Homeschooling is as varied as a bag of jelly-beans! There are as many different homeschool styles as there are families who do it. In other words, there is no ONE right way. However, typically homeschool families fall into one of seven homeschool styles, each with their own unique flavor and tang.
Whether you’re just starting to homeschool or you’ve been at it for years, understanding the different homeschooling methods can help you choose an approach that works for you and your kids.
Homeschool style? What’s that?!
Full transparency: when I first started homeschooling, I had no idea I even had a homeschool style. I’m sure I looked like a deer in the headlights the first time I joined a co-op and folks asked, “so, what’s your homeschool style?”
As we started homeschooling, I just sort of picked a style to begin with, gave it a shot, and it morphed from there. Our homeschool style has evolved over the years, and that’s perfectly okay!
For now, if you’re not sure of your homeschool style, start by reading about the seven homeschooling methods below and see which one jives with you and your kids. We’ll outline each method, what it looks like in practice, and how you can know if it might be the right fit for you and your family.
Just see what resonates with you as you read.
What Is the Difference Between a Homeschool Method and a Curriculum?
Before we dive in, let’s clear up one thing. A homeschool method and a homeschool curriculum are not the same thing.
A homeschool method is your general approach to teaching and learning. It influences how you organize your homeschool, what kinds of materials you use, and how much structure you build into your day.
A homeschool curriculum is the actual collection of books, lessons, workbooks, activities, or other materials you use to teach a subject.
For example, you might use a classical approach to homeschooling while choosing a particular math curriculum and a different program for language arts. Or you might combine several methods to create a homeschool that works for your family.
You don’t have to find one perfect method or curriculum before you begin. Learning about your options simply helps you make informed choices!
What are the different styles of homeschooling?
Here are seven popular homeschooling methods:
- Traditional homeschooling
- Classical homeschooling
- Charlotte Mason homeschooling
- Montessori homeschooling
- Unit Studies
- Unschooling
- Eclectic homeschooling
Let’s take a closer look at each one!
Homeschool Style #1: Traditional Homeschooling
This homeschool style is also called “school at home”. It’s exactly what it sounds like! Parents choose textbooks, workbooks, and other curricula to teach the subjects students would typically study in a traditional school. They just do it at home!
Some families follow their state’s educational guidelines or use curricula similar to those used in local schools. Others simply prefer the familiar structure of traditional schooling without necessarily following a public school’s exact curriculum or schedule.
In this type of approach, children typically study individual subjects such as math, language arts, science, and history. Parents may follow a school calendar, establish regular school hours, and use tests or assignments to monitor progress.
Parents who want to try out homeschool with the intention of returning students to a local school may adopt this method because it keeps a student in sync with public schoolmates.
Parents who are unsure of what to teach may also find comfort in this method because the material is prescribed and the approach is familiar to both parent and student. This means you can be certain your child is learning everything needed for success without having to make major changes.
This may be your style if you value:
- A traditional school calendar and school hours
- Textbooks and workbooks
- A structured daily schedule
- Clearly defined subjects and assignments
- Prefer to follow the public school or state curriculum
- Temporary homeschooling – Plan to return your students to public school
- Just want to “try out” homeschool to see how it feels
- Knowing what to teach and how to teach it
- A familiar approach to education
READ: Free Homeschool Resources
Homeschool Style #2: Classical Homeschooling
The classical approach to homeschooling extends back to the Greek and Roman styles of learning made popular by Aristotle and Socrates. It is a time-tested approach that emphasizes language, knowledge, deep reading, intelligent dialogue, and abstract thinking.
The classical method prizes the Great Books, or Living Books, such as classic literature and important works of history and philosophy. Much time is devoted to reading these wonderful books and discussing the ideas they contain, joining in the ongoing dialogue of humanity.
All learning is placed into the context of history with a strong emphasis on language instruction, critical thinking, logic, memorization, and clear communication. Many classically trained children learn Latin or Greek in elementary school, adding additional modern languages as they grow older, although not all families include the study of classical languages.
