One of the first things that surprises new homeschoolers is just how many different ways there are to homeschool. Finding the method that fits your family makes everything easier — so here are 10 types of homeschooling methods, explained simply. And remember: you don't have to fit neatly into just one. Our homeschool usually falls under a mixture of methods.
The 10 methods
1. School-at-Home Homeschooling
School-at-home is when you mimic public or private schools in your home. Most new homeschooling families start with this method until they figure out what works best for them. When you buy an All-In-One curriculum or "school in a box," this is usually the method you're doing. We've used this method since we started homeschooling and it's what works best for us — we use My Father's World and we love it — but it may not work well for everyone.
2. Classical Homeschooling
Classical homeschooling focuses on a three-part process. The first part is the Grammar Stage, when you build a basic knowledge of the core subjects like math, language arts, science, and history. The second part is the Logic Stage, when children want to know more about a topic and typically start asking "why" — questions that help them reach conclusions on their own. The third and final part is the Abstract (or Rhetoric) Stage, which combines their knowledge of core subjects with their ability to reach a conclusion.
3. Charlotte Mason Homeschooling
Charlotte Mason homeschooling was developed by Charlotte Mason, who placed emphasis on literature and even coined the phrase "living books." She believed in sparking the imagination of a child through the subject matter. Her motto was "Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life," and she wanted children to learn self-discipline as well as their academics. With this method you'll read lots of literature, explore nature outside, and include art, music, journaling, dictation, and copywork.
4. Montessori Homeschooling
Montessori — also known as the Montessori Method of Education — was developed by Maria Montessori, and it focuses on the development of children physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Parents facilitate and the child directs the learning: parents find curriculum or materials that fit their child's interests, which encourages children to learn more about what they love. The Montessori method encourages children to pick their own learning activities, do hands-on work, work at their own pace, and use active learning methods.
5. Unschooling Homeschooling
Unschooling is informal learning where the student learns through life experiences. The term "unschooling" was coined in the 1970s and used by educator John Holt, widely regarded as the father of unschooling. As Mary Griffith, author of The Unschooling Handbook, puts it: "Unschooling means learning what one wants, when one wants, in the way one wants, for one's own reasons."
6. Unit Studies Homeschooling
Unit studies homeschooling is when core subjects are all taught around one single topic. This method is often used by homeschooling families teaching different-aged children at one time. Unit studies also let children dive deeper into a topic, and kids usually retain more from this method.
7. Eclectic Homeschooling
Eclectic homeschooling is when you pick and choose from many different books, websites, curriculums, board games, and so on to teach your children. Many homeschool families choose this method because it lets you pick what works best for each of your children — just because one math curriculum works well for one child doesn't mean it will work for all of them.
8. Gameschooling Homeschooling
Gameschooling is when a board game is used to help a child learn a particular skill or to learn more about a subject. It's a fun way for kids to learn and enjoy themselves at the same time, and some homeschool families choose to gameschool instead of using a curriculum for a given subject. (I go deeper in What Is Gameschooling?)
9. Natural Learning Homeschooling
Natural learning refers to learning on-demand, where children pursue knowledge based on their interests. Parents take an active part in facilitating activities and experiences that are conducive to learning, but don't rely heavily on textbooks or spend much time "teaching" — looking instead for "learning moments" throughout daily activities.
10. Informal Learning / Self-Directed Homeschooling
Informal learning (or self-directed) homeschooling is learning that happens through everyday life participation and creation. Anything from planting a garden to baking a cake — or even talking with a technician about installing new software — can be considered informal learning.
When homeschooling, you do not have to fit into one of the methods. Our homeschool usually falls under a mixture of them — and that's perfectly okay.
How to choose your method
Don't feel pressured to commit forever. Pick the method (or blend) that sounds most like your family for now, and let it evolve as you go. If you'd like help narrowing it down, take the free homeschool style quiz, and see the curriculum I trust on my resources page.
Find what fits your family
There's no single "right" way to homeschool — only the way that works for your children and your home. Read through these methods, notice which ones make you nod, and start there. Grab the free starter checklist below to keep your first year on track.
Free homeschool starter checklist
A simple one-page checklist to start your homeschool year with confidence.
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