If you want to go independent as much as possible through 8th grade then I agree with OneStepAtATime. CLE is a full program that has a gentle spiral which provides the needed review. Since Khan has been working, at least in part, I would also recommend to continue with it as supplemental. That is really where Khan's strength is, to shore up areas where a student needs a bit of extra work. We used Khan, AoPS videos and TabletClass for Pre-Algebra with TC as the spine. Sometimes hearing the concepts taught in different ways helps the student better grasp the new ideas. I forgot to mention AoPS videos which are excellent as well. Don't be afraid to include more than one thing. It really can help when she gets stuck, frustrated or simply isn't retaining things. I have heard from many that Khan alone isn't enough as a stand alone program. However, when used with one or more of these other programs I think it could really work for her. BTW, for Pre-A, Derek Owens sells the workbooks separately and his videos are free. So you could still do most of it yourself that way. And its more affordable that way as well. Lastly, after trying so many things, I highly recommend having your dd sit down with a few of these options and try the demos. Allow her to provide some much needed input which will help gauge what may or may not work as well for her. Obviously she won't be thrilled with any. But there still may be one option she dislikes least. ;)

Wow, that's a bummer! It seems like you guys had finally found something that worked. I was considering it for ds13 as well. But I think we've decided on LToW at home. There are LToW online courses available as well which are supposed to be very good. Here is one which folks seem to like: http://coramdeotutorials.com/courses/the-lost-tools-of-writing-level-1/ This is one level earlier (6th to 8th grade) depending on where the student is at: http://coramdeotutorials.com/courses/introduction-to-essay-writing/ You could always do one semester of another program and see how it goes. Then go back to Attuneup in the Spring.

Hmm, it's always tough when math is a child'd least favorite subject. Our middle dd is the same way. There are many things to consider when evaluating best fit knowing that nothing is going to thrill her. Math Mammoth and CLE have both worked for her at different stages. While both are good I prefer MM for added depth of concepts. You may want to look these. They are both designed to be done mostly independent, unlike many other programs. You didn't mention your dd's current subject skill level. What is she currently studying? If Pre-Algebra or above you may want to consider outsourcing math. This has been the best subject to outsource for us for ds13. It sounds like you have already done that in part with Khan Academy. She may actually respond better to an outside teacher as opposed to learning solely from a book. There are several very good options at that level and above which include: Derek Owens (free pre-algebra videos available) Jann in Texas offers tutoring at no additional charge beyond course fee Wilson Hill Academy 'live' interactive courses are excellent TabletClass ( though may be too challenging) Liveonlinemath

Hm, that's really hard to say as there is 'So Much' available. Then you have to consider the ages of the children. I've known some missionaries who like big box curriculum for convenience. But we've never liked the big box stuff ourselves. Overall, I think their choices will vary greatly depending on their own teaching style and personal preferences. Whether Christian or not, I think these same things hold true. Even among Christian circles we vary a lot in terms of preferences. Many like a mixture of Christian and secular depending on the subject matter. In addition kids are still kids wherever you live. Some will learn differently than others responding to one curriculum much better than another. This is especially true with subjects such as math. For an all-in-one or a la carte BJU looks like a good one: https://www.bjupress.com/distance-learning/ For math we really like Math Mammoth which is in PDF format. It is not Christian math per se. But of all the subject I think math is one which should not depend on religious content. For reading books, I highly recommend one or more tablets. Many books are now available for download, many old classics are free. Other newer books can be purchased in different formats including ePUB which is much better than PDF for reading. Take a look at Gutenburg for starters if you haven't already. Here's a good booklist with mostly free books: http://www.hstreasures.com/rc/booklist.html. This one looks interesting based upon downloadable books: http://www.oldfashionededucation.com/ ck12 is a great source for free secular books of high quality which can be downloaded. We used their Physical Science text which was great.

Haha, well, quite honestly there are good arguments for/against both options. So that is why I understand the struggle. After going through AoPS Algebra and then Wilson Hill I have experience with both to an extent. I always caveat recommendations with 'this varies on a per child basis.' Based upon what you are describing in your daughter, I think it's a tough call. Considering 'curriculum only,' not taking into account the teachers and what they bring to the table (which can be a lot!), I would say AoPS will be more rigorous. AoPS will also challenge your dd to think differently using more of a discovery approach. Whereas Dolciani is a standard, classical math text which is also very good, but not at the same level of challenge as AoPS. Which will be the better one for her is the real question? Now, it gets interesting when you add in the fact that you see her eventually moving over to WHA. That being the case, it gives WHA a bit of an edge in having more consistency and familiarity with the way they do things. I am not familiar WTM Academy through personal usage. But there have been quite a number of good reviews on here regarding the quality and rigor of the education. So honestly, I don't think you can wrong either way. I think it will really boil down to wanting to stay with the same academy for consistency and whether or not you want to take a stab at AoPS with your daughter. Just the question of whether to use AoPS in and of itself is a big one! For ds13, he was not ready for AoPS at the Pre-A stage while transitioning from concrete operations to abstract reasoning. With all the other changes going on developmentally (cognitively and maturity level), it wasn't until the next year that AoPS became a more viable option for him during Algebra 1. If your daughter prefers a more straight forward, get-er-done math, Dolciani is much more this way while still covering a solid S&S. I recommend having your dd take a look at the AoPS samples and doing some Alcumus to get a general feel for her impressions of the program and it's approach. If it drives her nuts and she just can't stand it, that gives you a good indicator of her potential readiness and response to the curriculum. Additionally, the Dolciani text can be found on the used market very affordably. So it may be worth picking up a copy to do a direct compare with her. At least in trying out the AoPS samples with Alcumus, it will give you a greater sense of peace with your final decision. And your daughter may ultimately be the one who tips the scales in one direction over the other. ;)

Congrats with almost being done! ;) Although we won't be done until ~ mid June, we still are planning a family vacation beforehand to avoid at least some of the crowds. With more online classes ahead for High School it will become increasingly harder to take our 'off-season' vacations like we have done in the past. Once ds13 begins taking college courses it will definitely present a greater scheduling challenge. Yes, it really is a whole new life stage for all of us as well with our oldest going into high school. The reality of how fast he is growing seems to be really hitting harder than ever before. That's a bit tough for me, especially when this seems like just yesterday: I think I'm getting soft in my old age. :) ETA, I know very few post pictures of their kids and for good reasons many times. But my baby boy in these pictures sadly looks nothing like this anymore. Granted, he is a handsome young teenager now, taller than his mother and catching up to me quickly. But still, I miss this little man who is/was a very sweet, funny and enjoyable little dude.

Wow, another good review of Amplify. Thank you! Can you please share a bit more about the format of the course, the presentation style, tests, etc...? For example, is this a pre-recorder lecture or is it more interactive software with some written instructions or some other format? It's really hard to tell what the course is like from the website. Thanks,

Yes, I think you are correct. Based upon their websites it looks like they start in the Fall. So for Summer I am looking at doing something a bit shorter like possibly: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/begin-programming?utm_campaign=Courses+feed&utm_medium=courses-feed&utm_source=courses-feed https://www.udemy.com/java-tutorial/?dtcode=sC1a6xg2Q6n5 https://www.class-central.com/mooc/320/udacity-intro-to-computer-science

* TabletClass Pre-A is very good. It is somewhat rigorous with introductions to advanced algebraic concepts. This is also the biggest online math course bargain with 50% off sale this month! * Wilson Hill Academy 'live' Pre-A using Dolciani * Jann in Texas gets good reviews

Acorn, Thanks for sharing your experience with it. I read a few reviews which seem to mention similar problems with it. Maybe they are responding to some of this initial feedback. Right now I'm leaning toward these two courses. Amplify seems to get good reviews and they may offer an option for more teacher assistance if needed: 1. Berkeley's AP Computer Science course on EdX 2. Amplify AP CS course

ds13 has thoroughly enjoyed Wilson Hill Academy Geometry this year. The Jurgensen text combined with excellent instruction and live classroom interaction twice a week (90 minute classes) is hard to beat. The live component and direct teacher/student interaction was what really set it apart for us. He used AoPS for algebra I but likes the interactive component more. We'll continue this Fall with Algebra 2 at WHA. Dolciani is used for Algebra I & II.

Well, I think we are close to deciding on this one. We'll probably do some lighter/shorter programming over the Summer after ds13's Jazz camp. Something like this: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/begin-programming?utm_campaign=Courses+feed&utm_medium=courses-feed&utm_source=courses-feed Then for the Fall I really like either: 1. Berkeley's AP Computer Science course on EdX 2. Amplify AP CS course These both sound like really good options. I just wish I could find out more information about them beforehand. While some parents have provided positive feedback on the Amplify course, I haven't seen any reviews or experiences with the Berkeley CS course. It simply may be too new. Though I really like the description including it's emphasis on hands-on learning, use of game programming to keep it interesting, interaction with other students (not sure how that works) and design. I don't think you can go wrong with either of them.

I wish we knew someone who had taken Berkeley's AP Computer Science course on EdX to compare with the Amplify AP CS course. They both look like really good options. Both appear to be well thought out. Berkeley's speaks about doing a lot of hands on learning through creating games which sounds like fun. It also says they will be interacting with others students. I wonder how that works? While on the other hand we have parents here who have used Amplify and have had good experiences with it. So good choices but tough decision all around. :) :o

Jetta, Having a solid Algebra background is so worth it and will build the foundation for many math and science courses to follow. But I know you know that. I just wanted to give you some added encouragement to continue pressing forward. ;)

Haha, well, you know, that is one of the funniest things about the forum. Most of the time feel like a slacker, especially after reading threads like this one about ppls plans for 9th grade. It just seems like some are doing a crazy amount of courses and level of difficulty in those courses. Where do they find time for all of these things? But then I think we are just where ds13 needs to be and that's what is important. Tailoring his freshman year to his aptitude level, finding that just right challenge in each of the various subjects while also looking for areas he is interested in are my goals. While I get some great ideas from the forum, there is certainly no way I'm going to try to keep up with some of the boy/girl wonders on here. Heck, even in our own family I see each child moving through areas of cognitive development at different times. I am somewhat baffled how some kids can do so much at the high school level and still have a life outside of school. But then again it is a high energy time of life. So finding a good balance between a solid, rigorous education and time to just be a kid/teen has been one of my biggest challenges as we face the high school years.

We're totally planning for High School, College and Summer School. ds13 just took the College Board's Accuplacer test last week since he'll be starting dual enrollment soon. He got into Summer Jazz Camp here in Monterey which we are really looking forward to. Then he'll be doing a Summer online course in programming of some kind, still narrowing options. Because ds13's hardest class, Geometry, is almost over we're looking forward to having a little breathing room to practice Study Skills which we've put off. Most everything got finished this year or is on track unlike last year. Summer will be busy and interesting. ;)

What more specifically are you looking for? Would any of the other options discussed above possibly work? There are lots of options. We're now leaning toward LToW which can we'll most likely do from home though there are online courses available as well.

What if someone gets a low score? Does that become a permanent record? I've heard AP tests can be retaken. But does result still show up when applying to schools?

Hi, This looks very intriguing with quite a variety of technologies explored for an intro course. I was wondering if anyone has given it a try? https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-harvardx-cs50x#!

Thanks, Daijobu. It sounds like your dd13 has really liked Amplify which is great to hear! I'm not sure we would would take the AP test or just take the course for educational purposes. I know ds13 will be taking programming in college as well. In fact, we just enrolled him in our local CC where they have a number of programming courses available. So my primary goal is really just to get him up to speed before taking his first college CS courses for credit. I guess I was not very impressed with TeenCoder after reviewing their website and seeing so many other available options. So I hadn't really considered it much. A few other resources we are considering for Summer and possibly beyond are: https://www.udacity.com/course/intro-to-java-programming--cs046 https://www.udemy.com/java-tutorial/?dtcode=sC1a6xg2Q6n5 https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-harvardx-cs50x#! Harvard's looks very interesting with more web based technologies. Though I think this would extend beyond Summer for us. Still, it looks enjoyable. ETA: I forgot to mention that Berkeley also has a MOOC AP Computer Science course which looks very good as well. I wonder how it compares with Amplify? Overall there really is a lot to choose from including many which are very affordable to free: https://www.edx.org/course/preparing-ap-computer-science-exam-level-uc-berkeleyx-lucs-1x#!

Hi all, I'm just checking back to see if anyone did this course? It looks like an interesting option for Computer Science.

I'm interested in a programming course for Summer also and prefer Java. Though we may look at Python as well. In looking the CTY course over I'm not sure it will be the best option for a Summer course given its description, normal time to complete, etc... It's also on the pricey side for a short course. I'm finding quite a few other more affordable options. As a Java programmer, I'm also not thrilled with the inclusion of Applets as that is very dated technology. Though it would be interesting to hear from anyone who has taken it. I'm compiling a list of potential options which I can share here once I narrow things down a bit more.

I completely agree with this. While they are still very young and simply toying with these concepts and terms its more like memory work, almost like memorizing words of a foreign language. Since they are not really using them regularly it's perfectly normal to forget them. However, once the child is old enough to actually take Geometry all of those things begin to make more sense within the 'context' of regular usage. We never gave it much thought and at most looked at it as simple enrichment, an introduction to basic shapes, concepts and simple calculations. The brain develops so quickly at this stage while transitioning from concrete operations to abstract reasoning that your dc will be in a totally different place once they are ready for the actual course. Honestly, ds13 did very little pre-geometry and is really excelling in it this year after solid Algebra 1 training with AoPS and TabletClass. The real effort involves working the proofs and solving more complex problems. The terms are almost an afterthought compared to the more challenging aspects of the course. I'm doing the same thing for ds13 now in showing him introductory lessons to Calculus *way* before he is ready to take the course. This is simply to introduce big concepts and some of the associated terminology. While its interesting to him as 'oh, that's what I'm working toward,' I don't expect him to memorize and retain the formulas or terms before he actually gets there. To do so would be overkill and cause unnecessary stress/worry, IMO.

For fun our kids our really like DragonBox Elements. :) In answer to your question, no, geometry doesn't have to be so rough, especially before his full geometry course. ds13 didn't do much besides his love for origami. Having a solid algebra background is the most important preparation, IMO. After AoPS Intro to Algebra, he went right into Jurgensen Geometry and has done exceptionally well. We had planned on doing more 'pre-geometry' preparations last year. But in the end we spent more time solidifying algebraic concepts and it couldn't have worked out better. So I wouldn't worry about it too much. Find something enjoyable while really nailing Algbera 1 and he should do fine.

Thanks, Lisa. I know some really like WWS. So it had us wondering if it was just him, maybe not a good fit perhaps? Regardless, it has been nice to see a glimmer of light where there was mostly disdain before. I'm assuming from your description that your dd likes writing more with LToW now, at least to an extent? I have joined the Yahoo group. Yet neither of us have listened to any of the Andrew Kern talks. Where is the best place to find those? ETA: I just found some here https://www.circeinstitute.org/audio. Are these what you are referring to? Thanks,