We're using LLfrLOTR now. It has plenty of vocab. & wrting prompts. I agree with bugs that it does not tell the student how to write. IMO using a resource such as "Writer's Inc" would be a good supplement. I don't think a separate writing program is needed.

We're using LLfrLOTR also ans are really enjoying it! I would love to hear suggestions also. I know there is a unit study based on the "Anne of Green Gables" books, but that doesn't help those of us with boys!

What Latin program have you used and would recommend for a 7th/8th grader?

1. I used Core 3 when my dc were 10 & 12. We loved "Landmark" and had no problems with it. I almost didn't use SL 3 because of all the bad reviews of Landmark...I'd recommend giving it a try before disgarding it. 2. I would use an IG (you can get a used one); it will save you a lot of time. 5. We used the Story of the USA books by reading and discussing them aloud so I think it just depends on how you use it. 6. I'm all for having all the children in a family learning together since there is so much interaction that occurs even in non-school times. I think Winter Promise has some younger books/programs that you could add in to help your Kindergartner.

We've recently started using Biblioplan. There's a lot of flexibility, it's inexpensive and uses a literature approach with several spine texts choices. You may want to research it.

We're using the Hakim books (as scheduled by Biblioplan) and we REALLY like them. Most libraries have them; I would go check one out and read through it to see what you think of it.

My dd actually enjoys testing! :confused: We probably won't take advantage of the classes because we live too far from the campus.

Thanks for all the feedback. Any negatives? It seem too good to be true?

I was thinking that her ACT score may help her become duel-enrolled in out community college before she's 16...Do you know anything about this?

MY dd (7th grade) qualifies for the Duke Talent Id. Program. I seriously doubt that she'll enroll in any of their camps or enrichment classes...so is it worth doing? I also have to state that I'm slightly paronoid about her name being on any "gifted" list. My dd seems fine with taking the ACT; she says it "Sounds fun". I really want some feedback on this topic. Thanks.

We do our schoolwork in our family room. It's very cozy, we have access to a computer and we have a nice table to use where we can leave things out when needed.

Winter Promise has a high school level ancient history course ("Quest for the Ancient World"). I've never used it so I cannot speak to it's quality.

I may be over-stepping, but just FYI before you purchase Core 7...I used Core 6 last year with my 6th and 8th graders. The spine text (SOTW) was way too elementary for my dc.

I believe Lang. Arts is integrated in the SL IG (Core 7 & up).

Well, there's Mystery of History. It is written from a Christian worldview. SOTW is not anti-Christian. Anything from Beautiful Feet would be from a Christian worldview. Sonlight is a Christian company, but will incorporated secular texts. You could look at Veritas Press too. I hope this helps some.