(edited) community college question

[quark]

(edited for privacy)

 

I wanted to ask for some advice on starting community college courses.

 

I would love to know what experienced homeschoolers here think, especially those of you who are familiar with my past stories about kiddo. I might not be furnishing enough info for you to comment and if that's the case, please ask. I have not experienced college or CC here in the US so I'd like to be able to make an informed decision about this.

[maize]

I used to be in CA. It is not true that you can only file the PSA in Oct. I withdrew my child from our charter cover school in January and filed the PSA then.

[Arcadia]

Check out the community college you are interested in during school hours.  Also check out how much out of pocket you have to pay if you do dual enrollment versus CHSPE/PSA route.  The community college which is "linked" to my school district has plenty of smokers who smoke in between class so in our case that is a big negative.

There is an authorization form for your charter to sign off, if you file a PSA you would be the one signing that form.  So get everything in black and white and good luck :)

 

ETA:

They smoke outside the classroom doors and the smell travel to the onsite childcare center which is next to the classrooms.

[EKS]

A few things.  First of all, I have no doubt that your son could handle the academic aspect of CC courses.  In fact, you may find that the level of the coursework becomes too low rather quickly, particularly in your son's areas of strength. 

 

Also, CCs don't deal with parents.  This means that if your son has a problem with an instructor, he will be expected to deal with it on his own.  They won't release any information about anything to parents, even parents of under age students. 

 

Class discussions and materials can be decidedly adult.  This is mostly an issue in humanities and social science courses.

 

The ages of the other students will likely be more diverse than you'll find at a four year school.  For example, the average age of the students at my son's CC is 35.

[8filltheheart]

The answers you get can be as different as the number of people responding.   So take this as my kids' experiences.  ;)

 

My kids have taken classes at CCs in both TN and 2 different systems in VA.   We found all of their CC classes to not be up to par with their homeschool experiences.   Only our dd and Aspie took broad range courses at the CC.   Our oldest took English.   Math and science for our STEM kids have been taken via dual enrollment through 4 yr universities.

 

FWIW, I get "reprimanded" by other homeschoolers for expressing my low opinion of CC classes based on our experiences.  But, hey, it is my honest assessment.   Every single class has been taught on a level that really matches teaching methodologies that you would expect from a lower level institution.   My kids have not been challenged in the slightest.  (ETA:  the only exception is an art history course that my ds took.) The composition courses have been incredibly low level (blogging, journaling, etc.   Not high level academic type writing.)    No research.   Nothing beyond regurgitating direct textbook info.  

 

Throw in adult content (everything from prison rape to drug addictions and what they were willing to do to buy drugs), smoking, etc......no way I would let my younger kids take a class on campus.   But, nor would I enroll my advanced kids either b/c the academic approach just isn't on par with what my kids are capable of achieving.   When my oldest dd, who is just an avg student, makes almost straight 100s in her classes, that alone is an indication to me that students are not being challenged b/c she is just not that type of student. 

 

For my kids I would definitely look for an alternative.

[EKS]

I really think that it depends on the CC and the individual instructor.  Ours is known for its strong math, science, and engineering courses, and all of the courses my son has taken in those subjects have been solid (though probably not what you'd find at a selective four-year school).  The English courses he's taken have not been as intense as what I expect in my homeschool, but they did require the students to write academic essays and research papers--no journaling or blogs or other fluff.

 

The smoking thing is a little weird, but it's only allowed in restricted areas, so it hasn't been a problem.

[8filltheheart]

I really think that it depends on the CC and the individual instructor.  Ours is known for its strong math, science, and engineering courses, and all of the courses my son has taken in those subjects have been solid (though probably not what you'd find at a selective four-year school).  The English courses he's taken have not been as intense as what I expect in my homeschool, but they did require the students to write academic essays and research papers--no journaling or blogs or other fluff.

 

The smoking thing is a little weird, but it's only allowed in restricted areas, so it hasn't been a problem.

