Please share your experience with Veritas Press Scholars Academy diploma program....

[Mommy7]

It looks wonderful to me, but I would love to know what your thoughts are if you are part of their diploma program.

 

What are the pros/cons? I am seriously considering going this route.

 

Thanks ahead of time for sharing your experiences with me. :)

[Mommy7]

:)

[Mommy7]

Does anyone use their diploma program? Or just a few classes here and there? :)

[boscopup]

You might get answers on the high school board. This is the K-8 board, and many here don't have high schoolers yet. ;)

[Mommy7]

That's a great idea...I think I will, but VP has a Certification or diploma type program for the grammar years as well. :) That is why I asked here.

 

Does anyone out there use their program where you get their advice regarding curriculum, etc., keep up with the classes you teach at home (they keep up with the online stuff), turn in work to them, and they verify your child's work for the year with a certificate that sort of puts their stamp of approval on your child's work...that they have satisfactorily completed the grade? They have an Associate level as well as a Standard level for the Grammar stage.

 

Anyone?

[Mommy7]

Helloooooooooo....:)

[momto2blessings]

I have no personal experience, but I have a friend who is very particular about what she spends her time/$$ on and is very academic and she is very pleased with VP's online classes. Her 7th grader takes all classes except math and science from VP...loves logic and omnibus. HTH some:) Gina

[Mommy7]

Thank you very much. That does help. :)

[PeterPan]

Are you unhappy with your current mix of materials? I've been pleased with the VP stuff I've done, but I'm not sure I'd change radically an approach that's *working* just to get their diploma.

[Mommy7]

OhElizabeth, you are full of wisdom, as usual. :)

 

I am just checking out the diploma thing right now. It's not the diploma that appeals to me so much as help with planning everything and knowing that the education they get would be on a true high school level, kwim?

 

I am frustrated by having to teach several together and hit middle of the road with the levels. I just don't feel that my dc are being challenged enough. I don't think I require enough of them and I'm not sure how to change that. (btw, this is not the case with my oldest...she is not grouped with any other dc) I am very familiar with the curriculum that VP uses for their grammar level so that wouldn't be much of a change at all.

 

Also, I am finding the classical approach nearly impossible to actually implement with teaching 6 dc. Latin nearly never happens. Logic, if I have to teach it, won't happen either. They aren't writing enough...I just think their "school" is too easy. (We are just starting IEW SWI) They don't know what it is to work hard academically. I want to see them reasonably challenged by someone else (online classes) and see what they do with that. I think it would be good for them and for me. I don't think that they are giving me their best, kwim? I would love to have feedback from someone to get more of a feel for how they are really doing and where they need to improve. And I would appreciate the help with how to accomplish the changes needed.

 

For a short period a couple of years back, they went to a classical christian school for a few months because my health was at an all time low. They just learned so much and really rose to the occasion. I would like to see them working at the level they were then, but I am not sure how to get it to that point.

 

Also, whereas last year I taught from 8:30 to 5:00 some days, this year I am determined to have something in my life besides school. I enjoy homeschooling, but other issues are coming up and I can't be so busy with school that I can't attend to them. My mother is developing memory issues (also had a TIA this week) and I need to be available to help some with her and just to treasure time with her. I want to have time to cook a good meal, rather than putting together a quick one. I want time to get some laundry done on a regular basis so that it is not like a mountain all the time...8 people can create some serious laundry. :D

 

All that said, I still want a quality education for my dc and I absolutely want to homeschool them. So, as usual, I am trying to figure out how to make it all work...how to bring it all into balance. There is an appeal to someone helping me to map out their school and do some of it online. I know I can do those things and not do the diploma, but I wondered if the accountability would be good for me and for the children. I don't want to feel hemmed in by it, though. So, I am trying to get some feedback about their diploma program and what it has been like for people that have used it.

 

OhElizabeth, do you have any further words of wisdom for me? I am all ears, believe me.