Many classical homeschool programs follow a model known as the Trivium, which organizes learning around three stages:
- Grammar: Elementary students build a foundation of knowledge through memorization, repetition, and learning facts.
- Logic: Middle school students develop reasoning skills and learn to examine ideas and arguments.
- Rhetoric: High school students learn to express their ideas clearly and persuasively through speaking and writing.
These stages provide a general framework, not rigid rules about what every child must learn at a particular age.
Classical homeschooling can be rigorous but enjoyable, and there are many curricula and co-ops available to support this approach.
This may be your style if you value:
- Classical literature and great books
- Classical language study
- A focus on history
- Tried-and-true methods
- Memorization and rhetoric
- Love to read (and have kids who love to read)
- Enjoy logic and critical thinking
- Clear communication and writing instruction
- A structured, academically challengings education
- Many classical curriculum choices and co-ops available
READ: Workboxes – My #1 Homeschool Hack
Homeschool Style #3: Charlotte Mason
This method of homeschooling is built around the ideas of educational pioneer Charlotte Mason, a British educator who developed her approach during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This popular style of homeschooling puts the focus on child-led learning where children are encouraged to observe and delight in the natural world around them.
Charlotte Mason homeschooling emphasizes Living Books, which are engaging books written by authors who bring their subjects to life, rather than relying exclusively on dry textbooks.
engaging books written by authors who bring their subjects to life, rather than relying exclusively on dry textbooks.
This approach also treasures literature, nature, art, music, poetry, and beauty. Students may spend time reading classic literature, going on nature walks, observing the world around them, keeping nature journals, memorizing poetry, doing watercolor art, and copying passages from excellent writers and art from the masters.
Another important practice is narration. After hearing or reading a passage, children tell back what they have learned in their own words. This helps them practice remembering, organizing, expressing ideas, and communicating clearly.
Charlotte Mason education encourages children to develop curiosity and a love of learning. Although children are given opportunities to explore and observe independently, the parent still plays an important role in selecting books, planning lessons, and establishing good habits.
Many, but not all, Charlotte Mason materials are also inherently Christian and will incorporate biblical teaching and scripture into the materials. The Charlotte Mason approach prizes creativity, time-honored classics, and God’s beauty in the natural world.
It’s a literature-rich, creative approach that encourages children to delight in learning and in the natural world around them in a happy, inquisitive, hands-on way. As a popular homeschool style, there are many homeschool curricula available consistent with the Charlotte Mason style.
This may be your style if you value:
- Beauty in nature
- Art & creativity
- Classical literature & Living Books
- Learning from the natural world
- Poetry and music
- Narration and copywork
- Short, focused lessons
- Developing good habits and a love of learning
- Christian worldview
- Child-led learning
- Many Charlotte Mason curriculum materials to choose from
READ: 100 Must-Read Classic Books for Kids – The Complete Elementary Reading List
Homeschool Style #4: Montessori
The Montessori model of schooling was developed by Maria Montessori in the early 20th century. Originally, this hands-on, learning-by-playing method was developed to work with children considered difficult to educate but was adapted later for a broader range of learners.
This child-centered approach emphasizes learning through purposeful activities, exploration, and specially designed educational materials as the home becomes the learning playground. Students have large chunks of time in which to explore. The method is heavily tactile meaning students explore the world interactively, allowing gifted children to learn and progress quickly while students with challenges have multiple opportunities to practice and learn at a more leisurely pace.
There is a focus on art, creativity, and open-ended exploration. The child directs his own learning and there is a high level of respect for the child, nourishing a child’s natural curiosity and desire to learn.
In a Montessori homeschool, the home becomes a carefully prepared learning environment. Children have opportunities to choose from appropriate activities, work with hands-on materials, practice practical life skills, and explore concepts at their own pace.
There is a strong focus on independence, order, creativity, and learning by doing. The parent prepares the environment, introduces materials, observes the child, and provides guidance as needed.
