We are a group of homeschooling moms using and/or interested in using the Charlotte Mason philosophy to educate our children. Charlotte's Circle encompasses both the nature meetup group and the mother's group.  Our nature meetup group is referred to simply as Charlotte's Circle. The mother meetup group is referred to as Mother's Coffee but both are encompassed under the umbrella "Charlotte's Circle."

Originally, Charlotte's Circle only referred to the nature meetup group. As we got to know each other better we thought it would be nice to have a time for just the moms to meet and chat independent of our children.  Enter...Mother's Coffee.  As time went on, our "circle" expanded to include other homeschooling moms looking for connection as well.  It has been such a blessing to have this wonderful group of ladies.  We meet online to support and nurture each other, discuss CM and other educational philosophies, and much more.  

Yes.  Our children range from 7-11 years of age.  Essentially, the group is made up of upper elementary children.  However, the group is open to "tag-a-long" younger siblings to join, keeping in mind that activities, trails we visit, etc. are geared to kids aged 7-11.  Our trails, generally, are NOT stroller friendly.

We meet on Thursdays from 2:00PM to 4:00PM.

​

Session 1: mid-August through mid-November

Session 2: January through March

Session 3: April through June

​

At the start of each school year two parks will be selected.  We alternate visiting those two parks throughout the year.

A mother leads an "opening activity" during the first fifteen (15) minutes. We hike together as a group, engaging the children to observe their environment.  The majority of our time is dedicated to free play.

The children are expected to follow guidelines pertaining to physical safety while out hiking.  They are also expected to engage in respectful play and conflict resolution.

Parents are required to read and understand how to implement the guidelines for both children and adults. Parents should ensure the guidelines set are being followed and help when needed (e.g. help build the skills for effective conflict resolution, keep the children physically safe while exploring, etc.). 

This is a group for homeschooling mother's and their children. On occasion, mothers are unable to attend. In those circumstances, the other parent is welcome to attend with the children.  

No.  However, we do have an attendance requirement to be a member.  Before the start of each session, members must notify the administrator of their intent to regularly attend.  Regular attendance means attending two or more meetups per month for each session.

​

Session 1: mid-August through mid-November

Session 2: January through March

Session 3: April through June

We use the app BAND to communicate.  Charlotte's Circle members must agree to use and regularly check BAND to stay up-to-date with group happenings. 

Adult members of Charlotte's Circle must post a picture of themselves as their profile picture and note in their bio the names of each child attending Charlotte's Circle meetups.

​

The use of BAND helps with ease of communication, lets us post sensitive information in a less public forum, and helps promote getting to know each other better.

No.  However, Charlotte's Circle and Mother's Coffee are comprised of members that follow or are interested in following the Charlotte Mason educational philosophy - a philosophy which embraces and encourages Christian ideologies.  

The process takes three steps which are as follows:

1. Please fill out the below request for an interest form.

2. Once the interest form is submitted and approved, we will schedule an introductory meeting to discuss your interest form responses in more detail.

3. Join us for a two-week trial during our "open dates."  We have "open dates" for the first two weeks of each session.  See below:

​

Session 1: mid-August through mid-November 

Session 2: January through March

Session 3: April through June

Yes.  This group was created for Northern Virginia homeschooling mothers to be able to connect and share ideas.  The process for joining Mother's Coffee is similar to the process for joining Charlotte's Circle. Fill out the request below to be sent an interest form.  Once the interest form is accepted and reviewed the administrator will get back to you about admission. 

We use the app BAND to communicate.  Mother's Coffee members must agree to use and regularly check BAND to stay up-to-date with group happenings. 

​​

Members of Mother's Coffee must upload a profile picture of themselves and include in their bio the number of children they have, along with their genders (e.g., "mom of 2 boys and 1 girl").

​

The use of BAND helps with ease of communication, lets us post sensitive information in a less public forum, and helps promote getting to know each other better.

No, the groups listed on the Associated Groups section are wholly separate and each have their own organizers. However, they are local groups that we trust and think are valuable to our local Charlotte Mason homeschooling community.  The organizers are former or current Charlotte Circle members that have created enriching programs to help connect our growing homeschooling community and we wanted to share that with you!  If you're interested in learning more about those groups or joining one, please use the contact button for the designated group.