 

ETA: Some of the books used for Omnibus, however, would be a little initimidating to *me*. I'm sure we would have to use some of their transition courses. Money, however, would definitely be an issue. I would have to very carefully pick and choose classes.

Edited November 12, 2011 by Mommy7

[Mommy7]

Patiently waiting....:)

[PeterPan]

Becky, VP does free consults. I'm not meaning to be trite or blow you off, but truly I would call and talk it through with them. I've done it myself, and others who have also seem very pleased with the advice they've gotten. They can hook you up with a teacher at the school who will go through the whole thing with you, all your kids, all the subjects, and help you make a game plan.

 

I do think part of the game plan from them would involve some online classes. The Omnibus online class pares things down a bit to keep it practical, and a lot of things *we* think are intimidating aren't to the kids when they're approached in context, by someone who knows where it's going and is enthused.

 

I definitely appreciate your concern about academics. Ok, I want to be really nice about this, but do your kids have LD's? Are they being held back by your health? For instance you have a 13 yo (do you call him 7th or 8th?) doing TT6 math and Abeka 6 science. So is he a 6th grader? I'm not wanting to pry, but it seems like all your kids have that going on. A dc age 15 is usually either a freshman or sophomore. I'm sorry, but you're not going to be able to count ANY of those classes (pre-algebra, Shurley 7, or Apologia GA) on the high school transcript. I don't know the level on the BF history. The SWI will work. I'm just saying you have some serious issues there.

 

I don't want to give you a hard time on that. However it might be helpful if you're able to pin down *why* there's that disparity and then find a solution that fits that problem. If the problem is your health (which again, I totally sympathize with), then VP isn't going to help. VP takes as long or longer than what you're doing. If the problem is LDs, again, VP won't help. VP is almost the antithesis of what will work for LDs. (too much too soon, too aggressive, not customized)

 

There are no pat answers. My SIL with stairsteps like yours does BJU straight with the videos. She works her BUTT off and it takes hours and hours and hours. The women on here who do school eclectically work their butts off too (planning, which is different from hours of implementing schoolish BJU methodology and videos).

 

I think you have a great move when putting a lot of them into the online history. My question at this point is whether and how your kids get up to grade level on things like math and science. I'm very concerned about what you list for that 15 yo. But really, I'm NOT wanting to give you a hard time there. Just think it out or talk it out. Only high school level material works on a high school transcript. If something isn't getting done, you need to outsource or find something less perfect that CAN get done. With these things that are behind, barring LDs (which again, I understand and am sympathetic about), some can just jump up to grade level and some would take longer to fix.

 

Have you looked into tutors for specific things like math? What grade level were they doing in school? Was it matching the grade levels on the materials you have them in now?

 

Ok, now a few radical suggestions. (besides school, which I gather you don't want) I would seriously look into a buddy system. Pair each older with a younger and have them buddy and teach them. The Duggars do it, and you can too. If what you're doing (spreading you thin between them) isn't working, try something else.

 

Obviously I don't have as many kids. If you want honest feedback from people in your position, I suggest you start a thread and lay it all out straight and concisely (any LDs, your health, whatever). If it were *me*, I'd be teaching one science and one math to half those kids. I'd do SWR with all of them. I'd have the olders tutor the youngers. I'd put the oldest into online courses for EVERYTHING. I'd put your time into teaching the youngest ones their LA and then do the writing with the olders. And when you finish the SWI C, I'd look for a co-op class or online class for their writing to take that burden off you to. But like I said, I don't have 6 kids. I don't even know if that's practical. That's just what I see when I look at it.

[Sweetpeach]

If you don't mind asking for advice from somebody who's "famous" . . . you could ask Ann Voskamp, author and blogger at A Holy Experience. com. I recollect her giving top marks to VP for their academics at the high school level. Who knows? She might find a few minutes to respond.

 

I'm considering VP online for 9th - 12th . . . if it's anywhere near at great as AofPS is for math study, I'm all over that.

