Riches Cottage School

"History must afford its pageants, science its wonders, literature its intimacies, philosophy its speculations,... and his education must have prepared him for

wanderings in these realms of gold."

Charlotte Mason, An Essay Towards a Philosophy of Education

Riches Cottage School offers a restful, Charlotte Mason inspired one-day a week program for students of all ages. We seek to come alongside families pursing a living education by serving a generous feast that fosters a love of learning, wisdom and wonder.

Joyful teachers

Anchored in the philosophy of the liberal arts tradition, teachers joyfully guide students through the practices of Charlotte Mason encouraging them to foster relationships with living ideas, humanity across the ages and the world we live in.

Outdoor Learning

Nestled at the foot of Coyote Hills and surrounded by shade trees, open grass area, native plants and abundant wildlife, our school park location allows us to be "rightly outdoors" and provides a wonder-filled and fresh environment for learning.

Community Centered

Cultivating community among students and mothers is at the heart of all that we do. Students engage in rich family-style learning, mothers learn and glean from one another and our families engage in celebrations throughout

the year.

curious to learn more?

Wonder School

A gentle and beautiful introduction to learning, our 4-6 year old learnings, Wonder School incorporates beautiful stories, engaging play, handicrafts and nature study.

Subjects covered include literature, poetry, nature lore, geography, music and copywork.

Form 1 (2nd-3rd)

As students began to form relations with a wide feast of subjects, they are making new connections, learning the art of keeping and beginning a foundational principle, "the art of knowing" - oral narration. Reading vibrant stories and engaging with living ideas take center stage.

Subjects covered include poetry, history, geography, biographies, literature, Latin and nature lore.

form 2 (4th - 6th)

Building upon the development of good habits, the joy of discovery and learning to articulate ideas, Form 2 students begin to have richer discussions with deepened understanding of ages past and how the world around us works by encountering diverse authors, poets, historians and more across all fields of study. New skills will be cultivated through written narration, commonplacing and keeping a Book of Centuries.

Subjects covered include poetry, history, geography, Plutarch, literature, grammar, Latin and science.

Form 3 (7th - 9th)

A fresh challenge is provided for our students who are learning how to work more independently, while balancing more rigorous texts with the joyful spirit of inquiry. Students will dive deeper into the stories of the past, deepening their relationships with a wider range of subjects and growing in their ability to express ideas through written narration and creative composition.

Subjects covered include poetry, history, geography, Plutarch, literature, grammar, Latin and science.

form 4 (10th - 12th)

A challenging and robust tutorial experience is provided for our oldest students who are growing in wisdom and taking hold of the idea that "all education is self-education." Students will have the opportunity to contemplate, reason well and articulate ideas of truth, goodness, and beauty through rich discussions, compositions and hands-on learning.

Subjects covered include poetry, history, geography, Plutarch, literature, composition, Latin and science.

Cottage School FAQ's

1. When and where does the Cottage School meet?
We meet every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. This includes instructional time, lunch, play time and nature walk. Families may choose to attend Riches Afternoon Co-Op which is at 1 - 3 p.m.

2. Do parents have to stay or volunteer?

While parents are encouraged to stay or volunteer in any capacity it is not required. Students may be dropped off as early as 9:15 a.m. and must be picked up no later than 1:00 p.m.

3. What is the cost for my child?

The cost is $200 / month per child enrolled via Charter and $125 per child not enrolled in Charter. PO or payment is due by the 1st Wednesday of each month, beginning September. There is also a one-time materials fee of $85 per student at time of enrollment. All funds are non-refundable.

4. Will you take charter funds?

We are in the process of requesting approval with Charter Schools. If you would like to inquire if yours is on the list, please contact us.

5. Who is best suited for this education program?
Families most suited for Riches Cottage School are those aligned to a Charlotte Mason educational philosophy. If your family values restful, yet rich learning experiences in community, time outdoors and a gentle, but intentional approach to education, you'll love the Cottage School. All subjects will be led using the methods and practices of Mason - including short lessons and narration. Readings for Forms 1 - 3 are done during class time so there is no homework. Form 4 may have 1-2 hours of at home reading per week.

6. How can I sign up my child?

Our hope is that all students who would like to join will be able to! For 2026-2027 apply here. Share about your family and join us for an upcoming information night. After the information night, you'll be contacted for next steps on confirming your participating in the coming year!