Educational Design Experts
The Cottonwood School has specially trained Educational Design Experts who can help personalize learning experiences by drawing on homeschool philosophies. These teachers can help you find the perfect fit for you and your child, develop educational goals and plans, and provide ongoing guidance for your homeschooling. These educators are here to assist you in discovering the ideal approach for your child and your family, and to provide ongoing support throughout your homeschool journey.
Advanced Learners
In academic settings, advanced learners excel in one or multiple subjects, showcasing a strong academic aptitude. They typically seek challenges to feed their inquisitive minds and may benefit from advanced coursework that caters to their accelerated learning needs. These learners often possess a natural drive for independent exploration and may engage in self-directed learning, pushing the boundaries of their intellectual capabilities.
Charlotte Mason
The Charlotte Mason philosophy is a holistic approach to education, built around the core principle that we must educate the whole child, and not just the mind. This means acknowledging and nurturing every facet of a child's development, including their social/emotional well-being, psychological and mental growth, interaction with the environmental/technological world, and physical and nutritional health.
Classical
Classical education, a time-honored method of learning spanning centuries, prioritizes the exploration of the liberal arts and humanities. This philosophy has proven its resilience over time, fostering the development of some of the most influential thinkers and leaders in history. Organizing education around a child’s developmental stages, classical education stokes a passion for critical thinking, beauty, order, and truth because it sets the habit of asking relevant questions.
Montessori
The Montessori method of education is a type of educational method that involves children’s natural interests and activities rather than formal teaching methods. A Montessori classroom places an emphasis on hands-on learning and developing real-world skills.
Unit Studies
The Unit Studies method of homeschooling, which is sometimes called thematic units or integrated studies, involves creating units of study linking multiple subjects around a common topic or theme instead of teaching subjects independently.
Unschooling
The Unschooling approach to homeschooling is based around the belief that children control their own education and trusting that they will learn what they need to know. Some call it “Education Outside the Box.”
Waldorf Education
Waldorf Education is based on the writings and philosophy of Rudolph Steiner. Waldorf Education strives to educate the whole child through educating the head, the heart, and the hands. Waldorf students become creative, independent thinkers who can act with a sense of responsibility and compassion.