 

Warmly, Tricia

[Mommy7]

Okay, here goes. First of all, my dc start 1st grade at 7 years old. So, that may account for some of the age difference. My youngest is the exception...he is ahead of the game academically right off the bat.

 

Three of us have Lyme disease. I have been doing well and able to school them just fine. If I were not able to do it, I would do something different, but I wouldn't let their education suffer for my health issues. My 15 yo has been very sick with this disease for several years. She isn't capable of even doing school some days. We had to drop Latin, logic, etc... and do the bare necessities because she has a difficult time concentrating. (It is such a wicked disease.) She would have been in 9th this year, but we decided to do another 8th grade year to hopefully give her time to get better before diving into high school. ( I know that we won't be able to count those things you mentioned on her transcript.) She just simply wouldn't have been capable of doing the work at this point. She is normally a very self-motivated child interested in lots of things. Not so much now due to her physical limitations. (She is seeing one doctor 5 hrs away from us and another that is 3 hrs away...we are doing everything we know to help her)

 

Now, my ds that is 13 is another story. Yes, he is in 6th grade. The year that he went to the classical christian school, we had completed 1/2 of his 3rd grade at home, but they said he needed to start at the beginning of third grade. They are *very* academically advanced. That year they were jumping ahead with Saxon math a full year. So, my son found himself in Saxon 54 without the background for it. When I brought him home, I continued with 54 for a while for continuity, but it was evident he was not able to do the work. So, we switched to something that was appropriate for where he was. It has been a struggle to figure that math thing out for sure. I really want help with getting him on target. I was hoping VP could help with it. As for LD's, I know very little about it. I know my 13 yo gets very frustrated when learning something new. That is true of him in general.

 

Some of what I use, I am trying to hit the middle of the road academically to be able to teach them together. For example FLL4 is what I use for my 4th, 5th, and 6th grader. Although, I can tell that my 6th grader is capable of more.

 

I have been very frustrated about how to make it all work. I obviously cannot possibly teach each child at their exact grade level. I did that at one point...had 3 levels of Shurley going at one time. I just about pulled my hair out. Also, my teaching day was ridiculously long. So, I started combining. But, I am not sure it is the best way. That is why I am trying to figure it all out.

 

Believe me, I am painfully aware that some of them are not up to speed. Unfortunately, some of it is beyond my control. But, the things that *are* within my control, I want to fix! I just am not sure how to go about it. Don't you think VP could help with that?

 

As far as tutors, I have only briefly checked into it. I wasn't sure where to turn about it. I spoke with Jann in TX about it. But, I haven't actively looked into a tutor due to expense. Once we buy curriculum for the year, that's about all we are able to do.

[PeterPan]

Ok, I'm just being realistic here. The VP high school offerings are great, they don't sound realistic with your dd's health. I would pursue video courses with her. With the BJU courses she can watch at her own pace, and you can modify the amount she does to keep up with her reality. You get the use of them for 18 months, so that again lets you spread it out a bit.

 

I think your plan for the way you're combining is great.

 

The VP stuff would be similar to what it sounds like that classical school was doing. Sounds like that's not reality.

 

Lyme has been discussed on the board before. Have you thgouth about doing a search or starting a thread about homeschooling with it?

[Karis]

VP has an Associate level and and Standard Diploma.

 

Calling VP would prove invaluable. They have great guidance counselors on hand. You can enroll in the Scholars diploma program and STILL have PLENTY of flexibility in your homeschool.

 

Teacher taught, tutor taught/ co-op classes/ Parent taught or straight up on-line Live and self paced classes.

 

Call 1st thing on Monday morning.

 

Where there is a will, there is definitely a way. :001_smile:

[Karis]

Okay, here goes. First of all, my dc start 1st grade at 7 years old. So, that may account for some of the age difference. My youngest is the exception...he is ahead of the game academically right off the bat.

