HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE HUNDREDS OF SUCCESS STORIES WE'VE RECEIVED! PARENTS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS SING THE PRAISES OF STEPS AND ITS IMPACT ON THEIR EDUCATION!
”My son finished all the Steps Level 4 Science courses last year (what would be his sophomore year of high school). This semester, as a 16 yo high school junior, he took Chemistry 111 at the community college and finished with an A and the second highest grade in the class. Thank you for your wonderful program! It has prepared him more than he even realizes yet. “ From a long-time Steps mom, January 2020
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“A., a "7th grader" scored grade level 13 on state tests this year. He is in the top one percentile in the state.” From the proud father of a long-time Steps student, September 2019.
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I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for developing a great curriculum, maintaining accessibility, invoking thought provoking discussion through your commentaries, and putting great effort into investing in families on their educational journeys. Keep doing what you do! A. S., Homeschool Mom
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I love STEPS courses + the kids love the courses = happy home educating family. S.M., Homeschool Mom
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I wanted to start by telling you how much we are enjoying your curriculum! I have 4 children 3 of school age and I have homeschooled from the beginning. I recently started my oldest on Step 4 courses and they are such a perfect fit. Not only are they a great fit educationally for him but it is so wonderful to see our family values regarding education reflected in the materials (so much so that the other day he asked me if I really wrote it). Thank you for all the work you have done putting these top notch courses together! L.V.N., Homeschool Mom
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STEPS has really changed homeschooling for me from something that I did because it fit our needs to something that I do because I enjoy it. I have learned a great deal along with my children, and the STEPS subjects (particularly history and science) are what we look forward to most. I always recommend STEPS as a fantastic option to consider, particularly now that this school year is wrapping up and many people are getting ready for next year. M.M., Homeschool Mom
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WE were looking for a new homeschool curriculum for our 2 daughters. We are secular homeschoolers, it's sometimes hard to find nonreligious choices. I had used STEPS courses for electives and our girls enjoyed them. I researched the STEPS complete curriculum and was interested in giving it a try. This was the recommended course to take prior to purchasing the complete curriculum. My girls completed the course and they really enjoyed it. My girls are "outside the box" thinkers and this was excellent for them. STEPS teaches students to think for themselves. It isn't like most curricula, memorize, regurgitate, forget and move on. They actually LEARN with this curriculum and they like it!!!! I can't recommend STEPS enough! We have gone through so many curricula and this is the first one my girls have learned from AND LIKED! It is so much easier homeschooling when your kids LIKE school! I wish I would've found this 6 years ago! As the saying goes....better late than NEVER! B.B, Homeschool Mom
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We have been homeschooling our 4 children for the past 8 years. At the recommendation of a friend we got this and the free spelling course. Now, after going over this course with our kids, they (and we as parents) are now oriented to HOW and WHY to homeschool. Needless to say, we have tried a number of other STEPS courses and are so happy with this program, we are now using STEPS for all of our Science, History, English and Music. Truly wonderful find! M. T., Homeschool Parent
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What I really like about these courses is that they have painlessly increased my daughters independence, but I am still able to share her learning. They have provoked lots of thoughtful discussion. An avid reader, my dd12 is starting to question and analyze what she is reading instead of taking it at face value, which is what we wanted for her. I've also noticed a steady progress in the organization of her thoughts as she answers the written questions. The additional courses we have included are Music History and World Problems that have been great springboards for discussions around the table. S. B., Homeschool Mom
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We only just started but so far really love it. I was worried that the program would be too difficult for my son who doesn't naturally want to think and would rather have information spoon fed to him. However, the way the lessons are broken down into manageable pieces and the way the questions and material are written are really working for us and getting him to start thinking more. We look forward to purchasing more lessons in the future. J.S., Homeschool Mom
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I chose STEPS after attempting several other programs. The approach fits my philosophy for learning, it has been so helpful having the STEPS...it made assisting my students a lot less stressful!!!! I'm looking forward to the school year! S.S., Homeschool Mom
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STEPS is by far the best curriculum we have ever tried. I've been homeschooling for almost 8 years, and this last year with STEPS has been smoother than any before. We are going to stick with it for the duration, and I talk it up with anyone who will listen. I love teaching my kids to think for themselves!!! A.L.J., Homeschool Mom
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I have been using your science and creative writing curriculum since 2013. I absolutely love it. It's thorough, simple, and straight-forward. My daughter is the smartest 11 year old I know. Thank you for your dedication to quality and value. L.R., Homeschool Mom
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I wanted to thank STEPS personally because switching over to STEPS for my son has really changed our lives. I know that sounds over the top, but we have had a rough year with him. We have always homeschooled but this year chose a virtual academy because I was tired of spending a fortune on curriculum and still feeling unsatisfied. He started having major issues and we were on edge all the time. Earlier this year we pulled him and a friend had recommended STEPS so we thought we would give it a try. HE LOVES IT!! We haven’t fought over school since we started and he even will talk about what he has read and thought about when we are just out and about. Thank you, thank you, thank you! - S.S.D.
