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Pedagogical tradition

The teaching approach: a mainstream curriculum, project-based learning, Montessori (child-led, hands-on) or Waldorf (arts and imagination), classical education (a structured, language- and logic-based approach), or the International Baccalaureate, an international program.

Which school approach suits our child: traditional, Montessori, Waldorf or another?

In short: Parents choose between 5 main approaches: Mainstream curriculum; Progressive or project-based; Montessori or Waldorf through elementary; Classical; International Baccalaureate. Evidence: your call. No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide. Best settled: preschool.

Evidence
Your call
Best settled
Preschool
Part of
Learning & the wider world

Pedagogical tradition: what are the options?

Parents usually land on one of these 5 approaches.

  1. 1. Mainstream curriculum

    The child follows the standard curriculum of your state or province.

  2. 2. Progressive or project-based

    The child learns through hands-on projects and group work.

  3. 3. Montessori or Waldorf through elementary

    The child continues in a Montessori or Waldorf school through the elementary years.

  4. 4. Classical

    The child follows a traditional program built on great books, grammar and logic.

  5. 5. International Baccalaureate

    The child follows an international program that stresses inquiry and leads to a recognized diploma.

Pedagogical tradition: what does the evidence say?

Your call. No outcome evidence picks a winner. Preference, culture, money and logistics decide.

No outcome studies retrieved

What else is worth knowing?

Schools follow different ideas about what and how children should learn. Some stress projects, some classic texts, some an international program. The fit with your child often matters more than the label.

Questions to ask each other

  • What kind of learning environment do we want?
  • How much structure do we picture?
  • What would we ask a school to learn about their approach?

More in School and academics

First published 2026-10-03. Last updated 2026-10-05. General information, not medical advice.