Unschooling? Deschooling? Co-ops? Homeschooling Styles Decoded
Updated: Jul 26
Confused by homeschool jargon? Here's a simple guide to the most common homeschooling styles and what they actually mean
Everyone keeps saying unschooling, deschooling, Charlotte Mason, co-op, self-directed learning ... but what does any of that actually mean? If you're new to homeschooling and confused, you're not alone. One of the first things many parents discover is that there isn't just one way to homeschool. Here's a simple guide to some of the most common homeschooling styles and educational approaches you'll come across in your homeschooling journey.
Homeschooling Styles & Approaches
These terms are just the starting point. I’ve also gathered some of the most interesting and informative reads I found to help you learn more about each approach. Click on each term below to find out more as you begin your homeschool journey.
While deschooling is not a homeschooling learning style, it is an important transition period many families experience after leaving traditional school. It involves taking time to step away from school routines, expectations, and pressures while allowing both children and parents to adjust to a new way of learning.
Self-Directed Learning
Self-directed learning is an approach where children take ownership of their education by following their curiosity, interests, and goals. Learning can happen through books, classes, projects, conversations, hobbies, and everyday experiences, with the child playing an active role in choosing their path.
Unschooling is a type of self-directed learning that removes the expectation of following a traditional curriculum. Instead, children learn through their interests, questions, and daily experiences, with parents acting as guides who help provide resources and opportunities.
Homeschool co-ops bring families together to share educational experiences. Some offer classes taught by parents or outside instructors, while others focus on field trips, clubs, social activities, and enrichment opportunities. Many families use co-ops alongside their primary homeschooling approach.
The Charlotte Mason approach focuses on developing a love of learning through meaningful experiences rather than simply memorizing information. Children encounter great ideas through living books, nature study, narration, art, music, and hands-on activities, then have time to think about and make those ideas their own. While it encourages curiosity and exploration, learning is still parent-guided rather than fully child-led.
Classical homeschooling follows a structured approach that focuses on building knowledge and teaching students how to think critically. It often emphasizes literature, history, language, logic, and discussion, with learning organized into stages that build upon one another over time.
Unit studies bring multiple subjects together around one central topic instead of teaching each subject separately. For example, a study of blueberries might include science by learning how plants grow, history by exploring farming, reading and writing through books and journals, math through measuring or counting, art through nature studies, and cooking through recipes.
Inspired by the Montessori philosophy, this approach emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and learning through carefully prepared environments. Children explore thoughtfully chosen materials and activities at their own pace while parents act as guides who support curiosity, focus, and confidence.
Waldorf education weaves creativity into all areas of learning, using art, music, storytelling, movement, and hands-on experiences to help children understand academic concepts. This approach emphasizes imagination, self-expression, and learning through meaningful experiences, with technology often minimized, especially in the early years.
Many homeschooling families don’t follow one specific approach. Eclectic homeschoolers take bits and pieces from different styles, combining curriculum, hands-on learning, and methods that best fit their child’s needs, interests, and family goals.
See? There is no single “right” way to homeschool. Take your time, explore the possibilities, and find the pieces that fit your family. Many Rhode Island homeschoolers blend different approaches, using community resources, local adventures, and their children’s interests to build a homeschool experience that feels just right.
About the Author
M.J. Mercure is the founder and editor of Happy Homeschool RI, a publication connecting Rhode Island homeschooling families with local events, educational opportunities, and hands-on learning adventures. Subscribe to Happy Homeschool RI for weekly field trip ideas, local events, and homeschool resources delivered straight to your inbox.
Have an event or opportunity to share? Email happyhomeschoolmedia@gmail.com
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