By Cheryl Ward

Head of School
Calvary Schools of Holland

Charlotte Mason says that ⅓ of education is Atmosphere. What is “Atmosphere” as Charlotte Mason defines it? Mason asks questions that help us to understand what she means by Atmosphere: What is being lifted up in this space? What is valued or praised in this place? How does it feel when you walk into this room? Is it harsh, cold, clinical, chaotic? Or is it calm, peaceful, beautiful, orderly?

That’s Atmosphere.

Is joy evident? Atmosphere. How is unkindness handled when it happens? Atmosphere. Is there intentionality throughout the environment? Atmosphere. Do people work hard and generally enjoy that work? Atmosphere.

Atmosphere is what is communicated to every person who encounters the environment, without saying a word. Atmosphere is found in the subtext of the unspoken.

It’s found in physical environment. For example, one avoids pre-fabricated, industrial-looking furniture, and instead, embraces rooms that feel like a lovely simple home.

Atmosphere isn’t about branding or decorations though. It’s part of how a school actually functions, like part of a living organism. Otherwise, it’s not Atmosphere, it’s just redecorating.

Atmosphere is important. It’s about how values are communicated. Atmosphere pours out of who we are and it also shapes, powerfully, who we become.

Click below to see how we intentionally set the Atmosphere at Calvary Schools.

Cheryl Ward is the Head of School & Executive Director at Calvary Schools of Holland. She has served the Calvary community since 2015, stepping into her current role in 2021. Cheryl’s passion is transforming educational settings through the underlying philosophy, relationships, structures, and processes that support them. She has a bachelor’s degree in education and a second degree in Biblical studies, as well as a master’s of education degree. She has been an advocate for Charlotte Mason education, and an Ambleside affiliate, since 2009.