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Linda_B 04:05:14 Sat May 15 2004 Offline 10 posts Newbie Reply |
Hello,
I've been a long time lurker on this board, but never a poster. My son was with American School for a while, but it never really fit him. (And myself) So, I pulled him out, and we used Abeka Academy for a year or two. He loved it, but burnt out really fast. So, we decided to enroll him in James Madison High School. So far, it has been a wonderful experience! We have recieved two courses (I know, its early, but I figured I'd make this a running thread about the program itself) Practical Psychology and Health Science. Practical Psychology wasn't really a "course", "course." When we enrolled, they told me that it would be very easy just to show him how the program worked, and everything. DS completed two exams in the course and recieved a 100% on each. It mainly covers peer-pressure, making right choices, study habits, etc. A good course to start with. But, I have to admit, I was worried about the quality. (Don't get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with the course, just looked rather easy.) Boy, were my beliefs unfounded! The second course we recieved, and ds just started working on today, is Health Science. A wonderful textbook by Hufflin Mifflin company, along with DC Heath. I was amazed at the depth this course goes into. It borders on a 1/2 credit in Anatomy and Physiology. (This from the nurse!) It begins with some information on stress, etc. Then moves onto the more "science" aspects of health. Wonderful book! I'm enjoying flipping through the pages. The study guide is spiral bound. It includes worksheets, and the answers to all the questions in the chapter reviews. The course has elven exams, one for each unit, as well as a midterm and final exam. (Mid term covers the first five units, and the final covers the entire book) So far, I'm extremly happy that I decided to go with this program. I know some people have had problems with them getting payments, but we haven't had any problems in that area. (We do our payment by phone for an additional charge of $1.00. Well worth it!) I sound like I'm "plugging" the program, but I'm really not. I'm just trying to give some information on it, for others who are considering the program. Below, you will find the outline of courses my son is taking. I'll try to post a review of each of the books as we get them. I'd love to answer any question anyone might have about the program. DS is in the Academic diploma. Below is the order that they will be sending his courses. Practical Psychology Health Science Academic English I Algebra I Spanish I Academic World History Introduction to Computers Physical Science Academic English II Geometry Spanish II Academic American History Biology Academic English III Algebra II French I Academic American Government/Academic Economics Chemistry Academic English IV Advanced Mathematics French II Physics |
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redphoenix 22:10:25 Tue May 18 2004 Offline 7 posts NewbiePost Mood:  Reply |
Linda,
Hi, I am so glad you posted! I have been looking at several schools for my son, he is in 10th grade. I want to make the right choice as we all do  I keep coming back to JMHS and AS. Your input was very much appreciated. Thank you, Cj |
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redphoenix 22:23:26 Tue May 18 2004 Offline 7 posts Newbie Reply |
Linda,
I forgot to mention..... I guess I am not sure about the schools that offer courses one at a time, as opposed to sending the year's curriculum at once. What do you think? Thanks, Caseyj |
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Linda_B 17:24:44 Wed May 19 2004 Offline 10 posts Newbie Reply |
I'm glad I could be of some help, redphoenix,
About sending them one at a time, to me that works out better. My son has always liked to focus on one thing, and then move to another. The school sends out the next course when you complete the Midterm exam of the course you are one. For example, they sent out Health when he completed the third psychology exam. Then, as soon as he finishes exam six in Health, the next course will be sent out. If you pay half of the program, they will send you half of the books. Then, each time you pay $200 they will sound out more/extra books. It does cost slightly more than AS, but I do feel that there are benifits to that: 1) Toll free number. It saves on the phone bill! 2) More courses. Most colleges want more than 16 courses. while you can do them on your own, I feel it is easier if they are on a transcript 3) Higher math. They go all the way though Advanced Mathematics (which I think is Pre-Calc.) 4) They use Saxon math books for Algebra II and Advanced Math. (Some people get them for Algebra I, it just depends on when you enrolled) They have the same accredidation as American School, so that is about the same. Have you checked out their websites? Compaired the two? (Oh, and a friend of mine's ds completed the JMHS program: and they said that the foreign language courses were excellent. I've heard that the American School Spanish courses weren't the best. I don't know too much about the JMHS one yet, as we aren't there!) Just a word of caution, if you do choose JMHS, don't let the fist course scare you! It is a very easy course. Please continue to post here, I like having someone to talk to.  I just wanted to add: Ds submitted all of the exams for psychology and four for Health. All the Psychologies posted and one of the Health has posted. (All of those were sent out on Saturday, and were graded and posted today (Wednesday) |
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redphoenix 02:54:01 Sun Jun 6 2004 Offline 7 posts Newbie Reply |
Hi Linda,
Thanks for the reply. Sorry I haven't been on here lately. DH had an emergency, mild heart attack a couple of weeks ago. Things are a lot better now. So, I am just starting to get back on track. I have several schools that I have been looking at: AS, JMHS, Citizen's High School, and Thomson High School. Leaning towards either AS or JHMS. Haven't seen anyone that has posted on Citizen's High School. I like the books that JHMS uses, i.e., Saxon, but have concerns for the math content of AS. I haven't phoned either to really discuss this concern as of yet. I want to get my son started soon. He has been reading a lot in the mean time  Look forward to more of your posts, Take care, Caseyj |
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Linda_B 03:00:49 Mon Jun 7 2004 Offline 10 posts Newbie Reply |
I hope you're husband is doing well. My husband also has heart problems, and I know how stressful it can be on the family. Good thoughts are going your way.
