I have a daughter who tends to be a "wall flower" in online classes. She also has a personality where she will avoid work at all costs...including even discussing things. Anyways, I am trying to find a really engaging literature class for her. Do you think the Center for Lit classes will be a good fit for her? How large are the classes? And is it possible for a child to just stay in the background and not say a word. (Because it is a lot of money to pay for a child to just zone out through a discussion...you know?).

Hello Everyone, I was previously planning to sign my daughter up for a history class with MPOA, but I decided against it this year at the last minute. (Long story!). I ended up signing her up for a class with WTMA with Mr. Caro. The only downside is that all of the "live" class spots were filled, so I had to do a delayed class. I am worried that the class will be boring for my daughter because there is no live interaction. Has anyone else had any experience with delayed classes? Do you find that they were worth the money? Thanks so much, Cathy

I have a confession regarding ANKI....as my kids have gotten older (upper middle school and high school)---I stopped making ANKI cards for them. I determined about a year ago that there was a lot of learning to be had when it came to making flashcards, and I wanted to do less and hand more over them them. This way they were learning how to learn before they left my house. (I mean, after I made a deck of flashcards on ANKI, I knew the material fairly well without even picking up the book!). So, I handed the job of making flashcards over to them. That being said, my kids are a lot less "type A" than me...and also a bit more analog. I tried to give them lessons on ANKI and other flashcard tools, but they've never used them. They have chosen to just use the paper flashcards you can buy from Memoria Press to review, and more often then not, they just cover up one side of the vocabulary list and quiz themselves. Their grades have not suffered, so I have been fine with their preference.

Wow! That was a really helpful review. Thank you very much. And, you even remembered my love of Anki. 🙂 I am now looking at CLRC Latin II because I just realized that my DS would not be able to get to AP Latin before graduation if we don't start there. And, believe it or not, his current 3rd form teacher from MPOA is teaching the class! This really surprised me, but I guess there aren't that many Latin experts out there who are also good at teaching. 🙂 You wouldn't happen to know if I could place him in Latin II after MP FFL-TFL? I like it that the student actually scans in homework and sends the PDF. I think that adds in extra accountability.

MJBucks, I think I know you in real life based on your kid description. This is Cathy from Speech and Debate. 🙂 I was like, "this family sounds very familiar " M_ was super upset about possibly switching form MPOA Latin, but they've only got two sessions opened and seem to be having a hard time retaining instructors.

Hi There, Can anyone please review the CLRC Latin classes? I am considering signing my 9th grade son up for the class. He has taken First-Third Form Latin through Memoria Press online academy, but I am thinking of switching him to CLRC. Can anyone describe what a typical class is like? Did your students enjoy the class? How difficult was the class? How were assignments given? Etc.

Ack! If you would have talked to me 2 weeks ago, I would have told you that I was all squared away with my plans for DS's 9th grade year. He has taken a lot of classes with MPOA, and I was planning on having him take a lot more in high school, but I have been less than pleased with the academy lately. Quality at MPOA varies a lot depending on which teacher you get, and they seem to be having staffing issues this year. I was closed out of Susan Strickland's class (she's a wonderful teacher), so now I am left with a TBA teacher and time. Do I roll the dice and hope they assign a decent teacher? Or do I move providers? And if I do move providers, where should I go? Background: My son is a STEM kid, and languages are not his strong area. He has taken Latina Christiana, and First - Third Form Latin with Memoria press. He also too the NLE intro exam last year and only missed one question. (He didn't take it this year because of some family medical issues.) I was thinking of switching him to CLRC Latin I or Lukeion Latin I. (Review wouldn't hurt, right? And then I could be sure there weren't any gaps? ). So can anyone compare CLRC vs Lukeion vs. MPOA Latin? Or review any of these providers? What is the workload like in these classes?

Can anyone compare these two online class providers? I am very familiar with Memoria Press, but I was thinking of trying out the Middle School American History and Literature classes through Scholé next year. I would love to hear from anyone who has an opinion about this class or the academy in general. How rigorous are the classes? How much outside homework is assigned? How much writing?

