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Here is your homework for today. First, look at your children's standardized test scores and compare them to your local public school. If the public school average scores were the same as yours, how would the newspaper report  that?  Next, read 16 Ways Standardized Testing Can Help Your Homeschool Thrive! Public schools across the country all use different tests, and it really doesn't matter which standardized test you take.  Just look at the overall percentile scores...

I'm a huge fan of Apologia sciences!  I believe it's wonderful college preparation, and that their Biology, Chemistry, and Physics can provide the highest quality college prep education. On the other hand, I have heard mixed results from their General Science and Physical Science curriculum.  These are recent additions to Apologia, actually.  Years ago, they only provided Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Prior to that, the author Jay Wile recommended using unit studies to encourage the love...

Any suggestions on how to incorporate cartooning into completing math assignments? So far, my son has come up with 1001 ways to destroy a math book. You can do anything in cartoons, but in reality, you can learn algebraic concepts.Hi Lois,There are some comics in Harold Jacob's book. I have no ideas for actually incorporating cartooning into algebra (LOL!)I have seen cartooning as an art, as occupational education (when you make it a business) and as...

Recently I was awarded the "Family Friendly" seal of approval from The Old Schoolhouse.   I was so excited - and it's a cute badge to put on my website, too! It puts me in a bit of an awkward place, though.  Sometimes the information I need to provide is NOT fit for general audiences.  When I speak about community college, I have to choose my words very carefully, so that I can convey the "R-rated" nature...

When is your homeschool transcript official?  When do you add grades? Sometimes the details can drive parents crazy!Karen is a Gold Care Club member, and she asked me her questions: I was just looking over your book setting the record straight.  Thank you for sending it and it looks great. When you started  doing your 9TH grade transcript did you write everything you  were going to study in the beginning of 9Th and then just add on ...

Foreign language requirements vary from college to college.  Check with the college website and see what their policy is.  Go to a college fair and ask questions of each college, to get their opinion.  You'll be surprised at the variety of answers, I'm sure!I have a slightly off-topic question regarding whether Rosetta Stone and/or Power Glide are accepted as Foreign Language high school credits in preparation for most state colleges. Anyone have any information on that?...

One of the great things about homeschooling is that you can tailor your school to meet the needs and interests of your students.  To do that, you need to think outside the box a little bit.  Once you do that, all things are possible!   Even speech and debate!I have another question for you.  Are there ways outside of a school setting to get a child involved in a debate club or with public speaking, other than...

Colleges want to see three sciences and at least one science lab, but you still have a lot of freedom within those requirements.My daughter has expressed interest in studying Botany for this year (she's a freshman) instead of studying a traditional Biology course.  I have found a great course for her as well as additional supplemental materials.  I want to make sure before I purchase the materials that our course will be accepted by colleges/universities as...

One small detail about going to college as a freshman means you have to remain a freshman until you begin at the University.  Taking college classes within the context of dual enrollment is fine.  When college classes are counted toward high school courses, then they are counted as high school courses, and the student is still considered a freshman in terms of the university admission.  In senior year, you can take college classes that are placed...

Is homeschooling high school an overwhelming task?  Try focusing on smaller, simpler tasks to achieve your goals.John 2:1-11Jesus Changes Water to WineOn the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."  "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied, "My time has...