Who We Are

Rose Cottage School is a small-by-design educational offering for homeschooling families living in and around Colorado Springs, Colorado. Rooted in the Charlotte Mason tradition, the program is devoted to educating the whole person and designed to foster relationships within a rich and varied curriculum of books, materials and experiences. Currently, we serve 1st-5th grade students in a multi-age group setting once a week during the school year with plans to offer additional grades, times, and days of the week in 2027 (scroll down to learn more!).

At Rose Cottage School we believe in ‘a liberal education for all’ where the personhood of each child is valued and respected. We are a nurturing and supportive learning community where we hold simplicity, hospitality, and compassion to be among the highest virtues. Students experience an unhurried rhythm of space and freedom for deep thinking, discussion, and reflection.

A Living Curriculum

We draw on inspiring ideas, people and things in literature, natural history, art, music, and handwork. We rely on the best living books, things and experiences across a variety of disciplines including Artist Study, Shakespeare, Folk Singing, Handicrafts, Composer Study, Poetry, Folk Dancing/Movement, and Nature Study.

Narration

Our primary educational tool is narration. Narration begins with a slow, attentive encounter with living ideas that allow not only for knowledge gained, but the formation of relationships. The act of narration is simply the retelling of what has been read, heard, or seen. Children are honored as they tell back in their own way whether orally, through illustration, or writing. Space is given for children to relate to the ideas individually and make knowledge of their own. Relationships are formed over time as ideas take root and grow in each child.

Excursions

Each term we set aside our lessons to explore our community’s particular stories, treasures, and natural beauties together. Whether by taking in works by great artists at the Denver Art Museum, listening to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons presented by the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, catching a play at the ENT Center for the Arts, or a hike in the National Forest, we aim to build relationships by expereincing the many things that surround and shape our lives.

Shape of Our Year

Our calendar is informed by the interconnectedness of the liturgical year, the natural rhythm of the seasons and our need for work, play, and rest. We value slow and intentional living in the home and school. Our seasonal gatherings occur:

Fall Term: Sept.-Nov.

Winter Term: Jan.-Mar.

Spring Term: Mar.-May

Summer Break

Rhythm of Our Day

Beginning at 9 o’clock in the morning, we gather for community sharing to bridge the gap from our last meeting. We then settle in and set our intention for the day. Through our rich and varied curriculum we slowly build relationships with people, places, things, and ideas making sure to strike a balance for differing learning styles and faculties. By mid-morning we share a simple meal together which always invites lively conversations. Morning lessons conclude with time spent in the fresh air for imagainative and unstructrued play at the neighborhood park.

For those participating in our half day program, we bid a fond farewell at 12pm while those enrolled in our full day program enjoy a lunchtime meal together.

Afternoons are spent in the outdoors building a relationship with the natural world through object lessons, field work, and nature journaling. Our day ends with a time of shared reflections and a sending out at 3pm.

Fees

• Monthly Instructional fee for 2026-2027:

  -$140 per student for half day

  -$240 per student for full day

  -10% sibling discount available

• Enrollment Deposit (non-refundable): $50 per student ($100 max per family)

• Materials Fee: $50 (does not include cost of excursions)

For more information or to request an application please fill out the information below.