If I may, what problems/questions do you have about the math? If you'd like me to, I can call the school and ask them tomorrow. We recieved the Academic English I course. It is totally wonderful. It is a hardback textbook, with a study guide that has worksheets in it, with a seperate "novel" for the novel study. My son is really enjoying it, and I'm very impressed with the quality of the material. |
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karios8 04:46:28 Mon Jun 14 2004 Offline 1 posts Newbie Reply |
I am enrolled in JMHS and have 5 courses left. The courses were challenging, with exception to the first, and the English text books (academic tract) are the same books my public high school is using for reading material.
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Linda_B 02:40:19 Tue Jun 15 2004 Offline 10 posts Newbie Reply |
Hello!
Just thought I'd give a more "detailed" run down of the Academic English I textbook/course. To start with, I am amazed at this course. They really don't waste time getting into the "difficult" areas of high school. This course is really amazing. The textbook is called "Experiencing Literature" and it is in the EMC Masterpiece series. It includes the following units: The Folk Tradition Poetry Fiction Drama Non-fiction Informational and Visual Media The Search for Self What is Talent? Relationships Courage and Perserverance Journeys Visions of the Future It includes grammar and writing instruction. The writing instruction is delivered via the PC through the included software. The grammar is more review than teaching, however it is adequate even if your child has little experience in grammar. The course is structured around two exams per unit. One is a multiple choice test based on the readings, and in the second the student must compose an essay, short story, scene from a play, etc. It must be original. The assignments are relatively open ended. They don't always give you a topic. For example, the last assignment my son did was "Compose an essay in which you express an informed opinion on a topic that intrests you." The topic is left up to you. My son wrote on capital punishment. The writing is really structured towards college essays, and it seems well rounded. The course also includes reading from a great novel. This course included The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It is a seperate, hardback book. There are several assingments in the text that relate to the novel. Again, the study guide is seperate. It contains all of the answers to all of the questions in the textbook and novel. THe exam book is seperate. I'm really impressed with this course. The questions are challenging, yet enjoyable. Some of the stories are interesting, even to me. So, I'm having fun with the textbook too! karios8, how long did it take you to complete the program? |
lbring  12:17:56 Wed Jun 16 2004 Offline 364 posts Advanced Member  Reply |
"Compose an essay in which you express an informed opinion on a topic that intrests you."
Do they give any specifications as far as how long the essay must be? Joyce |
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Linda_B 18:48:22 Wed Jun 16 2004 Offline 10 posts Newbie Reply |
The length:
The writing instruction (which is on the computer via a CD-Rom) gives all that information. Usually it must be five paragraphs, five sentences per paragraph. Usually 500 words or so. I forgot to mention the software. The text comes with all of the writing instruction on software. The instruction is in the book as well, but the software is a lot more engaging. Sometimes my son uses the book alone, and sometimes he uses the software. Either one is really well done, in my opinion. |
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redphoenix 23:20:11 Thu Jun 17 2004 Offline 7 posts Newbie Reply |
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your warms wishes concerning my DH. My concern with math is how they place the students and such. You sound like your experience with JHMS has been positive so far. If I may ask, what didn't work for you and your son with AS? Sincerely, Caseyj |
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Linda_B 04:34:38 Fri Jun 18 2004 Offline 10 posts Newbie Reply |
Their placement is directly into Algebra I. No testing is required. However, if you don't feel that your son is ready for it, he can take Pre-Algebra as one of his electives. If you want to have credit granted for homeschooling work, you can. You must have a portolio with a few samples and covers of the textbooks. There is a $50 charge for that service, if you so choose.
