Rooted in Twenty – Child of God Scholé

About the Retreat

Rooted in Twenty is a one-day Charlotte Mason retreat hosted by Child of God Scholé at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish in Aurora, Colorado, located at 19099 E. Floyd Ave. Each retreat is grounded in Charlotte Mason’s twenty principles, which form the foundation of her philosophy of education. These principles give clarity to the why behind Mason’s methods and offer a coherent vision of education rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness.

Each year, the retreat will focus more closely on a particular aspect of the principles.

The 2027 retreat focuses on Charlotte Mason’s Principles 9–15, entering into the heart of self-education and the way children actually learn. These principles explore how knowledge is formed, what children need in order to truly receive it, and the two governing rules that ensure the intellectual “feast” becomes nourishment rather than mere information. The aim is to move from theory into practice, clarifying the “how” of Mason’s philosophy—how ideas take root, how attention is trained, and how learning becomes the child’s own work.

Save the Date: April 17, 2027

Across four sessions, participants will consider the distinction between information and knowledge and the ways teaching can either hinder or awaken a child’s desire to learn. They will explore what makes a book truly “living,” the role of narration as the hidden labor of learning, and how articulation forms understanding. The series will conclude with the development of independent thought, showing how living books, narration, and intentional questioning cultivate minds capable of holding ideas with both clarity and humility.

Rather than a conference filled with information to take home and implement later, this retreat invites participants to slow down and reflect on Mason’s foundational ideas. Together, we will consider how the principles shape not only our homeschools, but our homes and our own formation as mothers.

Our Speaker: Nicole Williams

Nicole Williams is a guiding light for parents and educators embracing Charlotte Mason’s homeschooling philosophy. She is the founder of Sabbath Mood Homeschool and the author of the widely used Living Science Curriculum, a 27-book series that brings Charlotte Mason’s approach to science and nature study to life. With over two decades of homeschooling experience, Nicole has educated her own children as well as adopted siblings, including several with learning differences such as dyslexia, which deepened her commitment to a truly living education that meets a wide range of learners. Through her work with A Delectable Education Podcast, the annual ADE @ Home Conference, and speaking engagements at major Charlotte Mason gatherings, she has encouraged and equipped thousands of homeschool parents and teachers. Known for her warmth, clarity, and deep understanding of Mason’s philosophy, Nicole continues to shape and support a growing community dedicated to a rich, living education.

What the Day Will Be Like

The retreat follows a gentle, thoughtful rhythm. Teaching sessions are interwoven with discussion, reflection, and opportunities to engage personally with Mason’s ideas.

This retreat is not about perfection or performance. It is a place to listen, reflect, and be encouraged.

Who This Retreat Is For

This retreat is for anyone who desires to learn and rest in the wisdom of Charlotte Mason: whether you live by her philosophy fully or weave only parts of it into your home. Mothers at every stage of the homeschooling journey are welcome, including those who are still exploring what a Charlotte Mason education might look like for their family.

Nursing infants are welcome to attend with their mothers. We understand that some little ones cannot easily be left at home, and babies are received as part of the natural life of mothers. We simply ask that mothers use discretion with older, mobile toddlers so that the reflective atmosphere of the day can be preserved for everyone.

A Note on Welcome and Setting

Rooted in Twenty is open to homeschooling mothers from all faith backgrounds. While the retreat is hosted by Child of God Scholé and held at a Catholic parish, the focus of the day is on Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education, not on religious instruction.

There may be brief prayer offered as part of the opening or closing of the day. Participation in prayer is always optional, and no theological teaching or faith-specific discussion is part of the retreat content. The primary purpose of the gathering is to study and reflect on Charlotte Mason’s twenty principles and the clarity they bring to the why behind education.

All who are interested in resting, thinking deeply, and growing in understanding of Charlotte Mason’s ideas are warmly welcome. The parish setting simply provides a quiet and hospitable place for the retreat.