Classical Education   |   Montessori   |   Charlotte Mason Methods   |   Unschooling  |   Unit Studies  |   Waldorf Methods  |   Eclectic Learners  |   Umbrella Schools  |  

Classical Education
Classical education philosophies follow a specific three-part strategy. The mind must first be supplied with facts and images, then given the logical tools for organization of facts, and finally equipped to express conclusions. Popular variations of classical education include The Well Trained Mind and Thomas Jefferson Education.

Charlotte Mason Methods
The Charlotte Mason educational method stresses the use of "whole" books written by one author who shares his favorite subject and his enthusiasm as opposed to textbooks, narration of knowledge learned, excellence in writing, and lots of time outdoors.

Montessori Principles
Developed in the early 1900s, this teaching style guide the teacher to "control the environment, not the child". Montessori encourages providing a hands-on learning environment and absorbing knowledge from your surroundings.

Unschooling
Also referred to as "child led learning", followers of the unschooling movement believe in natural learning and allowing the child to learn through ordinary events of everyday life.

Waldorf Methods
Academics are de-emphasized in the early years with all subjects instead introduced through artistic mediums. Learning in elementary grades is non-competitive with no grades being given. The use of electronic media, particularly television, by young children is strongly discouraged. Waldorf education methods aim to educate the whole child, "head, heart and hands", to encourage creativity and free-thinking.

Unit Studies
Unit studies choose a single topic or theme, then incorporate almost all areas of academics - literature, grammar, applied math, science, history, geography, art, character building, religious study. - into that one study. Each area of academics studied will relate back to the original theme being studied.

Typical families will study multiple different themes during the course of a year. Each theme is studied for a number of weeks. It is typically recommend that a child have a full course of study in phonics (when applicable) and mathematics to round out a unit study approach. A unit study approach is often beneficial when teaching multiple children who are all at different grade levels.

Umbrella Schools
This includes Independent Study Programs, Distance Learning Programs, Virtual or Cyber Schools, Charter Schools, Learning Centers

Eclectic Learners
Many homeschoolers prefer to select bits and pieces of favorite teaching styles creating a unique combination rather than selectively choosing any one particular style.