After making the initial decision to homeschool, the next significant choice that homeschool parents confront is determining which homeschool method would be suitable for their family.
It is common for parents to choose a curriculum based on its appeal without delving into the homeschooling style’s underlying philosophy. This is acceptable as sometimes we need to rely on our instincts. However, it may be beneficial to understand the different types of homeschooling in order to compare your own program’s style or identify any potential shortcomings for your family.
Different types of homeschooling
Although there may be additional homeschool methods that are not mentioned here, the six listed are commonly considered to be the most common. If one of the approaches on this list catches your attention, we suggest conducting further research as the descriptions provided here are general and do not cover all the techniques that could be advantageous for your family.
Let’s begin with the traditional method of homeschooling, which is often the first style that comes to mind when thinking about the average homeschooling experience.
1. Traditional homeschooling
Traditional homeschooling, also referred to as the school-at-home approach, is similar to the educational model observed in conventional public and private schools. This similarity arises from the fact that traditional homeschoolers adhere to a comprehensive curriculum that involves progressing through grades sequentially.
Often, traditional homeschooling comprises the same educational resources found in public and private schools, such as textbooks, workbooks, tests, quizzes, structured lesson plans, and various academic activities. While some parents develop their own curriculum, many others opt for a preexisting program.
Today, online learning, distance learning, and satellite schools are closely intertwined with traditional homeschooling. So, how do these options differ? Online learning occurs solely through the internet.
In most cases, students use a virtual learning environment (VLE) like Moodle, Google Classroom, or various other proprietary platforms to access their course materials. These lessons can either be synchronous, occurring in real-time, or asynchronous, happening at a time convenient for the learner.
Distance learning encompasses various types of learning that take place outside of the conventional classroom setting. This encompasses not only online learning, but also correspondence courses and blended learning, which combine online and in-person components.
In the context of homeschooling, satellite schools (also known as umbrella programs) are schools that provide homeschoolers with resources, support, and oversight, although the term “satellite school” can have various meanings.
Satellite schools serve different purposes for homeschoolers, ranging from paperwork assistance to offering a comprehensive curriculum. They often provide diplomas and transcripts as well. Additionally, in states with stringent homeschooling requirements, satellite schools can help establish legal validity.
Advantages
- The traditional method provides parents with a high level of structure and accountability.
- Online and distance learning options often offer convenience and flexible schedules.
Disadvantages
- The traditional method is often restrictive.
- The curriculum is often set in stone.
- The traditional method often downplays learning opportunities such as
- field trips,
- art and music lessons,
- and college credit programs.
- The intensity of this structure can cause families to burn out quickly.
- Technology is a wonderful educational supplement, but it’s not a replacement for community and stick-in-the-sand learning.
2. Unschooling
Unschooling, which is at the opposite end of the spectrum, is a method of homeschooling that is more relaxed and focuses on letting children lead their own learning. This approach stresses the importance of following a child’s interests, passions, and curiosities. Parents who choose unschooling prioritize learning through experiences and hands-on activities.
The absence of a curriculum, assignments, standardized testing, and parental direction instruction results in the student learning through life experiences and natural curiosity.
While some people are more open to different approaches in unschooling, such as enrolling their students in formal piano lessons if they have an interest in music, others strictly adhere to the philosophy without any exceptions.
In 2018, a calculation was made and it showed that 20 percent of homeschoolers identified themselves as unschoolers. Later, in a national survey conducted in 2022, a group of homeschoolers were questioned about their reasons for choosing unschooling. The survey found that the three most common responses were: “to acquire important life skills,” “enabling my children to concentrate on subjects that are important to them,” and “providing support for my children’s specific requirements.”
Advantages
- Unschooling is flexible and customizable.
- Unschooling rewards natural curiosity and the pursuit of personal interests.
Disadvantages
- The method offers little structure, which can
- lead to stagnation,
- decrease motivation,
- and reduce accountability.
3. Unit studies
Homeschool families who follow a unit studies approach gain knowledge on subjects in relation to a particular theme and change the theme once finished. The themes can be historical events, geographical regions, ideologies, or other unifying concepts.
