Hi All,

I was recommended to have a look at the AoPS website for DS8 today. I let him attempt the pre-test for "Are you Ready:Introduction for Algebra". He got 16 out of 17 correct ( except for 2a). I don't think we can sign him up for the online classes due to time differences (we are in Asia). If I just buy the books, will we be able to reap the full benefits without joining the online classes? I would like to find out more because the books are not cheap. (I am not sure how much they will charge for int'l shipping yet... still waiting for their reply). Thks!

I think a lot would depend on your son. I'm not a mathy person so I can't really discuss the merits of the book and whether or not you could find the same thing cheaper somewhere else. According to AoPS, the class covers what in the US is considered Algebra I and Algebra II, with the geometry aspects taken out and covered in another course (Intro to Geometry). It's the best Algebra class/text that we have found so far, but again, keep in mind I'm not a math person and did not look at whole lot of sources so am not an expert on comparison.

Can you teach him the book on your own? If so, you could probably forgo the class. The class is only 1 and 1/2 hours a week. If you can't teach him, than you could try enrolling him in the class. The transcripts for the class are available while the class is in session, so even if he did not attend the actual class, he could read the transcripts afterwards. He would miss out on the live interaction with the instructors, though. He could also do the evaluated homework so that he could get feedback from the instructors as to his methods. In addition, he could also view theclass mesasge board where the lessons are discussed.

I don't think it would be as ideal as attending the class, but he probably could still learn something from it, if you can't find it anywhere else. I would e-mail AoPS and discuss it with them. They are very helpful and quick to respond to e-mails.

S-T, I'm not sure about this, but looking at the CTY catalog this morning, it appear they use the Thinkwell courses. I have no idea if they're any good, but I see them mentioned a lot. Would that help? I'm not sure if CTY allows non-US students, but it's online and appears to be the same thing. This is the course listing: www.cty.jhu.edu/cde/courses.html You can contact them and ask. I am torn on all of these CTY courses. They are all existing courses, but they add the quizzes, tests, and tutors and they end up being very expensive.

Thinkwell is also available now on Homeschool Buyers Co-op: https://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/index.php?option=com_epp_offer&Itemid=576

Thks CFK & questions.

I am not a mathy person either and I am not sure if I can teach that kind of level. I am not sure if the AoPS books will appeal to DS enough for him to read them on his own sometimes. He reads and re-reads all his Edward Zaccaro's books but I believe I can't compare these 2 resources which serve different needs?

I had a look at the CTY and EPFG programs and am keeping options open for now. The school *may* be doing something for him (hopeful and excited) and some costs may be covered too.

Thks for the sharing and recommendations and the offer to email to AoPS. I will find out as much info as I can for now b4 the sch comes back to me. I am glad I have found this site.

Just to share part of the email reply I received from AoPS w.r.t. international students.

"Our classes are open to international students, though for many, the time difference is a difficulty. Students who use the books but not the classes miss the following:

1) The opportunity to work with AoPS instructors and ask them questions about the material,

2) The opportunity to receive feedback on their work, and

3) The opportunity to work with many other outstanding math students.

This said, there are a great many students who use our books without the classes, as the books are designed specifically for high-performing students who are pursuing independent study."