We used Mastering Essential Math Skills by Richard Fisher and it worked great for dd. There are workbooks that address specific areas (fractions, decimals, etc.) and general workbooks for Middle / High School skills and Prealgebra. The pages are not overwhelming and there's some review with each lesson.There are online videos to go with most lessons, but we didn't use those.

Thank you all for these great ideas! Dd already has the George Morris book, but we will definitely check out the others.

@HollyDay - What a great idea! We have a wonderful equine therapy place near us so we will definitely check in to that.

@Reefgazer, thank you so much for the information! This is exactly what I needed to know. I have already talked to the trainers at the barn where dd rides and boards her horse. They are excited for dd to take this course and happy to help with anything we need.

Hi all, I am planning to do Equine Science using Parker's book for my daughter's 9th grade year. She will take Biology in 10th, Chemistry in 11th, and 12th is TBD. Anyway, in addition to the text, she will get as much real-life experience as she can handle at the barn where she rides 4 times / week. For those who have done an Equine Science course, did you count it as (non-lab) science or as an elective? Any other information about planning this kind of 'out-of-the-box' course would be appreciated.

To the OP: I'm not sure about Algebra, but DO does have a placement test for Prealgebra. You just have to email and ask for it.

Hmmm, going from MUS's mastery to CLE 600's spiral seems like a bit of a leap. I'm not familiar with AOPS, but no matter what you decide, I would suggest giving the placement test. Best of luck!

Did you give your son the placement test before he started using CLE last January?

I think it really depends on the child. My dd was in B&M school for a few years and had a VERY rough time. Finding an activity that 1) has measurable goals, and 2) she has done very well at has done wonders for her self confidence. She still has a couple of other things going to ensure that she is well rounded, but those activities definitely take a back seat to her main hobby/sport.

Thank you! Yes, I have considered that, but they only study one novel per grade (at least in Jr. High). Dd and I both prefer to study more whole books and she has already read the 8th grade selection anyway. It does look like an interesting program, though. We are actually using parts of their writing program this year to work on some specific skills.

Thank you so much, Lori. This answers my questions about LL AND gives me lots of options to ponder!

Dd will be in 8th grade next year and I am thinking ahead to options for literature. She has participated in Ctr for Lit discussions for the past two years, but I would like to add in more detailed study for next year. Is it too much to jump into LL8 without having done LL7? I am not as concerned about the comprehension/analysis as I am about the writing requirements. Are there shorter assignments in LL8 or is it all essays? Another option that I've considered is Essentials in Literature, but I really like the selections of 'whole' books used in LL. Of course, I'm open to any and all suggestions for a gentle introduction to literary terms / analysis.

CLE fits your description, but be sure to give her the placement test.

Math Fact Master is really good and it is only 99 cents.

Hake Grammar would work.