Montessori materials are often designed to allow children to recognize and correct their own mistakes. This gives them opportunities to practice and learn with increasing independence.
There are specific Montessori principles and practices, so parents who want to follow this approach closely will need to learn about the method and choose appropriate materials. A Montessori-inspired homeschool can also incorporate selected activities without following every aspect of the full method.
Although Montessori is especially well known in early childhood education, its principles and educational programs extend beyond the elementary years. Some parents, however, use the Montessori approach for the early learning years and then transition to other homeschool methods.
This may be your style if you value:
- Interactive, hands-on learning
- Student led exploration
- Practical life skills
- Specific training for parents
- Specialized educational materials for students
- Creativity and purposeful activity
- Strict adherence to proven methods
- Allowing children to practice skills at their own pace
Homeschool Style #5: Unit Studies
The unit study method of homeschooling involves teaching using themes, often a science or history theme, that will pique a child’s interests. Instead of studying every subject separately, you connect several subjects through one central theme.
A unit study might last three weeks or three months, depending on the topic and your family’s interests. It isn’t always possible to integrate every subject, especially math, but many other subjects can flow together beautifully, combining reading, writing, science, history, art, and geography with intention and purpose.
For example, a child studying the Revolutionary period in American history might:
- Read historical texts and biographies from the period.
- Memorize the Preamble to the Constitution.
- Read historical fiction about George Washington.
- Write essays about colonization and the American Revolution.
- Choose spelling words from the literature being studied.
- Practice cursive writing using historical documents.
- Study Benjamin Franklin’s inventions and experiments.
- Explore how glassblowing worked during the colonial period.
- Memorize the geography of the countries and colonies involved
- Study art of the time period and recreate their own
- Visit a museum or take a family fieldtrip that supports the learning
Because everything is so interrelated, it is a highly engaging, memorable, and fun way to learn! Kids who are resistant to learning often become more interested in a subject and excited about this way of learning. It is often a fun and fascinating, curiosity-led type of deep-dive exploration.
Children typically grasp vocabulary quickly because they see it over and over in multiple contexts. History, geography, reading, writing, spelling, grammar, science and sometimes art are so interwoven that students gain additional practice without even realizing it.
Many Christian families also weave correlated Bible instruction into the unit studies as well, connecting the child’s learning with Scripture.
Unit studies can work particularly well for families with multiple children because siblings can explore the same general topic while completing activities suited to their individual ages and abilities.
This may be your style if you value:
- Integrated, thematic instruction
- The big picture (connecting ideas across subjects)
- Interest led learning
- Exploring topics in depth
- Enjoy deep diving into history or science topics
- Integration of many materials that interact and support one another
- Hands-on projects and activities
- Combining multiple books and resources
- Learning together with children of different ages
READ: Why I Homeschool My Kids
Homeschool Style #6: Unschooling
The unschooling homeschool style gained its name because it is as different from public schooling as could possibly be! The argument could be made that it isn’t a method at all but more of an educational philosophy!
Unschooling is a free-form, interest-led, experiential approach in which a child’s curiosity and interests play the leading role in learning.
In this approach to homeschooling, parents allow the child’s interests to guide instruction. While some formalized teaching may occur to teach basics such as reading, writing, and math, all other subjects are generally taught in the context of allowing the child to pursue his passion until he tires of it or pursue learning opportunities as they arise.
Children may learn through hands-on experiences, fieldtrips, investigation, library trips, conversations, projects, hobbies, and investigations. This approach emphasizes individualized activity-based learning in which the world is the classroom.
Unschooling families vary in how they approach foundational skills such as reading, writing, and math. Some teach these skills directly when needed, while others seek opportunities to develop them through everyday activities and the child’s interests.
For example, a child who loves building things might explore measurement, geometry, engineering, and problem-solving through woodworking or construction projects. A child interested in animals might spend weeks reading books, visiting nature centers, and learning about habitats.
