Great - thank you everyone for the suggestions!

I'm stumped in trying to figure out the best Algebra 1 curriculum for my 8th grader. We've done a bit of a hodge podge over the past few years -- as we've tried some part-time school programs that included math. (They used McGraw Hill, and then Saxon pre-algebra - he HATED both). In the end, he basically completed at least 2 years of pre-algebra, including Jousting Armadillos, along with some basic Algebra I. I felt he needed some firming on concepts, so we've been working through the EPGY Grade 7 Redbird math, which I really like but which doesn't continue into Algebra. I'd note that my son tends to test high on math, and to get concepts quickly. However, while he tends to get bored easily and hates to have things repeated, he also gets bogged down on details. He also has some learning differences that seem to make him freeze up when he confronts multi-step problem solving or anything he can't figure out in his head (though the calculations he can do that way often amaze me.) For all of these reasons, I think AoPS is a bad idea. I guess I could just get the book, and we could work through it on our own pace, but I worry it will frustrate him. I also thought about the Jacobs book, which we got from the library, but the text-heavy pages freaked him out (he also has visual tracking issues, just to complicate things further.) He did like Jousting Armadillos and we started the Crocodile book, but understand from reading various posts here that we couldn't really use those books on their own. The biggest issue is that he wants to work independently, and doesn't want a lot of input from me (he's 13 after all.) Redbird Math worked really well for him, since it was engaging and let him try problems several times until he got the right answer. Otherwise, he just clicks through to get finished quicker, even if he gets everything wrong. But the EPGY algebra comes from a different provider and is tutored, so very expensive. My son is very interested in a career in science long-term, so I think a firm foundation in math is critical, but I just can't seem to find the right curriculum for next year. I'd really appreciate any suggestions!

I'm looking for some new ways to challenge my 4th grader, especially at the recommendation of her teacher at enrichment program. I've looked at the J Hopkins program -- which is really pricey, and the Duke TIPs. We are doing the Stanford EPGY independent study program currently, which is okay, but she said she doesn't feel challenged. I'm considering the Duke program, because some of the online activities/classes look fun and more affordable than others. But as I try to figure out what route to take, I've become incredibly confused about the pros and cons of the different tests the various programs recommend/offer. The Duke program offers the EXPLORE test, while the JHU CTY requires SCAT. My daughter scored quite high on the Iowa test, and I didn't find it that helpful in gauging her areas of relative strength. This is the main reason I'm contemplating further testing, though it would be nice to gain access to some expanded online opportunities - even though I don't think any of the summer programs would be feasible. I'm wondering which test might offer the best information. Has anyone found these tests particularly worthwhile in learning more about their child's learning style, strengths etc?

My son (starting 6th grade) is a pretty good writer with a strong vocabulary and an interest in science and other non-fiction topics. His spelling is pretty good and he knows how to craft complete sentences. He also knows parts of speech. However, his use of mechanics -- rules of capitalization in particular -- is really inconsistent. This was his lowest scoring area on the Iowa test. We've been using MCT -- starting the Voyage level -- supplementing with WWS 1 this year. However, I feel like I need to also supplement with something to help him on these grammar mechanics, helping in areas that the bigger picture kinds of curricula like MCT might miss. My son is a big picture learner to begin with, as am I, so I fear between the two of us these more detailed areas might suffer. If anyone has suggestions for a workbook or other resource that won't be too boring or rote, I'd really appreciate it.

I recently discovered the Arbor Center for Teaching out of Portland, which offers a free newsletter (Cambium) on teaching topics. They offer a series of pre-algebra and algebra books that seem quite unique -- written by their math instructor. I was thinking of purchasing the first issue Jousting Armadillos and Other Equations for pre-algebra next year after seeing a sample. It seems to stress problem solving skills and a more creative approach to math. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this curriculum? http://www.arborcent...ications/books/ On a related topic - I'm also thinking of AoPS for pre-algera next year, but wonder if it might be too much for my son (now in grade 5). He's the kind of kid who seems to get higher concepts (he was so excited the day we did exponentials) but hates long division, multiplication, showing his work, etc. He makes simple mistakes all the time copying his work, which makes me wonder if he's bored (he also has attention issues and slow processing speeds, so there's that). I find I have to mix things up a lot with him to keep him engaged ...LoF, MM -- both seemed to work great for him for the first half of the year and now he's over them. We're doing geometry right now and he seems really bored with the MM approach, as well as with the old Singapore book I have. I was thinking that AoPS or even the latest Beast Academy book might be way to get him more excited on these concepts, or at least make them fun and visual. I'm also wondering if moving to something a bit more challenging (this Jousting Armadillos or AoPS) might wake him up a bit. This curriculum is half the price of AoPS, so it has that to recommend it right now. Thanks!

My daughter really likes Zoombinis Logical Journey and Mountain Rescue - they are pc-based computer games that follow a group of creatures through a series of obstacles. You need to use logic and problem solving skills to get through them. It's for 8 and above, but she started it when she was 6 (with a little help from me). Now she can do it on her own. My 11-year old also gets into it too. I got them on Amazon

I just purchased WWS 1 and am planning to use it with my 6th grade son next year. We've been using MCT (currently on Paragraph Town level) and he's enjoyed that quite a bit (aside from the poetry analysis). I'm planning to move onto the 3rd level of MCT next year but felt we needed to work more on writing, lit analysis and summary work. I was an English major myself so thought I could do this on my own, but I think he'd be more receptive to these assignments/discussions coming from an authority other than me. It's also been a struggle this year to get him to do any assigned reading. He reads a lot of science-oriented books in his free time, and enjoys read alouds, but doesn't choose to read fiction or chapter books on his own. So I feel like I have to come at this from another way. He's a good writer when he chooses to be - though he'll often change the topic from what we agree on and instead write about some scientific topic that interests him. Anything that is not his choice he'll avoid. I was wondering if anyone had recommendations or strategies on what might work best for him at this stage. I'm hoping that WWS will help me be more organized about our assignments, while strengthening his writing organizational skills. I'm also thinking about the Living Language LotR curriculum because he told me LotR is the only book he wants to study. Would that curriculum be enough literature for next year? We'll also be doing Story of the World book 2/Middle Ages, so the additional reading on King Arthur etc. may be a good fit. Anyhow, I may be trying to fit in too much - but if anyone has any suggestions on how to use MCT/WWS/LL LotR, I'd appreciate hearing it.