Homeschooling high schoolers-update in replies

[starbeck96]

I would really love to HS my boys, they will be in 9th grade this year.  I am also going to be HS my daughter (kindergarten).  My husband is not very big on the idea right now, but I am going to talk to him.  I just feel God pulling me toward HS all of my kids.  The boys have not a good math teacher for the past two years.  I've already heard that the teacher they will have next year for Algebra 1 flies and doesn't take kindly to questions from the students.  I am very concerned that this will be a problem.  They are going Advanced (partly to get away from some of the really bad students in their grade), but Math is their weakest point.

My main concern is cost.

I know how much Abeka costs since their website is fairly easy to figure out.  The main concern I have is that I've heard Abeka is a lot of work.

I have heard alot of good things about ACE also.  But looking at it at first looked rather expensive.

I would love to hear from anyone that is HS high schoolers with any curriculum.  Thanks.

[michiganmom116]

I use Abeka.  It's only as much work as you make it.  My kids (I'll have 2 high schoolers this year) tend to "get" concepts the first time, so we skip most of the review work after I've verified that they do understand.  There's no requirement to do all of the bookwork. They spend maybe 2 to 3 hours a day completing their daily work, and that's with several procrastination breaks. 

If your boys are weak in math, I'd suggest using Abeka's 8th grade Pre-Algebra for 9th grade, unless you're submitting papers to Abeka.  If so, maybe grab Pre-Algebra now for them to work over the summer to get them up to speed.

I've used Abeka for 7 years now.  I checked into ACE a couple of years ago, but when my 8th grader was easily able to place in their 10th grade program, I decided I'd stick with the more challenging work.

[starbeck96]

Quoting michiganmom116:

I use Abeka.  It's only as much work as you make it.  My kids (I'll have 2 high schoolers this year) tend to "get" concepts the first time, so we skip most of the review work after I've verified that they do understand.  There's no requirement to do all of the bookwork. They spend maybe 2 to 3 hours a day completing their daily work, and that's with several procrastination breaks. 

If your boys are weak in math, I'd suggest using Abeka's 8th grade Pre-Algebra for 9th grade, unless you're submitting papers to Abeka.  If so, maybe grab Pre-Algebra now for them to work over the summer to get them up to speed.

I've used Abeka for 7 years now.  I checked into ACE a couple of years ago, but when my 8th grader was easily able to place in their 10th grade program, I decided I'd stick with the more challenging work.

Thanks.  I've just heard alot of people complain about all the work.  My boys have not always been weak in math, but they definitely are now.  I am really praying that God will also give my husband the desire for them to be homeschooled.  I am using Abeka for my daughter since their reading program is wonderful.  I do have some experience with Abeka.  Do you use the videos?  I am thinking that we will probably do the videos for at least Math, Bible, History, and Science.  I just finished pre-cal in college, so I am not really worried about the math portion since I know that I can help them. 

The problem that we've had for the last two years is that they did not come to us for help.  They still had B's year before last, but this past year on their final report card they both had a low C.  They do not make C's very often.  The bad thing is they had all A's everywhere else.  Sorry for rambling...lol.  I just feel that if I have them at home, at least I will know whether they are grasping the concept or not. 

I also know that Abeka does offer discounts for same grade siblings.  We would probably do the traditional (we keep up with grading).  I really do not want to send in papers.

Thank you for your input.

[michiganmom116]

Quoting starbeck96:

Quoting michiganmom116:

I use Abeka.  It's only as much work as you make it.  My kids (I'll have 2 high schoolers this year) tend to "get" concepts the first time, so we skip most of the review work after I've verified that they do understand.  There's no requirement to do all of the bookwork. They spend maybe 2 to 3 hours a day completing their daily work, and that's with several procrastination breaks. 

If your boys are weak in math, I'd suggest using Abeka's 8th grade Pre-Algebra for 9th grade, unless you're submitting papers to Abeka.  If so, maybe grab Pre-Algebra now for them to work over the summer to get them up to speed.

I've used Abeka for 7 years now.  I checked into ACE a couple of years ago, but when my 8th grader was easily able to place in their 10th grade program, I decided I'd stick with the more challenging work.

Thanks.  I've just heard alot of people complain about all the work.  My boys have not always been weak in math, but they definitely are now.  I am really praying that God will also give my husband the desire for them to be homeschooled.  I am using Abeka for my daughter since their reading program is wonderful.  I do have some experience with Abeka.  Do you use the videos?  I am thinking that we will probably do the videos for at least Math, Bible, History, and Science.  I just finished pre-cal in college, so I am not really worried about the math portion since I know that I can help them. 

The problem that we've had for the last two years is that they did not come to us for help.  They still had B's year before last, but this past year on their final report card they both had a low C.  They do not make C's very often.  The bad thing is they had all A's everywhere else.  Sorry for rambling...lol.  I just feel that if I have them at home, at least I will know whether they are grasping the concept or not. 