My 9th grade son is asking to take a psychology class for a 9th grade elective. Can anyone give me some recommendations? I see that there are some Great Courses classes on this topic...but that I about all I have found so far. Are there any other resources that you might recommend? Also, if you have ever made your own high school level course based on the Great Courses, can you tell me what else you have included to make it credit worth? Would some papers or research suffice? Should I add a textbook? Find tests?

Wow! I am using DO for Algebra II and I have had a great experience. I am always amazed at how quickly they answer our questions and grade work. Sorry to hear that you are having problems. Are you looking for a class or book that you can teach at home?

It seems like most people are saying that a student is going to learn more with AOPS than with a DE math class. Correct? Which looks better for admission purposes for homeschooled students at competitive universities? Do colleges even know who AOPS is?

@Momto6inINI am asking because of their beautiful shiny new catalog too! 😉

I am a Christian. I really wanted to make it work because it is affordable, seems interesting, and has everything all pulled together. However, after watching the sample videos, I decided that it probably wasn't going to work for my family (personally). I'm still on the hunt for an alternative.

I agree! I wish there was something in between AoPS and DO. We switched from AoPS just because the homework was taking my son many hours each day. @deerforestAre you taking CV honors or the regular version?

Can anyone please review Well Ordered Language? I am thinking about trying it out with my youngest child, however, I would love to read some reviews first. He has gone through Logic of English Foundations A-->D, but I am not sold on sticking with Logic of English past foundations. (Essentials just doesn't resonate with me for some reason.). I am considering switching him to First Language Lessons (tried and true), English Lessons through Literature....or possibly Well Ordered Language next year. I would especially love it if anyone could compare or contrast it with other grammar programs you have tried....because I likely have tried them before. 😉 It is sad to say, but I am like a walking rainbow resource catalog at this point. lol. (I am very familiar with First Language Lessons, IEW's Fix-It, Memoria Press's English Grammar Recitation, English Lessons Through Literature, Analytical Grammar, and Logic of English, et. al. ).

I hope it works out well for you. The great thing about DO is that it goes month to month. You could always start the first month, see how he does with due dates and the video lectures...then decide if you want to switch or quit. One mom on this board (I am forgetting who)...told their DC that they would pay them the DO tuition fee for every month they finished early for the school year. That is one way to keep a kid motivated. My children are still not motivated to finish when I offer that....so I had to be mean and say, "Finish your work by Friday or work on the weekend." FWIW, I feel like the workload is VERY reasonable. They only work an hour per day on math and that includes lots of time petting the dog, eating, and fighting with their siblings. (eye roll).

Is that time estimate accurate though? I haven't taken the class, but from what I am reading above, It sounds like some people find themselves spending 2 hours per day most days per week. If so, that might mean the time estimate is closer to 7-10 hours per week. Was anyone able to get the class work finished in just 5 hours per week? As a parent, it really irks me when the out of class time commitment is way more than what is advertised. We often use those estimates to make sure we aren't overloading our poor children with work. haha

I disagree..or at least I think I do. Maybe I am confused with how you renamed things. 🙂 🙂 I have taken Algebra I, Algebra II, and Physical science, and all homework is scanned in by the student and graded by Derek Owens or TA . (the students are allowed to use their notes/book to do homework.). At the end of each chapter there is a closed book/closed note test. The test is proctored by the parent, scanned in by the student, and graded by Derek Owens. At the end of each semester there is a cumulative semester exam which is proctored by the parent, scanned in by the student, and graded by Derek Owens. He does provide some optional extra practice problems (only for some courses) as an aid to prepare for the more difficult exams. Students do not need to do these problems. And becuase they are optional, they do not need to turn them in for a grade. He provides solutions for the optional extra practice problems for students to self check. ETA: I totally agree with you though, EKS, about missing homework problems and how it can really lower your grade if you aren't very careful! He does give partial credit if you were on the right track. And I have found that he is pretty generous with his grading and awarding points. (Much more generous that I tend to be as a mama grading papers!). The upside to how he grades is that it quickly teaches kids to double check their work before they turn it in! Another upside is that it prepares them for classes that are run this way. My mom is a college level calculus / physics teacher, and she also assigns grades for homework the same way that Derek Owen's does. (IF you miss it, you lose points.). But, one of the benefits of doing the self-grading option, is that I can insist that all homework is fixed until 100% accurate. I think this has really helped my children with mastery. It is one thing to read a solution and say, "Oh, I get it." It is another thing to read a solution, understand it in the moment, put it away, then solve the problem yourself.

