Okay, so let’s just say I’ve googled “what is classical education” more times than I want to admit. It can just be hard to nail down that definition you know. And just when I thought I finally had a handle on it… I heard someone say neo-classical, and I was like—wait, what now? Did classical get rebranded while I wasn’t looking?
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If you're confused too, you're in good company. And if you're not confused, well then… teach me your ways. This post isn’t meant to be super academic or technical—I’m just a homeschool mom trying to figure this out alongside you. Because while we love and truly believe in Classical Conversations, I do get a bit annoyed, and confused, when people decide to split hairs on this topic. 

So here’s what I’ve come to understand about Classical vs. Neo-Classical education. No pressure, no perfection, just a little clarity for those of us making lesson plans while reheating our coffee for the third time.

🎓 First, what Is Classical Education?

At its core, classical education is an old, time-tested approach based on the trivium—which is just a fancy word for a 3-part learning process: grammar, logic, and rhetoric.

• Grammar stage (roughly K–6): fill their brains with facts. Kids are sponges—so they memorize timelines, vocabulary, Scripture, math facts, all the things.
• Logic stage (middle school-ish): they start asking why everything matters. You teach them how to think clearly and argue well.
• Rhetoric stage (high school): they learn to speak and write persuasively. Big ideas, deep discussions, worldview stuff.

It’s all about raising thinkers and life long learners—not just test takers. And it usually includes Latin, Greek, logic, great Western ( not western like boots and cowboys, but western as in writers who are from the west like, Mediterranean, Europe and America) books, and Socratic discussions. It’s rich. It’s deep. And it is a purposeful continuation of the Western tradition. 

 And if I’m being honest… sometimes it makes me feel underqualified. 😂

🌱 So then what’s Neo-Classical?

Neo-classical is basically classical’s slightly more relaxed cousin. Still values all the same things—truth, beauty, virtue, wisdom—but it’s more flexible in how you get there. It’s a modern spin that says, “Hey, we love the idea of classical education, but maybe we can adjust it a bit to work better in actual homes with actual kids who don’t always want to recite Latin AND Greek nouns before breakfast.” It really is a beautiful spin encouraged by Dorothy Sayers back in the 40s when she was observing a great NEED in the modern education system.

It might blend in other methods like Charlotte Mason or modern literature. It’s usually less rigid and a little more grace-filled. Think: same roots, but adapted for life in 2025.
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So at this point in the year you maybe asking yourself " Should we or shouldn't we join a co-op this fall? " I've been there. Honestly, probably depending on the area you are located in, you've been asking yourself this question for a while. 

We’ve been part of a homeschool co-op--Classical Conversations—and we’re heading into our third year. I know. Wild.

When we first started, I wasn’t totally sure about it. Part of me loved the idea of community and shared teaching (and let’s be real—someone else handling the science experiments). But the other part of me was like… do I really want to get everyone dressed, packed, and out the door by 8:30am on a Tuesday? (Spoiler: still no. I never do.)

But we jumped in, and we stayed. And we've thrived. Since I know some of you are sitting in that “should we or shouldn’t we” space, I just wanted to share a few honest pros and cons—no pressure, no fluff—just what it’s actually been like for us and what I think about co-ops.

*Ok but first off though, this IS an important note moving forward, while we LOVE LOVE LOVE Classical Conversations, this is not an ad for it. I truly believe everyone should find the community that is best for their family. And I will always be the first to say that may not always be CC. So please do be in fear proceeding forward. I'm not trying to peer pressure you into anything!*

Pros of Joining a Co-op

1. Community.
There is nothing like talking to another mom who gets it. Ones who also forgot what week we’re on or who also made her kids cereal for dinner. Just being around other homeschool families helps remind me I’m not totally losing it. Knowing you are going to be around other adults outside of your family is a welcome reprieve in the middle of the week.

2. Group learning is actually kind of fun.
My kids love having “class” with other kids. I didn’t think they’d care that much, but turns out—they do. And there’s something sweet about watching them light up because someone else explained fractions.

3. Outsourcing is a gift.
I don’t want to do messy science. Or lead book discussions. Or honestly, plan crafts. OMG I don't want to plan any crafts. So if a co-op can take some of that off my plate? I’m all for it.

Cons of Joining a Co-op

1. It’s a commitment.
You have to get dressed, be on a schedule, and bring things. There sometimes are theme days. Which is fine! But also a lot, depending on your bandwidth. Some weeks I’m thrilled to go, other weeks I do literally have to talk myself into it. The commitment can be tough when you're in the think of kid stuff at home.