AS is a good program for many kids. It just wasn't a good fit for my son. The reading sections were extremly long, in some cases. Sometimes the material would cover two and three chapters. That is a lot to recall. Also, I didn't like the fact that there wasn't a Midterm or a Final. Also, we had several problems with shipping and payments. I'm not sure whose end the problems were on. Also, AS just didn't offer the higher maths/science my ds wanted. Also, I felt that the language arts was slightly lacking. This is simply because my ds had done everything in the Understanding English courses many times before. He was able to take the exams without reading the material. I just felt if I was going to spend 900.00 for 16 credits, I'd pay a little more to get the 22 credits that my son needs for college. Don't get my wrong, AS is a good program. It just wasn't for us. I know a lot people that have had great experiences with the program. |
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redphoenix 22:54:25 Mon Jul 5 2004 Offline 7 posts Newbie Reply |
Linda,
Just was wondering if the student is beyond the standard given program of math , i.e. algebra, are there placement tests? Thanks, Caseyj |
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Linda_B 17:55:13 Tue Jul 6 2004 Offline 10 posts Newbie Reply |
Hey,
There aren't placement tests, but a student can simply go through and take all of the exams. That is what my son is doing with the Algebra I course. (He just got it on Friday) He's going through and taking the exams since we've already done Algebra I. However, he has come across somethings that he hasn't done for a while/before. He's learning a lot of things that weren't covered in our Algebra curriculum. The text they use is from Glencoe/McGraw Hill its called: Algebra, Concepts and Applications. I love the book, ds hates math so he is tolerating the book. The explanations are very well done, and they give ample practice problems. The thing I really like is that they send you the hardback text book, the Study Guide, and the exam book. Then they have two supplimental books: One is a "Study Guide Worksheets." It has 5-10 problems per lesson to complete. Just to make sure the student knows the material being presented in the lesson. The other book is a complete Solutions Manual. They give all of the answers to every problem, and they give you the solutions for them too. (ie, they take you step by step through the entire problem) Ds is enjoying it as much as he can enjoy any math text. I mean, he's done two exams in four days, so that's a major achievement for him. He hasn't thrown the book or anything..... Long history of math phobia. (But yesterday he learned how to do the Percent Formula and he was extremly happy with himself. The first time he's ever been happy with a math text, ever. ) |
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slpmom 04:31:51 Sun Jul 9 2006 Offline 1 posts Newbie Reply |
I'm new to homeschooling-just beginning with a 10th grader. We're still trying to decide if we're going to devise the program ourselves or use on online program.The JMHS program sounds very interesting.Do you think this program would be well-suited for a college-bound student? You've provided great info re:the classes and how they're presented.I'd love to discuss it more with you.
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poodlepam 03:52:52 Tue Aug 29 2006 Offline 1 posts Newbie Reply |
I too am considering a distance learning HS, and have also looked at JMHS as well as Penn Foster. Does anyone have any experience with Penn Foster? Thanks, Pam
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brogers 17:28:28 Fri Sep 8 2006 Offline 2 posts Newbie Reply |
I was just wondering if your son had yet graduated and gotten his diploma. My husband is a high school drop out and we were looking for ways for him to still get his high school diploma and then we found James Madison High School. We have considered enrolling him but we have heard many bad things like "I payed all that money but guess what, no diploma," and "James Madison High School a fake!" Does anyone have any input? Thanks BR |
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blee 19:12:29 Fri Sep 8 2006 Offline 1 posts Newbie Reply |
JMHS is Regionally Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
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brogers 22:19:46 Tue Sep 12 2006 Offline 2 posts Newbie Reply |
What I want to know is if everyone that has registered with James Madison High School and has paid their money have recieved their diplomas as promised. Because I don't want to spend all that money trying to redo what was screwed up before and then not get my recognition for it.
BR |
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rjnaphc7 22:41:27 Mon Nov 6 2006 Offline 1 posts Newbie Reply |
We used American School with our oldest two children. We never had a problem with them, they were always helpful with any problem or concern. They were amazing, but we didn't feel all the courses were academically challenging enough.