I would email Derek Owens and ask him specifically. I know that my son was very well prepared for Algebra II after taking only a 1 semester class of Algebra through AOPS. (But, that class is like learning Algebra through a firehose....in a good way if there is such a thing. hahah) I just logged into DO algebra II class so I could look at the first couple of lectures / homework assignments / tests for you. Here is the syllabus if you want to follow along (https://www.derekowens.com/CourseSyllabuses2.aspx?Location=Online&Day=Monday&Year=2019-2020&Course=Algebra 2&Teacher=Mr. Owens) The first two weeks are spent with a VERY thorough review of solving linear equations (and lots of homework problems.). The student is also asked to "plug" various values of number in for a variable and solve. Then they do a nice review of absolute values and inequalities. There are also some word problems where they have to translate language into algebraic equations. I bet if you ask, DO might even given you a sneak peak of the first test or homework. DO doesn't have placement tests. However, in my very humble opinion, I think that if your child could pass (with at least an 80%) the PreAlgebraB, and Intro to Algebra A placement tests...that they would be ready to take the Algebra II class through DO. (Don't worry, the AOPS placement tests are WAY easier than the AOPS classes. So don't be scared to attempt them.). These placement tests might also be good diagnostic tools to help you snuff out any weak areas (or areas that need focused review).

If you ever want an IEW online option, I cannot say enough good things about Jennifer Kimbrell's classes: https://writingwithjennifer.com Honestly,I'm almost afraid to share about it on this forum because class size is limited and I want to make sure and get my DD in her class again next year. However, I know that is selfish...so I will let you in on my secret. 😉 Mrs. Kimbrell has taken the IEW method and made it her own. She provides all her own curriculum and it is VERY good. The class is VERY well organized, and it has been the one thing to finally bump my daughter's writing up to the next level. My DD's writing has not only improved in "English" class, it has also improved in her other classes. For example, her classical studies and literature classes require her to write essays, and she is now able to approach these without *any* stress or hesitation because she has had so much writing practice. My DD is not a natural writer, and like you, we did the Ancient history class and it was the only thing to improve her writing. I signed her up for the level 1 class with Mrs. Kimbrell, and it has been AMAZING for her. Just the right step up for my particular DD. Level 1 class has two semester. The first semester ends with a research report on a topic of their choice. The second semester ends with them completing a timed essay. (Great practice for standardized testing!). Students work through all different types of writing. They do general expository writing, note taking, research reports, literature response, creative writing, and essays. Her level 1 class is a mixture of both upper middle school and high school students. High school students can make the class more challenging by choosing more difficult source material for their research and longer novels for their semester 2 literature response. NOTE that I mention literature, but this is really a composition class....NOT a literature and composition class. They only read one novel and a few short stories.

