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When evaluating different curricula, keep in mind that very few schools fall neatly into only one category. Most schools pull together a blend of best practices from multiple curriculum types.

That said, most schools still identify with an overall curriculum type. Each school indicates this classification in their full profile on OurKids.net. Frequently, schools will also highlight any curricular adaptations they make at different grade levels.

What are mainstream curriculum types?

Traditional

Traditional curricula are content‑based and anchored in the core disciplines. This approach uses a structured method: the teacher delivers a unified curriculum via direct instruction. Students typically learn by listening, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, completing written assignments and tests. There is a strong focus on the objective evaluation of student work.

The aim is to challenge students not just to demonstrate mastery of content, but also their ability to analyse and critically assess it. Class discussions are used to encourage dialogue around curriculum content.

The philosophy stems from educational essentialism, which holds that students should be taught the fundamentals of core subjects in a systematic, disciplined way. Traditional curricula emphasise “core knowledge” (factual knowledge) before higher‑order learning tasks. The curriculum is delivered in a linear, sequential way — comparable to laying “brick upon brick” — and students only move on once the previous step is mastered.

Private schools adopting a traditional curriculum are popular with families who feel public schools may have moved away from some of these fundamentals, says Barbara Bierman, Executive Director of the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools.

Critics of the traditional approach say it treats all students the same, ignoring individual strengths, and that the top‑down instructional style can suppress students’ natural curiosity and creativity — in favour of academic achievement at the expense of other developmental goals.

Supporters respond that critics misunderstand the intent: a common refrain is “you can’t connect the dots without first having the dots.”

Progressive

Progressive (sometimes called “inquiry‑based”) curricula seek to place children’s interests and ideas at the centre of learning. Instead of lessons following predetermined paths, progressive curricula are often emergent: learning activities are shaped by students’ questions about the world.

Rather than starting with academic concepts and tying them to everyday experience, this approach often begins with experience and moves back to the academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students explore a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to investigate, reflect on findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

The curriculum is often spiral in nature, revisiting the same theme or material at increasing levels of difficulty. Material is frequently integrated, drawing on different subject disciplines simultaneously.

The progressive approach is more concerned with developing process over content: critical thinking and skills over the transmission of facts. A common mantra is: “Today’s knowledge will be obsolete soon enough — so it’s more important to teach problem‑solving skills than content.” The method emphasises group work and projects over individual tests, assignments and essays.

Critics argue that this approach de‑emphasises academic knowledge and is inefficient. By rejecting the primacy of core knowledge, they claim, the progressive method undermines the basis for future learning because knowledge‑acquisition is nonlinear: the more you know, the easier it is to learn more.

Supporters say that the true value lies in the practice of intellectual engagement — not just mechanical acquisition of facts.

Liberal arts

Liberal arts curricula share with traditional programs a strong core knowledge orientation, but borrow best practices from the progressive approach. A liberal arts program may still include group work and projects, unlike the more test‑heavy traditional model.

While the progressive model tends to emphasise instrumental knowledge (knowledge that can be used), the liberal arts model places more emphasis on theoretical and academic learning. At its core is the belief that humans are rational beings, and cultivating the intellect is not just important — it is the goal.

Liberal arts curricula encourage deep engagement with our big ideas (for example, artistic, scientific, philosophical and mathematical concepts). Achieving cultural literacy — no matter the teaching method — is a central aim of the approach.

What are “alternative” curriculum models?

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program is a two‑year advanced secondary curriculum founded in 1968, now taught in more than 140 countries — including many private and alternative schools in Canada.

The core IB curriculum was created for students aged 16‑19. The IB Primary Years Program, for ages 3‑12, and the Middle Years Program, for ages 11‑16, prepare students for the diploma program.

In all, the IB program is designed to offer a well‑rounded, high‑quality and advanced course of study. It covers the fundamentals of high school education while challenging students to apply knowledge and skills through collaboration, discussion and communication.

To earn an IB diploma, students must: (1) complete courses in six core subject areas (language & literature, language acquisition, individuals & societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts); (2) write an essay of up to 4,000 words; and (3) take standard, externally assessed exams. Also required: two formal projects and a minimum of 50 hours of community service.

The IB curriculum typically goes beyond provincial requirements. The program is viewed as rigorous by universities and employers, and students often take great pride in earning an IB diploma. The IB is often offered at international schools, both in Canada and overseas, due to its wide recognition in university admissions.

Montessori

Montessori schools provide an alternative to traditional whole‑class lessons found in many Canadian schools. Instead of full‑class lectures, Montessori students often choose their own tasks or activities. These are typically concrete, self‑correcting tasks that can be completed independently or in small groups.

