Ambleside of the Willamette Valley exists to serve and equip a local community of students and parents, teachers and schools; seeking to -provide what British educator Charlotte Mason called a “living education.”
Ambleside is a movement that is redefining education by:
Our primary concern is the kind of student each child is becoming, not the mastery of particular technique. We‘re confident that the student who masters the art of learning will attain his full potential for mastering data and technique. The student who masters the art of relating well to God, self, others, ideas, and creation will attain the fullness of life for which she was created.
We endeavor that the students should have relations of pleasure and intimacy established with as many as possible of the interests proper to him: not learning a slight or incomplete smattering about this or that subject, “but plunging into vital knowledge, with a great field before him which all his life he will not be able to fully explore” (Charlotte Mason). The courses of study vary between the grades, their time at school, and the depth at which they are encountered.
Narration is the basic methodology of Charlotte Mason education. Narration is an active retelling of what the student has heard and learned. Such a retelling requires the use of the child’s whole mind as well as their memory, and demands careful attention to a single reading of the source, without review and repetitions.
Ambleside students do the scholar’s work of the first hand reading of primary sources of literary merit that present inspiring ideas in all subjects, not dry, predigested facts and texts. Their study also includes direct contact and observation of real objects from nature (plants, minerals, animals, the elements), and art, music, and other human disciplines (maps, instruments, machines).
Ambleside educators love their pupils and get to share with them an enthusiasm for learning. The relationship between each subject and the substance within them provide just as much food for the mind of the teacher as each child. The ideas are engaging at any age. As teachers and fellow learners, it’s an invigorating place to be.
Together in the classroom, students and educators encounter the past and present, the awe and wonder of science and mathematics, the frailty and nobility of humankind, the ebb and flow of life, and the relationship between authority and obedience. And—free from the burden of competing for ranks, grades, or prizes—they learn for the joy of learning. They do not strive after the approval of the teacher or the reward of a good mark, smiley face, or gold star. Nor does the child seek in their schooling to impress, or to win; it is not a competition. Rather, they learn because it is good to know and a delight to the mind and soul. A child who masters a mathematics concept should feel the joy that comes from understanding; the satisfaction of a job well done. They should not feel shame because they were slower than their classmates, or, even worse, pride because they were fastest.
Small class sizes maximize the experience. Students receive far more personal attention and the atmosphere is much simpler to preserve. Visitors often remark how “peaceful” it is to walk down the halls, a subtle murmur of bright conversation seeping through the doors to each classroom. Our size also encourages children of all ages to interact daily. Older students are often seen helping and supporting younger students. Relationships grow through the intermingling of a community and so we encourage everyone to be a role model to one another.
A child, for example, with the habit of neatness, enjoys a bedroom that is free of clutter. For a child without the habit for neatness, however, cleaning his room becomes a stressful, defeating drudgery. A great part of the educational task, therefore, is to support children in the formation of good habits. What makes the task urgent is that the formation of habits is inevitable: where good habits are absent, bad habits will surely take hold.
Habits are formed through labor. We practice those things we desire as habits until they become effortless second nature. Few adults need to concentrate on holding a pencil correctly because it has become habit. For the five year old, however, the act of holding a pencil requires concentrated thought. Good habits ease our way. They are like the rails on which the train of life runs.
Perhaps no habit is more important in the education of a child, however, than the intellectual habit of attention. It is the hall-mark of the educated person. From the earliest grades, we train children at Ambleside to attend to the matter before them. By asking students to make a single reading of the material and then tell back what they have read, we help the child to develop and reinforce the habit of attention, one which will serve them mightily in later years.
Fixes the mind/body steadily on the matter at hand. Follows instructions the first time.
Maintains control of his/her body. Is not impulsive in the moment.
Delights in tales of imagination. Expresses self freely through diverse mediums.
Makes neat and effective arrangements of property. Executes work properly and neatly.
Everything they do to be well done, displaying thoroughness and accuracy.
Observes appointed times. Finishes the tasks at hand.
Retains knowledge from previous lessons and is able to assimilate the lesson at hand.
Accounts for their behavior in relationships, work, and activities.
Displays strengthening of the will; bringing themselves to do what they ought to do through self-control.
Traces effect to cause and cause to effect, compares things of likeness and difference.
Displays carefulness in stating the truth. Avoids exaggeration and embellishments.
