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.

I love it too. I copied and saved it to use in a year w/my dc.

Keep in mind that it's been 13 years since I was involoved with IB; it could be a bit different now.

I was an I.B. fine arts teacher (through 1997). The type of students that enroll in I.B. programs are top-notch. They are good kids from good families; I found students bright and eager to learn. I.B. is a very stressful program; by the end of the Jr. year, I saw many students folding under the stress and work load. It is a very rigorous and demanding program that gives the student hours and hours of homework every night. I frequently heard my 11th graders saying that they rarely finished their work before midnight-1am! One of the positives of I.B. is the college credit students can earn in high school. Many students began college as a 2nd semester Sophmore.

I'm looking forward to seeing more replies to this question. I've basically decided to combine U.S. and World history. Right now I'm planning on using Beautiful Feet "Early American & World History" next year for 9th grade, "US & World History: Civil War to Vietnam" (just up to the 20th century) for 10th grade, then Sonlight Core 300: 20th Century World history for 11th grade.

Spelling Power has a list up to 12th grade.

EPS books have a lot of good choices for remedial learners. www.epsbooks.com

We're going to use "Literary Lessons from Lord of the Rings", "Vocabulary from Classical Roots", and Writing Skills (the high school level; Book 3?).

We've been to Rodanthe twice and really enjoyed it. There's not a lot there and it is very quiet which is what we like! Ocracoke is beautful too, but harder to get to because you have to take the ferry.

My 14.5 yo ds and 12.5 yo dd basically regulate their own bed times. I insist that they wake up at a certain time though. This works for us!

You could add Sonlight, Winter Promise and TruthQuest history to your list.