Simple science kits in ziplocks, pocket microscope, old electronics to take apart & explore, snap circuits, pool noodles & duct tape (really), Pinterest has tons of ideas- maybe you would want to scroll through some with the boys & see what interests them.

Notgrass

I'm looking for a good schedule as well. It doesn't have to be "Sonlight style," but the way it is laid out is VERY confusing to me.

Just an added thought. I was an Honor graduate from high, which was based solely on grade-point. Some classes were harder than others, but honestly ALL of school came fairly easily for me. Some people just "Get" school better than others and can do harder work with less effort. I personally have two students on opposite ends of the spectrum. One needs much easier material and still doesn't always do too well. The other is very self-motivated and understands much more difficult material with little effort. Though, I want her to do her best and not be lazy, we need to also not punish brighter students if they can do upper level material with less effort. Sometimes receiving honors is very motivating. Some students need that. I do not believe they should be given when not deserved, though. I am just referring to students doing more advanced work, but that may not need to spend as much time or effort on it as others might need.

We are planning a move also. I have found quite a few states that actually "Require" or at least suggest Physical Science, so I think it would be perfectly fine. Then if you needed you could do like others stated and transfer credits.

My son had trouble with the ASVAB but scored even lower than your son on the IOWA when he was younger. Keep in mind he has a lot of time to practice/ study. The main areas to focus on are math, vocabulary, and auto/shop/ electrical. He can get in with a 31, I think. He can't choose his MOS with that score but he can "Squeeze" in. He should also learn to enjoy running. There are quite a few online study sites that are free. Just do a search. The ASVAB is the same for all branches I think, so he could go to the Army website for study materials and still enlist in the Marines. Also, remember that he may change his mind a million times before he reaches 18. Mine is 20 and still can't seem to decide what to do with his life. You may also let him know that the Army is larger and therefore has a wider array of job titles. (And, the soldiers in my family are "As military as they come.")

I've been thinking about Biblical twin names lately. Some I've thought of recently: Joshua and John Daniel and David Matthew and Caleb Sarah and Seth Isaac and Isaiah Rachel and Rebekah I've really thought combining a Biblical name with a family name for each would be nice.

I think I would die from heart failure!

There have been so many good points that I don't want to restate them; however I would like to point out something else. I drive a school bus for a local high school. (9th-12th grade) As many others mentioned, this school offers both AP and IB classes, as well as professional classes such as Med Pro. What I would like to point out is that looks can be deceiving. Yes...the school pushes kids from middle school up to take more advanced classes; however this is almost ALL children. Meaning those who can't handle it just fail or do very poorly. Many kids I have talked to end up taking remediation to make up for not being able to pass end of course tests. (Even the bright kids) In addition, the grading scale is easier than when I was in school. When I was in school you had to score 95% or higher to receive an A. (I was an honor graduate, btw) At this school, the grading scale is now 90% or above is an A. Many of the teachers also give tons of extra credit, grade on a curve, or otherwise manipulate things to bring kids grades up. There are good teachers, but many struggle to teach well because there are so many behavior problems disrupting class. I could go on, but you get the point. Yes, your husband's opinion is valid. But, before making a rash decision, I would check into all your options: Dual enrollment in college while still at home, finding a good homeschool co-op that offers classes you can't or won't cover at home, some private schools will allow you to receive accredidation through them while homeschooling, etc. Also, check into colleges and/ or career paths your child may be interested in and see how they view homeschool diplomas. Sometimes it just means using an accredited curriculum. Research before deciding. My prayers are with you.

Just want to encourage ALL parents out there...What is best for one is not best for another...and what is best today may not be best in 3 years. I hope we can all take heart knowing we are trying to do what is best for each one of our children. NO curriculum is perfect. (As is no parent or child) Living books, textbooks, workbooks, no books...They are all approaches and resources to help us on our journey. I hope you will ALL be blessed and encouraged today! (No matter what philosophy of education you have)

You might also check out simple schooling and/or Janice Van Cleave books.

After 10 years of crazy curriculum buying, I would say wait until you are actually ready to use it. Things can change A LOT in a few months. If your child is not ready for it, I would wait. You could always discuss with your husband setting the money aside specifically for the curriculum purchase at a later date. However, you may also want to consider this...If it's a graded version and your child isn't ready for the next level...should you maybe rethink dropping down a level? Without knowing what it is, it's a little hard to give specific advice. But, I do hope you can find peace in whatever decision you make.

I have used WP, MFW ECC, parts of Sonlight, and HOD. By far HOD has been the easiest to implement. It has fun activities which are quick and easy. Everything for the day is contained on 2 pages and there is no going to 3 different craft books and gathering supplies, etc. MFW ECC was ok, but the book basket wasn't working for us and the worksheets were way to hard for my youngest. I see they've added some new books, which is probably nice though. The book selections for WP and Sonlight are great, but WP had way too many choices for the box checker in me. I felt as if everything needed to be done, soooo not much actually got done. Sonlight has way too many read alouds for me. All that said, I believe they are ALL great programs. It really depends on your style. Personally speaking, after years of trying everything under the sun, HOD is a very refreshing open-and-go program which is substantially more full than it appears. The activities/ experiments are so easy to do. EVERYTHING is scheduled for you, but if you prefer to use a few different things such as your LA/ math it is very easy to do. However, each person who answers will probably have a different opinion. So, ultimately you will have to truly look at yourself and what you realistically will do. God bless your decision making.

What a great selection of resources already named! You might check out Heart of Dakota as well.

You might check out some other math programs such as: Singapore Math U See miquon etc