ezrabean2005 Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 We've been using Abeka this year (we school year-round). We have about six weeks left so now I am in full research mode. Our kids are going into 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th grades. I like Abeka and it worked well for us this year. I was very pleasantly surprised and this was one of our best years ever. However, what I don't like are some of Abeka's "business practices". It's not a big hairy deal, but of course they are geared towards schools. So in a meeting with a sales rep, they will tell you all about how your kids will lack nothing if you enroll them in video school (more $$$). Meaning that somehow me teaching them with books only means they may lack something. You have to buy through the company only (unless you find it used) and shipping is 12% regardless of what you buy (unless you go through the motions to get to an infrequent meeting and get free shipping). The thing that has put me off the most is the emails I get from them about 1 month and then 3 months after I order anything. It is pushing again to enroll them in video school / the academy. The emails will say things like "do you need a homeschooling solution for the second semester". Of course they just want to sell things, but if your products are so great then why would you need to do that? If possible, I'd like to find replacements for Abeka because I don't want to support this company. But the products are working well, so I'd like to find similar products. Any advice? Subjects include: reading, science, math, language (english), spelling, penmanship, history, health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoo Keeper Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Maybe BJU press or CLE (Christian Light Publications) ? Both are conservative Christian, scripted teaching, and workbook-ish, if that is what works for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootAnn Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Our kids are going into 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th grades.Subjects include: reading, science, math, language (english), spelling, penmanship, history, health. Okay, math is easy. CLE (Christian Light Education) or Horizons. CLE is not as colorful, but uses the same method. Horizons is just as colorful & similar, so you might want to try looking at samples of both to see which one your kids prefer. CLE's highest level that you would want to use is the 800-level, which I think it Pre-Algebra. Horizons also goes up only to Pre-Algebra. Here is CLE's placement test for 100-400. Here is the one for 500-800. Here are Horizon's placement tests. You can look at samples of both programs online. CLE also has a decent reading (at least at the lower levels) & LA program. Their LA would include spelling, handwriting, and grammar. It has placement tests as well, here for Grades 1-5 and here for grades 6 & up. Okay, that leaves: science, history, and health. Horizons has health for 3rd, 5th, and a combined 7th-8th one. I've heard many people are happy with BJU for science, if you want to go with something similar to Abeka. I don't have any suggestions for history that are similar to Abeka, but I'm sure others will chime in. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Oh, yeah, been dealing with stuff like that since 1982. :glare: If you want to buy everything from a single publisher, then BJUP. BJUP has always been homeschool friendly (even though it is, of course, primarily a supplier to campus schools, and its materials reflect that). Rod and Staff Publishers is complete through 8th grade as far as core subjects (English [grammar/comp, spelling, reading], history, math, science). I tend to prefer R&S over BJUP, but some people don't care for its old-fashioned look and methodology; academically it's as sound as BJUP, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezrabean2005 Posted November 4, 2011 Author Share Posted November 4, 2011 Wow! Thank you so much! I will look into those programs. Ellie: Naively, I had no idea - I'm sure it was even much worse 10-20 years ago. You are my hero! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RootAnn Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 When your dc take placement tests for LA/math, don't be surprised if they place in a level different than what you would expect. Each program has a different scope/sequence and it shows. :-) (Your 6 yr old is ready for 3rd grade stuff? :ohmy: :w00t: ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezrabean2005 Posted November 4, 2011 Author Share Posted November 4, 2011 When your dc take placement tests for LA/math, don't be surprised if they place in a level different than what you would expect. Each program has a different scope/sequence and it shows. :-) (Your 6 yr old is ready for 3rd grade stuff? :ohmy: :w00t: ) That's good advice. DS6 will be done with Abeka's 2nd grade in 6 weeks, but that may be different if we go to a different publisher since they are all different. We'll just be looking for the next level of things for him since he'll have mastered Abeka's 2nd grade math/language....I'm not sure how that will translate (if he'll be ahead or behind). He's has always been speedy and enjoys learning. He seems to pick things up quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dands Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 (edited) Abeka tends to be 1 or 2 years ahead other publishers. Edited November 5, 2011 by dands Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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