 

This is what we have heard. (I suspect that CCs in highly dense STEM locations are probably serving different students than where we have lived.)  But, it just has not been our experience with 3 completely different CCs.   We lived between 2 different CCs (not different branches of the CC, but 2 completely different CCs)  in VA and dd and ds took classes at both.   Chemistry, for example, had labs that were done in the actual (and regular) classroom (just done on top of their desks.   They were very simple labs), not a separate lab.   The tests were basically word for word question/answers from the textbook, etc.  

 

FWIW, VA has articulation agreements with all public institutions, meaning both UVA and VT.   No way I would expect the chemistry class my dd took to be the equivalent of what one would find on their campuses preparing future engineers, etc even though technically they were supposed to be equivalent.    (I know they were not on par with the chemistry class our oldest took at a 4 yr university.)

 

Our experience has completely biased my perspective.   Now the Allied Health courses our dd is taking through a CC are definitely a different story.   But, I think part of the reason is that there are admissions criteria to enroll and they only admit a total of 35 students.   Many of the kids in her program actually have 4 yr degrees from universities.  (those classes are really requiring her to work hard and her making the Dean's List last semester was actually an accomplishment vs. a given.)

[busymotherof4]

My just turned 15 year has started to take college classes. We are with a charter school in CA. Last semester while 14 she took ASL 1. I did have to sign a permission slip for that class over possible adult content. It made sense in the context so wasn't an issue for our family. Until she is a junior in high school school she can't register until the 1 st day of classes. This is a pain. She is taking classes that fulfill A-G requirements. She just started a Biology class for non-science majors. She hates life sciences but she likes this class already. The labs look interesting and end with a scavenger hunt around campus. It uses the lower level Campbell bio book. She has a ton of maturity so this is a good fit for our family. Things to be aware of: we have had issues of classes ending early or being canceled without notice. She handled this without issue. Lab started off by sending all but 3 students to the bookstore for the lab manual. She was prepared with money and did fine. I have heard that this sort of thing does happen from time to time.

I feel like she is taking high school classes that move faster and require a higher maturity level.

[quark]

Thanks so much for weighing in. Still digesting and thinking over all that you guys have said.

[kiana]

CC's definitely vary a lot by area. One of my siblings started at a CC and transferred to an Ivy League school has a junior. Although the courses for non-majors were nowhere near as rigorous, the 'for majors' courses were actually excellent and he was well-prepared. This specific CC transfers a few of their best students there every year.

[8filltheheart]

CC's definitely vary a lot by area. One of my siblings started at a CC and transferred to an Ivy League school has a junior. Although the courses for non-majors were nowhere near as rigorous, the 'for majors' courses were actually excellent and he was well-prepared. This specific CC transfers a few of their best students there every year.

I wonder if quark could find out what universities her CC feeds and contact the universities and find out how prepared the students transferring courses in are? It really seems like it is really something with no easy answer. (Though I don't think a simple phone call is likely to reveal authentic answers.)

 

My POV about our CC was confirmed at a university open house (another way quark might want to do a little investigating.). We went to one open house for a visit and discussed dd's educational background with a biology professor and he literally rolled his eyes when she told him where she had taken some of her classes. He told her that while the university was under obligation to accept the classes, students that went that route really struggled in their higher level classes and that his strong recommendation would be to repeat them when she got there. With this dd, she would have needed to follow that advice bc she is just not a strong enough student to fill in the missing pieces. I suspect if the same situation had happened with ds, he probably wouldn't miss a step.

[kiana]

I wonder if quark could find out what universities her CC feeds and contact the universities and find out how prepared the students transferring courses in are? It really seems like it is really something with no easy answer. (Though I don't think a simple phone call is likely to reveal authentic answers.)

 

I think that this would be a great idea if possible. Bear in mind that not all departments are equal - a college may be great in foreign language and terrible in STEM, or vice versa.

 

You may also be able to find individual professors who offer challenging classes even if the classes as a whole are mediocre. I found the key to finding these was to look for the ones who had a reputation as being a hardass but fair.