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We are new to homeschooling and are still learning how to navigate our rocky and winding road. Reading this program gave me lots to think about for several reasons. I work in an environment where DS (who is currently 6) is exposed to the entire world on a fairly regular basis. It is not even remotely unusual for him to meet those of different backgrounds and even faiths. I was immensely concerned that putting our son into many of the Christian-based curriculum I liked would make interacting in the future very difficult.
Prior to reading this, we had been considering STEPS for a few months. Our son is both gifted and has dyspraxia and dysgraphia. STEPS made the cut with a good combination of hands on as well as incorporating writing. But I have to honestly say that reading About Homeschooling and STEPS made ALL the difference in the world in our final curriculum choice. Not only does STEPS meet what we need, it exceeds what we WANT.
We want our son to grow up knowing how to think. We want him to be able to look at something not from the point of view it is given to him, but to look at all the facts and make his OWN determination at what was just and unjust, right or wrong. We want to raise a child who not only recites facts, but who comprehends and understands what he has learned. I truly believe, from the very bottom of my heart, that STEPS will help him learn the way we want without judgment, without “failing”, without struggling, and without his natural creativity being stifled.
STEPS gives me every opportunity to do what I want. It provides a curriculum that allows him to be gifted and creative without rapidly forcing him into higher “grade level” curriculum that he is not able to handle the content of due to his age.
I believe, after looking through this and studying the curriculum, that any child would excel because they are learning while they are still allowed to be children. Thank you, STEPS, for taking the time to really put down in writing WHY I homeschool. It’s more than him not getting a good education in public or private school. It’s about making his education fit HIM. Thank you for understanding that. by H.H.
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I've been homeschooling my son, B., (3rd Grade) since kindergarten. We live in South Florida and the public schools...and most of the private schools, for that matter...are just terrible. It doesn't help that he HATES school — always has. And I've tried everything. I have an entire room full of abandoned curricula at this point! He draws and writes from the moment he wakes up until he passes out in bed at night, but if I give him an assignment to draw or write something he is instantaneously disinterested!
He's been using xxxxx and enjoying it, but I've noticed he wasn't actually learning anything, but instead becoming a fantastic multiple-choice guesser (I'm pretty good at that myself thanks to the public school system!). So when he successfully completed the "How to Do STEPS" course without too much complaint I was willing to open my checkbook. And I'm so glad I did! We have been doing all the recommended courses for his age and everyday he seems to enjoy it a bit more. But even more important, he is becoming more independent in his studies and learning how to think for himself! It is truly the perfect curriculum for an artistic/creative type! The animation course, although recommended for older kids, is right up his alley. I hope you don't mind me mentioning it, but B. is a finalist this year in the Google4Doodle contest. We are really excited because he won a trip to New York next week for the ceremony and to see his doodle on display at the Whitney Museum, and even more importantly will have the opportunity to meet Jim Davis (Garfield creator) and Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) which is a dream come true for a future cartoonist/animator!
So, STEPS....THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for such a great curriculum! It accomplishes everything I hoped for in a curriculum. I homeschool because I want my children to be "think outside the box" people and your curriculum is a perfect match! V, Homeschool Mom
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I'm homeschooling two boys, ages 14, 18. This is our second year of homeschool and I'm very happy with the STEPS curriculum.
STEPS encourages both boys to take hold of their education and really make it their own. The last curriculum we tried was written in a very boring way and even though it ultimately would've been less work to get their diplomas with it, both boys felt they liked STEPS better. I'm happy that they care enough about what they're doing to pick the curriculum that's more of a challenge. That's a big step for them.
I learn a little bit more every day and I'm excited to mark the changes in my kids' attitudes toward their education. M.M., Homeschool Mom
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We have been using STEPS for 2 years now, I love the courses as do my sons. I had started them below their Grade level because it was such a huge difference to how they had studied at school and I wanted them to become independent learners; with that achieved I am now finding they both need to be ‘upgraded’ to their appropriate level. Thanks for all your hard work in putting together this engaging curriculum. S.M., Homeschool Mom
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I've been homeschooling since the very beginning and my kids (13, 10, 7, and 2) have never seen the inside of a school. But they have seen every type of curriculum under the sun as I would frantically flit from one thing to the other in search of that elusive "something" we could all be equally passionate about. I have used STEPS for various courses over the years but the last 2 days we were able to have our very first All-STEPS School Days (minus the math, of course).
What I know for sure in this short time is: this is something special. The kids say it's the most interesting school has ever been for them (my 13 yo especially would become very frustrated by the "pointless" questions and projects other programs would ask of him), and I've been enjoying the lively conversation that STEPS is sparking between my school-aged kids and myself. I am so glad I took the plunge and converted entirely to STEPS curriculum. What a relief to have finally found "it". STEPS is absolutely perfect for us.
