Homeschool Style's

Homeschool styles are different ways families choose to teach and learn at home. There are lots of options out there, but these 7 are the most common starting points. Each one has its own rhythm, focus, and feel. You don’t have to follow one perfectly—just find what fits your family best.

CLASSICAL

Core Idea: Trivium – stages of learning based on child development: Grammar (facts), Logic (reasoning), and Rhetoric (expression).
Focus: Language, logic, history, philosophy, Latin, and great books.
Great for: Structure, critical thinking, and rigorous academics.

CHARLOTTE MASON

Core idea: Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life.
Focus: Living books (narrative-based), nature study, art/music appreciation, short lessons, habit training.
Great for: A gentle, rich education that develops character and wonder.

MONTESSORI

Core Idea: Child-led learning with hands-on materials and real-life activities.
Focus: Practical life, sensory development, independence, and prepared environments.
Great for: Early learners, fostering independence, and tactile learners.

UNSCHOOLING

Core Idea: Learning through life, led entirely by the child’s interests.
Focus: No set curriculum; learning through play, exploration, and real-world experiences.
Great for: Freedom-loving families, highly self-motivated kids, and nontraditional learners.

WALDORF

Core Idea: Education through rhythm, storytelling, arts, and imagination.
Focus: Delayed academics, holistic learning (head, heart, hands), nature, seasonal rhythms.
Great for: Creative and sensory learners, families valuing rhythm and screen-free time.

ECLECTIC/RELAXED

Core Idea: A personalized mix of methods that suit the child and family.
Focus: Customizing the learning experience using bits of different philosophies and curriculums.
Great for: Flexibility and adapting to children’s evolving needs and interests.

TRADITIONAL/SCHOOL-AT-HOME

Core Idea: Recreating a school-like structure at home.
Focus: Workbooks, tests, schedules, and often a set curriculum.
Great for: Families transitioning from public school or needing structure.

Learning Styles

Learning styles are the natural ways a person absorbs, processes, and retains information. While no child fits perfectly in one category, understanding their dominant style can make homeschooling feel more intuitive and less frustrating—for both of you.

Most people recognize these 4 core learning styles.

Visual Learners (“I see it, I get it”)

• How they learn best: Through images, diagrams, color-coding, charts, visual storytelling

• They love: Drawing, watching videos, seeing things laid out clearly

• Watch for: They remember faces better than names, love maps or graphic novels, zone out during long verbal lessons.

Best Fits:

• Charlotte Mason (picture studies, living books)

• Classical (visual timelines, Latin roots)

• Montessori (visual order in environment)

Try:

• Illustrated flashcards

• Color-coded schedules

• Nature journals with sketches

Auditory Learners (“I hear it, I know it”)

• How they learn best: Through sound, spoken instructions, music, rhythm

• They love: Reading aloud, listening to podcasts or audiobooks, discussions

• Watch for: They hum or talk to themselves, repeat things out loud, love rhymes

Best Fits:

• Classical (recitation, oral narration)

• Charlotte Mason (read-alouds)

• Unschooling (if using audiobooks or conversation-based learning)

Try:

• Audio-based curriculum

• Singing facts (like skip counting songs)

• Record lessons or stories they can replay

Kinesthetic Learners (“Let me do it”)

• How they learn best: Through movement, hands-on experiences, tactile work

• They love: Building, dancing, acting out lessons, using manipulatives

• Watch for: Wiggly bodies, constantly touching things, struggles with stillness

Best Fits:

• Montessori (hands-on everything)

• Unschooling (life-based learning)

• Waldorf (movement + rhythm = gold)

Try:

• Learning games

• Nature walks + journaling

• DIY projects tied to subjects (like building a model of a volcano)

Reading/Writing Learners (“Let me read it and write it down”)

• How they learn best: Through reading, note-taking, writing responses

• They love: Workbooks, planners, journaling, making lists

• Watch for: Obsessed with books, loves writing stories, prefers written instructions

Best Fits:

• Classical

• Traditional / Structured

• Eclectic (if workbook-heavy)

Try:

• Printable planners

• Copywork + journaling prompts

• Written instructions with any lesson

What if my child doesn’t fit just one?

That’s totally normal! Most kids are multi-modal learners—meaning they blend styles. You might have a visual-kinesthetic child or an auditory-reader combo.

The beauty of homeschooling is that you can flex and adjust-mix and match!