If you’re contemplating which homeschooling method might best suit your family’s needs, it’s essential to consider which approaches align most closely with your values and goals. Use the questions and statements below as a guide to determine which methods resonate with you.

Key Considerations

Personal Values

• I want my homeschool style to help me instil a specific value system for my child. Charlotte Mason (CM), Classical Homeschooling (CH), Deschooling (DS), Enki Education (EE), Montessori (M), Religious Homeschooling (RH),Steiner/Waldorf (SW), Unschooling (U), Worldschooling (W)
• I prefer to leave values out of my specific homeschool approach. Eclectic Homeschooling (EH), Traditional/School at Home (TS)

Philosophy

• There is a specific educational philosophy that affects how I approach my child’s education. Charlotte Mason (CM), Classical Homeschooling (CH), Deschooling (DS), Enki Education (EE), Montessori (M), Religious Homeschooling (RH), Steiner/Waldorf (SW), Unschooling (U), Worldschooling (W)
• I am neutral in terms of educational philosophies and prefer to focus on other aspects of education. Eclectic Homeschooling (EH), Unschooling (U), Worldschooling (W)

Outlook

• There is a possibility that I will send my child back to school in the near future. Computer-Based Homeschooling (CBH), Eclectic Homeschooling (EH), Enki Education (EE), Montessori (M), Traditional/School at Home (TS),Worldschooling (W)
• I am homeschooling for just the primary phase but intend for them to go to secondary school. Charlotte Mason (CM), Computer-Based Homeschooling (CBH), Eclectic Homeschooling (EH), Religious Homeschooling (RH), Traditional/School at Home (TS), Worldschooling (W)
• I am homeschooling but intend for them to go to university. Computer-Based Homeschooling (CBH), Eclectic Homeschooling (EH), Enki Education (EE), Traditional/School at Home (TS), Worldschooling (W)
• I intend to take each year as it comes. Any Method
• I intend to never send my child to school. Charlotte Mason (CM), Classical Homeschooling (CH), Computer-Based Homeschooling (CBH), Deschooling (DS), Enki Education (EE), Montessori (M), Religious Homeschooling (RH),Steiner/Waldorf (SW), Unschooling (U), Worldschooling (W)

Flexibility

• I like solid structure and so would prefer one style/method of homeschooling to use for every subject/aspect of homeschool life. Charlotte Mason (CM), Classical Homeschooling (CH), Computer-Based Homeschooling (CBH)
• I like to explore different methods for different subjects, perhaps more formal for English and Maths but less formal for other subjects. Eclectic Homeschooling (EH)
• I intend to homeschool from home or from other environments around us and the world. Unschooling (U),Worldschooling (W)

Homeschooling Methods Overview

• Charlotte Mason (CM): Emphasizes high-quality literature and a holistic approach to education.
• Classical Homeschooling (CH): Focuses on three stages of learning—fact recall, making connections, and creating opinions—with a structured approach.
• Computer-Based Homeschooling (CBH): Utilizes technology for learning and recording progress.
• Deschooling (DS): A period to move away from traditional school methods and create a more personalized approach to learning.
• Eclectic Homeschooling (EH): Combines various methods based on subjects and needs.
• Enki Education (EE): Based on natural experiences and a three-stage learning process.
• Montessori (M): Focuses on child independence and freedom within limits.
• Religious Homeschooling (RH): Incorporates faith-based education.
• Steiner/Waldorf (SW): Emphasizes spiritual, moral, and creative development alongside intellectual growth.
• Traditional/School at Home (TS): Follows a structured curriculum similar to traditional schooling.
• Tutoring (T): Private lessons from individual instructors.
• Unschooling (U): Focuses on child-led interests and autonomy in learning.
• Worldschooling (W): Uses travel and real-world experiences as educational opportunities.

Remember, you don’t need to adhere to just one method. Explore different approaches, and adjust as needed to find what works best for your family. Don’t hesitate to follow your instincts and make changes if something doesn’t feel right.