This learn-on-the-go flexible approach goes against convention but works well for families who don’t care to follow a formal curricula or plan. It also allows a child to learn off-the-beaten path knowledge that may be useful for future entrepreneurial opportunities or trades, because it plays into a child’s natural curiosity and self-motivation to learn.
Parents who are considering unschooling should think carefully about how they will ensure their children develop essential academic skills and meet any applicable homeschool requirements.
This may be your style if you value:
- Flexible, casual teaching and learning
- Individualized, interest-led learning
- Hands-on experiences
- Flexibility and spontaneity
- Little or no curriculum
- Learning-on-the-go
- Valuinig real life lessons
- Fieldtrips, exploration, and projects
- Allowing children to pursue their interests
- A less formal approach to schooling
Homeschool Style #7: Eclectic Homeschooling
Eclectic homeschooling is a flexible approach that combines elements of different homeschooling methods. In fact, it is probably the most popular homeschooling method because it is simply a smorgasbord of all the other approaches.
Most families find that different children respond to different methods and so adopt a little of this and a little of that in their homeschool approach. This style treats the other methods mentioned as options.
For example, a family might choose a classical language arts curriculum while using unit studies to combine history, Bible, and science instruction. The same parent may employ Charlotte Mason strategies to nurture their child’s love of nature and art or use Montessori-inspired materials for hands-on math practice.
One child might thrive with a traditional workbook for math, while another learns better through manipulatives and practical activities. An eclectic homeschool allows room for both.
In this way, there are thousands of variations of homeschooling that can all fall under the umbrella of eclectic instruction.
You commonly see an eclectic method among families with multiple children and homeschool moms who have been at it a long time. These homeschooling veterans feel comfortable to cater instruction to best fit the needs of each of their students. They’ve generally tried it all over the years and feel comfortable adapting their instruction to meet their students’ needs.
Of course, you don’t have to be an experienced homeschooler to use an eclectic approach! You can start with a blend of methods right from the beginning.
This may be your style if you value:
- Meeting the needs of several different children
- Freedom to choose from different methods
- Flexibility in curriculum choices
- No strict adherence to any one style
- Change as needed
- Freedom to modify instruction as needed
- Enjoy developing your own curriculum with a little of this and that
- Building a homeschool that that fits your family’s needs
Homeschooling Methods at a Glance
Still trying to decide which homeschool method might work best for your family? Here’s a quick comparison of the seven approaches.
| Homeschool method | Main focus | What it may look like |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Structure and defined subjects | Textbooks, workbooks, assignments, and a regular schedule |
| Classical | Knowledge, language, logic, and rhetoric | Memorization, literature, history, discussion, and writing |
| Charlotte Mason | Living books and a rich education | Reading, narration, nature study, poetry, and art |
| Montessori | Hands-on, independent learning | Prepared learning spaces and purposeful activities |
| Unit Studies | Learning through connected themes | Several subjects explored through one topic |
| Unschooling | Child-led, interest-based learning | Projects, exploration, hobbies, and everyday experiences |
| Eclectic | Combining different approaches | Different methods and curricula chosen for different subjects or children |
Remember, these are general descriptions. Individual families and curricula may combine elements of several approaches.
What are the most popular homeschooling methods?
There isn’t one homeschooling method that is best for every family. Traditional, classical, Charlotte Mason, Montessori, unit studies, unschooling, and eclectic homeschooling each offer different ways to approach education at home.
In the world of homeschooling, you will find strict advocates of some of the styles, especially those who endorse classical learning, Montessori, or Charlotte Mason. However, most families choose an eclectic approach combining the best features of all the different homeschool styles. Others prefer the consistency of a single educational philosophy.
You may also hear about online homeschooling. Online programs can provide lessons, instruction, and assessments through a computer, but online learning is a delivery format rather than a single homeschool philosophy. An online program may be structured like a traditional school, incorporate classical education, or use another approach.
The best place to begin is by considering your family’s goals, your children’s needs, your own teaching preferences, and the educational environment you want to create.
How Do I Choose the Right Homeschool Method for My Family?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, take a deep breath! You don’t have to figure everything out today.
