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Everest Academy is a ministry of Everest Family Church in Hayden. We offer freedom along with quality resources, information, activities and support to those homeschooling in Alabama. We believe that the parent has the best interests of their children at heart. We believe that the parent is the first and only teacher that a child needs. In keeping with this philosophy, we wish to be a very hands-off church "cover" school and allow the parent to lead and guide their children in the direction and at the pace they feel is best suited to their children. We ask only for what the law requires while offering support along with quality resources to aid families in their efforts.
Showing posts with label curriculum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label curriculum. Show all posts

Standardized Testing



STANDARDIZED TESTING INFORMATION:

Please note that if you are planning on putting your child back in the public/private school setting, having test scores could be a plus, especially for a high schooler.


1-800-405-8378
The CAT is a standardized test for grades k-12.


847.259.8736


1-360-835-8708
This test is designed specifically for home educated students.


IOWA Basic Skills Test - Check with Bob Jones University
1-800-845-5731




ASVAB, PSAT, & AP TESTING
Life Christian Academy in Harvest, AL annually offers testing open to all homeschoolers. You can find more info here: http://www.lifechristianacademy.org/admissions/testing/.


Alabaster - AP Testing is offered by Evangel Christian


Shelby County - Brandy Dahlen usually offers AP testing in the spring. For more info, please contact her at bldahlen@aol.com


Moody - Crossroads Christian School
825 Oak Blvd. Moody AL 35004




Education Solutions - ACT/SAT Test Prep, Bham & Online
Lovella Jones
Education Solutions
[P] 205-960-6444
[F] 205-623-0818
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Thoughts on Curriculum

Thoughts on Curriculum
Ahhhhh!  Curriculum!  That is the question of the day!  What should I get?  Where?  Is it expensive?  It can be...  Does it have to be?  No!  With Everest Academy, you are free to use whatever resources you would like to educate your child.  Some folks go all out and buy a whole brand new curriculum and spend a ton of money.  Some homeschoolers go to the library and spend $0 on their resources.  The choice is completely up to you!!!

You can go all out and get all the bells and whistles...  Do I recommend that?  No!


My rule of thumb is to NOT go out and spend a ton on curriculum.  Why?  You want your children to have the best, right?  Well, spending a ton of money does not necessarily mean you are getting the best.  It means you have spent a lot of money.  When you go out and spend a ton of money on curriculum, you feel like you have to use it...primarily because it cost a lot of money.  What if your  child hates it?  Then you are being counter productive.  Find the best resources you can find at the best cost that you can find them in order to be flexible.  When you are flexible, you can help your child love to learn.  So, what DO I suggest? 


First of all, check out your local library.  This is my first and favorite resource.  This is ALWAYS my first stop when I am looking for a new resource.  It is a free resource that has endless possibilities.  You can virtually find everything you need here not only for subjects such as history, science, and literature, but my family has also used the library for subjects such as speed reading, sign language, typing, 10-Key, foreign language, Algebra, and on and on.  Most library systems have a library cooperative where they will send materials to your local library.  Also, check to see if your local library has a book club, teen club, crafts, tutors, and computer lessons.  Most libraries also have an area where they will sell used items such as books, magazines, CDs and movies.  I know that the Birmingham Public Library and Homewood Library both have an awesome used material area set up, and I have bought many quality resources there.  Not only do libraries carry books, they also carry books on tape, magazines, CDs, DVDs, VHS, etc... 


Next, check out the local thrift store.  I have never been in an American's Thrift Store and not found quality educational materials and usually for under $1.  Don't just check out the book section either.  I have found the best resources in the toy department over where you find the games and puzzles.  Also, make sure to check out the magazine rack and the CDs. 


Talk to other homeschoolers.  They are a great resource for quality educational materials.  Who wants all of those books hanging around for years?  There are usually umpteen used curriculum sales in the spring, and many homeschoolers bring materials to park day.  Don't forget to check out Ebay. 


Don't forget to check out the boob tube...  Yes, that's right...  the T.V.  There are some great programs offered these days.  It's not just Sesame Street anymore.  You can find programming for Pre-School all the way through adult.  Check out stations such as The History Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery, etc...  Of course, I am not suggesting that all your child do is watch T.V., but what I am suggesting is looking to see what is offered and how it might benefit them.  Most channels and even individual shows offer wonderful websites, activities, and lesson plans.  Don't forget Netflix!  Netflix is a goldmine of documentaries, historical fiction, movies based on works of literature, etc...


And finally, the internet...  Geez, you are really missing the boat if you do not have Internet access.  You can find everything you need for a quality education for free on the internet.  If you find a site that you have to pay for, research a little more.  You can usually find the same thing or better for free. 
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Homeschool Curriculum Resources

Homeschool
Curriculum Resources

One of the most common questions asked by new homeschoolers is, "Where do I get the books?"  Curricula can be anything you use to teach your child including textbooks, hands-on learning experiences, documentaries, internet links, Grandma teaching biscuit making, travel, etc.  Below is listing just a sampling of curricula to get you started.


Where do I get curriculum?  
Here are some options:
Library
Netflix
Community Classes
Internet
Thrift Store
Other Homeschoolers
Parent/Teacher Stores
Curriculum Distributors

I asked veteran homeschoolers about their favorite curriculum, and here is some of their feedback:


Online test for teaching style (similar or exactly like what is in the book):


Cheap copies of books: ThriftBooks.com

Online Curriculum:
Accredited Curriculum:  Please note it is not required to use an accredited curriculum, but some people prefer it.  Please note that even if using an accredited program, you still need to make sure to follow Alabama State Law concerning homeschooling.  
Favorite Math Curriculum:
Favorite English Curriculum:
Favorite History Curriculum:
Favorite Science Curriculum:
Other Options:
If you find that one of these links is no longer viable, please let us know at everstacademy1@gmail.com.  Thanks!

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