[Dmmetler]

The other thing to consider is that sometimes all CC classes at the same school aren't created equal. I've been told repeatedly that STEM classes taken at the former "state technical institute" campus tend to be higher quality than those taken at the "community college" campus-because when the tech institute and the college merged, most of the faculty stayed at their respective schools, and the programs stayed where they were. The tech institute focused on hands-on vocational programs and certificate programs, with a lot of programs in trades and in IT. Most of the students tend to be adults, often working in the field that they're working on a certificate for and are highly motivated, with practical skills that carry over (that is, someone who has been working on a computer help desk for years and who has taught themselves three languages probably is going to be able to learn college algebra without too much of a struggle, even if they didn't have good math grades in high school). And for the most part, there really isn't an on-campus social life-you go to campus, go to class or to a study group, leave campus, go back home and to work. Even a 12-13 yr old can fit into that pretty easily.

 

The community college was traditionally the "high school with ashtrays" that would take anyone, and that offered mostly high school level classes, with some AA degrees that really weren't all that useful, and with a lot of college socialization, clubs and groups that really aren't age appropriate for a younger student. Older students tend to be those who are trying to move to a different field and often really do struggle in the general ed classes (for example, a child day care worker who wants to get her LPN) because they really are trying to build just on whatever they remember from high school.

 

I suspect that you could go to the local state university (the one I used to work at) and be fine with transferring general ed courses, but not anything with a prerequisite attached, and I believe most departments have placement tests for exactly that reason-because we have a lot of kids come in with transcripts listing a lot of course credit or AP exams who really need to start at the beginning-or sometimes, a semester or two before the beginning.

 

 

 

 

 

[quark]

Thank you kiana, 8 and dmmetler! I have now marked the open houses of the nearest CCs and UCs on my calendar. Was already planning to visit the CC's open house in Feb. Would appreciate knowing some of the questions I should be asking if you guys have the time to list them? I admit that I'm a little nervous!

[kiana]

A good place to start is: Where do your transfer students go, and how do they do once they get there?

 

What is he looking at taking, anyway?

 

One course I took that proved to be really interesting and unexpectedly challenging was meteorology. I found out that that was because it was required of the aviation science majors so it had to be a very serious course.

[Arcadia]

 I have now marked the open houses of the nearest CCs and UCs on my calendar.

 

Cal day is fun. We usually go to the UCB one because that's the day LHS is free admission and parking is waived. Its April 12th this year.

 

For the CC, you can just pop by any day and get the stack of information from the info counter (or whatever that is called) and then go to the open house having read through the stuff. I happen to pop by once on placement tests day and it was interesting seeing the procedure. It is comical that I have "toured" De Anza and Foothill for events and preschool but never been to their official open houses :lol:

While you are at the open houses, check on the parking fees. We had sticker shock when we saw the amount and promptly park across the road instead.

[quark]

Thank you everyone!

 

kiana, we are looking most seriously at the math, science and foreign language courses and then perhaps in the future, the humanities offerings. Will probably start with just one or two courses (depending on availability) till he is more confident. Yesterday, I happened to notice a jazz history offering as well. He has been learning quite a bit about jazz from his very qualified teacher so that might be a good "bridge" possibility to help him build familiarity. I'm not too worried about the adult material-- he is quite aware of things.

 

Heigh Ho, I was advised not to check the degree seeking student box as that will affect his chances of applying to uni as a freshman. Is that true? I will still ask those questions you suggested.

 

Thanks Arcadia. I've noted down Cal Day. He is quite at home at some areas of the UCB campus. De Anza and Foothill are unfortunately too far away for us. :P

 

I think one of my hardest decisions now is whether or not to keep doing our thing with the charter or to try this CC adventure. Sticking with the charter feels like the easier option by far but I'm not convinced we can keep doing that for much longer.

[8filltheheart]

quark,

 

what level math is your ds currently taking and how does it compared to the highest level of math actually offered (as in having a section vs. being listed in their course catalog)?   I ask b/c many CCs list courses that they actually don't offer bc they rarely have enough students enrolled in them to actually offer them.  (for example, when registering for sections, there are pages of English comp 101, but there might be a couple of calculus 1 sections and maybe 1 section for cal 2).   I guess that could even be a question to consider asking.

