Anyone using RTR for High School?

[1shortmomof4]

I'm seriously considering using the RTR for High School - at least for a history and 1/2 of an English credit. My dd is entering 9th grade and really likes the hands-on aspect of a program and wants to work independently and not have to wait for my time with her. I have 3 other kids who are all over the spectrum grade-wise - will be 11th, 5th and 2nd so I find it just too hard to combine anyone for somewhat obvious reasons. I've actually ordered two of the reader books and she is going to work through most of the sample week to get a feel for the program. I'm of the mind that I'd rather she understand and retain and enjoy a study rather than read, memorize and test. I think this program looks quite full on its own and I'd only need to work on, perhaps, literature although I have DITHOR and we could spend one more year doing that in complete form (rather than skipping around and not getting to all the genres). I'm also considering using the science as Earth Science and add in some library books. We've not studied astronomy other than moon phases, etc. and her plans are to attend a community college for 2 years at achieving her associates before heading off to a 4year university (much more cost effective and an easier transition as she is very family-oriented and I can't see traveling off hours away - much like her mom). Okay, way too much rambling but if anyone is using this for high school (9th grade) - your thoughts? ideas?
Heidi

P.S. I'm going to use Beyond for my upcoming 2nd grader because my other ds and I had an awesome year using it when he was in 2nd! - My 5th grader may be using Preparing - just have to figure out whether I can handle 3 Guides at once!

[LynnH]

I am not using RTR for high school, but I did want to say that Carrie has said that for older ones you might want to look at Signs and Seasons for the science. It is written for junior high and high school. I looked at it at the convention and it is very meaty.

[Sue G in PA]

Hoping for more answers, b/c I am considering using the level AFTER RTR for 9th...if it is out in time (in 2 years). As for science...have you looked into Apologia Physical Science? It does have a bunch of Earth Science in it and is geared toward the 8th or 9th grader. It would give her a full credit of science.

As for literature, have you looked into Lightning Literature or SMARR? SMARR actually has a Literature study that would go along with RTR. I have not used SMARR yet but dd13 will use a portion of it along with MFW AHL for 9th. She used Lightning Literature 7 in 7th grade and did enjoy it. That would give her a full credit of English. LL has composition integrated into the Lit. study as does SMARR. HTH you a bit. Hoping again for more answers as to using RTR or the next program for high school!

[Mom2Monkeys]

Im sure you can b/c many are using CTC for 9th! search ctc for high school by ...i think marsha. carrie gave detailed info there and the additions would likely be less as you get into later guides.

[1shortmomof4]

I'll have to look at the Signs and Seasons book although I have Amanda Bennett's unit study for Astronomy and the advanced lapbook book Hands of a Child that is geared for high school that requires advance research so I think we'd be covered. I just recently read some stuff on high school sciences and how it doesn't always have to be biology and chemistry - there are other sciences and the biggest part of the science lab is learning how to write up the labs, not the actual performance of a lab. Sadly, many high schools across the country no longer have the funds for the kids to do the labs but watch them on DVD, the computer or the teacher but they have to write it all up. My dd is not going into a field that would require a lot of science but looking at possible colleges that she is considering they just want two lab sciences - not a specific so earth science would be fine. We've tried the Apologia Physical Science for my older ds and it was not a good fit (another non-science minded child) so that is something I'll have to pass on at this point. I'll have to look into the SMARR stuff and look at my booklist for DITHOR and see if I can't come up with an independent literature course. I think the IEW would be fine for her - it is the higher expectation in her writing projects - what she turns in but she really is a great student so not a problem.

I know there are people who use the MOH 3 for high school (and frankly MOH 1 and 2), so it is doable. I think rounded out with the art appreciation (and even adding a bit of artist study for the time period) really makes for a great course. I am anxious for two of the books to arrive so that I can have my dd try out the first week and see what she thinks. I know we can't do it all because of the notebooking sheet, but I think she'll get a good feel for the daily type of assignments. We've really struggled this year trying to find a groove in our school work - I had wanted to do CTC with her this year but because we had done it the year before I had to wait for the new program. Well, guess I'll see how the "trial" week goes and gather ideas from there.

[8arrows]

Just seconding the SMARR course that compliments this time frame. I would also use additional science.

[1shortmomof4]

Just wanted to add that I remembered in my favorites list that I had a link to a company that WP used for their Rock study that was called Ring of Fire (or something like that). They offer semester courses up through Grade 12 and they have one for space and weather and earth sciences - this would be an excellent supplement to add to the science in RTR for high school!
Heidi

[Carrie]

Heidi,

This past thread on beefing up CTC for a high schooler may be of help to you as you ponder the possibility of using RTR for high school. Link: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5400

Once RTR is completed in print form, we will likely answer more questions about some possible ideas for addtions to RTR to beef it up as needed for an older child.

Blessings,
Carrie

[1shortmomof4]

Thanks so much for the feedback and I look forward to more ideas as time goes by. My dd is actually trying out the first week of lessons - can't do everything because of the notebooking pages and some of the books I don't have but I went ahead and purchased Forbidden Gates and the other history reader to have her try for the week. We are on day 2 and so far, so good. I really feel that if used in total, there is quite a bit of work to be done. I'll need to find some challenging literature I'd use that for her literature component - really easy to do but trying to find the best way that works for her (she likes complete works whereas my 10 grade ds prefers BJU literature where it is bits and pieces of great literature) so we shall see how things work out through the summer. I've got to have a plan as we had into the summer months as my wonderful dh needs to know what to budget for - he never says no, just give me the numbers! ack! This is the first time I've tried a sample week (also doing week 1 of Preparing with my ds) - I figure it far cheaper to buy 1 or two books and see how it goes rather than over $100 and it not work out. Enough ramblings.....I look forward to more discussion as time goes by.
Heidi