Let me clarify right up front: No, I’m not talking about your college degree, certifications, or whether you finished high school with honors. That’s not what matters here.

What I’m talking about is your education right now—as a homeschooling mother.

You’re Not Done Learning

It’s so easy to think we’ve “finished” our education. We earned the diploma, the degree, the life experience—and now it’s our kids’ turn, right?

But what if I told you that one of the most impactful things you can do for your homeschool is to keep learning about education itself?

Charlotte Mason said,

“Self-education is the only possible education; the rest is mere veneer laid on the surface of a child’s nature.”

If that’s true for our children, it’s just as true for us.

Why Self-Education Matters

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been homeschooling for years, there’s something powerful about defining what you believe about education.

Having a clear philosophy:

Helps you filter through all the noise and choose what aligns with your values
Brings peace when the internet or your co-op starts shouting loudly
Frees you from feeling like you have to chase every shiny new curriculum or trend

Think of it like continuing education credits for motherhood. Except instead of filing paperwork, you’re reading a life-giving book on your porch or talking through ideas with a friend over coffee.

Where to Begin: Gentle + Accessible Resources

If you want to go deeper in understanding Classical or Charlotte Mason education, these are some of my favorite reads (all deeply practical and surprisingly readable):

You can also find a full list of my favorite books—on parenting, marriage, and home education—in our free book list.

Want to Learn in Community?

There’s something special about walking through these ideas with other moms—especially when you’re not “the expert,” just another traveler on the road.

Try one of these:

Charlotte Mason Institute (CMI): Excellent resources and training
CiRCE Institute: Free lectures, podcasts, and summer intensives
ClassicalU: Affordable online training you can do at your own pace

Or form your own book club—even with just one friend. No pressure. No prep. Just a willingness to learn side-by-side.

Online options are growing too! Brandy Vencel’s Charlotte Mason Bootcamp is a fantastic guided experience.

Already Know Your Philosophy?

Wonderful. That means you can shift your focus to growing in skill—something that refreshes your mind and nourishes your hands.

Some ideas I love:

Watercolor classes from Lily & Thistle or Brighter Day Press
Language learning (I’m currently obsessed with a six-week Latin practicum from CiRCE—it’s gentle, natural, and actually fun!)

You don’t have to do everything. Just take one step. Start Small. Start somewhere. This summer, commit to just one next step: One book. One conversation. One new skill.

That’s the beauty of home education—for us and for our children. We grow in slow, steady increments. And over time, those tiny steps create deep roots and rich fruit.

If you’re not sure where to start, our free Teacher’s Guides are a wonderful launchpad. They unpack the heart of our Charlotte Mason–meets–Classical approach, grounded in the Gospel and rich in grace.