Start by asking yourself a few questions.
1. How much structure do I want in our homeschool?
Do you love a predictable schedule, textbooks, and clearly defined assignments? Traditional or classical homeschooling may appeal to you. If you prefer more flexibility, unit studies or an eclectic approach may be worth exploring.
2. How do my children enjoy learning?
Do your children love reading and discussing books? Charlotte Mason or classical education might be a good fit. Do they love hands-on activities and exploring how things work? Consider Montessori-inspired learning or unit studies.
Remember that children can enjoy different approaches, and their preferences may change as they grow.
3. What are my family’s educational goals and values?
Think about the kind of education you want to provide. Consider the subjects you want to emphasize, the books and materials you want your children to use, and how you want your family’s faith and values reflected in your homeschool.
If teaching your children God’s Word is a priority, look carefully at the worldview and biblical content of the materials you choose. A method alone doesn’t guarantee that a curriculum will align with your family’s beliefs.
4. How much time do I have for planning and preparation?
Some approaches require more advance planning, while others rely on prepared curricula or ready-to-use materials. Think honestly about the time you have available, your other responsibilities, and the needs of your children.
5. Can I combine methods?
Absolutely! You don’t have to choose just one. You might use a structured curriculum for math, living books for history, and hands-on activities for science. Your homeschool can be a combination of approaches that work well for your family.
Most importantly, remember that you can make changes. You aren’t locked into one homeschool method forever!
Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling Methods
What is the easiest homeschool method for beginners?
There isn’t one easiest method for every family. Parents who want a clear plan and ready-made lessons may find traditional homeschooling easier to begin. Families who enjoy reading and exploring topics together may prefer Charlotte Mason or unit studies. An eclectic approach can also work well if you want to combine a structured curriculum with more flexible activities.
Choose an approach that feels manageable for your family rather than trying to create a perfect homeschool from the start.
Can I combine different homeschooling methods?
Yes! You can use different methods for different subjects, children, or seasons of life. For example, you might use a traditional math curriculum, Charlotte Mason-inspired literature, and unit studies for history and science. This is commonly called eclectic homeschooling.
Do I need to choose a homeschool method before buying curriculum?
It helps to understand your preferences before investing in curriculum, but you don’t have to settle on a specific method first. Learn about the major approaches, consider your family’s needs, and look for materials that support your goals. You can adjust your choices as you learn what works.
Can my homeschool style change over time?
Absolutely! Your homeschool style may change as your children grow, your family circumstances change, or you discover new approaches that work better for your students. Many parents begin with a structured curriculum and gradually incorporate more flexibility. Others move toward more structure as their children get older.
Your homeschool doesn’t have to look the same every year.
Is eclectic homeschooling a good choice for families with multiple children?
It can be! Eclectic homeschooling allows you to choose different materials and teaching strategies based on each child’s needs. You might teach several children together for history or Bible while using individual curricula for math and language arts. This flexibility can be especially helpful when your children have different interests, strengths, and learning needs.
What’s YOUR homeschool style?
When I first started out as a homeschool mom, I had just left he public school classroom as a teacher. You can read about why I made that decision, but being a classroom teacher significantly impacted my homeschool style. I was a huge fan of the unit studies method, but I also loved aspects of the traditional school model. You know – the smell of fresh pencils every August and the rhythm of a typical school year.
As an early childhood educator, I was also pretty familiar with the Montessori method, but not convinced I I wanted to do it at home.
So, while I leaned into unit studies initially, I soon discovered some pieces of classical homeschooling and Charlotte Mason that were a good fit for my crew. Within a year or two, I had chunked most of the formal curricula in favor of creating my own approach – a beautiful hodge-podge of what works for US.
We became less traditional and much more eclectic. And that’s the beauty of homeschooling! You have the freedom to find an approach that works for your family and make changes along the way.
I’ve never yet given unschooling a whirl, but who knows? Maybe one day.
What about you? What’s your homeschool style?
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