Dwelling on the good, true and beautiful. Not letting selfishness or resentment settle in.
Our teachers and staff are highly trained in a methodology that channels their leadership to continually fuel a child’s growth. They are role models in the habits they have developed and their continued love of learning.
Megan Krober, Principal/Founder has a degree in Education from George Fox University and a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction / ESOL from Portland State University.
In the philosophy of Charlotte Mason and through the guidance and training of Ambleside Schools International, I have found answers to every question I have ever had related to formation and education. I am so grateful for the work of Maryellen and Dr. Bill St. Cyr who are committed to equipping the next generation to live fully. In her free time, Megan enjoys reading, nature walks, baking, and watching her three children play sports.
Favorite quotes include:
“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
“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
“Of the three sorts of knowledge proper to a child, the knowledge of God, of man, and of the universe, – the knowledge of God ranks first in importance, is indispensable, and most happy-making.” – Charlotte Mason
“The people themselves begin to understand and clamor for an education which shall qualify their children for life, rather than earning a living. As a matter of fact it is the person who has read and thought on many subjects who is the most capable at all he does. The more of a person we succeed in making the child, the better will he fulfill his own life and serve society.” – Charlotte Mason
Andrea Cheveallier, has a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology from Multnomah Bible College.
It is a joy and honor to join the Ambleside team and be a part of the work I see the Lord doing in and through Ambleside. Learning and growing in my own understanding of the philosophy of Charlotte Mason and the heart behind the “why” has been a blessing. I love that the habits being formed cultivate character and a desire to do a job “well done”.
One of Andrea’s greatest joys is to be with her husband and 3 children. They love to host people in their home, travel, hike, mountain bike, camp and all outdoor adventures.
“The formation of habits is education, and education is the formation of habits.” – Charlotte Mason
Jennifer Waldroup has a degree in Communication Studies from Seattle Pacific University.
In the philosophy of Charlotte Mason and through the guidance and training of Ambleside Schools International, I am inspired to see the Holy Spirit as Teacher in the lives of our youngest students. As a family, we are so grateful to be one of the pioneering families since our school’s beginning. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys gardening, travel, children’s ministry and watching her four daughters in musical theater, ballet and horseback riding.
“God, the Holy Spirit, is Himself the supreme Educator of mankind.” -Charlotte Mason
Dorothy Sauvageau
Dorothy worked as a private tutor for 8 years in South Korea and studied Early Child Education. She and her husband served with Youth With A Misson (YWAM) in Kona Hawaii for 10 years as missionaries with families. She has two wonderful children who both attend Ambleside and says, “It is such a joy to be part of Ambleside, learning and growing together!”
Dorothy loves cooking Korean food, playing piano and taking care of her family.
“We all have need to be trained to see, and to have our eyes opened before we can take in the joy that is meant for us in this beautiful life.”
— Charlotte Mason
Sarah Ondracek, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences from Portland State University.
Outside of school, Sarah loves spending time with her family and friends, reading, playing games and being outdoors.
“Children are born persons. They are not empty vessels to be filled or a piece of clay to be molded, but rather persons who bear the image of God.” – Charlotte Mason
Courtney Walker has a degree in Education from George Fox University with an ESOL Endorsement. I am so grateful that Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education is focused on growth; not only in their relationship to knowledge and the work, but also in their relationships to self, to others, ideas and to God. Ambleside of the Willamette Valley creates an environment where children are loved and cared for, and can develop a sense of love and care for all that they do. In her free time, Courtney enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, reading, going on walks, and playing sports and card games.
“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
Rebecca Carpenter has a degree in Elementary Education from Greenville University.
I love Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of habit formation because habits bring freedom to myself and my students, securing for us “smooth and easy days”, as Charlotte Mason says. In my free time, I love playing games and traveling with my family. I also enjoy being in nature, volunteering at church, and cooking healthy meals for my family.
“Educate the child in right habits and the man’s life will run in them, without the constant wear and tear of the moral effort of decision. He has been brought up to be courteous, prompt, punctual, neat, considerate; and he practises these virtues without conscious effort. ‘Sow a habit, reap a character’; that is, the formation of habits is one of the chief means whereby we modify the original hereditary disposition of the child until it becomes the character of the man.” ― Charlotte Mason
Brooke Mannion, 4/5 Grade has a degree in Education & ESOL Endorsement from George Fox University
Lisa Venable, has a degree in Education from George Fox University and a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction / ESOL from Portland State University.
