Overview: This is a mix-and-match approach where parents take elements from various homeschooling styles to create a customized learning experience for their children.

Characteristics:

Flexible and adaptable.

Combines aspects of traditional, unschooling, Montessori, etc.

Allows the parent to tailor the education based on the child’s strengths and needs.

Overview: This approach mimics traditional school at home, where parents follow a structured curriculum with set schedules, textbooks, and assignments.

Characteristics:

Teacher-directed learning.

Set daily schedule.

Formal curriculum (similar to public or private school).

Overview: A more flexible, student-centered approach where learning is driven by the child's natural curiosity and interests rather than a fixed curriculum.

Characteristics:

Child-led learning.

Focus on life skills, real-world experiences, and exploration.

Minimal to no formal curriculum or tests.

Overview: Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, this approach emphasizes hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and collaborative play.

Characteristics:

Child-centered approach.

Focus on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for the child’s natural psychological development.

Learning materials are designed for children to use independently.

Overview: Focuses on learning by doing, where students work on extended projects over time, integrating various subjects.

Characteristics:

Real-world application of knowledge.

Collaborative and hands-on approach.

Students are engaged in deep learning through investigation, experimentation, and creation.

Overview: A unique form of homeschooling that integrates travel, cultural experiences, and global exploration into the learning process. Families often travel the world, and the child's education is based on real-world experiences.

Characteristics:

Learning through travel: Children learn history, geography, languages, and culture by experiencing them firsthand.

Global perspective: Focus on understanding different cultures, societies, and global issues.

Flexible learning environments: Education is often not confined to a traditional classroom but is based on exploration, museums, local traditions, and hands-on activities.

Real-world experiences: Field trips, cultural immersion, and volunteer work become key educational tools.

Overview: An early childhood education approach that encourages children to explore the world around them through art, creativity, and collaboration.

Characteristics:

Child-driven, with an emphasis on expression through art, music, and movement.

Learning in a social, collaborative environment.

Encourages exploration and investigation of the child’s own interests.

Overview: This approach integrates religious teachings and values into the educational process, often using a faith-based curriculum.

Characteristics:

Focus on moral and religious development alongside academic subjects.

Curriculum often includes Bible study, theology, and prayer.

Common in Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based homeschooling families.

Overview: Focuses on a particular theme or topic (e.g., space, ancient Egypt, animals), and integrates subjects like history, science, math, and art around that theme.

Characteristics:

All subjects are explored through the lens of a central topic.

Creative projects, field trips, and hands-on activities are common.

It’s adaptable to various ages, making it great for multi-age families.

Overview: Based on the classical model of education, it focuses on a three-phase process: Grammar (learning the basics), Logic (critical thinking and reasoning), and Rhetoric (communicating effectively).

Characteristics:

Focus on history, Latin, and classical literature.

Rigorous learning with emphasis on memorization and critical thinking.

Structured approach, often using resources like the Well-Trained Mind.

Overview: In this method, children use online platforms and courses to complete their education. This can either be full-time virtual schooling or supplemental online courses.

Characteristics:

Self-paced learning.

Interaction with live instructors or pre-recorded lessons.

Many programs are accredited and follow state standards.

Overview: Based on the educational philosophy of Charlotte Mason, this method emphasizes literature, nature study, and the development of good habits. It uses living books (books written by authors passionate about the subject) rather than textbooks.

Characteristics:

Focus on rich, quality literature.

Nature study and outdoor exploration.

Encourages habits like attention, memory, and discipline.

Short lessons and varied activities.

Overview: An educational approach that centers African culture, history, and values. It emphasizes pride in African heritage and a connection to African traditions, identity, and global contributions.

Characteristics:

Focus on African history, arts, languages, and spiritual practices.

Integration of African-centered curriculum, literature, and resources.

Encourages students to explore the African diaspora and global African cultures.

Aims to instill cultural pride, self-awareness, and social responsibility.

May include storytelling, oral traditions, and African-based philosophies.

Overview: Focuses on creating a more inclusive, fair, and socially just education. This model prioritizes the needs and experiences of historically marginalized groups and aims to foster a sense of equity for all students.

Characteristics:

Curriculum that challenges systemic inequalities (e.g., racism, classism, ableism).

Focus on inclusivity, diverse voices, and critical thinking around social issues.

Exploration of justice, advocacy, and activism.

Emphasis on supporting learners of all abilities, backgrounds, and needs.

Often integrates anti-bias and anti-racist education into the daily curriculum.

Overview: This method immerses students in the study of various cultures from around the world, focusing on learning about customs, languages, history, and global perspectives.

Characteristics:

Emphasis on global education, fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Curriculum includes world history, geography, global traditions, languages, and art.

Exploration of cultural diversity and understanding societal challenges from a global viewpoint.

Often includes international field trips, virtual exchanges, or cultural festivals.

Aims to raise global citizens who are empathetic, open-minded, and socially aware.

Overview: This approach focuses on honoring Indigenous ways of knowing, traditions, languages, and history. It integrates Indigenous teachings, stories, and philosophies into the educational process.

Characteristics:

Emphasis on Indigenous cultures, languages, and philosophies, with a focus on the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples.

Curriculum integrates traditional ecological knowledge, spirituality, and community-based learning.

Celebrates Indigenous histories, both pre-colonial and contemporary, to challenge stereotypes and inaccuracies.

Encourages connections to the land, environmental stewardship, and sustainability through Indigenous lenses.

Often involves storytelling, oral traditions, and engaging with Indigenous elders and community members.

Integration of Native languages and practices, fostering pride in one’s cultural heritage and resilience.