Los Angeles and Greater Pasadena school philosophies: What is the difference between the types of schools?

Maggie Young
Aug 16, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Aug 26, 2025

Are you a parent in the Los Angeles or Greater Pasadena area looking to find the best school for your child? Today, we're diving into a comprehensive guide to help you understand the differences between educational philosophies in schools.

Educational Philosophies Overview

Different educational philosophies shape how schools approach teaching and learning. Here’s a breakdown of some teaching and learning styles that you might hear about while touring schools.

Balanced

Balanced education refers to an educational approach that seeks to provide a well-rounded experience for students, integrating various aspects of learning to foster intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. This approach emphasizes the importance of not only academic achievement but also the cultivation of life skills and personal growth

Integration of Approaches: Combines elements from various educational philosophies.
Holistic Development: Focuses on academic, social, emotional, and physical growth of students.
Flexible Curriculum: Adapts to the needs of students while maintaining educational standards.
Focus on Lifelong Learning: Encourages a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

Montessori

Montessori is characterized by an emphasis on child-led learning, hands-on activities, and collaborative play. This method is designed to foster a child's natural desire to learn and encourages independence, creativity, and critical thinking. Teachers act as facilitators rather than traditional instructors, guiding children in their learning journeys.

Child-Centered Learning: Focuses on the individual child's interests and pace of learning.
Prepared Environment: Classrooms are designed to encourage exploration and independence.
Hands-On Learning: Utilizes tactile materials to facilitate learning concepts through experience.
Mixed Age Groups: Children of different ages learn together, fostering peer learning and social skills.

Play-based

Play-based education is an instructional approach that emphasizes the importance of play in the learning process. This method incorporates various forms of play, including structured and unstructured activities, to foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.

Child-Centered Learning: Education is tailored to the interests and needs of the child, allowing them to take the lead in their learning.
Active Engagement: Children learn through hands-on experiences and active participation, rather than passive listening.
Social Interaction: Play-based education encourages collaboration and communication among peers, enhancing social skills.
Exploration and Discovery: Children are given the freedom to explore their environment, ask questions, and discover new concepts through play.
Integration of Learning Areas: Different subjects such as math, science, and literacy are interconnected through play activities, promoting holistic learning.

Progressive

Progressive education emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, critical thinking, and social responsibility. It advocates for a more student-centered approach to teaching, where the needs and interests of students are prioritized. This philosophy contrasts with traditional education models that often focus on rote memorization and standardized testing.

Experiential Learning: Emphasizes learning through experience and real-world applications.
Critical Thinking: Encourages students to think critically and solve problems creatively.
Collaborative Learning: Focuses on group work and collaboration among students.
Social Responsibility: Aims to develop socially aware and active citizens.

Project-Based

In this method, students engage in a hands-on experience where they investigate and respond to complex questions, problems, or challenges over an extended period of time. Prepares students for real-life challenges by fostering essential skills and knowledge through experiential learning.

Real-World Context: Projects often relate to real-world issues or questions, making learning relevant and meaningful.
Student-Centered: Students take the lead in their learning, making choices about their projects and how to approach them.
Collaboration: Project-based learning encourages teamwork, as students often work together to complete projects.
Critical Thinking: Students are required to think critically and creatively to solve problems and develop solutions.
Reflection: Reflection on the learning process is a crucial part of project-based learning, allowing students to consider what they learned and how they learned it.

Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes the importance of community, self-expression, and collaborative learning. Teachers facilitate rather than direct learning, guiding children through projects that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.

Child-Centered Learning: The approach views children as active participants in their learning process, encouraging them to explore their interests and express themselves.
Role of the Environment: The learning environment is considered the "third teacher." Classrooms are designed to be inviting and stimulating, filled with natural light and materials that promote exploration.
Collaboration and Community: Parents, teachers, and the community work together to support children's learning. Strong relationships are built among all stakeholders.
Documentation of Learning: Teachers document children's thoughts, ideas, and progress through various means, such as photographs and written observations, to reflect on learning and inform future activities.
Expressive Arts: The approach encourages the use of various forms of expression, including art, music, and drama, as vital tools for learning and communication.

Traditional

Traditional education typically involves a structured curriculum, formal classroom settings, and a teacher-centered approach.

Teacher-Centered Approach: The teacher is the primary authority and source of knowledge.
Standardized Curriculum: Follows a set curriculum with a focus on core subjects.
Assessment Focus: Emphasizes tests and grades to measure student success.
Discipline and Structure: Maintains a structured environment with clear rules and expectations.