# Pedagogical tradition

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

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.

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.

- Area: School and academics
- Evidence: Your call
- Best settled: Preschool
- First published: 2026-10-03
- Last updated: 2026-10-05
- Page: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/topics/school-and-academics--pedagogical-tradition

## Pedagogical tradition: what are the options?

1. **Mainstream curriculum**: The child follows the standard curriculum of your state or province.
2. **Progressive or project-based**: The child learns through hands-on projects and group work.
3. **Montessori or Waldorf through elementary**: The child continues in a Montessori or Waldorf school through the elementary years.
4. **Classical**: The child follows a traditional program built on great books, grammar and logic.
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?

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General information, not medical advice. Two parents can each answer this and compare: https://www.raisingyourchild.com/explore?cat=school-and-academics&topic=school-and-academics--pedagogical-tradition