What are the different Educational Philosophies for homeschool? {free printable!}

I’ve come to appreciate that homeschooling isn’t about finding the perfect Educational method—it’s about discovering what nurtures your own individual child’s growth and love of learning. From the gentle rhythms of Charlotte Mason to the imaginative, whole-child approach of Waldorf, educational philosophies offer helpful guides, not rigid rules! Please remember that! I know there are “purists” out there and there is a reason for that; they will tell you that their method only works if you are jumping in “whole hog”. I can appreciate this sentiment. But this is real life. Having the choice can remind us that education is more than academics—it’s about cultivating curiosity, character, and connection. As you explore different approaches, you’re free to take what resonates and create a home atmosphere where learning feels alive, meaningful, and deeply rooted in your own personal family’s values and needs.

Classical Education:

Classical education, begun in ancient Greece, has one purpose, to lead students towards the truth. The roots of Classical teaching are in Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero, and later, have its Christian roots in Augustine, Luther, and Lewis.  They emphasize upholding the traditions that created Western culture and civilization.

Classical education consists of a virtuous education, a content-rich curriculum, teaching the child how to learn. Emphasis is placed on a traditional classroom environment, that is, the teacher in front of the classroom while directing instruction and facilitating curriculum. This philosophy educates the whole child, teaches them the true and beautiful wisdom of old, and emphasizes that children are more than their standardized test scores. 

Curriculum Examples: Memoria Press, Veritas Press, Classical Conversations

Charlotte Mason:

The Charlotte Mason method is based on the firm belief that the child is a person and must be educated as a whole person, and not just a mind. “Education is an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life.” Emphasis is placed on living books, narration, exposure to classical art and music, as well as extended time in nature.

Her philosophy can be summed up in this quote: “The question is not, — how much does the youth know? when he has finished his education — but how much does he care? and about how many orders of things does he care? In fact, how large is the room in which he finds his feet set? and, therefore, how full is the life he has before him?” — Charlotte M. Mason

Curriculum Examples: Ambleside Online, A Gentle Feast, Simply Charlotte Mason.

Montessori:

The Montessori method nurtures independent learning with specially designed materials and its curriculum offers children five key areas of study: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language, and Cultural Studies. Each area of study is made up of a set of educational materials that increase in complexity.

Montessori classrooms are focused on independence using a sequence of specific materials. While the curriculum provides a classroom with structure. Its prime focus is on children (individuals) and should be given the freedom to choose their own activities and focus on learning in their own way. 

Curriculum Examples: while you can use various elements of the Montessori Method at home in the key areas of study, its philosophy is best implemented in a classroom setting. Helpful sites include: Living Montessori Now, American Montessori Society.

Traditional:

The traditional style of homeschool closely mimics a classroom setting. This means there is heavy emphasis on textbooks and workbooks for every subject. Most instruction is teacher or book led and there is an emphasis on keeping a child on a grade-level target. You can achieve a solid and thorough education using this method and teaching a child what to learn..

Curriculum Examples: Abeka, Christian Light. 

Reggio Emilia:

The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool education. It was created after WWII by a teacher in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Educators and families believed that children needed new ways of learning, to cultivate young minds as an investment in the future. The Reggio Emilia approach was developed to help children learn in this new framework.

Young children are allowed to express themselves in different ways as they develop their personality. Activities such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and drama are encouraged, as these are all seen as “languages” children use. By allowing children to engage in meaningful learning experiences, the Reggio Emilia approach helps to instill a love of learning, enhances early education and prepares children for the transition into formal school.

Further Resource: Working in the Reggio Way by Dr. Julianne Wurm

Waldorf:

Founded in the early 20th century, Waldorf education is based on the insights, teachings and principles of education outlined by  artist, and scientist, Rudolf Steiner. The principles of Waldorf education evolve from an understanding of human development that address the needs of the growing child. 

It is the goal of a Waldorf teacher to cultivate a sense of wonder and to inspire children to view the world incorporating storytelling, art, music, rhythm, repetition, and observation while using deliberate and artistic processes.

Curriculum Examples: Earthschooling, Oak Meadow, Waldorf Essentials.

Unit Study:

Homeschooling with Unit Studies is a homeschool method in which instead of using a linear curriculum you spend more focus time on one topic at a time, incorporating as many subjects within the unit as possible. For instance you might do an entire homeschool unit on Ancient Times or Egyptian Times or Ocean Animals or Plants or the Civil War. All of your learning (except mathematics) is incorporated into this subject.

Unit studies make it easy to teach different ages at the same time by using a multi-level strategy. They can be hands-on, literature-based, or even nature-based.

Curriculum Examples: Gather Round, My Father’s World.

Unschooling:

The unschooling philosophy is that the child is the best decider to direct his own education. Unschoolers spend their time cultivating their own interests and creating work associated with that. Some parents see this as a completely hand-off approach, as the learning is child-led, but strong effort by the parents is needed to ensure a solid and well-rounded education. Some states do not allow this type of learning and I would strongly caution against it, as having a standard for learning is helpful and in most cases, absolutely necessary.

Further Curriculums we love that mix several philosophies: Gentle + Classical Press, The Good and the Beautiful, My Father’s World, Beautiful Feet Books, Sonlight, Heart of Dakota.

Grab your free guide here so you can keep it handy!