Why is this curriculum named Without Doors?
It is named after Charlotte Mason’s famous quote, “Never be within doors when you can rightly be without.”

Why Charlotte Mason?
Charlotte Mason was a classical educator in England at the turn of the 20th century. She wrote volumes of material and trained educators in her unique educational philosophy. Her philosophy is so rich that it is still used in schools and homes around the world today. She emphasized providing a living education for students by serving a full educational feast including special studies such as nature study, poet study, recitation, copywork, narration, artist study, composer study, hymn study, etc.

Do I need to be familiar with Charlotte Mason to use this curriculum?
You do not need to be proficient in Charlotte Mason’s principles to use Without Doors. Each book includes a simple parent guide that provides step-by-step guidance and valuable resources equipping you for success. However, we highly recommend that you read Charlotte Mason’s volumes, beginning with Home Education, Volume 1. Her writings are directly from the source and they are rich and timeless. Experienced Charlotte Mason families will appreciate the simplicity and authenticity of Without Doors.

Is Without Doors an all-inclusive curriculum?
Without Doors includes 28 weeks of Bible, History, Geography, Literature, Nature Study, and Enrichment lessons for students in 1st-8th grade.

Why are reading, math, and science not included in Without Doors? Without Doors includes subjects best suited for family-style learning. We recommend choosing curriculum for reading, math, and science that meet the unique needs of your individual student and family.

What is included in Enrichment?
Enrichment includes Artist Study, Hymn Study, Composer Study, and Handicrafts.

How much time will it take to homeschool each week using Without Doors?
The time it takes to implement Without Doors each week will vary depending on your family size and unique lifestyle. Without Doors is designed to simplify your homeschool experience by coordinating multiple ages for family-style learning. The minimalist approach to this curriculum delivers the rich rewards of a Charlotte Mason education without the overwhelm.

Does Without Doors provide daily lesson plans?
Without Doors provides provides weekly lesson plans. Each week is laid out on a simple two-page spread. Families can decide how many days per week to incorporate the lessons into their schedule.

What are living books and why do you recommend reading them?
Charlotte Mason encourages, “Children must have books, living books; the best are not too good for them; anything less than the best is not good enough.” Living literature is the foundation of a Charlotte Mason education and can include fiction, biography, nature lore, historical fiction, and even non-fiction. Living books are written in narrative form, using rich language that ignites the imagination and transports the reader into a character’s experience. Consuming quality literature directly improves writing, grammar and spelling skills.

How is Without Doors different from other homeschool curriculum on the market?
Without Doors was created using the valuable principles of minimalism. The result is a curriculum that eliminates clutter in weekly lessons, sparks joy in learning, and provides the rich foundation of a Charlotte Mason education, without the overwhelm. All content is coordinated around a time and place, such as Early America, Great Britain, Modern America, Ancient World, etc., creating a rich, immersive experience and a harmony of lessons. 

Does it include tests? How do I know if my child is learning?
Charlotte Mason encouraged home educators to use narration as a tool to determine whether or not students are comprehending literature and content, in real time. Narration replaces the need for regular quizzes and tests by providing oral and written communication between student and parent. Narration prompts are included on each weekly plan. Charlotte Mason also emphasized the importance of exams at the end of each term. Without Doors includes a week of exam questions after each 14 week term.