Living Oaks - Cottage School and Cooperative

There is a quiet kind of formation happening here.

Brush strokes layered slowly. Colors chosen with care. Eyes learning to truly see. 🎨

At Living Oaks Cottage School, the arts are not about perfection, they are about attention. About slowing down long enough to notice beauty, to delight in it, and to respond with creativity. In a world that rushes, we are choosing to cultivate wonder.

“The function of education is to teach one to think, not what to think… and the habit of attention is a very great part of education.” -Charlotte Mason

This is why we paint.
This is why we create.
This is why the arts matter. ❤️

I came across this today and thought this group would really appreciate it ❤️

The University of Cumbria (where Charlotte Mason originally trained teachers!) just announced new global appointments in Charlotte Mason Studies.

It’s really encouraging to see her philosophy continuing to grow academically and internationally, and not just in homeschool circles, but in higher education too.

They’re partnering with the Charlotte Mason Institute and bringing in scholars and educators from around the world to expand research, teaching, and collaboration.

It just feels like such a neat reminder that what we’re doing with our kids is part of something much bigger 🌱

Here’s the article if anyone wants to read more:

University of Cumbria welcomes new appointments in Charlotte Mason Studies | University of Cumbria News In collaboration with the Charlotte Mason Institute, the University of Cumbria is delighted to announce a number of new honorary appointments that strengthen its position as a global centre for Charlotte Mason studies. 

There is something special about returning to the same place over and over again and watching it change slowly, almost quietly, over time. Today, as we walked the familiar path, we noticed the trees are all in different stages of bud growth. Some buds are already swelling open, while others are still waiting.

What caught our attention most was that the branches reaching into the sunlight were budding and flowering, while the branches still in the shade remained closed and bare. Such a simple thing, and yet so full of wonder. The same tree, the same roots, and yet each branch growing in its own time, in its own way, depending on the light it receives.

This is one of the reasons we care so much about nature study. When children return to the same woods, the same field, the same trail through the seasons, they begin to notice. They learn patience. They learn to observe. They learn that growth is not rushed and that change often happens quietly.

At Cottage School, we hope to make space for this kind of learning. The kind that cannot be rushed, the kind that teaches children to see, to wonder, and to pay attention.

Sometimes the most important lessons don’t happen at a desk, but under the trees, watching buds slowly open to the light. 🌳

Today we had the opportunity to visit our “sister” hybrid school, The Olive Grove Academy, in Waterloo, and it was such an encouraging and helpful day. Marissa and all of the teachers were incredibly welcoming and accommodating, allowing us to shadow several classes so we could get a real feel for what school days might look like next year. They took the time to answer all of our questions (and then some), and we left feeling so grateful for their wisdom, experience, and generosity.

We are so thankful for the doors God has been opening, the people He has placed in front of us, and the resources and encouragement He continues to provide. It is such a gift to see the vision for Living Oaks Cottage School slowly coming to fruition, and days like today remind us that we are not doing this alone.

We are more excited than ever for what’s ahead! 🌿

We’re hosting the final informational meeting for Living Oaks Cottage School this Thursday, and we’d love to invite anyone who wants to learn more.

Living Oaks is a Charlotte Mason–inspired hybrid cottage school that meets two days a week to support homeschooling families.

📅 Thursday, March 12
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Des Moines Fellowship

Visit living-oaks.com to learn more!

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been incredibly encouraged by the excitement and interest surrounding Living Oaks Cottage School.

It’s been a joy to see how many families resonate with the vision of a rich, thoughtful education in a small Christian learning community.

Living Oaks is being shaped around small classes, rich literature, meaningful discussion, and a learning environment where students are known and challenged — along with time to notice, explore, and wonder about God’s world.

Because of that interest, we’ll be hosting another informational meeting next Thursday, and we would love for anyone who is curious to come learn more.

We’ll share more about the heart behind the school, what a typical classroom day might look like, and answer questions.

📅 Thursday, March 12, 2026
⏰ 6:30 pm
📍 Des Moines Fellowship

If you’re planning to come, a quick note would help us plan seating.

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” Deuteronomy 6:6–7

Christian education is about more than academics.
It is discipleship.

We walk with our children through questions, through struggle, through sin, through growth.

When they fall short (when we fall short) we step toward Scripture.

We open the Word.
We remember the cross.
We speak grace and truth.

Sometimes it is messy.
But it is always sanctifying.

At Living Oaks Cottage School, we long to partner with parents in this sacred work, forming not just minds but hearts rooted in Christ. 🌿

Join us March 12 to hear more about the vision. ❤️

We were so encouraged by the families who came out to learn more about Living Oaks Cottage School.

There is something beautiful happening as families seek a relational, Christ-centered education rooted in Charlotte Mason’s philosophy.

If you weren’t able to attend, we’ll be hosting another informational meeting in March.

Message us if you’d like to be added to the interest list.

We are so thankful for the wonderful turnout at our informational meeting last night!

It was such a gift to share the heart and vision behind Living Oaks Cottage School and to connect with so many families seeking a rich, relational education for their children.

Grateful for each of you who came. ❤️

We’ll be hosting another informational meeting in March. If you’re interested in attending, send us a message and we’ll make sure you’re on the list. 🌳

🌿 Tonight’s the Night!

Curious about Living Oaks Cottage School? Join us this evening to hear about our vision, our Charlotte Mason philosophy, and how we support families.

There’s still time to come!

📍 Des Moines Fellowship: 950 35th Street
Des Moines, IA 50312
🕕 6:30 pm

We’d love to meet you!

Send a message to learn more