Why Real Books Matter in High School: The Power of a Charlotte Mason Liberal Arts Education
High school is a pivotal season of life, where students transition from guided learners to independent thinkers. It’s the perfect time to engage their minds with the rich feast of knowledge found in real books. While textbooks can condense information into manageable chunks, real books—those written by experts passionate about their subject—offer a depth of understanding and connection that textbooks often lack. For families seeking to prepare their teenagers for life beyond high school, a Charlotte Mason-inspired liberal arts education rooted in real books offers unparalleled advantages.
“The question is not, — how much does the youth know? when he has finished his education — but how much does he care? and about how many orders of things does he care? In fact, how large is the room in which he finds his feet set? and, therefore, how full is the life he has before him?” -Charlotte Mason
What Does High School Look Like in a Charlotte Mason Education?
Charlotte Mason’s approach in high school is rigorous yet life-giving, designed to shape not just students’ intellect but also their character and ability to navigate life. Here’s a glimpse into what a high school education based on Mason’s principles looks like:
Core Features of a Charlotte Mason High School
- Broad Feast of Knowledge
High school students engage in a wide range of subjects that include:- History and Geography: Exploring primary sources and real books to delve deeply into historical eras.
- Science: Studying living books, conducting hands-on experiments, and focusing on observation and reflection.
- Literature: Reading and narrating great works that cultivate discernment, cultural literacy, and a love for well-written prose.
- Math: Developing problem-solving skills and logical thinking through incremental mastery.
- The Arts: Continuing studies in music, picture study, and even handicrafts to nurture creativity.
- Narration at a Higher Level
In high school, oral narrations often transition to written narrations. Students analyze, synthesize, and express their ideas about what they’ve read, honing their ability to communicate effectively. Essay writing becomes a key component, preparing them for college and life. - Independent Learning
By this stage, students take greater responsibility for their learning. Mason encouraged independence in high school, allowing students to manage their own schedules, complete readings, and develop self-discipline. This approach not only builds confidence but also equips teens for future challenges. - Emphasis on Worldview and Character Development
Students explore philosophy, theology, and ethics through living books, gaining a foundation to thoughtfully navigate modern cultural issues. Discussions about ideas, virtues, and responsibilities form an integral part of the curriculum, helping teens cultivate a mature, well-rounded worldview. - Life Preparation
Practical life skills, such as budgeting, personal finance, and decision-making, are incorporated to prepare students for adulthood. Apprenticeships, volunteering, or job shadowing can also complement their academic studies.
Real Books: Fuel for the Mind and Heart
What are “real books”? Often called “living books” in the Charlotte Mason world, these are books that are beautifully written, engaging, and brimming with ideas. They make learning come alive, presenting history, science, literature, and more as a grand narrative, rather than a series of dry facts. When high schoolers read real books, they:
- Connect Emotionally: Characters and stories in living books resonate with readers, teaching empathy and helping teens relate to diverse experiences.
- Engage Deeply: Unlike textbooks, which summarize and skim, living books dive deep into their subjects, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.
- Develop Vocabulary and Style: Exposure to well-written prose nurtures students’ ability to communicate effectively, an essential skill for life.
A Liberal Arts Education for Life
The Charlotte Mason philosophy emphasizes a liberal arts education, which equips students with a broad understanding of the world and the ability to think critically and creatively. This approach is uniquely suited to prepare high schoolers for life because it:
- Cultivates Wisdom: A liberal arts education focuses on cultivating wisdom, not just imparting knowledge. Students learn to evaluate ideas, form opinions, and make informed decisions.
- Balances Knowledge: Instead of specializing too early, students study a wide range of subjects—from history and literature to science and the arts—preparing them for the unpredictable demands of the modern world.
- Encourages Lifelong Learning: By immersing students in the joy of discovery through real books, a Charlotte Mason education instills a love for learning that lasts far beyond graduation day.
How A Gentle Feast Supports High School Families
At A Gentle Feast, we recognize the unique needs of high school homeschoolers. Our Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum integrates real books into every subject, offering students a rich, life-giving education. From history’s sweeping narratives to the beauty of classic poetry, our program nurtures minds and hearts while fostering independence and self-discipline.
By emphasizing short lessons, narration, and reflection, we ensure that high school students not only meet academic benchmarks but thrive as curious, well-rounded individuals prepared for the next stage of life.
Final Thoughts
High school in a Charlotte Mason education is a time of refinement, exploration, and growth. It balances rigorous academics with a deep understanding of the world and a focus on character development. Whether your teen plans to attend college, start a career, or explore a unique path, the foundation laid through real books and a liberal arts education will serve them for a lifetime.
Interested in learning more? Check out our YouTube Playlist all about using this approach in the high school years.