 

Three of us have Lyme disease. I have been doing well and able to school them just fine. If I were not able to do it, I would do something different, but I wouldn't let their education suffer for my health issues. My 15 yo has been very sick with this disease for several years. She isn't capable of even doing school some days. We had to drop Latin, logic, etc... and do the bare necessities because she has a difficult time concentrating. (It is such a wicked disease.) She would have been in 9th this year, but we decided to do another 8th grade year to hopefully give her time to get better before diving into high school. (I know that we won't be able to count those things you mentioned on her transcript.) She just simply wouldn't have been capable of doing the work at this point. She is normally a very self-motivated child interested in lots of things. Not so much now due to her physical limitations. (She is seeing one doctor 5 hrs away from us and another that is 3 hrs away...we are doing everything we know to help her)

 

Now, my ds that is 13 is another story. Yes, he is in 6th grade. The year that he went to the classical christian school, we had completed 1/2 of his 3rd grade at home, but they said he needed to start at the beginning of third grade. They are *very* academically advanced. That year they were jumping ahead with Saxon math a full year. So, my son found himself in Saxon 54 without the background for it. When I brought him home, I continued with 54 for a while for continuity, but it was evident he was not able to do the work. So, we switched to something that was appropriate for where he was. It has been a struggle to figure that math thing out for sure. I really want help with getting him on target. I was hoping VP could help with it. As for LD's, I know very little about it. I know my 13 yo gets very frustrated when learning something new. That is true of him in general.

 

Some of what I use, I am trying to hit the middle of the road academically to be able to teach them together. For example FLL4 is what I use for my 4th, 5th, and 6th grader. Although, I can tell that my 6th grader is capable of more.

 

I have been very frustrated about how to make it all work. I obviously cannot possibly teach each child at their exact grade level. I did that at one point...had 3 levels of Shurley going at one time. I just about pulled my hair out. Also, my teaching day was ridiculously long. So, I started combining. But, I am not sure it is the best way. That is why I am trying to figure it all out.

 

Believe me, I am painfully aware that some of them are not up to speed. Unfortunately, some of it is beyond my control. But, the things that *are* within my control, I want to fix! I just am not sure how to go about it. Don't you think VP could help with that? Absolutely!

 

As far as tutors, I have only briefly checked into it. I wasn't sure where to turn about it. I spoke with Jann in TX about it. But, I haven't actively looked into a tutor due to expense. Once we buy curriculum for the year, that's about all we are able to do.

 

There are plenty of low cost or free on-line programs. Honey, this is the Age of the Internet!! Opportunities abound.

 

And this is a great time to homeschool. There are endless possibilities.

 

Thanks to all of the amazing pioneers who went before us.

 

What do you need/ want? PM me.

Edited November 12, 2011 by Karis

[G5052]

These are my pro-and-cons as one who has kids in both live online and local classes:

 

PRO

• Teachers who love their subject.
  
• Teachers who know the subject better than I do.
  
• Positive peer pressure.
  
• Schedule with due dates and standards.
  

CON

• You're mostly tied to their calendar.
  
• If you take live online classes, you're tied to their clock. Even with archives you have to be home for the broadcasts the majority of the time.
  
• During times of family crises/illness, there may or may not be flexibility on due dates. Even if there is flexibilty on due dates, you can't get too far behind because the class moves on without you.
  

 

Most outsourced classes are only once or twice a week and can only cover highlights. You still will be checking work and potentially getting them over the rough spots though, so it doesn't completely free you up. This is especially true of younger students of course. My older one is mostly outsourced, but I still figure at least 30 minutes a day of answering questions, reading drafts, looking things up, etc., and usually much longer right before papers are due, during preparation for semester tests, etc.

 

No regrets here though.

[Mommy7]

:)

[Mommy7]

GVA, thank you for this reality check. I wondered how much parent involvement is necessary in order to be successful with their classes. How many classes are your dc taking? I was wondering if the 30 minutes is for all their classes? Also, are you referring to VP classes?

Thanks!

Edited November 13, 2011 by Mommy7

[Mommy7]

;)