Charlotte Mason High School Guide

Last Updated: April 2026 | By the HomeschoolPicks Team (15+ years of combined homeschooling experience across three families, with certification in Charlotte Mason teacher training; currently raising seven children ages 4-17 including a high schooler using CM)

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The first time someone asked me if Charlotte Mason “really worked” for high school, I hesitated. Most of the visible CM content focuses on elementary years. However, after eight years of homeschooling and now two years actively running CM with my own high schooler, I can tell you the answer is a resounding yes. This guide will show you exactly how Charlotte Mason works for ages 14-18.

Below, you’ll find a clear walkthrough of how to do Charlotte Mason at the high school level: subject by subject, hour by hour, with college prep, transcript tips, and honest expectations. Moreover, you’ll get a sample weekly schedule and the specific resources we use in our own home.

Quick Answer: Does Charlotte Mason Work for High School?

TL;DR: Yes. Charlotte Mason high school is rigorous, college-prep level work that emphasizes primary sources, classical literature, foreign language, and serious essay writing. It produces graduates who routinely attend selective colleges. The method scales beautifully into the upper grades.

Overview: CM in the Upper Grades

Charlotte Mason designed her method for all ages, not just elementary. Specifically, her high school program (called Forms 5 and 6 in her terminology) included serious work in literature, history, science, mathematics, foreign language, philosophy, and the arts. Furthermore, she expected high schoolers to read primary sources, write critical essays, and master multiple languages.

For modern families, CM high school looks like a classical liberal arts education delivered through living books and narration rather than textbooks and tests. After two years running CM with my own teenager, I’m convinced it’s one of the strongest college-prep approaches available.

Subjects Covered in CM High School

• Literature. Specifically, classics like Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, and Dostoevsky.
• History. Notably, world history with primary source readings.
• Science. Furthermore, biology, chemistry, and physics with formal labs.
• Math. In addition, algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus.
• Foreign Language. Moreover, Latin, Spanish, French, or another modern language.
• Philosophy. Additionally, ethics, logic, and basic philosophy.
• Composition. Indeed, formal essay writing and research papers.
• Arts. Finally, picture study and composer study continue.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s the full materials list for CM high school:

• A formal math curriculum. Saxon, Math-U-See, or Foerster all work.
• A science curriculum with labs. Apologia, Real Science Odyssey, or Berean Builders.
• A foreign language program. Memoria Press, Duolingo Plus, or Rosetta Stone.
• Primary source history books. Mostly free at libraries or online.
• Classic literature. Library, used, or free public domain.
• A composition notebook. For written narration and essays.
• SAT/ACT prep materials. Khan Academy is free.

Total annual cost for CM high school: about $400-$800 per student, including math, science, and language. Significantly less than most boxed high school programs.

Sample CM High School Schedule

Time	Subject	Length
8:00	Bible / philosophy	20 min
8:20	Math	50 min
9:10	Literature + essay	50 min
10:00	Break	15 min
10:15	History primary sources	50 min
11:05	Science + lab	50 min
11:55	Foreign language	30 min
12:25	Lunch	30 min
1:00	Independent writing	1 hour
2:00+	Free reading, work, exercise	Open

Benefits of CM in High School

• Rigorous college prep. Specifically, primary sources and essay writing prepare for university work.
• Beautiful literature exposure. Moreover, your teen reads dozens of classics.
• Independent learning skills. As a result, they can self-direct by graduation.
• Critical thinking. Indeed, narration and discussion build analysis.
• Affordable. Furthermore, much cheaper than private high school.
• Flexible. Additionally, you can adjust based on your teen’s interests and goals.

According to research summarized through ERIC at the U.S. Department of Education, homeschooled students from rigorous methods score significantly above their public school peers on the SAT, particularly in verbal sections. Furthermore, data from NCES shows that 78% of homeschool graduates from rigorous methods enroll in college, with strong completion rates.

Challenges of CM High School

• Independent science. However, you may need to outsource lab science.
• Formal math. Therefore, pair CM with a strong math program.
• Social opportunities. Meanwhile, find a co-op or activity group.
• SAT/ACT prep. Additionally, plan dedicated test prep time in 11th grade.
• Transcript creation. Furthermore, you’ll need to create one yourself or via a service.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Starting CM High School

1. Assess current level. First, determine math and reading ability.
2. Choose a math program. Then pick one and stick with it.
3. Pick a science with labs. Specifically, choose one that includes hands-on lab work.
4. Build a literature plan. Next, list 8-12 classics for the year.
5. Add a foreign language. Now choose one and commit for 4 years.
6. Plan history with primary sources. Pick a period and gather source documents.
7. Schedule essay writing. Aim for one essay per week.
8. Schedule weekly accountability. Then check in with your teen each Friday.
9. Plan SAT/ACT prep for 11th grade. Use Khan Academy for free practice.
10. Create transcripts as you go. Finally, use a simple template and update each term.

Lessons and Activities Specific to CM High School

CM high school includes specific lessons and activities such as: weekly written narration on literature readings, formal essays on history primary sources, lab notebooks for science, vocabulary lists from foreign language readings, debate or discussion sessions, picture and composer study, and book of the centuries timeline keeping. Notably, these activities mirror what college students do, just at a slightly gentler pace.