With our third child, we decided to try James Madison High School. It has been nothing but a nightmare. They have taken over $100 from us already, but still haven't sent us any books. They keep sending more paperwork for us to sign. We used Calvert School last year, but we still had to design our transcript by coping the front and table of contents of every textbook we used last year, send three samples of her work for each subject, and pay $50 because it wasn't a "standard" school transcript. We signed her up on September 1, it is now November 6, and we are still waiting on books. I would completely advise against James Madison High School. If it hadn't already cost us so much money, and the fact that if we quit now they will charge us another $250, I would change. Just beware! |
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Justyce 13:39:54 Tue Feb 6 2007 Offline 2 posts Newbie Reply |
Hi! I'm thinking of enrolling my daughter in JMHS & have a couple of questions if anyone knows. She's finished her first semester of 9th grade in public school -- can she start in the 2nd semester at JMHS or will she have to do the entire 9th grade? And also curious how long it takes to get your first course after enrolling & paying.
This has been a TOUGH decision, but we've narrowed it to JMHS, AS, Penn Foster, and North Texas Academy, but leaning towards JMHS because it looks like they are accredited by the same agency that accredits our local college & figure they'd have a hard time rejecting that! Thanks! |
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katehindin 20:06:40 Mon Mar 12 2007 Offline 2 posts Newbie Reply |
JMHS
Very interested in enrolling in this school for our 15 year old son. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated, like does the online course include the books, study guides and work books people are tlaking about or is it ALL done online and you'd have to print off anything you wanted to save for reference? |
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katehindin 20:07:50 Mon Mar 12 2007 Offline 2 posts Newbie Reply |
Have you had any response to your question on this message board? I have the same situation and was wondering if you had heard anything back about the semester question?
Kate |
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Justyce 13:23:14 Tue Mar 13 2007 Offline 2 posts Newbie Reply |
Hi! I ended up going with JMHS for my daughter. About the semester thing, they apparently will look at their transcripts & said she could start in the second semester, but now we've had trouble with her school not wanting to give her credit for her first semester because she exceeded 4 *excused* absences, which she already made up by staying after school like they told her to.... but anyway, they were holding up the process so we've decided to just start the 9th grade all over since the classes don't take as long anyway supposedly at JMHS & she likes the idea of starting fresh & trying for all A's...
As far as the books question, I don't know since we aren't doing the online program -- I thought the online program would be better, but she said she wanted to do the regular program so she could read her books & do her work wherever rather than being tied to the computer desk all day. She got her first course & was able to take the tests online even with the regular correspondence program. I don't know how many courses will be that way though -- I'm sure we'll have to mail in work for math and English instead of being able to just test online. This has been a slow process -- she's only been able to do the first course & is now stuck waiting before she can start anymore, totally her previous school's fault though. I think it's going to be a good school. I wish they had a message board for parents/students though -- I haven't been able to really find an active board anywhere. Yahoo Groups has a JMHS board, but there aren't many posts... |
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scall0way 18:24:17 Fri Mar 30 2007 Offline 1 posts Newbie Reply |
My sister decided recently to go with JMHS for her daugher and so far it has been a nightmare. She finished 9th grade and a good portion of 10th grade in the public school, but JMHS said they would evaluate her transcript and she could continue where she had left off - but it did NOT work out like that! In my sister's words:
James Madison said she'd have to start 10th grade from the beginning. In fact, she's been enrolled in Chemistry, Physics (in public high school) and last year completed Spanish II and Algebra II. They wrote they wanted her to take Span. I and Alg. I (what she had in 8th grade). I called and said she had Span. II and Alg. II and Biology and they were putting her back in 8th grade courses for level I's. I said isn't it obvious she had those and she had advanced to Span. II and Alg. II? So why would they put her in the I's? ANd then they told me I had to contact the guidance counselor and send them her 8th grade transcripts. So I went ahead and did that...Then they saw that she had those courses but still not giving her much credit for anything she had done. And they had assured me prior to signing up that she wouldn't have to. So I have been reminding them of that over and over and said I would have to switch schools as I was not satisfied with the curriculum they want her to take and do not want her to go backwards and repeat. I just hope I don't have a problem with JMHS as I just got a notice they shipped her curriculum...but I have been sending all the Alg. I books and things back that she completed in 8th grade. So hope they won't be jerky about all this but I hadn't officially started the program and was misled. |
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charlesmomma18 23:32:54 Wed Jan 23 2008 Offline 1 posts Newbie Reply |
I am very bad at English and i was just wondering if anybody is going to Penn foster for their high school diploma and already passed the exam numbers 00707200, 00707300, and 00707400. I tried them and i got between 45 to 65. I >>> I need your help. Please write back!!
