Homeschool Philosophies Made Simple
Finding the perfect educational approach (or blend of approaches) for your unique family
One of the greatest gifts of homeschooling is the freedom to choose how your children learn. There isn't one 'right way' – there's your family's way. In this guide, we'll walk through the most common educational philosophies that homeschoolers draw from. Consider these your building blocks for creating an approach as unique as your children.
Before we get to different philosophies, take a moment to reflect on Your Family's Values and Needs. Remember that mission statement we created? Use that as your foundation! Consider your children's unique preferences, interests, and how they engage most enthusiastically with learning. And, let's be realistic, what are your practical considerations? A single-income family without a dedicated homeschool room (that's us!), single parents, work-from-home parents, or co-parents in separate households can each approach homeschooling in ways that fit their own unique circumstances
Consider these key questions:
What are your children's interests and preferences?
What are your practical limitations? (Budget, time, space)
What are your core values as a family? (Refer back to your mission statement!) ↓
Answering these questions first will help you filter through the options and identify the philosophies (or parts of philosophies) that are most likely to resonate with your family.
A Tour of Homeschooling Philosophies
Let's explore some common approaches. Remember, these are just starting points – you can mix and match to your heart's content!
1. Classical Education
Classical education is a structured, rigorous approach organized around history as its foundation. It's based on the "Trivium," which divides learning into three stages: Grammar (elementary), Logic (middle school), and Rhetoric (high school). TimeTrek follows a four-year history cycle that is similar to Classical Education, which often incorporates a chronological look at history.
Key Features: Focus on classic literature, Latin (often), memorization, development of critical thinking and communication skills.
Pros: Strong academic foundation, develops strong logic and reasoning skills, prepares students well for higher education.
Cons: Can be intense and demanding, may not appeal to all learning styles, can be resource-intensive. Critics sometimes argue it’s outdated or overly Eurocentric rather than embracing a broader Western tradition; some modern adaptations have addressed this by modifying the readings.
Might Be a Good Fit If... You value structure, rigor, and a strong emphasis on academic excellence. You want your children to develop strong critical thinking and communication skills.
note: While many classical homeschooling resources have a Christian focus, the approach itself isn’t inherently religious. There are secular options that offer a faith-neutral framework, making classical education adaptable to any worldview.
Examples:
Christian: Memoria Press, Classical Conversations, Veritas Press
Secular: The Well-Trained Mind, Ambleside Online
2. Charlotte Mason
The Charlotte Mason method emphasizes "living books" (narrative-style books written by passionate authors), nature study, short lessons, narration (telling back what was learned), and art appreciation.
Key Features: Emphasis on developing a love of learning, respect for the child as a person, habit training, exposure to high-quality literature and art.
Pros: Gentle and engaging, fosters a love of learning, connects children with nature, encourages independent thinking.
Cons: Can be less structured, may require more parent involvement in the early years, may emphasize literature and arts over rigorous math or science.
Might Be a Good Fit If... You value a gentle, nature-based approach. You want your children to develop a love of learning and a deep appreciation for beauty. You're comfortable with a less structured approach.
Examples:
Christian: Simply Charlotte Mason, Living Books Curriculum, The Good and Beautiful (inspired by Charlotte Mason)
Secular: Ambleside Online
3. Unschooling
Unschooling is a child-led approach where learning is driven by the child's interests and curiosity. There's no set curriculum or schedule. From the outside, it may appear to be chaos but it’s guided by the child’s natural learning process
Key Features: Emphasis on freedom, self-direction, experiential learning, real-world application.
Pros: Highly individualized, fosters a love of learning, encourages creativity and independence.
Cons: Can be challenging for parents who prefer structure, may require a significant shift in mindset, may not provide a comprehensive academic foundation (depending on the child's interests), may raise concerns about college readiness.
Might Be a Good Fit If... You have a very self-motivated child with strong interests. You're comfortable with a very unstructured approach and trust your child's ability to learn independently. Realistically, for many families, incorporating elements of unschooling (like allowing for interest-led projects or unschooling outside of core subjects) might be a better fit than full-fledged unschooling (this is what we do!).