2. Not all co-ops are the same.
Just being real here—some co-ops feel like a warm hug, others feel like you accidentally walked into a high school clique. If your first one doesn’t feel like a fit, that doesn’t mean all co-ops are like that. Ask questions, go to any open house you can, and ultimately trust your gut. You KNOW when something isn't going to be a good fit for you and your family.

3. Less flexibility.
If you’re a spontaneous, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pajamas kind of homeschooler, having a set co-op schedule might feel constraining. For us, it’s been worth it—but I do miss the freedom to ditch everything and go to the zoo on a random Wednesday.

So... is it worth it? For us, right now, absolutely yes. Not because it’s perfect, but because I needed help carrying the load. Knowing that we are in fellowship and community with other like minded families has been a complete Godsend and motivator for our homeschool journey.

But if it’s not for you? That’s okay too. There’s no one “right” way to homeschool. You’re allowed to say no. Or not yet. Or maybe next year.

And if you do join one and your kid licks the whiteboard or refuses to participate or forgets their shoes? Mine has done the same. You got this!

Lori 
To know God and to make Him known

Need more information on how to start homeschooling but are completely unsure of where to start?! Start here! Check out my eBook to get you and your family started off on the best foot possible! 

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So I’ll be honest, when I first heard “Charlotte Mason,” I thought it was a Pinterest aesthetic.
You know—lace curtains, watercolor quotes, fresh-pressed nature journals, maybe a goat in the backyard nibbling on a vintage tea towel.
And look—I like pretty things. I really do. But I also live in the real world, where breakfast is often just pop-tarts and the toddler is doing somersaults on the couch while I try to remember which child I was supposed to be reading to.

So who was Charlotte Mason, anyway?

Okay. Tiny history detour (I promise I’ll keep it short because I know someone’s already climbing on the kitchen counter right now).
Charlotte Mason was a christian British educator in the late 1800s and early 1900s who believed kids are whole people—not just little buckets to dump information into. She spent her life developing an approach to education that was centered on habits, character, nature, and “living books.” She taught that kids learn best when they’re given rich ideas to chew on—not just facts to memorize.

And also? She didn’t believe in cramming in 7 hours of school a day.

Bless.

Her.

So what is Charlotte Mason homeschooling, exactly?

At its core, Charlotte Mason homeschooling is about feasting on beautiful ideas through books, nature, art, and real-life conversations. It’s slow and intentional and sometimes a little wild (in a muddy-boots-and-frogs-in-pockets kind of way).

Here’s the basic gist:

• Living books (which just means well-written, engaging books—not dry textbooks that make your eyes glaze over)
• Short lessons (especially for little ones—like 10–20 minutes tops)
• Nature time every day if you can swing it (but also, no guilt if it’s raining and you’re surviving)
• Art and music and big ideas—but not turned into worksheets with bubble letters and color-by-number composer facts
• And most of all? Respecting your child as a person.
  Not a project. Not a product. A person.

We’re not hardcore Charlotte Mason purists over here BUT I do believe her style of education has so much to pull from and we’ve borrowed a few things from her style. We love the nature walks that turn into bug hunts. Or reading a chapter of a really good story instead of doing ten pages of a workbook. I have Sam narrate back to me the stories we read but its not that serious.

If you’re coming from public school—or you’re Type A (like so many moms I know)—Charlotte Mason might feel a little… too soft at first.

Like, “What do you mean we’re just reading and going outside and talking about art?” But if you’re craving a slower, more connected kind of learning—it’s worth exploring. It’s not about perfection. Or adding more. Honestly, it gave me permission to do less—and still feel like we were actually learning. Deeply.

And no, you don’t need to buy watercolor paints or go to the woods every day. You don’t need to churn your own butter or start pressing wildflowers between pages of Pride and Prejudice.

Start small.

Read a story.

Step outside.

Look at a flower.

Wonder out loud.

That’s it. That’s the vibe.

And on the hard days (because oh yes, there will be hard days), just know this: You’re doing just fine. You’re loving your kids. You’re building something slow and sacred and lasting.

You’ve got this. 💛

Lori
To know God and to make Him know

P.S Find all sorts of Charlotte Mason curriculums here! You can also find a direct link to her 20 points.  Go check it out now!

Also, are you still interested in homeschooling but really still don't know what it is. Go check out my eBook, it's all about how to start homeschooling.
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