 

[Dmmetler]

Jazz Theory could be fun. (It's certainly fun to teach).  Jazz history...get the textbook and skim first-it could be VERY adult in content. Music history is a bit seamy in general, and Jazz history is  recent enough that there's a lot more documentation of the stuff that 18 yr olds find thrilling, and classes designed for general ed requirements tend to focus a little more on that "interesting things that make you want to actually come to class" than the ones for majors, which tend to focus more on the technical.

 

 

 

 

[quark]

Jazz Theory could be fun. (It's certainly fun to teach).  Jazz history...get the textbook and skim first-it could be VERY adult in content. Music history is a bit seamy in general, and Jazz history is  recent enough that there's a lot more documentation of the stuff that 18 yr olds find thrilling, and classes designed for general ed requirements tend to focus a little more on that "interesting things that make you want to actually come to class" than the ones for majors, which tend to focus more on the technical.

 

Excellent point, thank you. I admit to only skimming through that part of their course descriptions and just now, googled and read their jazz music section in more detail. They offer Jazz Theory and Improvisation which should be right up his alley. His teacher has been focusing a lot on improvisation lately.

 

[quark]

quark,

 

what level math is your ds currently taking and how does it compared to the highest level of math actually offered (as in having a section vs. being listed in their course catalog)?   I ask b/c many CCs list courses that they actually don't offer bc they rarely have enough students enrolled in them to actually offer them.  (for example, when registering for sections, there are pages of English comp 101, but there might be a couple of calculus 1 sections and maybe 1 section for cal 2).   I guess that could even be a question to consider asking.

 

Thanks 8. I'll add that to the list of questions to ask. Math is a possibility only. I am not looking very eagerly at their math department. I think he will do much better auditing a UC class (but have no idea if anyone will even consider letting him do that lol) or just continue with his tutor and math circle.

[8filltheheart]

Thanks 8. I'll add that to the list of questions to ask. Math is a possibility only. I am not looking very eagerly at their math department. I think he will do much better auditing a UC class (but have no idea if anyone will even consider letting him do that lol) or just continue with his tutor and math circle.

 

May I quietly exclaim that I am glad to hear that.  ;)   Stanford Online High school might be an option.   I think I was told that they do offer need based scholarships if cost might be a factor.

 

[quark]

Thanks 8! OHS is a back up plan for now...an expensive back up plan.

 

My hopes are that he will continue to do well at math circle and be noticed there. And when he finally feels motivated enough to ask if he can audit a class they might say yes lol (I want the decision/ push to come from him). So far, he really enjoys engaging the presenters after each math circle meeting, usually waiting till he can get them alone then talking math with them for about 15-20 minutes till he realizes we have an hour+ drive back. :)

[bakpak]

If you're thinking about registering him for next fall, see if the classes of interest are currently underway and go sit in the class. I can't imagine any professor saying no to you if you ask nicely.

[kiana]

If he's able to start in Calc the math classes might be okay -- that's very variable and it's also something where I'd for sure call the math department at a school they transfer to and ask *them* how well-prepared students who have taken calc at the community college are.

 

Quite honestly, I might start out with something that's definitively outside the beaten track but still interesting. That way, if he doesn't learn as much, he's not going to have to retake the same course. So I might look more at astronomy, meteorology, geology, environmental science, maybe even agricultural science, something like that, for a first exposure.

 

The Jazz History class sounds fascinating and fun - it may involve some writing as well, so whether you're confident with his writing or not.

[kiana]

If you're thinking about registering him for next fall, see if the classes of interest are currently underway and go sit in the class. I can't imagine any professor saying no to you if you ask nicely.

 

Many universities have a strict policy against non-registered people being in the class. It sure won't hurt to ask if you can observe, but just fyi.

[Pen]

Would it be appropriate to ask where exactly you are? California has some of the best public universities in the country, such as UCBerkeley. If he could take a single class at such a school, I think it would tend to be academically excellent. However, they can also be large and intimidating places. I have taken classes at UCLA that were better than some I had at Princeton, and even that had smaller class size, though it was many years ago and they were not huge beginning level lecture courses. The exact professor and class can make a huge difference too. Anywhere.

 

Below the UC system is the Cal State system. 