Example Resources:
Christian: Christian Unschooling, Joyfully Rejoicing
Secular: John Holt’s Books, Growing Without SchoolingNote: Unschooling resists packaged curriculum or lesson plans, so these are more inspirational resources rather than curriculum materials.
4. Traditional/Textbook
This approach is similar to what you might find in a traditional school setting, with textbooks, workbooks, tests, and a set curriculum.
Key Features: Clear structure, defined scope and sequence, easy-to-follow lesson plans, readily available resources.
Pros: Familiar to many parents, provides a clear sense of progress, can be easy to implement.
Cons: Can be rigid and inflexible, may not cater to individual learning styles, can be less engaging than other methods, may emphasize memorization over critical thinking.
Might Be a Good Fit If... You're transitioning from public school and prefer a familiar structure. You value clear progress tracking and a comprehensive curriculum.
Examples:
Christian: Abeka, BJU Press
Secular: Oak Meadow, Calvert Education
5. Montessori
Montessori education is a child-centered approach that emphasizes hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and collaborative play. Specially designed learning materials are used to help children explore concepts at their own pace.
Key Features: Focus on independence, freedom within limits, respect for the child's natural psychological development, multi-age classrooms, includes approaches for children from birth onward.
Pros: Promotes independence and self-discipline, fosters a love of learning through exploration, caters to different learning styles.
Cons: Can get expensive (due to specialized materials), may require finding a Montessori school or adapting the principles for home use, may not align with all family values (e.g., if preferring structured academics)
Might Be a Good Fit If...: You value a hands-on, child-centered approach. You want to foster independence and a love of exploration in your children. You are willing to invest in specialized materials or adapt Montessori principles for your home environment.
Examples:
Christian: Montessori Messy, Wild + Free
Secular: Association Montessori Internationale USA, Montessori at HomeNote: Montessori is inherently secular (Maria Montessori was Catholic but didn’t infuse religion), so Christian examples are adaptations, not official programs.
6. Forest/Nature School
Forest/Nature School emphasizes outdoor, experiential learning with a focus on connecting children to the natural world. Forest School, a specific subset originating in Scandinavia, prioritizes child-led, play-based learning in woodland settings, while Nature School more broadly incorporates outdoor environments like parks, gardens, or backyards. It often aligns with philosophies like Charlotte Mason but can adapt to various educational styles.
Key Features: Emphasis on outdoor learning, child-directed exploration, play-based activities, development of a deep connection to nature, use of natural materials (sticks, leaves, rocks) as learning tools, adaptable to different environments and climates.
Pros: Encourages physical activity and resilience, fosters curiosity and environmental awareness, affordable and accessible (uses natural settings and materials), promotes creativity and problem-solving through unstructured play.
Cons: Weather-dependent (may require adjustments for rain, cold, or heat), less focus on traditional academics (e.g., math, reading, and writing), may not suit families preferring indoor or structured learning, requires access to outdoor spaces.
Might Be a Good Fit If…: You value hands-on, outdoor experiences for your children. You want to cultivate a love of nature and physical exploration. You’re comfortable with less structure and have access to natural environments (or are willing to adapt to your surroundings).
Examples:
Christian: Wild + Free (nature-focused homeschooling with Christian undertones), TimberNook (therapeutic nature-based program adaptable for faith-based use)
Secular: Forest School Association (UK-based model), Nature Play at Home (general nature school resources)
7. Eclectic Homeschooling
(This is what we do, and what I’m organizing on paper for TimeTrek Learning)
This isn't a "philosophy" in the traditional sense, but rather an approach. Eclectic homeschooling involves blending elements from different philosophies to create a customized learning experience. And honestly, it's the approach I recommend most!
Key Features: Flexibility, personalization, adaptability, responsiveness to the child's needs and interests.
Pros: Allows you to tailor the education to your family's unique needs and values, can be more engaging and enjoyable, can adapt as your children grow and their needs change.
Cons: Requires more planning and research, can be overwhelming if you don't have a clear sense of direction (that's where your mission statement comes in!), may lack consistency if you aren’t careful.
Might Be a Good Fit If... You want the freedom to create a truly personalized learning experience for your children. You're comfortable with mixing and matching different approaches. You're willing to experiment and adapt as you go.
