Frequently Asked Questions

CLAS is a network of Charlotte Mason schools committed to growing in and cherishing an educational philosophy that enriches relationships and celebrates a child’s personhood.

CLAS is solely focused on schools. Our role is to come alongside fellow school leaders to provide counsel, assist in teacher training, provide a variety of resources, and answer questions. We do not accredit schools or expect schools to implement Charlotte Mason principles in a prescribed way.  Rather, we are a support network, designed intentionally to help each other bring these proven best practice strategies to life in our schools.

When a group of Charlotte Mason schools located in the Atlanta area was looking for a name, they were graciously granted permission by Susan and Ranald Macaulay to use the name “ChildLight.” This was the name they had originally chosen for schools that would emerge from the philosophy promoted by Susan in her book For the Children’s Sake.

CLAS began in 1995 at a conference where Susan was the keynote speaker. Since that time, this network of schools has grown to more than a dozen schools across the country.

Our Founder and President Emeritus is Bobby Scott, Headmaster Emeritus for Perimeter School in Johns Creek, Georgia. Our Board members include:

• Andy Zawacki, Head of School, Arborbrook Christian Academy - President
• Lisa Kelly, Head of School, Intown Community School - Vice President
• Jan Collier, Assistant Principal, Parkview Christian School - Secretary
• Amy Choate, Business Manager, Intown Community School - Treasurer
• Billy Creech, Head of School, East Cobb Christian School
• Brendon O'Dowd, Head of School, Perimeter School
• Kim Thompson, Head of Lower School, Silverdale Baptist Academy
• Amy Lindsay, Director of Lower School, Redeemer School
• Melanie Walker-Malone, Founder, Red Mountain Community School

Annual membership dues are $7 per each enrolled student ($150 minimum/$1,750 maximum per school). Teacher conferences require an additional fee per participant. The benefits of becoming a part of CLAS include:

• Training and equipping for new as well as experienced teachers
• Invitation to retreats for administrators
• Participation in the annual CLAS conference
• Access to the CLAS Member Resource Portal

CLAS welcomes all types of schools that possess a desire to grow in the philosophy, principles, and practices of Charlotte Mason within an organized school setting. 

Click here for a listing of all current CLAS schools.