 

Below the Cal State system is the CC system. While I've taken some UC courses, and my grandfather taught there and many relatives are UC grads, I do not know so much about California CCs. In Oregon where I am now, the local CC is generally a technical school with courses leading to being able to have jobs in things like drafting, cosmetology, etc. It might be a good place for an advanced student to experience what group classes are like, perhaps for a conversational language class, but it is not at a high academic level from what I have seen.

[quark]

deleted for privacy

[quark]

Wish we had that Heigh Ho. No, they don't have such programs. (edited for privacy)

[Pen]

Pen, we are within driving distance of a good UC with a great math department but it still takes us more than an hour one way regardless of traffic. Bad traffic would mean about a 90 minute drive one way. I think it would be good to wait a year at least to ask about sitting in on a UC math class.

 

The CCs I have my eye on are more than tech schools afaik and I hope to attend the open days and tour them on class days to get a better feel. Yes, if you see my response to 8 above, I'm not looking at the CC so much for math challenge (subject with highest level of achievement/ skill atm) right now although as kiana said, if he places into calculus it will give him a formal group instruction experience that could be helpful. He only has some informal, self-learning sort of exposure to calc so far.

 

It's just sad for me to see him always alone, learning on his own through online classes, because I'm not able to offer that level of challenge in any other way for now. I'm looking most seriously at just getting his foot through the door into the CC system (possibly through fun elective classes for now like German or Japanese or music theory where he has about a year+ of high level course experience -- but not native speaker level proficiency in the languages yet of course). Get him familiar with how it all works.

 

This child wanted to be homeschooled through college till about a few months ago but is now realizing that it is going to be tough on his parents to keep offering that and also that he will not get the full learning value without the group discussions and a good instructor. I think it's a good time to also take advantage of his newfound level of independence and responsibility. If we can use CC as high school, if it all fits well somehow, we could be looking at a few more years of enjoyable, customized learning but this time in a group environment (vs alone at home) and without having to rush into early uni just for the challenge...just keeping fingers crossed and hoping it will work out. :)

 

Language, based on local Oregon experience, would likely be good. I have an adult friend who took language at the local CC and seems to have actually become conversationally fluent to where she can travel and speak it to native speakers with ease, so far as I understand. And that gave a group to practice with, thus also to socialize with to a certain extent.

[8filltheheart]

Quark, an easy way to find out about sitting in on a class is via the undergraduate dean of a dept. You can contact them and ask if it wouldbe possible to sit in on a class. When we have done that, the dean has actually asked a professor's permission for us.

[quark]

Thank you 8! :)

[shawthorne44]

Just throwing an idea out there.  Your child is very advanced and very young.  He is able to get into the CC classes now.  Since the question is "Might the CC class be too easy for him?" rather than "Might it be too hard for him?"  You son will probably soon be ready for the hardest college classes that a school could throw at him, while at a age too young to take classes at a 4-year university.  If your child excels at the CC classes and gets recommendations from his professors, then it might make it easier for him to start DE classes at a 4-year university.  I've looked into DE rules at my Alma Mater.  The rules say that you have to be at least 16 years old, or as young as 12 with case-by-case approval. 

[quark]

Thank you shawthorne44. Any idea is helpful at this point. :)

 

[8filltheheart]

Quark,

 

I was blessed by the opportunity to meet up with Kathy today.   While we were talking, Math Zoom came up in the conversation.  (my 12th grader went to one of their summer camps)  It made me think about your ds.   I know you have said he doesn't like AoPS, but maybe Math Zoom would be a fit.   http://www.mathzoom.org/year-round-classes/courses

[quark]

Thank you 8! I had actually bookmarked the link some time ago for physics as the next step for when kiddo finishes his honors physics course (reviewing for his final exam now so he should be finished soon...woohoo!) so it is a very timely reminder. Thank you so much.

 

And may I reiterate how jealous I am that you and Kathy can meet IRL? :D Sounds like a fabulous day was had by all...so happy for you both.

[kiwik]

How big are the classes there? Most of my first and second year science classes at university were so big 200 to 400) than an extra student wouldn't even be noticed.

[kiana]

How big are the classes there? Most of my first and second year science classes at university were so big 200 to 400) than an extra student wouldn't even be noticed.

