Charlotte Mason (1842-1923) was a British educator who believed that education was more than studying to pass exams, obtain a good job, or going into higher learning institutions.  Her teacher training college was a successful institution that sent out many well-trained teachers into various communities as governesses or teachers in Parents Union Schools.  Her schools were widely known to be highly effective in educating people of all classes and abilities which, due to popular views at that time, was remarkable. 

Sadly, this movement of living education was eventually eclipsed by a cultural drive toward standardization of education with its focus on exams and utilitarian schooling.  It wasn’t until the 1980s that her methods began to be reintroduced more widely again, largely in homeschooling families.  Today Miss Mason's influence, research, and practices are becoming widely known and desired again.

Charlotte Mason taught that children are “born persons,” with minds hungry for ideas and knowledge.  They are not simply sacs waiting to be filled up with information.  They can and should be introduced directly to the masters of whatever they are studying in all subjects.