And you can add this: I woke up this morning (next day) to find my 10 and 13 yo boys already up and working through their next lessons independently. Big smiles here! S.R., Homeschooling Mother of 4
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I LOVE this curriculum!! I spent weeks looking for a non-religious curriculum that would be fun and educational and my search ended when I found this! I see my 3 kids understanding things that they never understood before. They are really enjoying it. Thank you for creating such a fun and easy to grasp curriculum! L.G., Homeschool Mom
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My two boys ages 9 & 12 did the first day of STEPS today for the first time and LOVED IT!!!! I loved seeing them engaged and excited about what they were learning and enjoyed their sharing of thoughts and ideas. THANK YOU!!!! V, Homeschool Mom in Texas
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I'm relatively new to STEPS but have been singing its praises to all my HS friends. My 9yo son and 7yo daughter have just started Step 2 and Step 3 Respectively. We are loving it!
My son is a fantastic reader but dislikes writing very much so I wasn't sure how STEPS was going to work for him. It's been great, though. Since he can write as much or as little as he wants for the essays, he feels in control and is actually beginning to write more.
My daughter is a beginning reader but loves to write and draw and was always saying "what's my next assignment, what's my next assignment?" I could hardly keep up with her because I was spending so much time hand-holding her brother. She's digging STEPS and actually reading a good bit of her own assignments if I am pulled away. It's funny to look at her lengthy answers and drawings (complete with coloring) and then look at my son's sparse essays and short answers and to know that both are perfectly okay.
Finally! my son can work on on his own, while I work more closely with my little one. Sometimes, we choose to combine their lessons and all three work together with me doing the reading and each of them writing their answers. I'm an "options person" so this is really cool for me.
Thanks for everything. You've obviously put a LOT of work into your curriculum and it is wonderful! C.M.B., Homeschool Mom
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Just a friendly comment of gratitude from my family! We took advantage of the earlier bundle sales. and converted everyone in our family over. Grandma even wants to take the Control course eventually!
We've been in the process of painting the interior of our home, and my husband overheard us throughout the day actually 'doing' school. I currently have K (13) and D (10) working on the Step 4 bundle, and M (8) doing the Step 3 series. I love how independent the children do their duties, but that I get to be their 'ask someone' person; I get to participate in the FUN stuff rather than ALWAYS wearing the 'teacher' hat. My husband heard us all day long, and at the end of the day I asked him what he thought. He was so impressed with the 'comprehensive' level of the material and how their school makes them THINK, without 'making' them think. They really look forward to it now. Taking 'possession' of their 'duty' has been a great thing for all of us. D.J., Homeschool Mom
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There is a lot of good curriculum out there today and we use some of the programs. But STEPS is different. Most programs teach children to develop academic tools to perform functions. STEPS is one of the only curriculum programs that help children really learn how to think. We have been doing Study & Life Skills. My son loves it and he is really learning life skills such as how to plan and achieve goals. Thank you very much for all of the effort you have put into the courses! R.P., Homeschool Dad
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I wanted to say thank you for this wonderful program! My daughter had homeschooled from 5th grade until 9th when she wanted to return to public schools. I think I mentioned before we had just found your awesome program at the very end of her 8th grade year and loved it so I had purchased her 9th grade curriculum BEFORE she decided to go back! Lol. Well, after 3 card markings of not really understanding what she learned (getting A's & B's on worksheets, failing tests) she decided she wanted to come home where she actually learned. I was thrilled to finally get to use the wonderful STEPS program! We started a couple weeks ago and earlier this week she had her first test in science. She not only did PERFECT she did it with no hesitation!! She understood what she was taught! And on her own, for the most part! So I thank you for sharing this wonderful program that you developed for your family so the rest of us can enjoy it with ours! HFN, Homeschool Mom
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I brought my sons work samples, and his STEPS curriculum (Study & Life Skills, Creative Writing, History, and Science) into my son’s alternative school for our monthly meeting. They were very impressed. One of the ladies said she wanted to look into it for her kids. They happily approved it for next year. So happy that I found STEPS! :) DC, Homeschool Mom
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This curriculum is a huge bang for the buck, I have yet to find anything comparable. We have used STEPS for 2 years and it is our favorite curriculum, hands down. We are using history and our kids have learned so much! The biggest plus is the conversations that have developed because of using it...we talk so much together and enjoy every moment of it. CLJ, Homeschool Mom
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We have been using STEPS since Sept 2011 and absolutely love it. I have 3 boys being educated at home; ages 14, 11 and 7. They all really enjoy this curriculum and we just could not be happier. We started homeschooling 3 years ago and struggled with curriculum each year, trying something different every time. Finding STEPS has been great for us and it is such a relief to know that I've found something we can stick with for the long haul. Thank you STEPS!! MLB, Homeschool Mom
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I have to say that a few weeks in, my son is doing great. He really enjoys the curriculum, and it is the first thing he wants to do each day. He is doing History, Science and Creative Writing. The Creative Writing is his favorite- which has been such a welcome surprise for me, because he hated writing when he was in public school! He says he really likes being able to write about whatever he wants to, and that it's fun to be creative with words. He is also enjoying this aspect of the other two courses, and has learned to express himself in the drawing sections- I am really enjoying watching his progress, it is so rewarding! So I wanted to say Thank you for your personal assistance and for this curriculum! CGCB, Homeschool Mom
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This is a wonderful curriculum. It has made my children begin to see the world in a new light. N.W., Homeschool Mom
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A very enjoyable and well-rounded curriculum. The ideas are intelligent and the sources wide and varied. I have recommended this to many people. H.A., Homeschool Mom
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I'm the biggest STEPS fan on the planet. It is that 'be a thinker' practice/policy/philosophy that I love in STEPS. I love the interaction and education! The material is an excellent springboard for beautiful discussion of how this 'history' applies itself to today. I'm learning with my houseful of girls. Four of them ages 7 -13 are using many of the STEPS courses: history, science, manners, acting, music theory, study & life skills, and loosely the reading program. The younger levels are more interactive in my opinion and the older levels allow them to get as deep as they want to go independently. My girls seem to enjoy both. I really enjoy their perspective and insights! I'm glad for a program that is just structured enough to give us so much opportunity!! Enjoy it! D., Homeschool Mom to 6 great girls, ages 2 – 13.
