We did JA last year for pre-A and it simply wasn't a good fit. DS is very strong in math, but all the chatter and long word problems did not appeal to him at all. We opted not to do more in that series, but AoPS just felt too abstract for him. Based on several recommendations from here, we went with Jacobs Algebra and he has done very well with it. We're about to wrap up the book, and I feel much better about this book than I did for JA.

Now that I know I can do Algebra 2 or Geometry next, I need recommendations for Algebra 2 or Geometry text/class. I'm probably going to have to outsource these. I've taught Algebra I previously as a school teacher, but I'm reaching my max here! What should I consider? Chalkdust Derek Owens What other options do I have?

DS is close to finishing up Jacobs Algebra I and we will break for the summer most likely. I'm thinking to do AoPS Counting & Probability next for a little break. He's done really well with Algebra I for the most part but I think a small break might be good. After AoPS C&P, do we do Algebra 2 next or Geometry? Seems to be mixed opinions. Or does it just not matter!

Me, too! Chilli--This is great!

We tried Astronomy and Earth Sciences Logic Stage last year. I really wanted to like it because I really didn't like Apologia, but it just didn't work for us either. It feels way to dry... We did a couple of experiments but several didn't turn out well either. We just quit doing the experiments and then just quit the whole thing.

My 6th grader is using it this year and working very independently. I have not used SOTW either but I looked at it...it looks so dry and boring (sorry!) compared to From Adam to Us! Great pictures. We've loved it. It is going to be available to the public on March 5!

Soror, looking at which sample? I don't see it on either one! Maybe I'm overlooking it! Chelli, what is the Wayferers Guide? And would you be willing to share your plans when they're finished? We're still a few weeks away from starting this, but I would LOVE to be able to see how you're setting it up!

I keep reading that these two compliment each other, but does anyone have something laid out for HOW to use the two together? Chapters in Quark Chronicles that would correspond with Botany lessons from EM? Thanks!

I love Notgrass but she said secular, and Notgrass certainly isn't secular. It would be easy to skip over those parts but they're still in the text.

I guess you could always do the SAT subject test and if dc later took a course DE you could opt not to send that subject test to the university, right?

Thank you! I just wasn't thinking dual enrollment for DE, so thanks! I really like that US lists the minimum SAT subject scores, too. I thought that was so clear!

Thank you so much!

That helps tremendously. Thank you for that information regarding the SAT score and the high school subject grade. What if you're not ready to send the grades to a school? Do you pay to send them later instead? It sounds like many of these kids are young taking these tests. Are they still "valid" five or six years from now? Arcadia--Can you help me understand what "DE" courses are? Quark--This is what I'm asking, I suppose. DS is 11, so is it ridiculous to consider taking these subject tests in a year--two years? Is it too early to take them and still be able to use them for college admissions/transcript purposes? This information is great! I love that they have this specifically broken down by subject and scores.

Thank you, thank you!! That helps so much!

That opens another question! When do you take these subject tests? Do you do the practice tests online and if the kiddo does well, go ahead and take the subject tests?

Ahh...I see where it's listed under Georgia Tech now. In order to holistically review students from unaccredited home school programs, our Admission Committee recommends submission of supplementary information to demonstrate academic ability in core academic areas. While not required, one or more of the following items are particularly helpful in our assessment of achievement and excellence in math, foreign language, social studies/social science and lab science: Previous college coursework SAT Subject Tests AP/IB test scores

Thanks for the quick replies! Can I ask how old your boys are? Also, if you use them to get out of "mommy grades," how will you submit these? In place of a high school grade? Are both of your boys taking these? Are these considered equivalent to passing an AP test? Back in the day...I've never heard of these until very recently. They were around when we were testing in the 80s/90s? I grew up in Georgia; we must not have had these as an option! Can I ask where you're seeing these? Particular schools, I mean! Thanks for your quick replies. I guess I'm just still not understanding how these will be used. You would submit them with a college application? They would be used in addition to a high school transcript or in place of certain classes in some cases? If used in place of, how do you "grade" it--factor it into a transcript? Sorry for the 400 questions!

How do she like those? DS loved the CIA class he took through Athena's in the fall, but it's the only class we've used. DS is a voracious reader but I'm concerned that he isn't getting enough exposure to other forms (poetry, plays, etc) and not delving much into literature terms...or is it too early for that? (5th/6th grade)

I feel like I've been hiding under a rock or something! I haven't been on in a while and when I come back, there are all these SAT subject test questions! Why would you take them? What do you use them for?

DS is 11 and we'll be wrapping up Algebra I this spring. Thanks to suggestions here, we are using Jacob's Algebra quite successfully and happy with the book and the outcome. What do we do next? Considering: 1. Number Theory AoPS 2. Counting & Probability AoPS 3. Jumping into Algebra II Does anyone have a thought on what to do? A recent thread on the NT book has me second guessing it, so maybe C&P? Suggestion on a good Algebra II book to utilize? Should I stick with the idea of Algebra II next versus Geometry? Any harm to strictly doing C&P for "fun" and delaying Algebra II a little bit?

Just seeing this. My son did it last year and qualified to the regional bee (VA/DC area) and qualified to go the national competition but we couldn't go. He just qualified for the regional competition in Richmond, VA, for this spring.

Oh my gosh!! You're so helpful! I actually have Kidnapped already on my list, too. DS has read Treasure Island, but Three Muskateers or Gulliver's Travels might be good options, too. These chapters in his history book are covering Europe for the most part, but this is a great list to work from. I might grab The Scarlet Pimpernel and review it myself and then make a decision. DS has read Christmas Carol, but I know that's pretty light for Dickens; I think he's read an abridged version of Oliver Twist, too, but I agree with you--Tale of Two Cities feels too heavy for this year. DS does truly love history and historical novels, so he might do OK with it. The list is just great! (Do you have handy lists somewhere or did you pull this from a website? It's terribly handy!) Pen, this is very helpful, too. I think I'll check it out myself and then make a final decision about whether or not to try it. I so appreciate your help! Thanks everyone for the great feedback!

I'm looking for a book to go along with the time period 1600-1700s in world history. We're using From Adam to Us (Notgrass world history) which I love, but I can't find the suggested book for this unit (Madeline Takes Command) at our library or easy to find and frankly, would love something more along the lines of classic literature versus the Living History series. (Nothing wrong with them....just looking for something else.) DS is 6th grade with a reading level much higher. Is the Scarlet Pimpernel appropriate? Or does anyone have other suggestions? Covered during this time period is Peter the Great, Bach, Louis XVI. Thanks!

I was just looking for information for this as well. Did you ever find anything more about this course or give it a try?

I'm not sure how this is supposed to be helpful! We're not working over the weekend. DS does many subjects independently but I chose to do this one together for a couple of reasons. Thanks! That's a fun idea to have a competition between you! I have an only child so doing games isn't quite as easy! Do you have ideas/thoughts for a single child review game?