Homeschool Styles: Choose the Right Approach for Your Family
Homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular, but with the variety of homeschool styles available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best approach for your family.
In this guide, you’ll learn about different styles of homeschooling. From traditional approaches to unschooling, you’ll find a homeschool method that fits your family’s needs.
In this article about different types of homeschooling, you’ll discover the following information:
- Summaries for most methods of homeschooling.
- Podcast episodes about different ways to homeschool your kids.
- Links to more comprehensive articles about different homeschooling approaches.
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Watch the Video: Homeschool Styles Explained
There really isn’t a single “right” way to homeschool. While some homeschooling parents adhere to a single method, many ultimately become eclectic homeschoolers. They simply take bits and pieces of the methods that work best for their children.
This video provides a helpful overview of popular homeschool styles and key terms, enabling you to better understand the options and feel more confident in choosing what suits your children.
21 Homeschool Styles & Educational Approaches
Below, you’ll find an overview of various homeschool styles and educational approaches. Many of these resources feature in-depth articles, videos, or podcast episodes to help you dive deeper into the methods that interest you most.
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1. Charlotte-Mason Homeschooling
The Charlotte Mason method is a literature-rich approach that uses living books to spark your child’s curiosity. It weaves in nature studies, art, music, and narration to encourage thoughtful observation and reflection.
2. Curriculum-Based Approach
Using a curriculum can be a great way to guide your child’s learning — but remember, it’s just one tool. The curriculum can support your homeschooling journey, but there are many other meaningful ways for your child to learn and grow as well.
3. Child-Led Learning: Self-Directed, Play-Based, Delight-Directed
With a self-directed style of education, the child leads their learning. Sometimes, you may hear this referred to as play-based learning, self-directed learning, or delight-directed learning.
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4. Classical Education Method
Classical education began in ancient times with the great philosophers. A classical homeschooling method combines learning about The Seven Liberal Arts with reading the Great Books. This approach is divided into three learning stages, known as the trivium.
5. Concept-Based Learning
When using a concept-based approach to learning, your goal is to help your child understand an overall idea. While you may use curricula, you can also help your child learn through games, field trips, reading, and other activities.
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6. Deschooling
While deschooling is not a style of homeschooling, it’s helpful to understand this term. Deschooling is a transition time between a child attending school and homeschooling. Many homeschool parents and organizations recommend deschooling before beginning to homeschool.
7. Eclectic Method of Homeschooling
When you’re an eclectic homeschooler, you’re simply cherry-picking from various curricula and homeschooling styles. In essence, you’re doing what works best for your family.
8. Gameschooling Approach
Gameschooling is an educational approach that utilizes games to teach a range of subjects and skills. This method fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills through interactive play. It creates a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment for children.
9. Montessori Method of Homeschooling
The Montessori Method of homeschooling emphasizes child-led, hands-on learning at the child’s own pace. It fosters independence, critical thinking, and a love of learning. Children choose their activities in a prepared environment, promoting self-discipline.
10. Nature Schooling & Outdoor Learning Models: Wild Schooling, Forest Schooling, Earth Schooling
Nature schooling is an educational approach that immerses students in the natural world, fostering hands-on learning and exploration. It enhances academic learning while promoting physical health, mental well-being, and environmental stewardship.
11. Online Public (Virtual) School
Online public schools (virtual schools) are sometimes known as K12 programs. This isn’t homeschooling at all, but many parents are led to believe that it is. Your options are very limited when choosing this option. Read the article to learn more.
12. Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning is a teaching method where students undertake a project for educational purposes. The key difference between a unit study and project-based learning is that a project-based learning experience typically results in a public product that will be shared.
13. Relaxed Homeschooling
Relaxed homeschooling combines structure with flexibility, enabling children to learn at their own pace and pursue their interests. It creates a low-stress environment, striking a balance between formal lessons and hands-on activities. This approach fosters a love for learning by adapting to each child’s needs and curiosity.
14. Roadschooling and Homeschooling
Roadschooling is a homeschooling method in which families travel and use real-world experiences to educate their children. Students learn through visits to historical sites, museums, and diverse cultures. Other methods of homeschooling are sometimes combined with roadschooling.
15. Strewing In Your Homeschool
Strewing is a way to make learning fun by placing interesting items around the house for kids to discover. It helps kids learn new things without making them feel like they’re in a classroom. By finding and exploring these items, kids can enjoy learning in a natural and exciting way.
16. Teacher-Led Learning Model: Direct Instruction
A teacher-led learning model emulates the public education system, which involves a structured approach where the teacher is the primary authority. The parent-teacher delivers knowledge through clear instructions and demonstrations, guides students through practice, and provides immediate feedback. This model emphasizes direct instruction, relies heavily on curricula, and involves continuous assessment to ensure mastery of the material.
17. Traditional Homeschooling: A School-at-Home Approach
Traditional homeschooling utilizes textbooks, workbooks, computer programs, and a curriculum similar to those found in public schools, covering core subjects such as math, science, language arts, and social studies. This approach often mirrors the structure and schedule of a traditional school day.
18. True Homeschooling
True homeschooling means you are legally homeschooling your kids and are not using materials or funds provided by the public education system. As a true homeschooler, you are not enrolled in the public school system, publicly funded K-12 programs, or any other publicly funded education program.
19. Unit Studies Approach
When homeschooling with unit studies, you’ll choose a topic or theme to study. You’ll then figure out ways to integrate various subject areas into the unit study. Your family can study a topic together, or each child can choose their own topic to study.
20. Relaxed Homeschooling
Relaxed homeschooling combines structure with flexibility, enabling children to learn at their own pace and pursue their interests. It creates a low-stress environment, striking a balance between formal lessons and hands-on activities. This approach fosters a love for learning by adapting to each child’s needs and curiosity.
21. Unschooling & Radical Unschooling
Unschooling is a homeschooling approach where children learn through pursuing their interests without a structured curriculum. It emphasizes real-life experiences and self-directed education. This method provides a personalized and flexible learning journey that focuses on the child’s natural curiosity.
Podcast Episode: Explore Different Styles of Homeschooling
In this episode of the HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast, you’ll learn about many different styles of homeschooling. From a classical education to unschooling, we cover the full spectrum of homeschooling methods. If you’re new to the world of homeschooling, this is a must-listen episode.
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22. Worldschooling, Traveling, and Homeschooling
Worldschooling combines travel and cultural experiences with homeschooling, providing a global perspective and hands-on learning. Families explore different countries, learn about other cultures, visit museums, and more.
Find the Homeschool Method That Fits Your Family
As you review the various homeschooling methods, consider how you can best support your child’s learning and academic development. Ultimately, helping your children learn is more important than the method you use.
These three steps are at the core of learning.
- Acquire information.
- Practice, play with, or otherwise use your acquired information.
- Share the information.
Regardless of the homeschool method you choose, remember that your goal is to help your child grow and enjoy the learning process. Keep it simple, stay flexible, and trust that learning happens when you focus on these core steps.
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Helpful Resources for Your Homeschool Journey
💡 Homeschool Consulting Services — Get personalized guidance and support for your unique family.
🧠 Life Coaching for Parents — Strengthen your mindset and enjoy homeschooling and parenting more.
🤝 How Homeschoolers Make Friends — Practical tips for building friendships and finding community.
📖 Education vs. Schooling: What’s the Difference? — Consider the differences between “education” and “schooling.”
📚 Free Homeschooling Course — Learn the basics and build a strong foundation for homeschool success.
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