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When we needed some Creative Writing assistance it was easy to turn to STEPS for aid. My daughter, then 9, flat out refused to attempt any of the multiple creative writing aids we had purchased. All of the courses varied in price, cuteness, length, reviews, and recommendations. The only thing they had in common was my daughter’s resistance to anything they offered. The STEPS Creative Writing turned her around and did so quickly. She went from not wanting to put anything on paper to asking me how to write on the computer so she could save the book she planned to author. She became proud of her writing. During her first STEPS year our daughter entered and placed Third in the Georgia Public TV’s Reading Rainbow contest. She hasn’t stopped writing, yet.
After reading the How to Do STEPS Course, my daughter decided she wanted to try a few of their offerings. We started with Manners, Science and History. She became excited about learning in a way that we had not seen before. Giving her control over how fast and how in-depth she studied changed everything for her. She started notebooks for her courses and would study a subject for hours spending time at our local library and at the home computer. She would have discussions with her friends about the things she was studying and seek their opinions. She would chat, daily, with her father and I about things she had learned.
We are a STEPS family, now. We use xxxx for Math and Grammar and STEPS for everything else. I converted my loyalties after hearing my daughter quote STEPS during a play date. We had just finished the Information, Right or Wrong course. The course is one of the best and I believe it should be required for all students. It is a course that teaches students to think. I don’t know of any other course like it. The course suggests to the students that they get the proof of information given to them. My daughter was discussing something with a playmate and when they could not agree on the facts of the matter she asked, “Where is your proof?” I was so proud of her. She has since become comfortable enough to ask the same question of her father and me. I am still proud of her. The question tasks me on occasion because I am forced to think, rather than mime my answers.
Step 4 courses are as well done as Step 3 courses. STEPS is more than fair in its pricing of the various courses. The courses include free web sites for required movies, suggested books that can be found in most libraries, experiments the students can do (almost on their own) and hints and instructions for the parents/teachers. My daughter has friends who are public schooled and home schooled. All her friends have made positive comments on her course notebooks. One of her public schooled friend asks every visit to see what is new in the science notebook. She says my daughter “gets to learn so much more” than she ever learns.
Our family will be staying with STEPS through Step 4l. I am sure our daughter will take the lessons, so beautifully presented, with her on her life’s course. “Where is the Proof?” is part of our daughter now and we know it will serve her well. Some people never learn to ask that question. Because of STEPS, our daughter learned to ask the question before she had a real need to ask it. Her father and I will be thanking STEPS in our prayers for the rest of our lives. K.O., Homeschool Mom
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STEPS has been a Godsend for my daughter. I'm finally seeing my daughter "owning" her education. STEPS has saved our homeschool - and our mother/daughter relationship! S.R., Homeschool Mom
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My daughter has friends who are public schooled and home schooled. All her friends made positive comments on her (STEPS) course notebooks. One of her public schooled friends asks every visit to see what is new in the science notebook. She says my daughter “gets to learn so much more” than she ever learns. K.O., Homeschool Mom
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I love the change in focus, learning to think instead of just packing in the information to spit out later. P.H., Homeschool parent
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A chaotic 2 weeks has turned a corner. My sister pointed me to STEPS knowing we planned on HS in September. Things changed and we pulled my daughter from middle school last week. She is 2/3 through How to Do and so excited to continue. I actually had to tell her to take a break. Going over her work today I see how much damage was done over the past year. Her drawings have pictures of students who work fast as "stars" and "princesses" while the slower workers are "dunces" and "stupid." Pretty scary to see this in a child who has been raised in a house where education has always been valued. My daughter is truly a left-hand learner/right brained child. Her work is brilliant and insightful but not always the neatest or the first finished. My point: we are so glad we found STEPS! I showed my husband and he is amazed with the amount of learning in such high interest material. Our goal for the remainder of the school year is to retrain her mind on HOW to think. Everything that we have purchased (and the free courses!) are the best tools to fill that need. Karen MP, Homeschool Mom
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This is a fantastic find and a great buy! STEPS gives control of learning to the student in a clear, easy to follow format while encouraging independent thought. With a complete line up of History, Science and Creative Writing as the core, this curriculum bundle gives you everything you need to get your student started. The "How To" materials are a perfect way to ease a student into taking control of their own learning. And the unique, easy to do reading and spelling programs round out this terrific product.
