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No words of wisdom, but we've had our share of Roommate Hell. Both my dd's went away to college (the same college, different years) and lived in dorms. Awful situation. I don't know how people live in those. My dd's are not bossy and wanted to be agreeable with their roommates. I think it's a case of entitlement syndrome...these kids want it their way or no way and will bully to get it (their parents too). Both my dd's went to this school for ONE semester and then came home and transferred to community college. They were at home without the drama and could concentrate on school NOT the politics of dorm life. They both say that was the worst experience of their lives. One dd had a full scholarship, but it wasn't worth it. No scholarship is worth the mental anguish and the change it will make in your dd. Trust me, my dd came home a very different person after only one semester with these people. It took a long time for her to get over it. It really did a number on her self-esteem and confidence. Sorry, I don't have any advice other than Baylor is a nice school. I hope you can work it out.

Khan Academy has a huge collection of Art History videos. OOPS!!! Just saw this mentioned above. Sorry, Robin

Yikes! I certainly didn't intend for my inquiry to cause trouble... I appreciate everyone's thoughts. I've decided (because I am a cheapskate) to just use something I have...Holt Government. It will probably take more time than I'm wanting, but we'll figure it out...plus, I have the teacher book. Thanks all. Robin

I am considering using this for a git-r-dun Government course. We have taken much longer with U.S. History than I anticipated. I have the complete set to look over. It seems so brief; I'm not sure it's enough for half a credit (state recommended). We also need Economics. I had planned on using the Economics 101 from Hillsdale College, but ds is NOT thrilled with the online format. He likes his books. Does anyone have any experience with the Power Basics text? Thanks. Robin

Another perspective... We find the dvt's very useful. My ds does not use them for every lesson, but when he feels he needs something a little extra for a lesson that isn't clear to him. The teaching in the text is very detailed, but we find the dvt's to be a nice way to reinforce topics. Well worth the few dollars spent. hth, Robin

I purchased this last year with high hopes of a great lab experience. It did not happen. I have no chemistry background and this kit and the manual were so complicated I could not even help my son. There is no way he could have done it on his own. We ended up doing labs from our textbook. The kit was sold for a huge loss. I think a tried and true kit from Quality Science Labs (MIcroChem kit) would probably be a better choice. Robin

I have thought about this very thing...message boards and having to contact/interact online with in instructor. Ds does not like this at all. Now, if it involves friends that's different :) Ideally, I would (he would, too) like a textbook, teaching videos, problems to solve with worked out solutions and labs---all to be done independently with minimal help from me. Much like his math... Thanks for your suggestions. Robin

Hello Sue. I actually read your review last week :) It was most helpful. If you don't mind a few questions? ~did you purchase the textbook? ~did you follow the lessons with your ds? or did he work independently? (I'm thinking I might follow along just for grins---if we go this route) ~are the tests memory based or open book? My ds has test anxiety and we often do open book tests---but more challenging ***I think my ds will probably go into a science field of some sort---he really likes Biology and Environmental Science (his sister, 21yo, is majoring in Environmental Biology AND his 25yo sister has decided to get another degree---you guessed it---Environmental Biology)---so he may very well go that direction...on the other hand, he likes math, although we have proceeded slowly through Algebra 1, Geometry and Algebra 2. My dh went to college late...he was about 26 when he started, but he knew exactly what he wanted to do. No dithering around. Thanks, Robin ETA: I re-read your review. Your son's middle school science is identical to my son's. Same materials.

snowbeltmom so...I looked up the Giancoli Physics book...I'm not sure which one is the one you suggested... Do you have an isbn? Did you get the solutions manual or an instructor's edition? What about labs. We've done hands-on labs with all our sciences. Ds loves labs. The biggest hurdle with Physics is my lack of knowledge in the area. I'm not sure this is the route for us, but I am willing to give the book a look. I think I've seen a text by this author at my local 1/2 Price Books. I am not at all sure about the Apologia text. My dd used it a few years ago and did not like it. She got through about 3/4 of the book and we called it good. She didn't particularly like Wile's tone. She also felt some of the religious references were unnecessary and seemed artificially inserted (we are not religious, but can usually work with it). The CP text seems confusing to me. I really want to like this one since so many give it high reviews. I just don't know enough (nothing) about Physics to make an informed decision. I have been looking at the Derek Owens self-paced class. I may just have to whittle down my grocery list by $58 a month... Thanks, Robin