In her free time, Lisa enjoys playing her flute, hiking, reading, working in her yard, and spending time with family.
“All our teaching of children should be given reverently, with the humble sense that we are invited in this matter to cooperate with the Holy Spirit” – Charlotte Mason
Brent Townley, has a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from George Fox University, completed the George Fox Great Books Honors Program.
I had the unique opportunity to begin my teaching career at AWV, leave to teach in several other environments elsewhere, and then return to AWV in 2023. This experience has developed within me a deep appreciation for what it is we do here at Ambleside: Partner with parents and the Holy Spirit in discipling the whole being of the child. Brent enjoys dramatic read-alouds, jam sessions, sports, and pointing out our avian friends in the trees.
“It is well we should face the possibility of living without the exercise of will, in order that we may will and make our choice. Shall we live this aimless, drifting life, or shall we take upon us the responsibility of our lives, and will as we go?” – Charlotte Mason, Ourselves
Sean Gann is a retired Air Force officer with 22 years of service. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and a Master of Science degree in Geosystems Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
“Charlotte Mason’s philosophy captivates me because it accurately describes the student’s capability to learn about the world God has created, and practice habits that will produce fruit over their entire lifetime. Her ideas help individuals fulfill their God given potential and ability. Ambleside Schools International’s approach of a loving, supportive, non-competitive environment provides the best possible atmosphere for children to learn.”
Meredith Dougherty has a degree in Social Work from Anderson University and a Masters in Education in College Student Development from Azusa Pacific University.
In many circles, education is to inform the brain and create competence, but education deeply forms the heart and character of each person, therefore, the type of education matters. Charlotte Mason’s commitment to Jesus and ideas about how heart, mind, and soul are formed through education inspire and encourage me. Our students grow in knowledge, but most importantly, their hearts and character are being formed. Besides teaching, I enjoy time with my husband, two children, and our extended family, reading, drinking coffee, playing games, and taking Scotchy, our cockapoo, for walks.
“A former student relayed that upon arriving at Charlotte Mason’s teacher training school, Miss Mason asked her why she had come to the college. “I have come to learn to teach,” she replied. And, then Miss Mason said the phrase that changed her life, “My dear, you have come here to learn to live.”
Chad Krober, Founder/Development/Operations and High School Leadership, has a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Masters in Business Administration, both from George Fox University.
“I am passionate about the habit training and commitment to character development that Charlotte Mason exuded in her educational philosophy and pedagogy. Simply put, a student who learns how to care is a student who has the capacity to learn anything they put their mind to, and they will be able to maintain a sense of wonder in every stage of life!”
Kathi Inglesby has a BFA in Illustration from Pacific Northwest College of Art.
Through Ambleside of the Willamette Valley and the philosophy of Charlotte Mason I have learned the great importance of “worthy work” and how the skill to be learned takes precedence over the project at hand. We are cultivating craftsmen and artists who understand that the current learning and practice will breathe life and meaning to the future doing. Establish the work of our hands.
In her spare time, Kathi enjoys painting, drawing, woodworking, photography, creating with others, board games, walking, hiking, one on one time with friends and talking about Star Wars with anyone who will listen.
“An observant child should be put in the way of things worth observing.” – Charlotte Mason
Christy Stewart, Music Teacher, has a degree in Intercultural Religious Studies and Sociology with an emphasis in TESL from Trinity Western University.
It is a great privilege to participate in the Lord’s good work of training up children to love what is true, rejoice in what is good, and cultivate His beauty wherever their lives lead them. As Oliver Wendell Holmes once stated, “A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimension.” The Charlotte Mason method in action has made me a witness of this reality. I am deeply grateful to participate in the formation of children’s hearts and minds toward a more joyful and fruitful life.
In her free time, Christy enjoys leading worship with her family, playing piano, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking with her husband and four children.
As Charlotte Mason stated, a child is “self-educating all the time, taking his lessons from everything he sees and hears, and strengthening his powers by everything he does.”
Dani Schmaltz, Spanish Instructor/Director of Spanish Instruction for Ambleside Schools International has a degree in International Studies from George Fox University and is currently studying to obtain a Masters in Social Work from Portland State University.