My 10 year old began using these materials earlier in the year and I have seen huge steps forward in her thinking process. She no longer looks for the "correct" answer to fill in a blank. She takes the information she has read and thinks it through before writing her essays. THIS is why I homeschool. THIS is what I have hoped to achieve... independent thinking with the ability to prove her point, whether I agree with it or not. I'm not concerned that my child will follow the crowd after seeing the way this curriculum works. She will be the one asking the tough questions in the years ahead and finding solutions to those same questions.
If you want to give your child a chance to think for themselves and build a solid foundation of learning, this is a great choice for you. I highly recommend it! D.M., Homeschool Mom
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A friend was over who I mentioned in the article who is starting to homeschool. I invited her and her daughter to come see what we do for a morning, and we were starting Leaders Great and Terrible (Step 2 History). Her daughter is in the same school district as ours was in, same grade (5th) and has proficient scores on her state testing, so she’s an average kid with no deficits, having learned the same things as ours learned prior to homeschooling 2 years ago.
We had all been sitting around the kitchen table, having our usually lively discussions as we looked up things on the map, and brought into the conversation other things we had learned from STEPS history in the past. Nothing new for us, but this profound moment happened... S. looked up at her mom and quietly said "Mom, they are all too smart for me. I don't have any idea what they are talking about, or where any of these places are."
In a split second, I realized how deeply rooted everything the kids have learned from you now is, and how fortunate we are to have discovered your curriculum that will carry us all the way through high school, provide us with countless opportunities to discuss things that really, really matter, and learn things in such an engaging way that no one will ever, ever say "This is so boring." Never ONCE have I heard the kids say that when it is History time!
It was just such a sharp contrast to see how engaged our kids were, how much they already know with even just a few courses under their belts, and how it has been retained. They WORK with it in their minds, they bring it up when it relates to other topics, they are thinking in ways their peers never will. What a gift you have given us, Steven. I knew it when I first saw it, but this was such an eye opener to see sitting across the table a child who was just like our own a year ago prior to using your curriculum, and to see how far they have come. It was stunning, seriously stunning.
Someday, when our homeschooling days have passed, we will all be gathered for a holiday or some other event and be laughing about all the conversations and debates we had as we explored our world and it's past. It will be one of the highlights of our educational days spent together.
I often share how great your program is with you, but I really can't emphasize it enough. I feel like others are just missing out on one of the single best developmental (for it is NOT just history...it is how to think!) curricula available today, all because it isn't packaged in a pretty hard bound text book. It has transformed how our kids take in and evaluate everything they hear. For us with kids from their backgrounds, I wondered if I would ever be able to develop that ability. The low cost gives us the biggest bang for our academic dollar spent that we will ever see. Thanks again...truly, C.L.J., Homeschool Mom
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What I really like about these courses is that they have painlessly increased my daughters independence, but I am still able to share her learning. They have provoked lots of thoughtful discussion. An avid reader, my dd12 is starting to question and analyze what she is reading instead of taking it at face value, which is what we wanted for her. I've also noticed a steady progress in the organization of her thoughts as she answers the written questions. The additional courses we have included are Music History and World problems that have been great springboards for discussions around the table. An added bonus is the authors involvement in the face book group where you get your questions answered exceptionally quickly. S.B.
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These courses are wonderful! Students can work independently, at their own pace. Knowing that they are using these carefully researched courses means the parent can focus on putting their own limited time into researching other subjects. Not that there are many subjects STEPS has not provided for yet! Thanks for the brilliant courses. E.R.
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Just wanted to say thanks once again! My DS14 has gone from 'hating' school science to now being fascinated and actually considering aiming for a career in zoology eventually! For a kid who had no goals at all as far as further education he's now excited when he talks about working with animals in the future. Your science curriculum has shown him that science doesn't need to be boring and dry. We now have big long discussions about all kinds of scientific theories and chemical reactions.
He was just in his bedroom doing his creative writing and all I could hear were chuckles. It's so exciting to see him enjoying learning! I never thought I'd ever see this. He wrote a 1400 word essay the other day because he just didn't want to stop! A.R., Homeschool Mom
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After much trial and error we have found a program that actually encourages her to write. I knew she had it in her, but I did not know how to bring it out. Right away, this course has coaxed her thoughts onto paper in small reasonable bits which are now naturally growing. She can do this! She now says she would like to be a writer!
I have found myself entertained and impressed with her writing now. Before, I could not get her to write much of anything and her self-confidence was very low in this area. I am delighted that we have found this resource. I only wish I had started her sooner and not wasted my time and money on less effective programs that underestimate the individual's contribution to their own learning environment.