I also know that Abeka does offer discounts for same grade siblings.  We would probably do the traditional (we keep up with grading).  I really do not want to send in papers.

Thank you for your input.

I've used the videos in the past but I will not any more.  The videos are good, but I have a harder time staying on top of the material if I'm not involved...not to mention that my kids are pretty adept at watching the videos without paying attention about as well as some kids don't pay attention in class  LOL  Working directly with my kids also lets me see where the weak areas are before they get to a quiz or test.  I can supplement as needed.  It'll take more time on my part, but that's fine.  It's an investment in their future.

[starbeck96]

Quoting michiganmom116:

Quoting starbeck96:

 

Quoting michiganmom116:

I use Abeka.  It's only as much work as you make it.  My kids (I'll have 2 high schoolers this year) tend to "get" concepts the first time, so we skip most of the review work after I've verified that they do understand.  There's no requirement to do all of the bookwork. They spend maybe 2 to 3 hours a day completing their daily work, and that's with several procrastination breaks. 

If your boys are weak in math, I'd suggest using Abeka's 8th grade Pre-Algebra for 9th grade, unless you're submitting papers to Abeka.  If so, maybe grab Pre-Algebra now for them to work over the summer to get them up to speed.

I've used Abeka for 7 years now.  I checked into ACE a couple of years ago, but when my 8th grader was easily able to place in their 10th grade program, I decided I'd stick with the more challenging work.

Thanks.  I've just heard alot of people complain about all the work.  My boys have not always been weak in math, but they definitely are now.  I am really praying that God will also give my husband the desire for them to be homeschooled.  I am using Abeka for my daughter since their reading program is wonderful.  I do have some experience with Abeka.  Do you use the videos?  I am thinking that we will probably do the videos for at least Math, Bible, History, and Science.  I just finished pre-cal in college, so I am not really worried about the math portion since I know that I can help them. 

The problem that we've had for the last two years is that they did not come to us for help.  They still had B's year before last, but this past year on their final report card they both had a low C.  They do not make C's very often.  The bad thing is they had all A's everywhere else.  Sorry for rambling...lol.  I just feel that if I have them at home, at least I will know whether they are grasping the concept or not. 

I also know that Abeka does offer discounts for same grade siblings.  We would probably do the traditional (we keep up with grading).  I really do not want to send in papers.

Thank you for your input.

I've used the videos in the past but I will not any more.  The videos are good, but I have a harder time staying on top of the material if I'm not involved...not to mention that my kids are pretty adept at watching the videos without paying attention about as well as some kids don't pay attention in class  LOL  Working directly with my kids also lets me see where the weak areas are before they get to a quiz or test.  I can supplement as needed.  It'll take more time on my part, but that's fine.  It's an investment in their future.

I agree that the videos definitely get boring..lol.  I would just be so worried that I can't help them (especially when it comes to science and history)..lol.  Are the teacher's keys pretty good about explaining things.  Like I said, I'm not really worried about the math..lol.

[starbeck96]

And the videos do get quite expensive as well.

 Also, the state of Alabama requires a computer applications course.  Do you have any idea what this may consist of? 

If my husband agrees with homeschooling them, then I will definitely go talk to the school board about everything that I need for them to succeed in high school.  I also know several families that homeschool in our area so I am sure that they can be of help.

Thank you so much for your help.

[michiganmom116]

Quoting starbeck96:

And the videos do get quite expensive as well.

 Also, the state of Alabama requires a computer applications course.  Do you have any idea what this may consist of? 

If my husband agrees with homeschooling them, then I will definitely go talk to the school board about everything that I need for them to succeed in high school.  I also know several families that homeschool in our area so I am sure that they can be of help.

Thank you so much for your help.

When I was in college, college applications courses were ones that gave basic instruction in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and keyboarding.  I'm sure there are inexpensive programs that would provide that instruction.  I know that Abeka has a keyboarding course, but it's a year-long program.  I'd much rather use something that addresses the subject matter in a much more compact method.  Thank you for the reminder!  It's something I want to look into for my own kids.

[MyGiftsFromGod]

I agree that A Beka is only as much work as you make it. A Beka does have a reputation for going overboard on exercises, but A Beka is also known for creating great math students as a result of that. I know parents who only have their children do about half of the math problems in each exercise. I am a stickler and have them do them all. I want great math students who know math very well. A lot of people complain that A Beka is boring. I think boredom is what you allow it to be too. I absolutely refuse to acknowledge any hint of boredom with schoolwork or really anything we do. Our children have never complained of it because of that. They know that they can use their minds better than that, and to change their attitudes if they can't. I have never really understood what people are looking for when they call A Beka or any other schoolwork boring. Is it supposed to have pictures, colors, and activities instead of just work on the pages? Call me harsh, but that is for preschool to me. I'd be happy to teach with a slate and a piece of chalk. In fact, I don't use any reading program and teach my children to read using plain paper and a pen. I find anything other than letters a distraction to reading. If people want entertainment, go watch TV instead of doing school. That wasn't directed at you, but at the common complaints about A Beka. I don't think it is very expensive at all. We do not use anything other than the student texts, and for math, starting in junior high, I get the answer keys so that I can check work very quickly.