 

I am not saying that it never happens -- it might somewhere -- but it's very rare for a CC class to be that big. You're usually looking at caps more in the 30s.

 

[8filltheheart]

How big are the classes there? Most of my first and second year science classes at university were so big 200 to 400) than an extra student wouldn't even be noticed.

 

My ds attended a big university for multivariable cal and university physics.   The cal class had over 90 student in lecture, but the recitation section was smaller (15-20 students.)   The physics class had well over 250 students with recitation sections of 20 which in turn broke down into groups of 4 students working together.   His physics lab only had 10 students.

[JennW in SoCal]

 

It's just sad for me to see him always alone, learning on his own through online classes, because I'm not able to offer that level of challenge in any other way for now. I'm looking most seriously at just getting his foot through the door into the CC system (possibly through fun elective classes for now like German or Japanese or music theory where he has about a year+ of high level course experience -- but not native speaker level proficiency in the languages yet of course). Get him familiar with how it all works.

 

 

If I may, I'd like to muddy the waters a bit with some comments based on my experience with California community colleges as a student myself, as UC staff member who dealt with transfer students and grad TAs that taught at CCs, as a friend of a professor, and as a mom of teen aged CC students.

 

If your main object is for your son to have a group learning environment, the CC may not be what you are looking for.  In each class there will be one or two other students who are there to learn and who are engaged in the class.  Otherwise the classroom is filled with students who are just not engaged either because they don't care or because they don't know how, and more than half of them will drop out of the course by the end of the semester. Many of them only show up to take the exams.  This is the case in all sorts of subjects, from calculus, to languages, even to ballet!  

 

My ds was older, 15, when he started, but he went to CC for academic reasons: to get the courses that were beyond me or beyond self-teaching, or that our charter school couldn't offer.  He was stunned by how lost the majority of his classmates were, though he was also amused that they would turn to him for help on homework. He never was entirely comfortable with the situation, didn't like being called "little professor", and based on this aspect of his experience I don't think either of us would recommend it to a young, gifted student looking purely for a group learning environment.  

 

The content of the classes was never an issue.  He wasn't advanced in math as some of your kids are, but he progressed to calculus while at the CC. My ds not only got an excellent foundation, he developed a pure love of calculus.  He seamlessly continued the calculus sequence when he started at a 4 year college, and is toying with a double major in math.  His particular CC offered 3 or 4 levels of calculus, and we knew a homeschool teen who was in those courses.  His chemistry course was excellent as well (the poorly equipped lab aside). The credit transferred at his college and he had no trouble handling the chemistry needed for his mineralogy or other geology courses.  All in all he loved his courses and just bubbled when talking about them on our drives back home.  

 

Enough of my caveats. Within California each community college is different and even within a single campus there is a range of professors and students, so it is very worth investigating further.  I'd say to forget the open house -- you'll be listening to presentations aimed at public high school grads and none of the information will pertain to you.  Just go during the day, find a parking place and walk around.  Look online for a class schedule, try to contact a professor or 2 and ask to sit in on their classes.  Ask your charter school for names of favorite professors.  Look to see if there are evening classes in the high school or middle school campuses near you because sometimes there are language or music classes offered for the general community.  

 

Oh -- and one last negative thing (sorry) about the community colleges.  In recent years the CCs had to slash their course offerings due to California's budget woes.  Fewer course offerings means it can be very hard to get into classes, which is so frustrating when you KNOW that by the end of the semester half of those students will have dropped.  My son took a 7am math class one semester, crashed another course or two.  Again -- talk to the folks at your charter school to find out how other homeschoolers have fared, and get any tips they might have. 

 

It isn't all bad being at home. My youngest, especially, was a homebody til he started those CC classes at 15. He did have some outside group learning experiences through his charter school, through choir and youth theater.  He has turned into quite the social butterfly at college as he has found a nice group of nerdy, bookish, and studious friends (he says all the students on campus are like that), but is perfectly happy with his own company still.  

