CMEC Summer Retreat
"A Liberal Education for All"
July 13-14, 2026
“…an EDUCATIONAL REVOLUTION is before us to which every one of us is bound to put his hand.” (Mason, School Education, p. 247)
“The mind receives knowledge, not in order that it may know, but in order that it may grow, in breadth and depth, in sound judgment and magnanimity; but in order to grow, it must know.” (Mason, Towards a Philosophy of Education, p. 237)
“Good work of whatever kind is produced by a person with the right ideas, a person of character and intelligence, one who can make the best use of opportunities, one who knows how to learn. It seems to me that the inquiring minds of children make a demand of us in the words of our famous countryman—“Give us the tools and we will finish the job.” That is the duty of educators—to give children the material and the tools and let them make a good job of it. They will.” (Margaret Morris, “Promise and Fulfillment,” Parents’ Review, Volume 68, p. 104)
Join us to celebrate Ten Years of the CMEC as we consider Charlotte Mason’s own name for her movement in the early 1900s: A Liberal Education for All. Together we’ll dive deep into this description, using it to frame a consideration of Mason’s key principles—and why they matter now more than ever:
Educating for Freedom – What does it mean to educate children not just for achievement, but for freedom? Drawing on the enduring philosophy of Charlotte Mason, we will explore her vision of a truly liberal education—one that prepares students to meet their vocation with confidence. Discover how Mason's thoughtfully chosen materials and methods offer a broad feast of ideas, leading to generosity of mind and soul and a full, flourishing life.
The Tools of Education – One of the great strengths of Mason’s educational model is that it unites philosophy and practice. As we consider the aims of education, we are also invited to examine the means by which those aims are achieved—in our real homes and lives. Through a study of Mason’s foundational ideas— “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life,” “Education is the science of relations,” and “The teacher’s role is guide, philosopher, and friend”—you will gain the tools to apply her philosophy in a life-giving way.
A Method for Persons – Mason’s first principle, “children are born persons,” is often reduced to a slogan for child-led learning. In reality, it expresses something far richer. Personhood holds a vital duality: each child is unique with his own strengths and weaknesses, and at the same time, each shares a common human nature. We will explore how this understanding shapes Mason’s educational method—one that is remarkably adaptable without losing its integrity. The Mason program flexes to the needs of the student and family, while remaining anchored in principles. Let’s consider anew why this is a method for all!
Leisure and Life – Perhaps we can best see the results of a broad, living education in how a student spends his leisure hours—and perhaps these hours are as essential to his education as lessons are. “Afternoon occupations” is a key component of Mason’s method, and in many ways, serve as the heart of the program. During the afternoons, students build meaningful skills, grow in independence and initiative, experience order, and engage with truth, beauty, and goodness. Students also have free time beyond afternoon occupations to plan and spend. We aim for these hours to be restful yet educative, effective yet delightful, ordered yet free. As we gain a good sense of these goals, we can prepare for and implement these studies with ease and enjoyment.
Mason’s Legacy – So often we wish for like-minded educators to share this vision with us, whether that takes the form of a co-op, reading or nature club, online study group, or some other gathering. As we work to grow a community, or cultivate the community we already have, we can look to Mason and her Parents’ National Educational Union as a model. Together we can reclaim and carry forward Mason’s humane, hope-filled approach to education.
To understand principles, we must work through them in practice; for our practice to remain living and flexible, it must be rooted in our principles. At the CMEC, we are committed to a foundational understanding of Mason’s methods informed by real-life experience. Attendees have the chance to practice Mason’s methods themselves in a restful and supportive atmosphere. This means those new to Mason's philosophy and those experienced in her approach are offered fresh ideas. This cohesive and deep consideration of a single theme from a variety of angles allows for educators to become “guide, philosopher, and friend."
Around our theme of “a liberal education for all,” we will have time to read and narrate, sing and recite, work with our hands, and engage with beauty. This will allow us to explore our subject deeply and remain refreshed throughout the time together.