If you are considering a different course from STEPS, you will not be disappointed. I have bought at least a dozen. I have read through them and I am really impressed. He gives the student ownership and pride in their learning. . I highly recommend his courses. T.S., Homeschool Mom
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This curriculum is a unique and needed addition to what is available to homeschoolers. From the very beginning, the student is encourage to take responsibility for her own education, to think through and connect the ideas and experiences of mankind to their own lives, and to be creative. If you are looking for a curriculum that tells your child what to think...this is NOT for you. If you want to teach your child to think for herself, to weigh the facts and opinions of various sources and come to her own conclusions (and be able to tell you why she thinks this is true), then this IS for you. This curriculum respects a child's thoughts, their experiences and their opinions while presenting her with deeper and more diverse information at each level. My 10 yo WANTS to study. She chooses to learn and loves to share what she has put together from all that she's read. This is why I homeschool...so she can think and be creative instead of memorize facts and a set of politically correct answers. With all the additional electives available, and with more coming all the time, I know this curriculum will keep my child's interest as well as guide her toward adulthood prepared to enter any university or intellectual conversation she might encounter. D.M.
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This is the single best curriculum we have used since starting homeschooling a year and a half ago. All 5 kids said in way or another "Wow, this is making me really think!". I love that it is doing exactly that, not just having them re-read for information to fill in a blank. They will have a wonderful piece of work when done with each course, something more akin to a journal than a worksheet and I can see them all enjoying reading their own thoughts years later...these will definitely be "Keepers". I am absolutely thrilled beyond belief to find that we have our curriculum solved all the way through high school. No doubt, this will work for us better than anything else I have considered. Just had to share that this is working even better than I ever dreamed of!” C.L., Homeschool Mom
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I just had to share this with you. I am sure you have forgotten, but we homeschool through a public charter alternative program. I should rephrase that, as of yesterday we homeschooled through a public charter alternative program. Over time, and as we dipped our toe in the pool of high school and “real”; credits, we lost complete control of much of what we taught and how we taught it. As we started our new school year this summer with traditional textbooks and “worksheets” to make the school happy, we all became deeply unhappy. The fun of learning was gone.
When we first started with them, they were far more oriented toward parental choice and flexibility, which is why it worked. The state got on their case, and they went charter (they were considered a "contract" school...public yet different). It changed everything, and for us, though it meant losing over $11,000 a year in funding, we simply couldn't stand it anymore. I can't stand being told what we can and can't teach, and our ideas are far outside the establishment's ideas of what a "good education" looks like. While we will struggle without the funding (we never used that much, it was a crazy high amount), your curriculum is so affordable it will help us significantly. You could charge four times the amount and it would still be under priced! All the ground you cover and your approach to history is wonderful.
We pulled the family together and had a conference, posing the question of whether or not we should remain in the program or go out on our own. The funding provided was great, but the loss of control was ruining our homeschool experience. We all decided we definitely needed to exit the program, as it was hindering more than helping us.
When asked which curriculum was their favorite out of the many we have used in the past, including lapbooks, textbooks, multimedia, etc. they BEGGED to use STEPS! Comments ranged from, “It was the only one that really got us thinking about things.” to; “We had the most fun with it, STEPS writes in a way that explains everything so clearly to us.”
Sadly, we hadn't been allowed to use it anymore in our program because it wasn't an approved “textbook.”
With our English Language Learners and special needs kids, we will be utilizing your excellent lower school history program this coming year. As our language develops to a high enough level, we'll move into the upper school level. We are already using your various Current Events studies for our “morning meeting”; as we talk about what is going on in the world.
After struggling with a standard high school biology textbook, which was filled with a lot of information that was vague and unnecessary to the average human being, finally got tired of saying, “Just study this enough for the test, you'll never use much of this in real life unless you go into a field that requires it,” I had completely forgotten you had written a high school biology course! I pulled it out last night, and after looking it over realized I had my solution on my laptop all the time. Needless to say, it is being printed as I type this.
The kids and I couldn't be happier that we made the decision to strike out on our own, which will allow us to learn in a far more engaging way. As we look forward to the coming years, I feel as if we have a trusted friend sitting side by side with us at the kitchen table as we study and learn together each day. I am thrilled we will be in a situation where we can use your curriculum, which has proven to be the standout curriculum in our four years of homeschooling. We are now reinvigorated where we were feeling quite defeated.
You'll laugh over this...we have a retired teacher who comes to work on Literature with the kids two mornings a week. This morning she specifically asked if she could come an hour earlier so she could sit in on the current events we do from your curriculum. She enjoyed it so much the couple of times last year she arrived before we were done, that she thought it would be great to participate with us!
THANK YOU for all the effort it took to create your “baby.” I am sure that as our children mature into adults and look back on their homeschooling years, STEPS will be remembered quite fondly...and their responses in composition books will be saved and savored as they skim through them and smile, recalling the young person they once were. C.L., Homeschool Mother of 5
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Just wanted to say thanks once again! My DS14 has gone from 'hating' school science to now being fascinated and actually considering aiming for a career in zoology eventually! For a kid who had no goals at all as far as further education he's now excited when he talks about working with animals in the future. Your science curriculum has shown him that science doesn't need to be boring and dry. We now have big long discussions about all kinds of scientific theories and chemical reactions.
