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How To Deschool vs. Unschool: Turn The Tables On Education!

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If you’re new to homeschooling, you might find yourself knee-deep in terms like deschooling and unschooling, and wondering if they’re the same thing or just spelled differently on accident. Trust me, you’re not alone! These two words come up a lot in the early days of home education, and while they sound similar, they actually mean two very different things.

Let’s break it down together, from homeschool mom to homeschool parent or teacher, so you can find what works best for your family.

In This Article:

What Is Deschooling?

Deschooling is a temporary transition period that helps you and your child shift away from the traditional school mindset. It’s not about jumping straight into a boxed curriculum or trying to recreate school at the kitchen table (I have tried them all!). Deschooling is your family’s mental reset, a chance to breathe after leaving public or private school.

During this time, your focus isn’t on textbooks or lesson plans. Instead, you’re helping your child rediscover their natural curiosity, get back in touch with their love of learning, and heal from any school-related stress or pressure. And you, as the parent-teacher, are learning to think outside the bells-and-desks structure too.

It’s always supposed to be temporary. Read my article detailing what “deschooling” is, in “What Is Deschooling And Why It’s Extra Important,” and also, “Suddenly Unschooling Becomes No Schooling.”

What is Deschooling

Discover how deschooling helps your family reset, rebuild, and reimagine education at home.

What Is Unschooling?

Unschooling, on the other hand, is a long-term educational philosophy. It’s a type of homeschooling that focuses on interest-led, child-directed learning. There’s no set curriculum, no required worksheets, and no rigid schedule. Learning happens through everyday life, conversations, play, hands-on exploration, and whatever sparks your child’s curiosity.

Parents act more like guides or facilitators, not instructors. The idea is that children will naturally learn what they need to learn when they’re ready, often diving deeper than you might expect, simply because they’re interested, and here is where unit studies come in!

Some families thrive in this environment, and others need a little more structure. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and that’s okay!

How Are They Connected?

Deschooling is often the first step before families begin unschooling, or even before they move into other homeschool styles like Charlotte Mason, eclectic, or classical. Deschooling prepares both parents and kids to let go of the idea that learning must look like public school to be valid.

In fact, if you try to jump into unschooling without first deschooling, you might end up confused, frustrated, or lost. It’s kind of like skipping the tutorial in a game and trying to play on expert mode, things get chaotic fast!

And if you’ve read my article “Suddenly Unschooling Becomes No Schooling”, you know this is a real risk. Sometimes families mistake unschooling for “doing nothing” and end up accidentally detaching from the learning process altogether. Deschooling helps prevent that. It builds trust, lays the foundation, and gives you a clearer picture of your child’s learning style before you commit to any one method.

Which One Is Right for You?

That depends on your family’s goals, comfort levels, and personalities. Here are some questions to consider:

  • Are you just leaving traditional school?
    Start with deschooling. Give your child (and yourself) time to detox, reflect, and reconnect.
  • Does your child thrive when given freedom to explore?
    Unschooling might be a great fit, once you’ve built the trust and rhythms to support it.
  • Do you feel nervous about letting go of structure?
    That’s completely normal! Deschooling gives you time to research, observe, and see if unschooling (or another method) truly fits.
  • Are you looking for lifelong academic freedom with intentional support?
    You might start with deschooling and ease into a more eclectic or blended homeschool style that includes aspects of unschooling, but also some planning and goals.

Powerful Tools in Homeschooling

Deschooling and unschooling are both powerful tools in the homeschool world, but they’re not interchangeable.

Deschooling is a short-term phase that allows your family to breathe, heal, and prepare for homeschooling. Unschooling is a long-term lifestyle that trusts your child’s curiosity and instincts to guide their learning. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you certainly don’t have to do either perfectly. The beauty of homeschooling is that it’s customizable, adaptable, and deeply personal. And if you feel lost, we offer homeschool counseling and mentorship as well as a Homeschool Hub, through 5 Arrow Homeschool Academy, to help you stay on tract!

Stepping OUT of The System

So, if you’re stepping out of the school system and wondering where to begin, start with deschooling. Use that time to observe, connect, and reflect. Then, prayerfully consider whether unschooling, or something else entirely, is the best next step for your family’s unique journey.

You’ve got this. And I’m cheering for you!

Signed, Tasha Moore: PSP Coordinator, Homeschool 101 Director, and Counselor

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