It's that time of year

It's that time of year where I start evaluating what I want to do next school year. What did we like? What did we not like? What bargains can I get right now?

This year I had two kids doing K12 part time. K12 is an online program the local school system offers. We have done this program on and off for about 5 -6 years and enjoy the curriculum. This is one of the programs I think I will be dropping next year, however. Participating in this program keeps other options for the kids closed. You can only participate in one state program at a time here in Utah. Even if it is part time. There are other classes at a local charter school that the kids want to participate in. Plus there are classes that other moms are teaching that keeps us busy, as well. So I think we will go it alone next year for them.

Aleks online math has been a great program. It helped Shelby get through BYU Geometry. (Not a lot of instruction with BYU math classes). Taylor loves Aleks math. But Ricky wants to go back to Saxon Math. He finished this years math and we already started him on next years math.

I have a lot of the books Taylor and Ricky will be using next year. I am looking to get Easy Grammar for 7th grade for Taylor. Ebay has been the cheapest place to find it. I'll just look for a bargain. I have gotten it for as low as $5 in the past. (that is with shipping) Patience! I also got my Apologia Science books for about half the price last year. I start looking early and wait.

Shelby applied for admittance to Utah Valley University's High School program. Mostly to keep options open. If she can get admitted and graduate from there she can graduate with an Associates Degree at 17. However, she really enjoys Open High School of Utah and is excited they will be offering the classes she needs next year. They only offered Algebra for 9th graders this year and Shelby was taking Geometry. So we had to take it with BYU. We haven't liked BYU High School classes at all. There is no interaction with the teachers. Yes, the speed backs are open book. But we don't feel like we learn much and the final exam grades reflect that.

Also there could be Concurrent Enrollment options available with Open High School. Concurrent Enrollment is a program in Utah that allows advanced High School students the opportunity to take college courses in place of their high school classes. Instead of taking AP classes, they take a college course and get college credit. That will be a deciding factor if we have to choose this summer which program to keep her in.

Utah has a plethora of choices for home schooling families. We feel so blessed to have our children participating in great programs and learning things they most definitely wouldn't get to in another setting.