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About Ambleside

Ambleside School is a private Christian school committed to providing “a living education” rooted in Charlotte Mason’s philosophy. For over 25 years, we’ve combined academic rigor with joyful learning to help students grow in wisdom, think deeply, and live faithfully.

We strive to cultivate a love of God, delight in learning, and habits of lifelong virtue. Ambleside students are guided to see the world through the mind of Christ and to live in relationship with God, self, others, ideas, and creation.

Learn more about the Ambleside Difference here.

Ambleside Academics

At Ambleside, we offer Kindergarteners and their families a gentle beginning that fosters joy, curiosity, and good habits through A Living Education. Children read, draw, explore, ponder, play, paint, sing and much more.

Ambleside’s Lower School instructs children in more than sixteen curriculum areas. An emphasis on hands-on learning and primary sources allow students to build personal relationships with God’s creation, with great men and women of history, and with the great ideas expressed in history and the arts.

Middle School at Ambleside is the culmination of A Living Education. Students wrestle with complex ideas, apply their faith, strengthen habits of intellect and character, and prepare for the rigors and responsibilities of high school.

Living Books, Living Education

“The children must grow up upon the best. There must never be a period in their lives when they are allowed to read or listen to twaddle. There is never a time when they are unequal to worthy thoughts, well put; inspiring tales, well told.”

-Charlotte M. Mason

In a world rapidly forgetting the great ideas of the past, Ambleside students of all grades engage in the classical “Great Conversation” of Western civilization. Each child encounters the work of the Biblical writers, as well as the greatest poets, authors, playwrights and more.

By reading and discussing these “living books”, students cultivate relationships with the ideas, authors and the text itself. They develop a well-rounded life, stir their imaginations, and feast on the intellectual bounty that is their inheritance in Christ.

Learn more about a “Living Education” here.

Testimonials

At Ambleside, our richly rooted community testifies to the value of our approach to teaching children. Alumni, parents, faculty and more all agree that this Christ-centered, life-giving education is unlike any other. In the words of a longtime parent, “Ambleside is a hidden gem.”

“Ambleside’s Charlotte Mason method is excellent.  It teaches the child to love to learn.  We were so glad that Ambleside was an option for our daughter.  She has been taught by many wonderful teachers who have cared, not just for her education, but for her character, her habits, and her walk with Christ.”  Jeff & Heather B.

“At Ambleside, I grew in my love for God and how He had created me to be. I came to love learning and was challenged daily to be a better version of myself. When I got to college, I realized that I approached work differently than my peers. I wanted to understand the “why” behind all of the facts that were being presented to me. I wanted deep understanding and not just memorizing facts for a test. After graduating, I couldn’t help but want to be part of creating a space for children to have the same opportunity for growth that I experienced!” Audrey Voorhees, ‘09

“I came back to teach at Ambleside because I wanted to be part of a movement that valued growth over grades, gave grace when someone needs it, and inspired students with hope for and confidence in themselves.” Matt Wilcox, ‘08

Welcome to Ambleside School!

I am delighted that you are considering Ambleside for your children! Here at Ambleside, we believe that the purpose of education is not merely to teach students how to learn, but to live wisely and well. Hence, “A Living Education.”

Our vision is to introduce as many children as possible to Ambleside’s life-giving education, so that they may become thoughtful and fully devoted followers of Christ in a challenging and confusing world. Are you looking for a place, where children are loved and challenged to grow, both intellectually and spiritually, with a rich and rigorous curriculum? You will find it at Ambleside. Our staff is committed to the truth of God’s Word and the pursuit of faithful living in reverence to God.

Through training in habits of mind and attention, Ambleside students are equipped with the tools they need for a lifetime of learning and service. If these ideas resonate with you, we invite you to explore the resources on our website and to come see our Christ-centered, Living Education for yourself.

Please feel free to contact the school at 703-430-4034 or via email. We look forward to meeting you and talking about the rich learning environment at Ambleside!

Blessings,

Krise Nowak

Head of School