I have used Sonlight over the years. Their writing is integrated with the history...well, sort of. Sometimes there are assignments about a summer vacation or something like that. The thing is IF the writing is not taught in a manner that works for your child (okay, I mean in a crummy way), then you are in double trouble. You now have a curriculum that TIES everything together, but what is grouped together is like having a bad orange in the fridge drawer, it kinda starts to spoil everything else (and smells too!). I am beginning to see that this tying together actually binds us into a plan that was made sometimes by only one person. I think that it's better to have a couple viewpoints to choose from, possibly a whole editorial staff! This is especially true with bible being woven in the curriculum. There are too many takes on Scripture out there and you could easily get one that doesn't work for your family. I like Notgrass in that it does take what's biblical (in a general sense) and apply it to what has happened in history. I can discuss this with my dd easier than if it goes off the deep end like a few curriculum writers do. Some are VERY fixed in their stance. Notgrass seems to be conservative, yet not overly dogmatic. Of course, I can always just skip (or discuss more in depth) any lesson that is questionable. Anyway, my plan is to buy Notgrass and take or leave some of the writing assignments. Also use Lightning Lit for a gentle lit course along with their suggestions for writing (they do have a nice intro to writing in the beginning of their American Lit I course). Also, I have Write Source's 8th grade writing manual, which is a very full book that has helped my dd and should work through 9th or 10th grade easily. I have a lot of IEW items too, but I never can get over their 'banned word' list, their rigid checklist, and the way it's almost like a religion. I like some of it, but leave the rest. And this is written by one person (maybe two if you count Mr. Webster). It was good to write this out as it has made me realize that I am always looking for that pie in the sky curriculum with all my favorite toppings. The problem is nothing matches up to my dream curriculum, because, well, it's a dream! ;) Margo

So, it looks like I have to decide on paying $400 for Spanish I or find something else, other than BJP. We have a co-op here that has Spanish for roughly $350 per year. Very similar, but I wouldn't have to DRIVE back and forth once a week. AND, with the co-op, she wouldn't have that daily (if necessary) contact with the teacher (on DVD that is). That is a big plus. What about SOS Spanish? Did any of you consider that? $65 looks better, but then you don't get a teacher. Margo

The catalog description states that the teacher must have a basic knowledge of Spanish to use this course. I took Spanish a LONG time ago so I can't remember much. If I get the DVD Supplement ($49.95), would that be enough (along with the T.E., Student Text, Activity Manual, and tests)? I would be teaching a 9th grader. Or maybe use something else? Thanks for any help with this! Margo

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Yes, I thought the comment was strange. It came from a curriculum dealer too, not just a regular homeschooler. I probably ought to just let his comment go and see for myself! I am considering Notgrass for 9th grade instead of SL. SL uses Hakim and we've already read that series once without much enthusiasm from my dd. Now that she's acquired the ripe old age of 14, she doesn't want anything 'kiddish' so I was thinking of Notgrass maybe. Did you use it and like it? i really like the idea of the primary sources. I was going to pair it up with Lightning Lit too. Thanks, Margo

...toward Tennessee? I was told, by someone at our state convention, that in EA too many famous Americans happen to be from Tennessee (maybe I should email Mr. Notgrass and ask him this question too). Does anyone who has done Exploring America recall this in the curriculum? I'm assuming that all the other usual names are brought forth too. Do you think it was a fair handling of famous Americans? Thanks in advance, Margo

Yes, there are colleges that won't take the CLEP tests. But there are plenty that will. :001_smile: And since my son isn't interested in proving anything to a particular college, that aspect doesn't matter to him. It's not for everyone and you have to decide what you really want from a college 'experience' and where it will lead. On another note, there are other tests called DSST or DANTES. These actually give you a grade (CLEPs don't...just pass or fail) which gives the student a GPA. Since my son has some dual credits, he does have a 4.0. Maybe I'll have him do an AP test or two, just to show that he knows his stuff. Thanks for that reminder. Margo

Just thought I would add a bit to this thread. My son is one of those highly motivated students that just can't see spending so much money on a degree when testing is available. He is in the process of deciding if he will go with CollegePlus. He has taken 3 CLEPs so far on his own (American History I and II, and also English with Essay). We are still waiting for his English test results, but he thinks he did 'okay'. The first two he passed easily. Here in Minnesota, high school students can get 6 CLEPs paid for by the state. We just pay an administration fee of $15 each. So that's 18 - 36 college credits (CLEPs are either 3 or 6 credits) for a grand total of $90. Of course, there are text books to add to that total, but they are pretty cheap used (don't have to buy the latest editions like you do in a b&m college!). As for learning retention, well, the studying is the same, but more intense since the student is focused on one topic. You have to decide to 'own' the information gained just like in any college class. I agree that sciences and labs (and music), would be a bit harder, but CollegePlus works with those degrees too. My son is going for his bachelor's, probably in English, and then apply to graduate school. And, yes, there are many graduate schools to choose from as distance learning is becoming accepted more and more. And, of course, money talks, especially in this economy. That is what we have found with college too, just score decent on your ACT, apply, give them your money and you are in. My son got a 29 on his ACT, but even with that, he would still have to come up with over $1k a month to go to a private school. He would much rather try this route. Most colleges accept up to 30 CLEPs so we'll soon need to make the big decision, but when you get to 30, it just makes sense to keep at it. Well, just wanted to put a good word in for CLEP testing and CollegePlus. They offer a valuable service. Their site is very informative. Good luck with all the choices out there! Margo