My ds has completed Algebra 1, Geometry and is about half-way through Algebra 2 (we use the Lial's texts for Algebra). We are trying to choose a Physics program for him based on his math knowledge so far. I have Hewitt's CP High School program---student text, teacher edition, lab book and extra practice book with answer keys. I also have Apologia Physics. We prefer a secular science, but if this proves to be the most accessible, we will make it work. Apologia now has an instructional video for their physics course. I don't really know of any other programs to use at home for a mostly independent learner. I have looked at some online options, but the cost makes those out of reach for our family. I had considered using the Hippocampus physics course when I was looking over programs last year, but that is no longer available except through the SCOUT program. I can't even figure out what text the course uses or see the syllabus without registering. I also know of the GPB Physics program, but I'm not sure that is a complete course without using a text. Again, what text to use? I am not much help. I've never had a physics course. Dh is a mechanical engineer and can help, but he's at work and does travel, so his level of participation would be limited. I realize my ds would need an introductory type Physics course. A college level textbook would not work due to his math level. He has already had Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science. All help is welcome and appreciated. Thanks, Robin

3-ring binders and loose-leaf college-ruled reinforced edge paper for most subjects. Ds is a lefty and spiral notebooks do not work for him. He does use sewn composition books on occasion. I usually copy the cover of the text and insert that into the clear view front of the binder for easy identification. Robin

I would also like to get this syllabus. I have texts and workbooks...now I would like a guide!

I have used their speeches and documents lists and literature lists, but never done it as written. They do have weekly schedules now that would probably make implementing the program easier. I don't think most people use it as written anyway...even the people who put it all together. I know "Higher Up and Further In" (I think that's the name of the site) used it as a guide for her students. I think rather than adhering to a set list, maybe using CM's methods and applying those might be more beneficial. ***Keep in mind***I am terrible at making decisions about what to use...I probably should not be responding! Good luck! Robin

Chuckling at this. I think by the time we get to the last kid, we have lost all perspective! I know I let my ds do things with his friends that I never would have let my girls do. I don't think it's a girl/boy thing, though. At this point I'm too old and tired to resist. No advice. Sorry. Robin

Morning Glory---we might just be interested in this online thing of yours. I'll run it by my son and let you know. Thanks for your responses above. You've been most helpful and encouraging! Robin

Just wondering. It looks like a neat resource. Do you think it could be used an actual composition course? Thanks, Robin

MorningGlory~~~ I am possibly going to use the high school CP text with my son starting in the fall...that, or a Holt text...I'm not sure which one HE will be attracted to most. Anyway, do you have any suggestions for using the text successfully? Which labs are "home friendly", scheduling, etc. I also have the teacher's lab workbook (same as the student workbook, just has answers) and a problem-solving workbook. Not sure either are necessary since the text seems to have more than enough to keep us busy. You seem so pleased with CP. I want some of your enthusiasm! Thanks, Robin

Hillsdale College has an Economics course online, for free. There are weekly lectures, readings, study guides. It's not a long course, but it's probably more than what a student would get at the local ps here.

Two of my children have used National Driver Training Institute. Affordable and easy to implement.

The Big Read has some good suggestions.

We are using a typical high school textbook...Pathways to the Present (the survey version). It's not super in-depth, but we've added primary source documents and ds is using an old syllabus from Keystone that my dd used. It has quizzes and tests and lots of essay response questions. With all our additions, we are spreading it over 2 years. We will be doing the 2nd half this coming year. FWIW...Zinn was a proud communist, if I remember correctly. His book is rather bleak and makes the U.S. seem like a really horrific place. I know it covers often glossed over topics, but I personally wouldn't use it. I know the U.S. has it's faults, but golly...I mean, I want to know the good and the bad, but golly... Robin

I'd like to know this as well. Robin

Thanks for the feedback.