Classical vs. Charlotte Mason: Which Homeschool Method is Right for Your Family?
When we first started homeschooling, I had no idea how many methods were out there. I just knew I wanted something rich, meaningful, and rooted in truth. We ended up landing in Classical Conversations but since then I’ve learned more about Charlotte Mason as well.
I love the beauty and gentleness of Charlotte Mason, but I also love the structure and depth of Classical education. I often hear people refer to all the memory work in Classical education. Is it too much? Is it necessary? Will my kids thrive with it or get burned out?
If you’re thinking about homeschooling, or wondering if you should consider a different method, you’re not alone. In this post, I want to walk through the main differences between Classical and Charlotte Mason.
And I want to talk honestly about memory work—why Classical education leans into it, and why I’ve come to see it as a gift. My hope is that this helps you feel more confident choosing what’s best for your family.
I am not affiliated with Classical Conversations, I’m just a mom who loves to share my experience and what I have learned.
If you’re new to Classical Conversations and want to learn more about what to expect your first year, read more here!
What Is Classical Education?
Classical education is all about giving kids the tools to think. It’s based on something called the Trivium, which is just a fancy way of saying kids learn in three stages: grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
In the early years, the grammar stage, it’s all about soaking things up. Kids memorize lots of facts including math facts, history sentences, grammar rules, and geography. It can definitely feel like a lot sometimes.
But here’s the thing: young kids are really good at memorizing. Plus they really enjoy it when it’s done in a fun way by using songs, chants and motions.
Then in the middle years, kids start to ask why. This begins the logic stage. They begin to connect the dots and think critically. Now we start to see the fruit of all that memory work! It gives them the foundation to do that.
And later comes the rhetoric stage—when they learn to express their ideas clearly and persuasively. It’s like building a house and memorization is laying the bricks. You can’t build solid thinking on a shaky foundation.
Classical education leans into that idea. It starts with giving kids the tools of knowledge, logic, and language, so they can build big ideas later.
What is Charlotte Mason Education?
Charlotte Mason is full of beauty, books, and time outside. It focuses on reading living books, going on nature walks, and building habits. You give your child a feast of ideas and let them take it in slowly.
Charlotte Mason believed children are whole persons. She wanted them to grow in character, not just knowledge. So things like narration, copywork, and picture study are key.
Instead of lots of facts to memorize, you’ll find poetry, scripture, music, and stories. It’s not that memorization is bad, it’s just not the focus. The heart is to connect with the meaning behind the words, not just the words themselves.
Key Differences Between Classical and Charlotte Mason
These two styles have a lot in common—they both want kids to grow in wisdom, not just facts. However, the way they get there is slightly different.
1. Structure Versus Flow
Classical tends to follow a clear structure with a plan, a timeline, and a system behind it. Charlotte Mason feels more relaxed with a rhythm and not a rigid schedule.
2. What Kids Learn First
In Classical, young kids start by memorizing lots of facts. They build a big base of knowledge early on. In Charlotte Mason, kids are encouraged to connect with what they learn. They might hear a story and then retell it in their own words (narration).
3. The Role of Memorization
This is probably the biggest difference. Classical puts a heavy emphasis on memory work in the early years. Charlotte Mason includes memorization too, like poems or scripture, but it’s not central. It’s more about meaning than mastery of facts.
4. How They Approach Subjects
In Classical, subjects are often broken into categories and studied in depth. You might have formal grammar, Latin, and logic. In Charlotte Mason, subjects are woven in gently through reading, nature study, and discussion.
Neither method is better across the board. It just depends on what fits your family. Some kids thrive with structure, while others flourish with a more gentle approach.
Why Memorization Matters in Classical Education
Let’s talk about memory work. It can definitely feel overwhelming at first. All those facts, dates, and definitions. Do kids really need to know all that?
In classical education, the answer is yes—and here’s why.
Young kids are amazing at memorizing. They’re like little sponges. They love repeating songs, rhymes, and silly chants. Classical education uses that strength on purpose.
Instead of waiting until kids are older to teach them the facts, we give it to them early. Even if they don’t understand it all yet, it’s stored away. Later, when they’re ready to think more deeply, it’s already there.
It’s kind of like loading up a backpack. In the early years, you fill it with tools. In the middle years, kids learn how to use those tools. And in the teen years, they build with them.
Memorization also teaches kids how to focus. It trains the brain to pay attention, repeat, and retain. That’s a skill they’ll use for the rest of their lives, whether they’re studying science or Scripture.
And there’s something really satisfying about it. Kids feel proud when they can recite something by heart. It gives them confidence, helps them speak clearly, and even builds a shared family culture when you’re all memorizing together.
It’s not about stuffing their heads. It’s about laying a foundation, so when they grow, they have something solid to stand on.
Is Memorization Less Valuable in Charlotte Mason?
Not at all, it’s just different.
Charlotte Mason didn’t make memorization the centerpiece, but she still saw value in it. She encouraged kids to memorize poetry, hymns, scripture, things full of beauty and truth.
In her method, memorization comes more naturally. You read rich literature, you hear beautiful words, and over time, they stick.
Instead of reciting a list of history dates, your child might memorize a poem about courage. Instead of chanting grammar rules, they might copy a well-written sentence from a living book. It’s more about relationship with the words than mastery of the content.
That doesn’t mean it’s less valuable. It’s just a slower rhythm.
So yes, memorization still happens in Charlotte Mason, but it’s not the foundation.
Is Classical or Charlotte Mason Better?
Honestly? It depends.
Every child is different. Every mom is different. And every homeschool has its own rhythm.
If your child loves structure, thrives on routine, and enjoys mastering facts, Classical might be a great fit. If your child lights up with stories, needs a slower pace, or gets overwhelmed by drill, Charlotte Mason might feel more natural.
And here’s a little secret: You don’t have to pick just one. You can mix and match ideas from both methods into your homeschool! You’re the teacher!!
The best method is the one that brings peace to your home and joy to your learning.
Our family has personally chosen the Classical method, but reading living books is also a huge focus and I’m excited to get more into narration as my children get a bit older. We spend as much time outside as possible, and I make memorization a fun and joyful experience.
So if you’re standing at the crossroads between Classical and Charlotte Mason, take a deep breath. You don’t have to choose just one method! Just start somewhere and adjust as you go.
Your homeschool is allowed to grow and change, just like your kids. And remember no matter what you choose, you’re doing something beautiful.
If you’re curious about Classical Conversations, I encourage you to visit an open house or talk to a local director. I hope you find the same kind of support, encouragement, and joy that we’ve found.
