Classical Conversations co-op experiences??

[greenwillow]

We are having an informational meeting about possibly having one of these in our area, but I have no idea how they work, who would teach, etc. Does anyone have experience with this that they can share?
Here's a link:
www.classicalconversations.com (http://www.classicalconversations.com/)

[Laura K (NC)]

You can do a search on "Classical Conversations" on this board to get some opinions. If you've not done a search before, the link is right above this post in the blue bar that goes all the way across the page, and the "search" option is toward the right side.

[Georgia in NC]

I'm not sure anyone here has done a Challenge Program. We are trying it out next year and there are at least two ladies on the board who tutor for the younger kids' programs who have written some nice posts. Mostly what you will see here is the they-are-too-expensive and I-dont-want-to-give-up-control types posts. (said tongue in cheek, lol as I always felt the same way!)

I just graduated my 1st and we have decided to try CC with my next two. We have always done enrichment type co-ops before but my oldest and I both agree that the main lack in our hs experience was the problem of discussion and debate with just one student and teacher. We couldn't get anyone interested in this kind of class in our regular co-op...

We chose this opportunity because it is cheaper than the classes at the various online schools, my 8th grader wants face to face interaction anyway, my 6th grader can participate also (and indeed needs the essentials program quite badly), and our other co-op isn't happening this year anyway!

Here are a few previous discussions...
Post (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11547)
Another (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29798&highlight=classical+conversations)
More (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28861&highlight=classical+conversations)
Whew, last one (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25186&highlight=classical+conversations)

hth,
georgia

[outtamyshell]

Last year was our first year homeschooling, and we participated in Challenge. I found it to be a good balance between a school and homeschooling for us. I have seen some comments that you give up too much control when participating in Classical, but homeschooling would not have been a viable option for us without this group. They have their schedule and agenda, but I was able to modify writing assignments and scheduling as I found appropriate.

The people in our group are wonderful and welcoming of us, and I appreciate their kindness greatly. I do see a stronger emphasis on Christian rather than Classical education. Frankly, we got sick of all the writing prompts being so focused on exploring your personal beliefs. But my daughter did enjoy being in an environment that welcomed an inclusion of faith in her schoolwork. We only modified a couple of reading and writing assignments. They don't require a statement of faith and the group we meet with welcomes people of all faiths. I heard they had some non-Christians there in previous years.

I get the impression that I am more academic focused than the rest of the parents, and that's fine. My daughter took a mostly Challenge I classes with Algebra III and Chemistry. She greatly enjoyed the environment, but has decided that she goes there for social reasons. Their pace is fast, but in retrospect my daughter doesn't think it was very challenging. I think her specific complaint was that so many American Lit books were pretty lightweight. She really didn't like Saxon either. We would not have made it through a lab science without Classical though. We are only signing up for 3-4 classes next year and using the community college for dual enrollment and online classes for the rest.

Overall, we found CC a great experience. It was cheaper than online highschool classes, cheaper than private school, provided my dd with some indepence, outside accountability, and a group of friends to look forward to seeing each week. If you have any specific questions that I didn't address, let me know.

Michelle

[Soria]

We have started a CC community in my area this year. My family has not participated personally before and I think the feedback you have received from others who have is probably more valuable then mine. However, I would say, that I have several friends who have used the program and they are thrilled. It is less $ then other tutorials and less $ then private school. I think if the reading is not challenging enough, there is always the option of reading more difficult books. I have two foundations level students this year (Abecidarian and Masters levels) and I am looking forward to having a set schedule. Last year I felt almost too much in the wind... allowing too many things to interrupt my day. I love the idea of being accountable to a small amount of memorization each week that I can expound upon during the rest of the week as I see fit for my girls. I love the idea of having a science experiment done every week - b/c that def got put to side when we were in a pinch! I also love the interaction and excitement (I hope) they will feel at memorizing and playing games with friends each week. I think your experience will def depend on not only the director in your community and the tone she sets for excitement and creativity, but also the particular tutor your child is assigned. Go and meet them and get to know their style - and belief system. If it is in line with a manner in which your think your child will thrive - I say go for it!

Of course, I'll get back to you when we're finished our 1st 12 weeks and see if I am still as excited! Good luck!