Grace. Rigor. Joy.
Hildegard’s Cottage exists to support homeschool students and their families by creating an atmosphere that encourages students to delight in all that is good, true, and beautiful.
Courses are designed to encourage the habits of dialogue and diligent study as students grow in virtue and maturity. Students are invited to grow in their relationships with God, others and the world.
What’s in a Name?
Hildegard von Bingen
Hildegard von Bingen (c.1098-1179) is regarded as a Doctor of the Church. Known as a polymath and spiritual leader, Hildegard’s work in music, natural sciences, writing and theological study served the church and the world. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct teachers and students at Hildegard’s cottage with her spirit of love and joyful learning.
Cottage
A cottage school is typically held in a home, often with multiple ages learning together. While Hildegard’s Cottage may not always meet in a house, the name represents a commitment to a community learning together in a family environment using shared resources to support homeschool families.
Illumination from Hildegard's Scivias (1151)
What is a Charlotte Mason Education?
Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) was an educator who first and foremost believed that children are fully persons. In a time when education was industrializing along with the workplace and economy she was firm that there was no equation or system for raising a child. However, she believed that all persons can truly grow. The educator can shape the atmosphere, the habits, and the ideas presented to a student, encouraging growth in wisdom and virtue.
Charlotte Mason believed that great ideas are what form the mind. In other words, what we read and discuss matters. The reading lists for a CM education will be robust and full of worthy and classic texts. The point of the student’s reading is not to ‘download’ information, but instead to build relationships with God, others, great ideas and the created world. They do this by careful reading of texts, narration (telling-back), and often focusing on one artist/poet/composer at a time to deepen relationship with the work.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do we need to be a Charlotte Mason Homeschool to join Hildegard’s Cottage?
No. Curriculum and work done at home beyond assignments for Hildegard’s Cottage can be chosen by the homeschool teacher. However, understanding the basic ideas behind a Charlotte Mason philosophy and generally agreeing to them is advisable. Please reach out if you have questions.
Do we need to do the Forum to participate in electives?
No. The forum is the heart of Hildegard’s cottage, so it is highly recommended, but not required. Students enrolled in the forum before May 1 get the first chance to fill electives, but if there are more spots other students are very warmly welcome. You can register for electives as soon as courses are posted for the new year and will hear if you got a spot after May 1.
‘My student is doing work a grade or two ahead, where should I register them?’ or ‘We don’t do grades as a homeschool, where should I place my student?’
Students should generally be placed in the grade they would be placed in by age. Permission needs to be given by administration to move a student up (you may register them one grade below age-grade level.) The Cottage School environment is about so much more than academic ability. Students generally flourish if in a group with students of their own age. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns, we are happy to discuss and find the best placement for your student.