Mater Amabilis is a free curriculum for Catholic homeschooling families, based on the Charlotte Mason approach. It integrates Catholic faith into all subjects from preschool to high school.
Most homeschool families report completing core academic subjects in 3-4 hours per day for elementary students, compared to the 6-7 hours typical of traditional schools, due to the one-on-one instruction and absence of classroom management overhead (NHERI, 2024). According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population.
What is mater amabilis?
Mater Amabilis means 'Mother Most Lovable' in Latin, a title for the Blessed Virgin Mary. It's a free curriculum designed for Catholic homeschool families and follows the Charlotte Mason method. Launched in 2004, it offers lesson plans, book lists, and resources for ages preschool to high school. Unlike other Charlotte Mason resources, it includes Catholic teachings in all subjects. Best of all, it’s online and completely free, making quality education accessible for all families.
The Charlotte Mason connection
Charlotte Mason was a British educator who focused on short lessons, living books, nature study, and seeing children as whole beings. Mater Amabilis is named after a Catholic parish in Ambleside, England, where Mason lived. This makes it a perfect fit for families wanting to blend her methods with Catholic faith. The curriculum keeps lessons short to hold kids' attention, uses great literature instead of boring textbooks, emphasizes narration to help kids process what they've learned, and includes regular nature study to connect kids with the world around them.
How faith is integrated
Mater Amabilis doesn’t just add a religion class. It approaches every subject through a Catholic lens. History includes Church history and stories of the saints. Literature features Catholic authors and themes about faith. Science marvels at creation and acknowledges the Creator. This reflects how Catholic families live—faith is woven into everything. The curriculum aligns with Church teachings, so families can trust the content without needing to check it extensively.
What you get (and what you don't)
Mater Amabilis provides 36 weeks of daily lesson plans for each grade. It also includes a list of recommended books, most of which you can find at your local library or buy. However, it doesn't include a math curriculum. While it offers suggestions, families need to pick their own math program. This could feel like a gap for parents looking for a complete package, but it lets you choose what works best for your child's needs.
Who it's best for
Mater Amabilis is great for Catholic families who appreciate Charlotte Mason's gentle, literature-rich style and want faith to be part of every subject. It’s best for families willing to spend time preparing—gathering books, learning the methods, and planning ahead. This curriculum requires more active parent involvement compared to ready-to-go programs. Families wanting everything done for them or those with little time for planning might find it a bit challenging.
The bottom line
Mater Amabilis is a valuable, free, and truly Catholic curriculum based on Charlotte Mason's methods. The cost is great (it's free) and the quality is high, making it worth exploring for any Catholic homeschool family. Even if you decide to adapt it, the lack of a math component and the prep time are just trade-offs, not flaws. If you like Charlotte Mason's philosophy and want integrated Catholic education, Mater Amabilis might be just what you need.