Parents have the option to choose the subjects they want their children to learn about or they can buy preplanned unit studies. In either case, parents will supply their students with books, activities, documentaries, and other resources to enhance their comprehension of the specific topic.
Advantages
- Unit studies takes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach.
- Subjects aren’t confined in boxes to be studied in isolation.
- Students are encouraged to make wider connections between topics.
- Unit studies are flexible and can be tailored to students’ interests.
Disadvantages
- Unit studies can lack defined goals unless parents follow a well-structured curriculum.
- Parents may find it difficult to determine what to study next.
- Parents may find it difficult to assess students’ learning.
- While understanding how different subjects are connected is important, certain subjects build on others: students may begin a topic without the prerequisite skills or knowledge.
4. Charlotte Mason homeschooling
The Charlotte Mason Homeschooling method believes that children should be respected as individuals and not treated as empty vessels needing to be filled with information.
Charlotte Mason believes that children should be allowed to engage in play, artistic creation, and real-life experiences that can serve as valuable learning opportunities. Those who adhere to the Charlotte Mason approach partake in nature walks, explore art museums, and acquire knowledge in geography, history, and literature through the use of “living books” – books that make these subjects truly captivating.
In order to assist homeschoolers who follow the Charlotte Mason teaching style, it is possible for them to collect information from books, websites, and potentially establish their own support group centered around Charlotte Mason.
5. Waldorf homeschooling
The Waldorf Homeschooling method is a well-liked approach to homeschooling. It is rooted in the teachings of Rudolf Steiner and emphasizes the holistic education of the entire child, encompassing the body, mind, and spirit.
In the lower grades, the focus is on arts and crafts, music and movement, and nature, while older children learn how to become self-aware and think critically. Waldorf homeschooled children do not rely on regular textbooks, but instead they make their own books.
The Waldorf homeschooling method also promotes limiting the use of televisions and computers due to their belief that these devices are detrimental to a child’s health and creativity.
6. Montessori homeschooling
The Montessori homeschooling method is a style of homeschooling that has gained popularity. With the Montessori method, the focus is on “errorless learning” which allows children to learn at their own pace and reach their full potential. The Montessori homeschool approach prioritizes beauty and quality while avoiding things that may be confusing or cluttered.
The Montessori homeschooling family keeps their learning materials well organized and readily available for use. They prefer wooden tools over plastic tools. When in need of assistance, they would refer to their library to read books about the Montessori method. Additionally, they may reach out to a Montessori school in their area for advice and direction.
The Montessori method includes discouraging the use of televisions and computers, particularly for younger children. While Montessori materials cater to high school students as well, the majority of homeschoolers opt for the Montessori method for their younger children.
7. Classical model
The last homeschool style included in this list is the classical model of education, which involves parents instructing students based on a well-established approach that dates back to the ancient Greeks.
The method known as the trivium focuses on developing practical skills that are beneficial for success in every aspect of life. The trivium includes the mastery of three major skills, which are grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric.
To comprehend the trivium, you can consider grammar as the act of taking in information (i.e., committing vocabulary and ideas to memory), dialectic as the act of analyzing and reasoning with that information (i.e., posing questions and thinking logically), and rhetoric as the act of presenting the analyzed information (i.e., conveying, elucidating, or convincing others of ideas).
In the classical model of education, students focus on developing grammar skills in their kindergarten and elementary years, dialectic skills during middle and early high school years, and rhetoric skills in the late high school years. To practice these skills, students study high-quality literature, resources, and content in important subjects.
The classical method of education offers numerous advantages, as it is a well-established and effective strategy for providing students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in various aspects of life.
Although some people may perceive classical homeschool programs as outdated or requiring a lot of effort, the classical model is actually very flexible, enabling parents to personalize their education as needed.
Advantages
- The classical approach is time-tested.
- The trivium is based on natural cognitive developments.
- The classical model is centered around the pursuit of the good, the true, and the beautiful.
Disadvantages
- Some argue that the classical model is antiquated.
- It should be noted that commentators have noted classical education is undergoing a renaissance.
- The classical model of education can be demanding of parents.