8. Online Curriculum Options
While we believe in limiting screen time for young children, some families may find online resources helpful as supplements or for older students. Popular options include:
Khan Academy: Free video lessons and practice exercises in many subjects
Pros: Free and readily available material online
Cons: May be less effective for younger learners; kids might rush lessons and multiple choice quizzes
Time4Learning: Complete curriculum with interactive lessons
Pros: Readily available material online with a subscription
Cons: Software can feel clunky; hard to adjust if schedules shift
Miacademy: Game-based learning platform
Pros: Readily available material online, kids may find the gamification of education fun
Cons: Potential over-reliance on screens; may prioritize fun over depth
Core Knowledge: Structured curriculum with free downloadable materials
Pros: PDFs and lesson plans are free online; kids do not access online
Cons: Requires parent prep; less interactive
Easy Peasy All-in-One: Free Christian-based complete curriculum
Pros: Completely free and readily available material online
Cons: Requires kids to have relatively unrestricted access to the internet; not necessarily a con for everyone, but it uses Young Earth Creationism (e.g., 6-day creation), which may not suit families wanting secular or mainstream science
Consider your family's values regarding technology use and screen time when evaluating these options. Many families successfully use online resources as supplements rather than the core of their homeschool approach. You can read more about my family’s approach to using technology for school here.
The possibilities are endless! Don't Be Afraid to Experiment!
Here are a few examples of how you could blend and customize different approaches:
You might use a Classical approach for history and literature (following chronological history!) but incorporate Charlotte Mason-style nature study and narration.
You could follow a traditional math curriculum (especially if, like me, you appreciate a solid, step-by-step approach) but allow for unschooling-inspired exploration of a topic your child is passionate about.
You might start your day with a structured morning basket routine (inspired by Charlotte Mason) and then transition to textbook work for core subjects.
You could use Kahn Academy for interactive science and coding but use an entire boxed curriculum of your choice for everything else.
A popular approach is to choose a specific philosophy or curriculum for core subjects (math, language arts, science, and social studies) and then embrace an unschooling approach with nature school elements for electives, interest-led projects, and other areas of learning. For many families, this provides peace of mind with a solid foundation while still allowing for plenty of freedom and exploration in childhood.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned in my homeschooling journey is that it's okay to experiment. We tried a well-known and highly rated math curriculum a few years back that, on paper, seemed perfect. It. Was. A. Disaster. Everyone was frustrated, and math became a battle. So, we switched gears! It took a few different tries but we found a different approach that clicked, and suddenly, math became (dare I say it?) enjoyable? The point is: Don't be afraid to try new things and don't be afraid to change courses if something isn't working. You probably don’t want to constantly switch things up, but it’s okay to try a few things before you settle in.
Making It Work for Your Family
Ultimately, the best homeschooling philosophy is the one that aligns with your family's values, your mission statement, and your practical realities. There's no magic formula and what works for one family might not work for another.
I encourage you to explore these different philosophies and take what resonates with you - leave the rest. Remember to carefully evaluate any curriculum or resources before investing - not all materials are created equal, even within the same philosophical approach. I'll be sharing specific strategies for vetting curriculum options in my follow-up article on budget-friendly homeschooling (yes, it can cost nearly nothing to homeschool!).
Most importantly, remember to have fun and keep it positive!
Remember that your journey doesn't need to look like anyone else's. What matters most is creating an environment where your children can thrive academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The beauty of homeschooling isn’t in finding the "perfect" philosophy, but the everyday moments of discovery, connection, and growth. Remember and trust that YOU know your children best and you have the freedom to adapt as needed.
Happy Homeschooling!
Welcome to TimeTrek Learning!
This is where I share general insights and strategies from my own family’s experience and from working with other homeschoolers. Every child’s journey looks different, but these principles can apply across the board. If you’d like to see more, follow along on 𝕏 TimeTrekFam for daily updates and general shenanigans and click below to subscribe for free on Substack for the real content!
I’ll be launching my own website soon, but until then you can check out my TimeTrek homeschool materials available for download on Gumroad.