[quark]

Thank you Jenn! I really appreciate that you took the time to share. I've always loved your feedback. :) I did note and appreciate that you mentioned some positives to CC  too! :)

 

(deleted for privacy)

 

The thoughts here have been really helpful. You guys have given me a lot to think about. Very grateful! :001_wub:

[Woodland Mist Academy]

Please keep us posted on what you decide.

[quark]

Thank you WMA! I hope I will have something valuable to share in a few months' time.

 

I have been speaking to a number of veteran moms on the phone and they have been so supportive that I am feeling very positive right now...but maybe in a few days' time I will start second guessing like I normally do and be overcome by nerves. Maybe it won't be so bad too. Just sent off a couple of emails asking for letters of recommendation from teachers (in case we are put in a spot over his age). It's an interesting experience. Filing some of his work for additional proof if needed...the work samples are bringing back so many memories. :)

[mathnerd]

quark, one other option to consider - a lot of top private high schools in my area open up their AP courses for homeschooled kids and kids from PS. They do ask for achievement testing to enroll, I think. A lot of these classes are in the weekends and at convenient times. If there was one close to you, it would be an easier option to start with for logistical reasons and then you could move on to community college or the UC system. 

[WinsomeCreek]

Best of luck! Please do update on how things work out. I've had some interesting discussions lately about high school AP vs CC options. Pace is a big factor there.

[daijobu]

If you are in or near the SF Bay Area, you should join BAGHS.  They have had several online discussions about young students entering local CC's.  Sorry I don't have much info myself, as we aren't using CC.  

[Kareni]

Quark,

 

You mentioned Japanese in one of your posts.  On the high school board in this post, Sebastian (a lady) mentioned "Students interested in Japanese might want to take a look at the Reischauer Scholars Program at Stanford.  It offers enrollment in a special virtual course on Japan.  This is a program for high school students.  There is a similar program that focuses on Korea."  Here are  direct links to the programs.

 

Reischauer Scholars Program (for Japanese)

 

Sejong Korean Scholars Program

 

Is your son already beyond the AP Calculus level?  Even though it's online, many of the PA Homeschooler's classes do tend to build community.  (My daughter took AP Statistics through PA Homeschoolers several years ago.)

 

Regards,

Kareni

[quark]

Thanks so much for your suggestions Kareni! I'm keeping PA Homeschoolers on my radar too. He might be able to take AP Calc BC in his 8th grade year.

[quark]

(initial post edited for privacy)

 

It has been three months and I wanted to post an update for anyone interested.

 

February: We visited the CC's open house and liked what we saw in general but were made very aware of the CC's generally lower expectations of incoming dual enrolled students. So this just underlines 8's feelings and my own about pursuing CC for math. We might change our minds at some point but right now, it really looks like we should look elsewhere for math.

 

March: DS took the SAT and CHSPE. The SAT reading result has really helped me make sense of DS's needs and I should have realized it earlier but have been in denial for a long time. I always talk about his math here but he is also self-accelerated in reading and it now really hits me why we always have issues with writing curriculum...his writing level is just not up to his reading level but I also cannot use writing resources at his writing level because they bore him to tears. He needs something way more challenging in depth but also needs the maturity that can only come with age. So I hope to just chill and let the writing develop as he is ready.

 

April: As advised upthread we visited Berkeley's Cal day last weekend and really loved it. Because we were late, we could not discuss with profs but DS met a math PhD student who was so obviously passionate about math and who encouraged DS so wholeheartedly to pursue his love of discrete math and math research and be confident about asking to audit upper div courses despite DS's young age.

 

Now...I guess it comes to decisions. We are contemplating approaching the CC for science courses and later, when his writing catches up, the humanities courses. Basically using CC as a sort of buffet of courses for DS to choose from based on interest. He has many interests so I don't think he will have a major issue of challenge headroom with science and humanities as he will with math. He will probably stick with the tutor for the unschooly/ proofy math he has been doing, take AoPS classes that appeal to him and possibly use MIT OCW too.

 

Thank you for reading about and supporting us on our journey this far!

[Barbara H]

Trying to comment without quoting...

From what I've been told double is quite rare and while I agree it doesn't mean 100% college readiness it is a piece of information I would take as meaningful for sure. (and tell me if that was too close to quoting and I'll delete!)