My son is in CTY (and receiving an award for his scores in May--shameless brag!) and while we haven't taken any classes yet, I LOVE the choices available. He will be taking an online class this summer and we are debating one of the family weekend programs that is coming up in our area. I see it as a great opportunity to take some classes that he would not get otherwise. A friend of mine's son was recognized by his test scores and was offered a scholarship to a local private school, so that is another bonus!

my 10 year old is currently reading The Books of Elsewhere series by Jacqueline West. We did book 1 as a read-aloud with him and my 6 year old and they both loved it. He also loved Gregor The Overlander as suggested by someone else. He has read and reread that series several times now!

Thank you both for your responses...you've definitely given me more to think about!! I want to teach them science...and I want it to be fun. I went back to look at all three curriculums I listed and Elemental Science will need me to purchase additional books to use as spines. I think that after adding those books, the price is not so far off from Noeo. I keep going back to that one...it's still more expensive, but not as bad... I think that Noeo looks fun and engaging AND it meets the secular expectations of my hubby...does anyone here have any first-hand experience with that one?

Hello. I am the mom of two boys, ages 6 and 10. They are both currently in public school, but I will be homeschooling them beginning this fall. I am really struggling to find the best science curriculum for them. I have it narrowed down to two, but I'm open to suggestions. Honestly, if cost were not an issue, I think I'd have a decision and it wouldn't be either of these two! I like both Apologia and Elemental Science. I like the idea of working with both kids together with Apologia and I know they have two different journal options to give them age-appropriate work. The books are colorful and engaging, BUT it is all from a very religious viewpoint. I am Christian, but my husband is not. While he has no problem with the boys and I attending church and learning about the Bible, he doesn't really want an "all creationism" curriculum. Elemental Science is secular, but just doesn't seem as fun. It does seem more challenging, though, which is a plus. My 10 year old is gifted and the 6 year old is a very strong reader, so I think they'd do fine with the work. Noeo is the one I would pick if money wasn't an issue...that is expensive! But it seems fun and challenging. I think I struggle with the colorful Apologia with fun experiments versus the black and white Elemental Science. I would love some input and suggestions from some more experienced homeschoolers!