Well, with Derek Owen's classes there is only one option: pre-recorded videos. There is a local class, but there isn't an online live class. We normally prefer live classes for the social interaction, but the DO classes have worked out just fine. Actually, it is sort of nice that they aren't live because you can pause them for as long as you like and won't miss something important. You also don't have to wait on your classmates. (That used to frustrate me in math class.). There are videos and practice problems every single day. So, you get a lot more teacher interaction than a once-per-week meeting. It just isn't live interaction. The student is supposed to take notes in their notebook and they work many, many practice problems together in the videos. (Yes, they can pause the video if they need to.). Then they work homework problems and email them to the teacher. If at any point there is a question, they email the teacher and he (or one of his TAs) sends help right away. They are very responsive! The thing I like best about DO is that *ALL* of the homework is painstakingly graded. Each and every step is checked, and if the teacher ever suspects the student is lost, they make the student "re-do" it. Many of these other online providers will just have the student input the "answer" into a computer. This has really taught my children how to show work and how to write neatly enough for others to read. 🙂 Regarding self-pacing: Lack of due dates is a problem for us too! And DO provides NO due dates. He gives a suggested schedule (see syllabus page) that lists what he considers to be a "weeks worth" of math or science. But---A student can work through the class as quickly or as slowly as they need. This can be a good thing. Let's say your child gets the flu and is running a fever. If you miss a live class (or just aren't feeling your best and are thinking slowly), it can cause you to have to scramble and a student often starts to feel lost in math. (And kids tend to label themselves as "bad" in math when really they just missed some key concept.) So, the self-pacing is nice because we can only watch videos and do homework when we are thinking our best and ready to learn. The BAD thing that can happen is that online-live classes with due dates become the priority and math (with no due dates) gets put on the back burner. I've decided that that simply won't be allowed to happen in our homeschool. I explained to my child that math is a CORE subject (one of the most important) and that it NEEDS to happen each and every day. Math is NOT an elective in our house, and it must be worked on each and every day. So, I've implemented my own due dates. If a weeks worth of math isn't completed by Friday, they are basically prevented from any screens over the weekend until they get it completed. (That may sound harsh, but that is the only thing that has kept us on schedule.). I've also helped them better plan out their days so that they have time for math. In our house, math, Latin, and English happen before lunch *every* day...even if they have due dates in their other online classes. Then they have the afternoon to work on their other online class stuff with due dates. (I keep our mornings clear of online classes so this isn't messed up.). So that is what we do at my house for accountability. We've done DO for several courses now, and this has worked out fine. One thing you should know is that DO does provide a self-graded option. It is just not advertised. You have to email him and ask to do it. It is half priced, he will send you the answer key with solutions, and it is up to you to grade all homework/tests/exams and calculate the grade at the end. Even if you do that option, you are still welcome to email with questions. We switched to that option because I wanted DS to go back and start correcting problems that he missed for added practice. (And also because covid has hurt our family financially and I needed to save $$$! 🙂 ). Now I grade a math homework each day. If he misses one, I circle it and he gets another shot to find his mistake. I've always taught math to mastery like that when he was younger, so this has been a natural extension for us. If you do the self graded option, it helps if you know a little bit of math so you can tell if an answer is equivalent. He provides pretty good solutions too... not just an answer key. Another thing you should know is that DO Algebra II is a lot more meaty than most Algebra II classes. It covers some basic trig and a lot of things typically done in a pre-calculus class. You should also know that each and every step of each and every problem is covered VERY slowly in a lot of detail in the videos. This is great if you find math challenging. This can become painful if you tend to catch on to math concepts quickly. (My DS is coming from AOPS classes where they often don't spell out "no brainer" steps and assume the student can follow along. That has been a big change for him switching to DO...but it teaches them patience too!). How challenging is Derek Owens? Derek Owens is easier than AOPS and takes less time (even the honors class), but it is more challenging that many other math providers. (There is NOTHING that comes close to AOPS in terms of challenge that I have ever found!). DO math is probably the equivalent of the type of math you might take if you went to a really good private school.

If a student complete a course over the summer (using a full HS level textbook, etc.)---what grade does it count for? For example, my 8th grade son is set to complete Derek Owens High school physics over the summer. Would I count that as work completed in 9th grade on his transcript...or an early high school credit?

Well, my son is near finishing DO Algebra 2...and I have nothing but good things to say. Maybe I can answer some specific questions?

How is Hoffman Academy working out for older kids? I have a 7 year old, and I know it would be perfect for him. I am wondering if I could start my older kids too. Do you use the free or paid version? And do you think I could somehow beef up Hoffman Academy to count as a fine arts credit? My son is NOT artistic at all, and getting him to do any type of "fine arts" seems like pulling teeth. Also, do you plan to claim two English credits with separate lit and separate composition? Or combine them into one?