My Story

I homeschooled my own four children from 2003-2017. While home educating them, I dove deeply into all of Charlotte Mason’s books. I also noticed that Charlotte Mason’s methods are very different from what most American “classical” schools are doing! While Charlotte Mason is often viewed as distinct from the classical movement, my research into the foundational classical texts suggests that it is actually the modern American ‘classical’ model that has drifted from the authentic liberal arts tradition. I discovered in Plato, St. Augustine, Quintilian, Hugh of St. Victor, and many others that Mason was echoing the great philosophers and fathers of classical education.

During the last few years of homeschooling my youngest daughter, I decided to try substitute teaching for a charter school network in Texas and quickly was asked to stay as a long-term sub at one campus.

In 2015, the charter school organization invited me to help transition twenty-four K-5 schools from progressive schools to “Charlotte Mason Classical Academies.” In 2019, I was invited to joined Dr. Matthew Post at The University of Dallas to help establish the K-12 Classical Education Professional Development and Curriculum Program (now St Ambrose Center).

I started Beautiful Teaching as a way to support classical schools and homeschools. A team of consultants joined my team to offer professional development and online courses around the world for classical educators. We have always adhered to the tradition of classical education, which is closely aligned to Charlotte Mason’s philosophy of education.

I have been producing the Classical Education Podcast since 2022. My first podcast guest was Dr. Louis Markos. It has been my honor to interview numerous distinguished leaders in classical education including, David V. Hicks, Dr. Vigen Guorian, Dr. Matthew Post, Jonathan Pageau, Jason Caros, Karen Glass, Benjamin Lyda, Brian Smith, Christopher Perrin and many others.

My focus has recently shifted to writing a pedagogy handbook series as well as a language arts curriculum. I continue to support schools through my podcast. Beyond my podcast, I support schools by providing tailored advice on the best curriculum and pedagogy choices.

I have been married to my best friend, Brian Freas since 1991. Together we raised four children and are the proud grandparents of ten (and growing). Our children are homeschooling their children now.

I have been a guest on the following podcasts:

Educational Renaissance with Dr. Patrick Egan: An Interview with Adrienne Freas

The New Mason Jar Podcast with Cindy Rollins: Charlotte Mason Methods in A Schools Setting (with Adrienne Freas)

Humility and Doxology Podcast with Amy Sloan: Classical Charlotte Mason Homeschooling (with Adrienne Freas)

Literary Life Podcast with Angelina Stanford and Cindy Rollins: The Literary Life of Adrienne Freas, Episode 89.