|
Basic textbook
style (Student text book, optional
teacher's manual, supplementary work books, grading keys) |
A Beka, Bob Jones,
Christian Liberty, Calvert |
Easy to use; moderate
teacher prep needed; popular style, easy to find used; mid-price range;
fairly high comfort level for those wanting structure |
|
Worktext style
(Consumable workbooks with complete text, teachers keys) |
Alpha Omega LifePacs,
ACE School of Tomorrow |
Very easy to use--self
contained; minimal teacher prep; low-mid-price range; high comfort level
|
|
Video curriculum
(some are rented, some are
purchased--may be tied in with a correspondence program; usually texts or
workbooks are needed as part of package |
A Beka Video
Correspondence (full program or individual subjects); SuperStar Teachers
(individual subjects); Chalkdust Videos (mainly math) |
Easy to use--especially
for subjects parents need help in; no teacher prep--but grading of some work
and mailing for correspondence portion; high end of price range |
|
Computer CD-Rom
curriculum (complete program or
individual subject--may include some texts or workbooks-- |
Alpha Omega
Switched-On-Schoolhouse |
Easy for independent
student use; mid-price range; usually self grading and correcting, review
for mastery |
|
Unit Study
(Focus of most subjects is around a certain theme--literature, Biblical
chronology, character qualities--usually many hands-on activities/projects)
|
Weaver; Konos; Sonlight;
Alta Vista
Learning Lang Arts Through Lit
Prairie Primer
(some have optional
lesson planning help) |
May not include all
subjects (i.e. math, language arts). Some require a good
bit of library work or gathering materials; high level of teacher prep;
low-mid price; great for hands-on teachers and learners. |
|
Charlotte
Mason/Living Books (Focus on
quality literature, real life experiences, observation and verbal skills
|
Classics,
biographies—lots of quality literature—somewhat of a mix of Classical and
Unschooling |
Broad college prep
foundation. Uses both hands-on methods with lots of reading.
Mid price range. |
|
Classical
(Focus on verbal, mathematical and scientific reasoning and competence,
based on Greek and Roman methods of instruction—Socratic or dialog method)
|
Classics of Greek, Roman
and Renaissance eras; Latin and Greek Languages. Reasoning and Thinking
activities. The Well-Trained Mind |
Strong foundation in
college prep material. Could be intensive in prep and teacher involvement
time. Mid price range. |
|
Unschooling
(Focus on child’s desires and interests—also called Child Directed Learning)
|
Often no particular
curriculum is used. Lots of reference & library
materials, hands-on exploration and real life activities.. Parent may guide
activities and discussion to achieve a goal |
Not all children are
motivated to seek out information. May be difficult to
track what has been covered and accomplished. Students
may have gaps, especially in upper grades when more disciplined study is
needed. If done purposefully, may provide a creative,
rich education. May be quite inexpensive. |
|
Correspondence
or umbrella school (you send
materials to the program administrator for monitoring/grading of work,
record keeping) |
Sycamore Tree, Grace
Christian School, Christian Liberty Academy Satellite School, Phoenix
Special Programs |
Great for augmenting of
record keeping, accountability; mid-high price range; Need to follow
program's schedule; |
Covenant Home School Resource Center!
