I can't begin to say enough about TOG. We used the history and literature components throughout high school for our oldest son. Needless to say, he has completed his freshman year of college with academic honors both semesters. He says TOG thoroughly prepared him for his college courses. The only thing he says I could have done differently is hold his feet to the fire more his senior year.

My ds' only AP test was yesterday. After complaining, asking if he could "play hooky," and dreading it because it was a timed test, he came away with a positive feeling. He told me that he actually had time to spare on each section. I don't care whether he gets a high enough score to earn college credit, I care about the experience. College is looming next year with so many transitions. Now I'm thinking I should do more timed testing with my younger kids in order to avoid the test anxiety.

I actually think this schedule looks very good for a ninth grader. I might break up the literature, grammar and writing into 1.5 credits. I'm not sure how much work is involved in the Smarr Literature element. We did almost the same thing here. We used Analytical Grammar, Vocabulary from Classical Roots, and two write at home courses (Essay I and the Research Paper). I called these elements one credit. I gave a second credit for completing TOG literature - Year 4: Twentieth Century Literature. I probably would not give a separate Bible credit. The only other thing I see that might make for an overload is the amount of time spent in the extra curricular activities. My dd began working and joined a local high school track team and these activities have really made the schedule more difficult.

DH is interested in a water softener that doesn't use salt (Easy Water - advertised by Sean Hannity) Anybody know anything about them? Do they work?

I'm looking for some input. We have been a dedicated TOG users for years, but my youngest daughter needs something different. I am considering using BJU Press dvds for World History. If someone has experience with the DVDs for world history, what did you think of the teacher? What kinds of assignments are given, and are they given within the dvd classes? Is there any kind of map or timeline work? I have looked at BJU's website and see that the lessons are 30 mins. How much additional homework is required? Thanks so much in advance for your responses.

We're in our 7th year with TOG, but this is our first time through the Year 4 curriculum. We're really enjoying this year because the topics are some we've never seen before. We had finished Year 3 when my oldest ds was an 8th grader, so we began again with Year 1 to coincide with his high school years. I have a ds (senior - rhetoric), two dds (freshman - rhetoric and 8th grade - dialectic), and another ds (4th grade - upper grammar).