align with the heart of Charlotte Mason’s philosophy and present deep Catholic theology and tradition.
Here’s how:
Living Learning, Not Solely Catechism Drills
Our materials present faith formation as a living, breathing relationship with God—not just rote memorization (we incorporate meaningful memorization instead).
Children encounter the Faith through beautiful stories, sacred art, and Scripture that captivate the imagination and seek to facilitate an encounter with Jesus Christ.
Picture Study with Sacred Art
We offer picture study resources using sacred Catholic art, helping children contemplate the divine through works by Blessed Fra Angelico, Caravaggio, and other masters.
Narration-Friendly Faith Lessons
All our lessons are written to encourage narration and discussion, making them a natural fit for family-style and Charlotte Mason-style learning.
Liturgical Living Integration
From feast days to Marian devotions, our content weaves in the rhythms of the liturgical year, creating a cohesive Catholic environment in your homeschool.
Nature Study in Light of the Creator
We help families connect the natural world with theological reflection, fostering awe for the Creator.
Ready to Build Your Charlotte Mason Catholic Curriculum?
You don’t have to piece it all together alone. With Into the Deep, you’ll find resources that fit the principles of Charlotte Mason while immersing your children in the fullness of the Catholic Faith.
Whether you’re just starting your homeschool journey or looking to deepen your current approach, our offerings are here to serve your family’s mission to raise faithful, curious, and virtuous Catholic children.
What are your favorite Charlotte Mason educational resources? Let us know in the comments below!
Ready to dive deeper?
Here are 4 ways to fill your nets...
1. Memorize Bible verses with your children easily with our FREE guide: Stocking the Storehouses
2. Make your dreams of family prayer a reality with The Daily Feast framework, making it possible in just a few minutes a day. This free guide shows you how.
3. Want to steward your own prayer life? Check out this Scripture prayer journal we made just for you.
4. Looking to level-up in your family faith formation? Join over 10,000 families that use our resources. We make open-and-go, family-style resources to make your role as primary catechist easy AND delightful. Click here to browse!
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