Explore 10 Different Homeschool Styles

Different Styles and Approaches

There so much to get your head around when you first start homeschooling.

What will I teach my kids?

What curriculum shall I use?

What groups will we join?

Did you know there are also different homeschooling styles?

I’ll try and give you a crash course. Bear in mind though that it isn’t necessary to know all the homeschool styles. It can be helpful to do a little research while you are in a state of deschooling to read about the different styles so you can get a bit of an idea of what approach you would like to take. Don’t try and fit your family into a box though. Just as fashion styles and hair styles change with age and experience, your homeschooling style might do the same. Most families end up with what they call an ‘eclectic’ approach, meaning that they use a few different styles in their homeschool.

Exploring Different Homeschool Styles: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Families Learning

Here’s a deep dive into the most popular homeschool styles to help you navigate your options.

1. Traditional Homeschooling/School At Home

Overview: Traditional homeschooling closely mirrors conventional school structures. It typically involves a set curriculum with textbooks, workbooks, and scheduled subjects.

Best For: Families who prefer a structured approach and standardized testing, and those who want an easy transition back to public or private schools if needed.

Pros:

• Familiar structure

• Clear guidelines and benchmarks

• Easy to track progress

Cons:

• Can be rigid

• Less flexibility for child-led learning

As parents wanting to use this approach like textbooks, here are a few places to buy school books:

• Teacher Superstore

• The Teaching Hub

• Wiley Direct

• Pearson

2. Classical Education

Overview: This method is based on the Trivium approach, dividing learning into three stages: Grammar (elementary), Logic (middle school), and Rhetoric (high school). It emphasizes classical literature, languages, and Socratic dialogue.

Best For: Families who value rigorous academic standards and a deep understanding of classical works.

Pros:

• Strong emphasis on critical thinking

• Comprehensive education in classical languages and literature

• Develops articulate, well-rounded students

Cons:

• Can be demanding

• Requires significant parental involvement

Some Programs for this Style:

• Memoria Press

• Veritas Press

• Classical Academic Press

• The Good and the Beautiful

• Classical Conversations

3. Charlotte Mason Method

Overview: This style uses “living books” (high-quality literature) rather than textbooks and encourages narration, nature walks, and the study of the arts.

Best For: Families who appreciate literature and nature and want to foster a love of learning through rich, engaging materials.

Pros:

• Engaging and interesting materials

• Emphasis on nature and the arts

• Focuses on character development and good habits

Cons:

• May require more preparation time

• Less focus on STEM subjects

Some Programs for this Style:

• Simply Charlotte Mason

• Ambleside Online

• Simply Homeschool

• Mater Amabilis™

• A Gentle Feast

4. Montessori Method

Overview: Montessori homeschooling emphasizes hands-on, self-paced, and collaborative learning in a prepared environment. It encourages independence and exploration.

Best For: Families who want to nurture independence and a natural love for learning through a child-centered approach.

Pros:

• Encourages self-discipline and independence

• Hands-on and engaging

• Adaptable to each child’s pace and interests

Cons:

• Requires specific Montessori materials

• Can be less structured

Some Programs for this Style:

• Child of the Redwoods

• My Montessori House

• Montessori by Mom

• Guidepost

• Shiller Learning

5. Unschooling

Overview: Unschooling is an interest-led learning approach where children pursue their passions and learn through life experiences rather than a set curriculum.

Best For: Families who value flexibility and believe in learning through real-life experiences.

Pros:

• Highly flexible

• Encourages children to follow their interests

• Can be more relaxed and less stressful

Cons:

• Lack of structure can be challenging

• Requires a high level of parental involvement and creativity

The whole philosophy behind unschooling is that there are no set curriculums. That isn’t to say that they won’t use a curriculum, just that they only use it if the child asks to. For unschooling it’s best to see how others fit this philosophy into their homeschool day.

• The Educating Parent

• Happiness is Here

• Unschooling Mom2Mom

6. Waldorf Education

Overview: Waldorf education takes a holistic approach, integrating academics, arts, and practical skills. It tailors education to the child’s developmental stage and emphasizes imagination and creativity.

Best For: Families who want a balanced education that fosters creativity and holistic development.

Pros:

• Well-rounded education

• Emphasis on creativity and imagination

• Focuses on developmental appropriateness

Cons:

• Less emphasis on technology

• Can be costly due to specialized materials

Some Programs for this Style:

• Modern Waldorf Online

• Oak Meadow

7. Unit Studies

Overview: Unit studies focus on a single theme or topic, integrating multiple subjects around that theme, allowing for in-depth exploration.

Best For: Families who enjoy project-based learning and want to explore topics comprehensively.

Pros:

• Engaging and thematic

• Integrates multiple subjects

• Encourages deep dives into topics

Cons:

• Can be time-consuming to prepare

• May not cover all subjects equally

Some Programs for this Style:

• Freedom Homeschooling

• Harbor and Sprout

• Learn and Live Letter

8. Online/Virtual Schooling

Overview: This method utilizes online resources, courses, and virtual classrooms. It ranges from highly structured virtual schools to more flexible online resources.

Best For: Families who want the convenience of online learning and need flexible scheduling.

Pros:

• Accessible anywhere with internet

• Wide variety of resources

• Can be self-paced or structured

Cons:

• Requires reliable internet and devices

• Less hands-on and physical activity

Some Programs for this Style:

• My Homeschool

• Euka

• Simply Homeschool

• Homeschool Acadamy

• Cluey Learning

9. Eclectic Homeschooling

Overview: This flexible approach combines elements from various homeschooling styles to create a personalized education plan that fits the child’s unique needs.

Best For: Families who prefer a customized approach and are willing to adapt and change methods as needed.

Pros:

• Highly adaptable

• Can tailor to a child’s strengths and interests

• Flexible and diverse learning experiences

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming to manage multiple methods

• Requires careful planning and balancing

This is the most common style of homeschooling. Families who use this learning style will use a little from various homeschooling approaches.

10. Roadschooling/Worldschooling

Overview: Roadschooling and worldschooling integrate education with travel experiences, focusing on learning from different cultures and real-world experiences.

Best For: Families who travel frequently and want to incorporate their journeys into their educational experience.

Pros:

• Real-world learning experiences

• Cultural immersion

• Highly engaging and dynamic

Cons:

• Can be unpredictable and unstructured

• Requires flexibility and adaptability

This style of homeschooling does not follow any specific programs. The world is their curriculum!

For Homeschooling Success

Choosing the right homeschool style depends on your child’s learning preferences, your family’s lifestyle, and educational goals. You might find that combining elements from different styles (eclectic homeschooling) provides the best of multiple worlds. Remember, the beauty of homeschooling lies in its flexibility—don’t be afraid to adapt and change as you find what works best for your family. Happy homeschooling!