Common Educational Philosophy

The following section is an overview of Common Educational Philosophies is produced by “The Elijah Company”. This section is included here with their permission. Visit their Web site at Elijah Company.

Please note: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice, nor does it guarantee results.

Reprinted from the 2001 Elijah Company catalog. For a free copy of this catalog, contact:

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There are four educational philosophies influencing education today. Think of these philosophies as the underlying assumptions about what comprises an education and what the teaching materials should cover in a course of study. All of the common teaching approaches available to home educators contain elements of these four educational philosophies.

The first educational philosophy is essentialism. Essentialism assumes that there is a core body of knowledge that must be mastered in order for a person to be considered "educated." It focuses on the "essentials" and is subject oriented. Essentialism could be summed up in this phrase: "Information is the key to a good education."

Perennialism is more "idea' oriented, and considers education to consist of becoming acquainted with the great writing and thinking throughout history. To perennialists, "understanding is the key to a good education."

Progressivism seeks to make education practical and applicable to the needs of students and society. It assumes that making knowledge and skills meaningful are the keys to a good education.

Existentialism stresses "authenticity"-the commitment to finding true being. To the existentialist, discovering one's own meaning in life is the key to a good education.

Visit the following related links:

• Selecting Curricula

• Taking Ownership

• Setting Goals

• Rigorous Courses

• Common Educational Philosophies

• Common Teaching Approaches: All home schooling
  materials fall into two main categories: traditional
  textbook curricula and non-textbook curricula.

  1. Textbook Approach

  2. Non Textbook Approaches

     1. The Classical Approach

     2. The Principle Approach

     3. The Living Books and Life Experiences Approach

     4. The Unit Study Approach

     5. The Unschooling Approach

     6. The Mixed Approach

• Curriculum Costs

• Curriculum Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions