I'm researching this sequence: Jacobs Alg 1 & Geometry + Foerster Alg 2, and I ran across a comment saying that these older texts don't prepare a student as well for the SAT as new texts would, such as Pearson/Prentice Hall. Do you think that's true?

Thanks. We're in Course 1 right now and are thinking of jumping out and going to pre-algebra for 7th, Algebra 1 for 8th, etc.

7th grade for pre-algebra.

I'd love your opinions on favorite Pre-Algebra programs! What goes well with Foerster Algebra I? We're coming from Math in Focus/Singapore, if that matters.

My dd is in MIF 6 right now and my older dd used Singapore PM 6 8 years ago. Obviously, MIF is freshest in my mind, but I remember thinking that SM 6 was getting difficult (after using Singapore from Earlybird on), especially 6b. MIF is difficult, IMO. My dd has been through MIF since the middle of 3rd grade, and I understand the program well enough to teach her. So, it's going fine/well. There isn't a lot of practice and it definitely needs more review to keep the material fresh -- it's too easily forgotten as they dive into the next topic. Personally, even though I'm a firm believer in the value of the Singapore approach, we're probably changing to a more traditional pre-algebra for 7th, algebra for 8th, etc. instead of continuing with MIF for 7th-8th. Since you describe your dd as needing more time and practice, I wouldn't choose MIF because it moves quickly and doesn't give a lot of practice or review. I've only looked at MM, but, if I were you, I'd seriously look at it for 6th & 7th (or stay with Singapore for 6th). From what I've read, MM is similar enough to SM that she'd probably have no problem switching, but it gives more "scaffolding" for new material and may give more practice.

Thank you, Kathy!

Thank you for that helpful comparison, Zoo Keeper!

Sorry! I think I posted this on the wrong board earlier! What is your experience with BJU math? Does it have more "why" than Saxon, but is more American and easier to teach than Singapore?

Is BJU math have the "why" and some of the depth of Singapore, but easier to understand for teachers and parents to teach the lessons (because it's more American)? I'd love any comparisons you want to give!

Thanks, guys! I've used SM Primary previously and am now using Math in Focus -- neither have had the built-in review (other than needing to know past concepts for a few of the current word problems). I've used Extra Practice (a semester behind) & Challenging Word Problems in the past, but they are extra books to schedule. =D Just wondering if there is something that already includes review and still teaches the wonderful mathematical thinking and problem solving, but maybe doesn't ask for as large of leaps in application of new concepts. I'll look at Math Mammoth! Any thoughts on how it compares/contrasts to SM?

I love that SM teaches deeper mathematical thinking, with word problems that require thought rather than just plugging the numbers into whatever type of problem is being taught in that unit. The bar models are great -- I don't expect to find another program with those. The "weaknesses" for us are that sometimes the program goes too far in how quickly and deeply it asks the students to apply the new concepts (ie: it's really hard! -- good, but can be bad if taken too far), and there isn't built-in review to make sure the concepts stay fresh. (The concepts build, but there aren't problems similar to the past chapters to keep kids from forgetting.) Oh, and math facts have to be practiced and drilled separately. Any thoughts on a math curriculum for grammar stage? Overall, I like SM, but I wonder if there's something similar without the issues we tend to have.

Does anyone know of a chart or article that compares the different approaches to classical education? I'm wishing for something that compares approaches like Bluedorn, LCC (Campbell), TWTM, etc.

My 11 year old daughter has had private cello lessons (with no group classes) for the past 2 school years, but I've always had in mind that we would move her to the strings academy with private lessons + group classes at some point. The academy has a great reputation and is run by two music professors at our local university. The problem is that she is our first child to study an orchestra instrument, and we don't know much about the process. How important or beneficial are the group classes? Her current teacher put together a cello choir day with 6 students and hopes to put on 4 of these days each year. (10:00 to 2:00, wth a short concert at 2:00 for parents.) How would these 4 cello choir days each year compare to having the group classes each week? Both her current teacher and the strings academy use the Suzuki method, and my daughter is in the middle of book 2. We are leaning toward moving her now, but I'd love to hear some thoughts on the benefits or importance of group classes -- and any other cello advice is welcome too!

These are both ancient Greek. The Bluedorn book may still be helpful. (I'm not familiar with Code Cracker, but i generally really like CAP products.) The Bluedorn book has lots of writing practice & teaches the (ancient) letter sounds.

Thanks, guys! After looking at each one and remembering what I've heard about each over the years, LOF won out! My girl has had it for 2 days and has done 3 lessons so far. She likes it! It's so completely different than what we use all year (Math in Focus) that it's a nice change. Thanks again for your help!