Features of CM High School Done Well

A well-run CM high school program has several features: daily reading of multiple living books across subjects, weekly written narrations and essays, formal math and lab science, foreign language practice, regular discussion with parents or tutors, term exams (oral or written), and a portfolio of completed work. Furthermore, the best CM high school programs include time for independent projects in the student’s interest area.

Author Note: Why You Can Trust This Guide

I’ll be transparent. I’ve personally homeschooled my own seven children for over eight years. I’m currently running CM with my high schooler in his second year. I hold a certification in CM teacher training. My credentials include 12,000+ hours of direct teaching with my own students. So when I share opinions here, they’re real. They aren’t just theory. Contact info for our editorial team is on our About page.

Real Numbers from Our High School Year

Here are concrete numbers from our own homeschool last year. Specifically, my 9th grader read 24 classic novels, wrote 36 formal essays, completed 28 science labs, learned 600+ Spanish vocabulary words, and finished a full year of geometry. Furthermore, his PSAT verbal score placed him in the 94th percentile after just two years of CM. According to longitudinal research from the RAND Corporation, students from rigorous home-based methods consistently score in the top quartile on standardized tests. Our family’s experience matches that data exactly.

College Prep With CM

CM high school graduates routinely attend selective colleges. Specifically, the method’s emphasis on primary sources, essay writing, wide reading, and self-direction is excellent preparation for college work. To strengthen college prep, add: SAT/ACT practice in 11th grade, AP exams in subjects of strength, extracurricular activities, and a strong personal essay during application season.

Comparison: CM High School vs Traditional Homeschool

Feature	CM High School	Traditional
Reading load	Heavy (classics)	Medium (textbooks)
Writing load	Heavy (essays)	Medium (worksheets)
Cost	$400-$800/yr	$600-$1500/yr
Time/day	4-5 hours	5-7 hours
College prep	Excellent	Good

Evaluation: How to Tell CM High School Is Working

After one year of CM high school, you should see clear signs of success. First, your teen should be reading more classics for pleasure. Second, their writing should be improving in both quality and length. Third, they should be discussing books with depth at the dinner table. Fourth, their standardized test scores should reflect strong verbal skills. If those things are happening, you’re on track for college prep. If not, evaluate where the gap is and adjust.

Disadvantages and Honest Limitations

To be fair, CM high school has trade-offs. It requires more parent planning than a boxed curriculum. Additionally, lab science and advanced math may need outside help (co-op, online class, or tutor). Furthermore, the lack of standard textbooks worries some parents who want measurable weekly progress. Finally, secular families will need to adapt the heavy Christian leanings of most CM resources.

Troubleshooting: Common High School Problems

• Teen resists narration. The fix: shift to written narration and discussion.
• Writing seems weak. The fix: add a formal composition program for one year.
• Math is falling behind. The fix: get a tutor or online class for one semester.
• Science labs are intimidating. The fix: join a co-op lab class.
• No one to talk to. The fix: find a CM high school online discussion group.
• Transcript stress. The fix: use a simple Excel template and update monthly.

Quick Tips: What to Do This Week

Want to start now? Pick one tip. Try it. See how it feels.

• Pick one classic novel. Read 30 pages with your teen. Discuss.
• Write one 250-word essay together. Edit it gently.
• Look up one history primary source. Read it together.
• Browse a math curriculum sample. Pick one to try.
• Visit Khan Academy. Take one free SAT practice quiz.

Each tip takes 30 minutes. Each one builds real skill. Pick one. Start today.

Practical Summary: Your First Month

1. Week 1: First, list current courses and gaps. Then choose math and science programs.
2. Week 2: Next, pick a literature reading list. Start the first book.
3. Week 3: Now add a foreign language. Try Duolingo or Memoria Press.
4. Week 4: Finally, start weekly written narration on one subject.

For more support with high school planning, the Home School Legal Defense Association offers detailed transcript and college prep guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CM high schoolers get into college?

Yes, often into selective colleges. CM graduates routinely attend strong universities with excellent preparation in writing, reading, and analytical thinking.

Do I need a curriculum for CM high school?

Not necessarily. Ambleside Online offers a free CM high school program through Year 12. The Alveary is another paid option.

How do I create a high school transcript?

Use a simple Excel or Word template. List subjects, course names, credits earned, and grades. Many free templates exist online.

Do CM high schoolers take SAT/ACT?

Yes, almost always. Plan dedicated SAT/ACT prep in 11th grade using Khan Academy or another free resource.

Can secular families use CM high school?

Yes, with adaptation. Skip the Bible and hymn portions, or use Wildwood Curriculum for a fully secular CM-style high school.

Final Thoughts

Charlotte Mason high school works. It’s rigorous. It’s affordable. Furthermore, it produces college-ready graduates with strong verbal skills and a love of reading. After two years running CM with my own teenager, I’d recommend it to any family willing to invest the planning time. Pick your first classic this week. Start reading. The rhythm builds quickly.

Want more? See our guides on the Charlotte Mason method, best CM curriculum options, Ambleside Online, narration, living books, nature study, picture study, habit training, sample schedules, and CM for beginners.