Founding a School

Ambleside Southern Africa provides guidance and support to visionary teams who are called to establish an Ambleside School in their community.

Founding an Ambleside School: A Three-Stage Process

This is a process that requires continual walking in God’s presence, discerning His call, seeking His provision and a good deal of hard work. Once the decision is made to become part of the Ambleside Schools International global community, Ambleside staff will provide counsel and needed resources.

Stage One: The Decision for an Ambleside School

Stage One is marked by the work of due diligence, during which time the founders develop and solidify a firm conviction of the importance of bringing an Ambleside Education to their community. This stage includes: reading suggested materials, watching the videos featured on this site, and attending an Ambleside Internship, where a deeper study of the philosophy, combined with classroom observations, brings clear vision to what makes an Ambleside School so distinctive. Further, they must have the undeniable sense that God has called them to this work. This calling must be confirmed by each founding member and it must become clear that this is the time to proactively seek to start an Ambleside School. They will consider the five essential aspects of starting a school (leadership, teachers, students, location, financial provision). Only after careful reflection should they move to Stage Two with the intention of starting an Ambleside Member School.

Stage Two: Building the Foundation

Identifying and confirming a core team of two to three families and/or individuals and securing the necessary resources are imperative for the initial stages of founding an Ambleside School. Typically, the decision to launch comes prior to having all the needed personnel and resources in place. However, there must be clarity regarding the needs and potential sources of provision before the next phase begins. The relationship with Ambleside Southern Africa is formalised as essential needs are secured. Determining the grade levels to be offered, solidifying a core team of supporters and potential teachers, identifying the potential location, and setting a date for the first day of school concludes Stage Two.

Stage Three: Preparing to Launch

Stage Three involves securing the persons and resources needed to meet the desired launch date. Ambleside Southern Africa can provide further guidelines for this phase, together with supporting documentation, for reference.

For more information on founding a school, please email us at admin@amblesideschools.org.za.