Hey guys I am wondering if any of you have used this program and can tell me what you think about it . I have been using Ambleside for 3 years now and need to switch because of our schedule . I need something that is easy to access and plan and is pretty cut and dried . I am really thining about getting this SOS for my son and want to make sure I get some reviews . Thanks !

I tried SOS with my youngest several years ago. I don't know if they have made changes. At the time the content was similar to the Lifepacs. Most of the work was reading a selection and answering questions.

I believe they still offer a demo disk. That would be a great way to test it and see if it works for your family.

 

We didn't enjoy this much either, and had a terrible time getting it up and running on our PC.  Some of those issues have been resolved, I'm sure, but do see a sample before you fork over the (considerable) $$ for the program...Liz

We LOVE SOS!

But beware...I advise using the 2000, 2001, or 2002 versions on a computer without Vista. The newer versions are a complete nightmare!! I would not use them at all! We ordered our new Dells with XP just for that reason. I shop on ebay and homeschool sites for the older used versions and save them from child to child. Again, the 2003-2008 versions are just a nightmare and require install discs whereas the 2000-2002 versions don't. They are so much easier to navigate around and grade and print grades and change specs for each child.

We use SOS and love it!  It took a little work to get it going on our Vista computer but I think that has more to do with Vista than SOS.   

Thanks for the reviews guys . My computer has windows Vista so what would you recommend ? Also is this curriculum really time consuming or is it something he can just dig into and get his work done . Also how easy is it for the parent to keep track of all the grades and information ? I am looking for something that I don't have to be so hands on with all the time . He is almost 14 and I want him to be more of a self learner ( if that makes sense ) . Would SOS fit this description ?

heatherd:

Also how easy is it for the parent to keep track of all the grades and information ?

 

SOS is self grading and keeps track of that for you. When we tried it, I was able to print the grades/scores. 

heatherd:

I am looking for something that I don't have to be so hands on with all the time

SOS works for self motivated learners. SOS provides instruction directly to the student. You will need to monitor your son's education and perhaps help him if he doesn't understand a lesson but I certainly found SOS to relieve me of the responsibility of lesson planning and most instruction.

 

 

 I'm considering SOS myself but for a thought you might want to try mindsprinting.com. It's free for language arts and math and finds the week points and is like a tutor. I'd recommend High speed for it though.