Committed to an atmosphere of beauty and welcome, the retreat is held in the historic mansion and conference space at the Inn at Villanova, with good food and time for fellowship–the perfect setting for a retreat on a liberal education for all! Meals are included in the registration fee. Attendees also have the option to book a room at the Inn if they choose.
We will begin with an optional Welcome Social on Sunday evening, with dessert and a chance to get to know one another as we consider Charlotte Mason in the 21st century.
Monday evening will include a Celebration Dinner on site, marking the CMEC’s 10th anniversary.
Attendees will receive our Retreat Handbook, full of practical helps, inspiring articles, and further resources to integrate the ideas explored during the retreat into their lives and lessons.
Throughout the event, there will be many opportunities to connect with the CMEC Team and other homeschooling parents from around the country.
Date: Monday, July 13 - Tuesday, July 14, 2026 (with optional Welcome Social on Sunday evening, July 12)
Location: The Inn at Villanova University, 601 County Line Rd., Wayne, PA 19087
Cost:
CMEC member - $300 Early Registration / $340 after April 16
Non-member - $370
Welcome Social - additional $20 for members and non-members, paid at time of event registration
Conference registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable, and space is limited. Registration will close June 23, 2026 or when space fills.
To take advantage of the member discount, you must be a member at time of registration; discounts cannot be applied afterward.
The first 125 attendees will receive a special bonus gift upon arrival at the retreat.
This event will not be available via livestream. However, we do plan to offer the recordings afterward as a package for purchase.
Time: Talks and workshops are planned for 9am-4:30pm on Monday and 9am-4pm on Tuesday. The Monday dinner is planned for 5:30-7pm.
Optional Welcome Social: Join us on site for an optional meet-and-greet reception on Sunday evening from 7-8:30pm. Dessert will be served. This event requires a separate fee, paid at time of event registration.
Meals: Includes light breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday and special event dinner on Monday evening. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options are available. Dessert will also be served at the optional Welcome Social.
Lodging: Hotel stay is NOT included in the cost of registration. All hotel reservations will be made separately by the retreat attendee.
A block of rooms has been reserved at The Inn at Villanova University at a special discount of $209/night for retreat attendees. When calling to claim one of these rooms, please tell the Inn that you are booking from the CMEC room block. The room block at the discounted rate is ONLY available until May 1. After that date, the rooms are released for public reservations and the rate will increase.
Transportation: Attendees will be responsible for any transportation (e.g., to/from the airport). There is plenty of parking on site.
Infants and Children: You are welcome to bring an infant with you to this retreat. Please be prepared to take a crying baby out of the meeting space so as not to distract the other attendees. We cannot accommodate older children at this conference. Only registered attendees will be allowed in the retreat spaces.
Sponsorship: Read more about our sponsorship opportunities available for families, foundations, and businesses who would like to support the retreat.
Things To Do in Philadelphia: If you have time, add on a day or two to make the most of your travel to the Philadelphia area! Here are some of our favorites that are family-friendly too.
Please contact dawn@thecmec.org with any questions.
Our Speakers:
Amy Snell has been part of the Charlotte Mason movement for almost 20 years with her own five children, including two homeschool graduates, while also supporting other families around the world. Amy has a graduate degree in literature from the University of California-Irvine and taught in a variety of classroom environments until she discovered Charlotte Mason. She has shared Mason’s philosophy with others by speaking at national conferences and retreats, hosting book discussions and workshops for parents, running a Nature Study Club, facilitating Truth, Beauty, Goodness afternoons, and creating the Mason Academy. A co-founder of the Charlotte Mason Educational Center (2015), Amy now serves as president of the board and academic director. You can find her on Instagram @learninghowtolivecm.
Celeste Cruz lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their eleven children. With a graduate degree in English and a background in European humanities and art history, she has taught literature and writing in a variety of settings. She has spent the past two decades studying Charlotte Mason's philosophy and letting it direct and inspire her work as a mother and home educator. Besides organizing a local Mason co-op and nature club, she shares the joys of home education at Joyous Lessons and @celeste_cruz and speaks at retreats and conferences nationwide. Celeste has worked with the CMEC since 2018 and now serves as executive director.
Registration will open February 25th.
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