He was just in his bedroom doing his creative writing and all I could hear were chuckles. It's so exciting to see him enjoying learning! I never thought I'd ever see this. He wrote a 1400 word essay the other day because he just didn't want to stop! A.R., Homeschool Mom
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I'm homeschooling two boys, S. (18) and N. (14). This is our second year of homeschool and I'm very happy with the STEPS curriculum. STEPS encourages both boys to take hold of their education and really make it their own. The last curriculum we tried was written in a very boring way and even though it ultimately would've been less work to get their diplomas with it, both S. and N. felt they liked STEPS better. I'm happy that they care enough about what they're doing to pick the curriculum that's more of a challenge. That's a big step for them.
I started N. with Step 4 and S. has jumped into the middle of Step 4 while being dual enrolled at our local community college. S. is into writing fiction and N. wants to study ballistics. I learn a little bit more every day and I'm excited to mark the changes in my kids' attitudes toward their education. M.M., Homeschool Mom
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The "STEPS" curriculum has produced a profound transformation in my son, from a typical semi-literate, bored teenager, to an articulate and truly literate student with whom one can carry on an intelligent conversation, but more importantly, one who can also express his own ideas and feelings in writing, in an eloquent and logical manner.
Of course, when one reviews the curriculum and sees the incredibly logical gradient approach to studying history (in an objective, unbiased way), you see how any student, at any grade level or age, could not help but become an ideal example of what it means to be an "educated person" in today's society. I'm sure that there are college graduates who would greatly benefit from this curriculum of study, as well as adults of all ages!
Actually, this curriculum only helps further the evolution of our species. SYJ, Homeschool Dad
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At age 17, our daughter, Heather, was teaching dance at two studios, working as a certified Pilate's instructor and opening shows for national artists as a performing dancer. Is there any connection between these accomplishments and her completing STEPS ? Without a doubt.
Five years ago, I began home schooling Heather. She had been attending a private school with a poor curriculum and I saw the opportunity for educational excellence being wasted. And, while Heather loved her academics, she was also extremely interested in the arts and wanted to pursue these interests more seriously than just a few hours after school.
The biggest challenge we faced in our first year of home schooling was finding a quality curriculum. I was able to piecemeal together fairly-good courses from numerous sources, yet there lacked richness and continuity in the overall program.
At the start of our second year, I discovered STEPS through one of our curriculum sources. I read the course description for Step 4 Pre-History and Advanced Science Basics and instantly knew this was our answer. I called to order the materials and thus began our four-year journey, which would not only educate Heather, but our entire family, including my 93 year-old mother-in-law who had majored in history in college and found the material fascinating.
From Pre-History through American Civics and Science Basics through Chemistry, Heather worked furiously and consistently building her knowledge base and understanding. This was the point where I really saw her individuality and personal creativeness soar. She had been teaching and performing dance already for quite some time, but this is where she broke away from the pack.
The STEPS process and method of learning provided an understanding of life and personal control over her environment, which allowed her to develop confidence and certainty of her place in the world and how she could contribute to make it better. She was empowered to challenge herself to excel in the areas of her own interests. Compare this to both public and private schools, where their curriculum is "god" and senior to the student's own ideas and interests. Our daily scheduling revolved around Heather's activities of choice, never around school itself. Her personal interests and goals were always the hub around which her life revolved. Thus, school provided a purpose and she could always find a practical application in her studies to her daily life.
One of our favorite courses was Biology and Human Health, to which, because I am a nutritional consultant, I added a unit on nutrition. The films on this course were particularly outstanding and we all studied them alongside Heather, as we did nearly all of the stellar films in the entire curriculum.
The STEPS curriculum succeeds at exposing the student to a wide range of views and knowledge and some of the greatest scientists and historians that have existed. Both my husband and I studied Carl Sagan in college and could not have been happier to have Heather do the same. It succeeds in engaging the student in the learning process and applying this knowledge to their personal life. In fact, it is so successful in this aspect, that my husband and I both have re-discovered personal goals and purposes of our own, which have been lying dormant and unfulfilled, which we were able to re-kindle through this empowering educational process. This is an aspect of home schooling that is over-looked yet desperately lacking in our current society. Kudos to STEPS for providing this opportunity to children.
Though I worked furiously to provide social outlets and opportunities to accompany the home school setting, Heather nonetheless occasionally said she wished she had experienced a normal high-school setting simply for the social interaction. That is, until she accompanied her friend's younger brother to his first day of high school. That night she told me she was so happy she never went to a public high school and thus ended the delusion that she had missed something vital in her life. To the contrary, she constantly comments on how much she loves her life, her work and her scope of knowledge.
And last but certainly not least, the joy I have experienced from being able to spend so much quality time with my daughter and getting to know her so well throughout these five years has been worth its weight in gold. No evening or weekend activity exists that could take the place of this daily sharing of life and the dedication that a parent exhibits to their child through this home schooling process. It is the foundation of our commitment and love and stronger than anyone but a home schooling parent could know. I consider myself the luckiest mom in the world. My everlasting gratitude to STEPS for giving me this gift. A.B., successful Homeschool Mom whose daughter did the entire STEPS program and graduated at age 16.
