Ambleside Online Reviews

by Heather
(CT)

We are entering our third year of homeschooling - the 2nd year with Ambleside Online so we have completed years 1 & 2 so far.

The books/curriculum that has been put together is amazing. I love to read quality books and this has it all...from literature selections to history to geography to nature study.

Ambleside Online emphasizes Charlotte Mason's method of homeschooling which has been wonderful for my family. I really appreciate all of these wonderful tools, books and advice that has been put together for me. It is a comprehensive curriculum which doesn't have to cost a lot of money to buy. Most of the books I have been able to find online for free or at the library!!

In addition, there are amazing yahoo groups that are so helpful when questions about curriculum implementation arise.

A Perfect Fit!

by Phyllis
(Ukraine)

I think Ambleside Online is the best thing since sliced bread! :-) We're only in Year 1, but it fits perfectly for our family, and I can't see us switching to anything else. Our son loves the books, and--what's even better--so do I. I love reading them to him. They are high quality literature.

As far as dislikes, I can see how the sheer volume of what is available through AO could be overwhelming, and it might not be enough structure for some. For me, it's perfect. I don't need or want day-by-day, step-by-step plans. AO provides a weekly list, and I like that.

Great FREE Resource, but too Slow-Paced

by Vicki
(Archie, MO)

Product: Ambleside Online
Levels Used: 1-3
Dates Used: 2005

Likes: I use this list often as a guide for free reading for my kids. I'm so thankful to the Mamas that put it together.

Dislikes: I found it a difficult curriculum to implement full time for my family. The books stretch the students which is good, they are very great books, but the pace is too slow and the curriculum is not combined for my family which is very important to us.

Love the Guide and Booklist

by Denise
(Mesquite TX USA)

We used a lot of books on this list and have found them to be wonderful!! My son loves all the books and is really enjoying his schooling :)

Our other son has also enjoyed a lot of books too :)

There are not a lot of pictures in these books, so a lot of nature study would go grand with a lot of these books for science, and the History you can maybe use some picture books for younger kids.

We really like the books :)

Good Books, but Not a Good Fit

by Penny
(Louisiana)

We used this curriculum for two years, last year and the year before. I liked it at first, but then I felt like we never accomplished anything, because we were reading so many different books each day and week. My girls hated just sitting and listening to all the readings. The books are really good, but when it took us two years to read a book with over 30 chapters in it, I had enough. I felt like we didn't accomplish anything those two years, even though we did.