The Francois Gouin method of a series utilized in Ambleside schools provides students of all ability levels with ready-to-use tools to communicate in Spanish as they grow in their technical understanding. It is a joy to watch students delight in learning a second language at such early ages! In her free time, Dani enjoys reading, making pottery at her local community studio, and walking around her neighborhood.
“It is the duty of the nation to maintain relations of brotherly kindness with other nations: therefore it is the duty of every family, as an integral part of the nation, to be able to hold brotherly speech with the families of other nations as opportunities arise; therefore to acquire the speech of neighboring nations is not only to secure an inlet of knowledge and a means of culture, but is a duty of that higher morality (the morality of the family) which aims at universal brotherhood.” – Charlotte Mason
Miriam Ellis, PCC/PSU
Miriam enjoys being in nature as much as possible. Some of the ways she does this is by going on hikes, camping, swimming, cycling, and fly fishing; these things being even more enjoyable when she can bring her three children adventuring with her. She also enjoys researching, pencil drawing, and watercolor painting when she gets the time.
“We are all meant to be naturalists, each in his own degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things.” – Charlotte Mason
Mandee Wilmot holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Fox University and has previously spent eight years working in higher education admissions. She is a wife and mom to three young boys and loves being outside, reading books and creating memories with her family.
Mandee is so thankful that her own children have the gift of being educated and nurtured at Ambleside. “The AWV staff are passionate and thoughtful about partnering with students on their journey of who they are becoming.”
“The question is not,—how much does the youth know? When he has finished his education—but how much does he care?” – Charlotte Mason
Kaitlin Rudwick, math teacher, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and French from Hillsdale College, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Portland. 
Cheryl Albaugh, Music Assistant, has 60+ years experience serving in music ministry for the church and community. Her earliest memories are of being placed on an apple crate as a little girl to sing for church. At the age of thirteen, she became the accompanist for Sunday evening hymn sings, and by age thirty, was a concert pianist for choirs in both the church and community at large. She also spent nearly a decade as a missionary to the people of Zambia, and she and her husband continue supporting the nationals of that country to this day.
Josie Lapp has a degree in Elementary Education from Oregon State University and spent her time in college serving students with different abilities. What she loves about Ambleside is seeing students of all ages find joy in Jesus and in the time they spend together each day. Ambleside and the philosophy of Charlotte Mason do an excellent job equipping teachers and families in fostering joy. Every child is capable of learning, and even the small achievements deserve to be celebrated. In her free time she loves visiting her family and spending time outdoors.
As the children mature, the curricula they encounter broadens and deepens. It moves beyond fundamental skills to advanced work that prepares them to cultivate a rich intellectual life, regardless of their post-secondar paths.
Curricula consists primarily of living books, narratives. These nourish the mind, allowing it to assimilate information and gain knowledge. Some are classics that stand the test of time; others feature beautiful language, universal themes, rich characters, or intricate plots. Still others offer disciplinary information in an inspirational, accessible format.
The Ambleside curricula provides:
Charlotte Mason’s (1842–1923) life began with the coronation of Queen Victoria and ended as Europe was still reeling from the carnage of World War I. An English educator, author, and thinker, she witnessed—and provoked—profound social and cultural change.
Orphaned at an early age, always in delicate health, and never with much financial security, Mason was the unlikely pioneer of a social and intellectual movement. That she succeeded in doing so much testifies to the power of her ideas, the depth of her friendships, and—as she herself said—the work of the Holy Spirit.
After teaching for nearly 30 years, Mason settled in the village of Ambleside, in England’s Lake District. With the support and encouragement of friends, she founded the House of Education, where she ran a teacher-preparation program, oversaw the operation of a global correspondence school, and advised education officials.
Mason spent her life bringing “common thought on the subject of education to the level of scientific research.” Her theories were tested in thousands of English schools in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Teachers and children using her approach consistently flourished in knowledge and character.
Mason was, herself, a voracious reader who cultivated a rich life of the mind. Her thought and practice were shaped by the influences as diverse as the classical canon, 17th century Anglican poets; 19th century novelists and poets of nature, contemporary social critics, thinkers, and educators; travels abroad; and a vast correspondence. However, her colleagues, students, and friends recall encountering her rich imaginative life and powerful intellect not in a vacuum or a lecture, but in relationship with her.
Ambleside of the Willamette Valley
307 S College St.
Newberg, Oregon 97132
Ambleside of the Willamette Valley is accredited by the National Council for Private School Accreditation and Accreditation International, 2023.