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My daughter has been studying the STEPS curriculum for nearly 3 years. She is nearly done with the science courses and 2/3rds of the way through the history program. For me, this curriculum is a dream come true.
As a home schooling parent, it has become obvious to me that a good curriculum is the hub around which the successful home schooling program revolves. One can be a superb teacher and have an excellent relationship and great communication with a child, but with a weak curriculum, both parent and child soon become discouraged and frustrated. For the one and one-half years of home schooling we did prior to finding the STEPS program, I was constantly searching for good books, materials and curricula. While there is a lot on the market, the majority of it, in my opinion, is poorly written, insufficiently researched or boring.
STEPS is a home run. Not only has my daughter gained a basic college level understanding of the sciences including geology, oceanography, meteorology, biology, chemistry and physics and the entire time line of history, geography, government, religion, philosophy and art, but she can also think on her own, form her own conclusions and research any subject imaginable. She has become an independent student.
Additionally, the curriculum is so fascinating, our entire family is learning along with my daughter, including my 91 year-old mother-in-law, who lives with us and greatly enjoys the materials. She reads everything she can get her hands on. From Homer to Shakespeare and tidal waves to black holes, no stone is left unturned for STEPS graduates who, I believe, will make a difference because they can understand problems and envision solutions. The STEPS curriculum is making this world a better place.
My deepest appreciation to STEPS for caring enough to research and author these amazing materials. A.B., home schooling Mom
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...The 9-year-old is taking it slowly-she has read most all the books you put on the recommended list already. There are so many books to keep her happy though) and I suppose I could start her on the upper school but I think I am going to wait till she tells me she is ready. The reason she is taking it slow is because she is adding in a lot of extra reading and online courses (CyberEd) and research into her passion-which is Science--all of this on her own. She is even starting a 7-9th Grade Chemistry course in the Fall. I have had a lot of comments from other parents about how different the 9-year-old is and it all started around when she began STEPS courses--I really feel that it has allowed her to be more comfortable in her own skin since she feels like she is taking control of her education.
We are waiting on the keyboard to get here from my in laws house to start--just a small one because we can not afford the large one you recommended but my little daughter is ready to partake of the music theory class--as that other child said it is her passion and pretty much all she wants to do. We found a child's acoustic guitar through Freecycle and she is teaching herself how to play. Mom Bragging here--She is also working on a CD recording with her teacher's community klezmer band which involves a lot of rehearsals and recording time--they played for 4 hours straight last session, thought her arm was going to fall off. She also was in her first solo contest at the local folk festival and got 4th behind some 12-year-olds (she is 7)--so you can see music is her passion too!
Honestly I do believe all this is the culmination of really getting into STEPS courses and just allowing my kids to find their passion, sure we have a little bit of maturity and unschooling going on here but just allowing our kids to take control of their education and let us know what they want to do is a HUGE step! Not to sound too corny but this whole state of mind with STEPS has allowed all of our family to be more comfortable in our learning and who we are....the 9-year-old has even started her own website.
All of our kids are amazing, each and every one, they each have their talents, I am just really grateful that we found this STEPS to see what our kids can do when they are allowed to think outside the box and more inside themselves! M.T., Homeschool Mom
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This curriculum has been an answer to our prayers! The children are much more enthusiastic about history and science now, and it's all thanks to you. The layout of STEPS is just fantastic, and makes teaching multiple ages that much simpler.
All of our children, including our middle child (who normally shows little enthusiasm for science), are enjoying their studies so much more, and completing them at a speed that I can barely keep up with. Would you believe that they are actually retaining the information as well? At first I thought they were just trying to get it done as fast as possible, but I was wrong. They are working this quickly because they want to study more...I just don't believe it!
Thanks again for such a wonderful curriculum. I am learning just as much as the children are, and I can understand why they are enjoying it to such a high degree. S.G. Homeschool Mom
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I'm relatively new to STEPS but have been singing its praises to all my homeschool friends. My 9yo son and 7yo daughter have just started Step 2 and Step 3 Respectively. We are loving it!
My son is a fantastic reader but dislikes writing very much so I wasn't sure how STEPS was going to work for him. It's been great, though. Since he can write as much or as little as he wants for the essays, he feels in control and is actually beginning to write more.
My daughter is a beginning reader but loves to write and draw and was always saying "what's my next assignment, what's my next assignment?" I could hardly keep up with her because I was spending so much time hand-holding her brother. She's digging STEPS and actually reading a good bit of her own assignments if I am pulled away. It's funny to look at her lengthy answers and drawings (complete with coloring) and then look at my son's sparse essays and short answers and to know that both are perfectly okay.
Finally! my son can work on on his own, while I work more closely with my little one. Sometimes, we choose to combine their lessons and all three work together with me doing the reading and each of them writing their answers. I'm an "options person" so this is really cool for me.
Thanks for everything. You've obviously put a LOT of work into your curriculum and it is wonderful! C.B., Homeschool Mom