Thank you all for the input. I've decided that we will go the DVD / Streaming route for First Form. We already outsource a couple of classes (one new class for next year) and participate in a *very* time consuming extracurricular activity. And as I mentioned in my original post, DD really likes the instructor that does the streaming lectures, so I will get those as well as the DVDs and see which instructor 'clicks' with DD. After the year with FFL, I should have a better idea of which direction to go with SFL. Thanks again everyone!

DD is currently working through Latina Christiana with the DVDs. I was thinking of enrolling her with MPOA for FFL next year, but it will make our schedule very tight and to be honest, I love our flexibility...lol! Anyway, I was hoping to hear some thoughts on how 'doable' FFL is with the DVDs. And I also noticed that MP now offers video streaming of lessons with the same (new) teacher from the LC DVDs which is a bonus because DD likes her a lot. I was hoping to give DD some outside accountability / deadlines but it needs to give me some bang for the buck. Thanks for any thoughts!

Thank you for clarifying, but we happen to live in an area with four distinct seasons and are lucky if we see a few snowflakes over the winter:) I can see where it would be problematic if you live in an extreme climate. I actually downloaded ENWC yesterday and it looks very doable for us. Thanks again for your help!

Thank you! I was leaning in that direction and your info is very helpful.

I have not done any formal/organized Nature Study with dd who is now 12 and I would like to rectify that situation while dd still has high interest. I purchased the Handbook of Nature Study and am now trying to decide between Exploring Nature with Children and Outdoor Hour Challenge - because I like a bit of structure. I would love to hear from folks who have used either of these resources....what you liked / disliked, ease of implementation, which is easier to start with a middle schooler, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Mystery Science

We're not quite there yet, but I'm leaning heavily toward Rainbow Science for 7th / 8th.

Section A here as well and we are both looking forward to it! This will be dd's first online class...love that it will stretch her a bit without being too overwhelming.

My dd11 is registered for this year, so I am :bigear: !

Fix it! is working well for dd11. She worked through Nose Tree and about half of Robin Hood last year. Grammar is finally sticking and is transferring over to her writing (IEW). We're happy with it!

Thank you!

I actually have 501 and 502. I also purchased Saxon 65 and 76 for comparison purposes. Yes, I might be a little crazy!!! I sat down this afternoon and looked through every lesson in 76 and I think this is the route we will take. I'll have dd work on Key to Fractions over the summer and begin 76 late August. I had dd look over the materials and asked for her input. She is wanting something different and any time any new curriculum is brought up, she asks if it goes all the way through high school...haha! Apparently consistency is important to this particular dc. Luckily, we are rock solid on everything else. Thanks for all your help!

Thank you. This is very interesting because I feel like I need to give dd a good foundational year before moving forward. Even though she placed in CLE 500 / Saxon 76, I think at least testing through and shoring up skills in the level below (of whichever curriculum we choose) would be the thing to do. It's just getting a little tricky with sequencing things out so she can be in Algebra I by 9th grade.

Thanks for the additional info. I have lots to research and consider!

Again, thank you for the advice. We are actually working through Key to Fractions right now, but I'm thinking ahead to curriculum for fall and wanting to choose the one with the most review. I will keep the links you provided for future reference!

Thank you. I have given the placement test for both and she barely squeaked into both CLE 500 and Saxon 76. This dd was in private school through the end of 3rd grade and had a very poor foundation in math. We went thru CLE 300 then somewhere mid-CLE 400 she hit a complete wall. I should have made adjustments and stuck with it, but I panicked. This past year for 5th grade, she did Teaching Textbooks 5. She has her facts down cold but retention with fractions, etc. is an issue. I like the simple explanations in TT but there isn't enough review for this particular dd and I prefer not to have to supplement review problems. The reason I'm considering Saxon in addition to CLE is I prefer something that can take her all the way through; however, if she would be better served by a couple more years of CLE I'm fine with that. I am a little concerned because CLE 600 doesn't receive the rave reviews of the levels below it. At any rate, I just want what's best for dd - she needs to get her confidence back.

Between CLE and Saxon, which provides the most review for a child struggling with retention issues? This would be at the CLE 500 / Saxon 76 level. TIA!

I haven't had a chance to review in-depth, but my initial reaction is that we will go this route. The audio and lectures seem really well done, but the book is maybe a tad dry...maybe. Other than the Catholic POV, one of the main reasons I chose this curriculum was to make history come alive! I believe between audio, streaming lectures and coordinating literature, this will fit the bill. I did want to mention that my dd (11.5) leafed through the activity book and got very excited. There are coloring pages, of course, but also some mapping activities, word puzzles, decoding hieroglyphics, etc.

Mine is supposed to arrive today! I will report back after I've had a chance to review.

Sorry, I am just getting back to the computer. Syllieann provided the links and more info....thank you! I have RC History in hand but am hoping that this new program from TAN will be a little more open and go. I plan to use it 'as is'...and I will assign outside reading from real books / novels to go along with Egypt, Greece and Rome and some brief readings in Land of Our Lady and All Ye Lands as appropriate.

I'm new here but am hurrying out the door and will post an introduction later. However, I did want to mention this really fast. The Activity Book for The Story of Civilization is intended for 1st - 4th Grades so I believe the program is truly meant for K/1st - 8th (they have a Test Book for middle schoolers). I have it on pre-order for my rising 6th Grader and am very excited about this new resource!