Ambleside Online

General Summary

• Literature-rich, Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum with quality book selections
• Highly flexible, adaptable program with minimal prep work
• Emphasizes deep learning through living books rather than textbooks
• Parent-intensive, requiring significant read-aloud time
• Completely free curriculum with affordable implementation options

Rich Literature & Living Books

Parents consistently praise AmblesideOnline's exceptional book selections and the depth of learning they foster:

"This might be a con for some, but I truly enjoy the encouragement to read older books especially classics…reading them with my kiddos has been such a joy." Blessed with Motherhood

"Ambleside is rigorous. It includes primary sources, biographies, economics, citizenship and great literature." Well-Trained Mind Forum

"My son still loves to study history. That was my favorite history study we did." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

Flexible Implementation & Cost

Parents appreciate AmblesideOnline's flexibility and affordable approach:

"What drew me to Ambleside Online at first was that it was Free… it was a comfort knowing I could change things, add things in or leave them out without feeling an obligation to do everything since I paid for it." Blessed with Motherhood

"If you are confident in picking and choosing what works best for your family, then AO is fabulous… If you try to do it all, you might burn out." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

Broad, Well-Rounded Education

Parents value the comprehensive scope of subjects and the intellectual depth offered:

"Her world is becoming so rich and full... recognizing the Homer reference in a Disney movie or marveling at the tiny details of a spiderweb on our nature walk... I even feel intellectually alive again." AmblesideOnline User Reviews

"Welcome to AmblesideOnline!!! You will love it here and the ladies on this list and the Advisory provide SUCH wonderful support!" AmblesideOnline Experiences

Reading Load & Parent Involvement

Parents acknowledge some challenges with AmblesideOnline's approach:

"My daughters literally had dark circles under their eyes from the extensive reading list and they felt that is all they did – read, read, read…Going from one book to the next, never feeling they had time to digest what they read." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

"AO as written can [be] overly burdensome for many…There's simply so much there! … If you are a 'must check all the boxes and read every book' person, I'm afraid you will eventually burn out." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

"Right now all my kids are unable to read their books independently, so it is a lot for me." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

Book Selection Considerations

Some parents have concerns about certain content choices:

"Duplicating what was used in a school 100 yrs ago doesn't make it better…certainly in 100 yrs there have been some good living books that are worthy." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

"Many homeschoolers live in different countries, so studying history pertinent to [another] country's heritage doesn't add up." Simply Charlotte Mason Forum

Who Thrives With AmblesideOnline?

Well-Suited For:

• Families who love literature and reading together
• Parents who can dedicate significant time to reading aloud and discussing
• Students who enjoy deep thinking and making connections
• Budget-conscious homeschoolers who appreciate flexibility
• Families seeking a rich, humanities-focused education

Consider Alternatives If:

• Your child is a reluctant or struggling reader
• You have limited time for reading aloud and facilitating discussions
• You prefer more hands-on, project-based approaches
• You need a structured, open-and-go solution with minimal adaptation
• You're looking for a curriculum with more explicit modern science integration

Our Bottom Line

AmblesideOnline offers an exceptional, free literature-based curriculum that fosters deep thinking and a love of learning. While demanding a significant time commitment from parents and requiring thoughtful implementation, it rewards families with a rich educational experience that many graduates and parents cherish. Successful implementation often requires flexibility and willingness to adapt to your family's unique needs and pace.