The focus is on work that is concrete, hands‑on, challenging and developmentally appropriate. The aim is to promote independence, self‑confidence, curiosity and a love of learning.

Montessori teachers act as guides, setting up the environment and introducing children to materials, then challenging students with progressively more difficult work when appropriate.

A Montessori classroom is typically calm and orderly, with students working alone or in small groups rather than as a full class. The decentralized lesson format allows children to work at their own pace.

Classrooms include varied ages, for example preschool (1‑3, 3‑6), elementary (6‑9, 9‑12), middle (12‑14) and high school (14‑18) levels. The aim is to create an environment where younger students learn from older ones, and older students mentor younger peers.

Teachers are often specially certified in Montessori education. In Canada, two main accrediting bodies are Montessori Canada and The Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia programs are offered in some schools at the preschool and elementary levels. The approach centres on fostering curiosity and problem‑solving through projects linked to children’s interests.

Students use varied artistic media throughout the year, and the classroom becomes a forum for exploration, reflection and peer collaboration. The philosophy emphasizes child‑centred discovery learning and 21st‑century literacies.

The Reggio Emilia model requires strong parent and community engagement in projects, curriculum formulation and learning through experience.

Waldorf

Waldorf schools serve students from preschool to Grade 12, though they are particularly popular at early ages. Founded by Rudolf Steiner, Waldorf philosophy holds that the educator’s first task is to help students develop an aesthetic appreciation for life and learning.

Waldorf schools emphasise a holistic, hands‑on, arts‑integrated approach to developing the whole child — head, heart and hands. Collaborative and sensory‑rich learning, along with music and practical crafts, are central.

The classroom often feels more like a home than a conventional classroom, designed to foster comfort, familiarity and a consistent daily rhythm.

To explore alternative curricula more deeply, consider our comparison guides. In separate articles we compare Montessori vs Waldorf, Montessori vs Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf vs Reggio Emilia school approaches.

What are specialty school curriculum options?

Specialty schools are institutions with a specific focus, for example in the arts, sports, sciences or the environment. Each school offers a full academic program alongside intensive instruction in its specialty.

The school day is often organised around that specialty subject. For example, at a winter‑sports school, the schedule accommodates optimal time for practice and competition.

If your child is motivated to excel and seeks extra challenges and opportunities, a specialty school may be a strong fit. These schools deliver schedules that support development, and offer coaches, mentors and teachers dedicated to advancing students’ talents.

What should I know about preschool and daycare curricula?

Play-based

Play‑based preschools and daycares believe young children learn best through open‑ended play. These programs aim to build social skills and a love of attending school.

While they do teach pre‑academic skills, play‑based programs are less direct than academic ones: children choose activities at different stations in the classroom, often with indirect lessons or developmental goals embedded. The idea is to better harness children’s natural curiosity and intelligence. Play‑based classrooms are highly social and active.

Academic

Academic preschools and nursery schools are the most structured among the preschool types, with strong emphasis on math and reading readiness. These programs aim to expose children to what early elementary school is like.

Although free play is still part of the day, much of it is built around formal lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms may resemble play‑based ones (with stations), but at academic programs the teacher leads students through those stations and ties activities to a whole‑class lesson or theme.

Montessori preschool

Montessori preschools give young learners freedom to choose tasks or activities that interest them. Children often work with Montessori manipulatives — self‑correcting puzzles and hands‑on materials.

Well‑trained teachers act as guides, connecting children with meaningful, challenging work. A Montessori classroom is calm and orderly, with children working individually or in small groups. The focus is on independence, confidence and building practical and academic skills.

Waldorf preschool

Waldorf preschools are sensitive to children’s developmental readiness and typically delay formal academics until Grade 1. Waldorf teachers educate the whole child — head, heart and hands. From preschool upward there is a major focus on art, music and imagination. Children engage in practical activities such as knitting, woodworking, weaving and toy making, nurturing creativity, curiosity and a love of learning.

Reggio Emilia preschool

Reggio Emilia preschools are child‑centred. Teachers and children co‑construct the curriculum based on interests of the children. Kids work on projects rooted in their passions. Reggio preschools focus heavily on the arts and different artistic media — drawing, painting, modelling, sculpting, music and dance.

Reggio teachers engage in activities alongside the children (rather than simply supervising). Family and parent involvement is encouraged throughout the year — in class, on field trips and in curriculum development.

To learn more about the different preschool programs, check our comparison guides: academic vs play‑based, Montessori vs Waldorf, Montessori vs Reggio Emilia, Waldorf vs Reggio Emilia, Montessori vs play‑based, and Montessori vs academic preschool approaches. You can also explore our guides to choosing preschool, preschool benefits and preschool costs.