[starbeck96]

Quoting michiganmom116:

Quoting starbeck96:

And the videos do get quite expensive as well.

 Also, the state of Alabama requires a computer applications course.  Do you have any idea what this may consist of? 

If my husband agrees with homeschooling them, then I will definitely go talk to the school board about everything that I need for them to succeed in high school.  I also know several families that homeschool in our area so I am sure that they can be of help.

Thank you so much for your help.

When I was in college, college applications courses were ones that gave basic instruction in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and keyboarding.  I'm sure there are inexpensive programs that would provide that instruction.  I know that Abeka has a keyboarding course, but it's a year-long program.  I'd much rather use something that addresses the subject matter in a much more compact method.  Thank you for the reminder!  It's something I want to look into for my own kids.

I did some more research and the computer applications is actually an oline course that they are required to take through the school.  After more research though, I found out that HS that are under a church covering or using a church as an "umbrella" are not bound by the high school graduation.  I would still follow them the best I could though.  I found a website for Alabama homeschooling parents and this is what all of them were saying.

Thank you so much.  I am looking into a typing program for them anyway, whether they go to PS or not.  I am also thinking about taking someone's advice and getting them the Abeka 8th grade pre-Algebra so they can get caught up in Math.  They would benefit whether they go to PS or HS.

[starbeck96]

Quoting MyGiftsFromGod:

I agree that A Beka is only as much work as you make it. A Beka does have a reputation for going overboard on exercises, but A Beka is also known for creating great math students as a result of that. I know parents who only have their children do about half of the math problems in each exercise. I am a stickler and have them do them all. I want great math students who know math very well. A lot of people complain that A Beka is boring. I think boredom is what you allow it to be too. I absolutely refuse to acknowledge any hint of boredom with schoolwork or really anything we do. Our children have never complained of it because of that. They know that they can use their minds better than that, and to change their attitudes if they can't. I have never really understood what people are looking for when they call A Beka or any other schoolwork boring. Is it supposed to have pictures, colors, and activities instead of just work on the pages? Call me harsh, but that is for preschool to me. I'd be happy to teach with a slate and a piece of chalk. In fact, I don't use any reading program and teach my children to read using plain paper and a pen. I find anything other than letters a distraction to reading. If people want entertainment, go watch TV instead of doing school. That wasn't directed at you, but at the common complaints about A Beka. I don't think it is very expensive at all. We do not use anything other than the student texts, and for math, starting in junior high, I get the answer keys so that I can check work very quickly.

The videos are what is so expensive (well at least for us).  I am just not sure if videos would work anyway for my kids.

I am HS my daughter for kindergarten and I am using Abeka.  I have bought nearly everything from ebay.  I have saved about $ 125.00 already.

Thank you for your experience with Abeka.  I know that Abeka is a very good program, that is why my first thought was to use Abeka. 

I still am not sure if I will HS the boys or not.  I really feel a pulling towards HS though.  My husband does not feel that same pulling.  I am praying about it and may talk to him about it tonight.  I think that I would have happier boys also.  I really do not look forward to them starting High School in the PS.  I have already heard of all the bad things that go on in our high school (and we are from a small town).  We have already experienced a 7th grader watching porn on the bus on the way to a baseball game.  His only punishment was to run 2 days at P.E. and to miss one baseball game.  He was showing this to other kids on the bus (including mine).  My boys told us what had happened and then they told the coaches.  One of the coaches response was, "This is minor compared to what happens on high school sports buses"!  I was amazed!  The other coach told my husband "What would happen if I were to kick off everyone who did something small".  I couldn't believe that the coaches thought this was such a small thing.  This was a 7th grader, 12 year old. 

This incidence really opened my eyes at  how bad things are, even in our small system.  Sorry for rambling..lol.

Anyway, I am praying that DH willl be convicted about homeschooling.  His main concern was that the boys couldn't play sports.  Well, now they are not playing football anyway and they have said that they don't know if they even want to play school baseball.

[blessings2all]

I think that no matter what program you decide to go with, you will have the flexibility of choosing the amount of work your teen does for it.  I have found over the years that sometimes it is perfectly okay to have your child/teen do odds/evens for an assignment.  If they understood the material, you can just move on.  If they struggled with it, you can go back and do the problems that you skipped for extra practice.