**charlesmomma** |
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C_Schoon 19:19:42 Mon Oct 31 2011 Offline 1 posts Newbie Reply |
I cannot even believe anyone who says that they have had a problem with James Madison High School. We have not had any issues that were negative.
They received my son's high school transcript and he received credits for all of the courses that he had passed. I decided to start him over as a freshman because I wanted him to take full advantage of the program and not get into trouble if he didn't have the proper building blocks to complete their courses. We are completely satisfied with this school (it was Ashworth High School when we started) in every aspect. I have never had a problem contacting the school. I have never had a problem with payments or shipments. We received a credit when we referred a friend, as they had promised. They have even sent us multiple courses when I requested that to be done, after paying so much upfront. The ONLY problem we had was caused by the public high school that had attended. They kept telling me that they had sent or were sending his transcript. They finally told me that the person who should have done that had left the school without doing so. IT WAS NO FAULT OF ASHWORTH/JAMES MADISON HIGH SCHOOL!!! It was the nitwit from the awful public school that we pulled him from. If I had it to do over again...I would do the same thing, but a year sooner! |
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Aliciakearley 14:39:14 Mon Jun 11 2012 Offline 2 posts Newbie Reply |
Hello, my name is Alicia. I'm 17.
I dropped out of highschool two years in a row because of bullying and depression. I took it upon myself to find a school I could do in the comfort of my own home on my hours. And scheduled around therapy appointments. I after a years searching found ashworth which only gives you a GED and they recommended me to James Madison. Since I was a dropout no one in town would hire me for a job because looking at "dropout" seemed unreliable and unable to work under pressure. So I had to do tasks, like when you vacuum your moms car for $3. I saved longggggg and hard. And I mean long. So that I could pay in the full price so I could get the discount. I enjoy one course at a time because then I focus more. I won't let myself have the opportunity to get bored and switch to another one. ALTHOUGH Casey, you do have the option of emailing tech support and asking to open another subject if you wish. I just personally find one course easier to work with. I am Canadian and our school system, no joke, down right >>>s! We don't have enough teachers and the pace is unsteady. I find James Madison's work SO much more interesting. Maybe because it's American. Anyhow, I've broken it down that if I spend crazy amounts of hours doing it I can do TWO courses in one month. Seems bogus but I can. I bring it with me everywhere. To the store, to church, to my friends house, I do it in the car. I find it hard and challenging but interesting. I've started the program from Grade nine even though I was in grade eleven. I chose not to bring over any of my credits from Canada. Since I enjoy the school so much I figure might as well do it in all of my open time so I can finish faster. My parents plan on moving to a smaller house and not take me with them, so I have to work fast do get my dental degree as well so I'll be able to fend for myself. And this is the way to do it. I'm not a mother or a sister, I'm actually in the program. And I FULLY recommend to get your kid in as fast as you can. Everybody should. I've never been impressed as much as I am with this school. And I know my mother is very impressed with how much I can ramble off At the dinner table. I'm emailing tech support right now actually to fight for the textbooks as ebooks so I can have them on my smart phone when I travel because I use a desktop at home. Anyway, listen to me! A fellow teenager, you will NOT be disappointed. I have a low self esteem and I have NEVER EVER been this proud of myself in all my life. There is no better feeling than looking at the computer screen, seeing a 100% and knowing I did that all by myself |
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Aliciakearley 14:55:42 Mon Jun 11 2012 Offline 2 posts Newbie Reply |
Brogers,
I have a fire d Jessica who did a science degree and got her diploma from ashworth. I know for sure that ashworth is definitely legitamate. Ive read a lot of stories to make my decision to go to James Madison. Ashworth would never hook up with something that would give it a bad name. I find James Madison is very well priced for what you get. I'm impressed with it. If it turns out to be fake then I'm not bothered. I've learned many things whether they are fake or not the schooling is real. For many community colleges you can go and just write an entry exam to try and get in without a diploma. So if it's fake, I still have the education to help me pass an entry exam. If it was a poor education I might be concerned but it's top quality information, very detailed and deep. 23 courses at 900 seems good to me. Since correspondence through public schooling is 16 courses at 200 a piece. Losing 900 doesn't really bother me. Experience mean more to me than diplomas and degrees |
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