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I was first introduced to Cathy Duffy's Curriculum Guides back in '92 when I checked the elementary manual out of the library. I found it very helpful--especially since I was brand new to homeschooling. Now that my son is getting older, I decided that it was time to buy the jr./sr. high version. Of course, she's updated her manuals to keep them current. As far as I know, Cathy Duffy's books (Elementary and Jr./Sr. High) are the only curriculum guides on the market that are this up to date. They're homeschooling bestsellers and found on many homeschoolers' shelves.
Now, for the nitty gritty:
400 pages.
Soft cover.
Size is about 8 1/2" x 11".
20 chapters
Index
Appendix
6 charts for copying.
Here's a partial chapter-by-chapter breakdown:
| First Things First | Why [home school]
How [to home school] What [to teach] |
| Where the Rubber Meets the Road | Experience and Confidence
Qualifications Logistics Shared Responsibility Help and Support When We Need Some Part-Time Income The Art of Compromise Blessed are the Flexible for They Shall Not be Broken Living with Our Choices |
| Getting Things Done | Motivation
Learning Styles Study Skills |
| Goals - Purposeful Planning | Career Goals
Vocational and Trade School Preparation Apprenticeships Military On the Job Training Entrepreneurs Volunteerism Family Life |
| A Christian Foundation | Building on a Solid Foundation
Developing a Christian World View How We Did It Comprehensive Worldview Courses General Resources Topical Resources Serious Consequences Stepping Out |
| Course of Study | Junior High
High School Types of Courses of Study College Preparatory Assessing Our Options A Christian Course of Study Too Much? Writing Down a Course of Study Record Keeping For More Detailed Help Contracts Unit Values or Credits Meeting the Requirements Testing for High School Completion Grading Transcripts What About Diplomas? |
| Heading for College | College Selection and Admissions Processes
Plan Ahead Time Off Before College? SAT I, SATII, and ACT Tests for college Creating Transcripts Can We Avoid This Hassle? Financial Aid |
| Options | Correspondence Schools
Courses without Correspondence Online Learning Telecourses School Services Independent Study Programs Part-Time School Adult Education and ROP Junior College or Community College Early Graduation Tutors Cross Teaching Getting a Head Start on College |
Major Publishers [tips and reviews]
Unit Studies and Comprehensive Programs [tips and reviews]
Bible Resources for Junior and Senior High [tips and reviews]
Mathematics [tips and reviews]
Language Arts [tips and reviews]
History/Social Studies/Geography [tips and reviews]
Science [tips and reviews]
Foreign Language [tips and reviews]
Visual and Performing Arts [tips and reviews]
Beyond the Three "R's" [tips and reviews]
Testing and Resources
Sources for Materials
Appendix
Sources and Addresses [big list]
Index
and then the Charts which consist of:
Course of Study
Daily Activity Log
Transcript
College Prep Planning Chart
General Ed Planning Chart
Contract
While this book has "Christian" in the title, non-Christian curricula are also reviewed. Personally, I think that there's way more than enough information for folks, regardless of religious persuasion or lack thereof, to be able to use this book. So much of the information in this book about "how" to home school is really just practical advice that applies to home schooling whether it's religious home schooling or not.
Basically, this book is an all-around great book for figuring out what
you want to do with home schooling. It's very informative and will
give direction to those that are a little unsure about home schooling.
But it's even valuable for veterans that are wondering what would be the
ideal curriculum to fit their student's needs and learning style.
Duffy's Curriculum Manual is the best book on this subject
that I know of!!! And I'm very happy to own one myself!
Buy it from Amazon.com!!! Or if you'd rather have the Elementary Guide, it's also available and just as good!
| Cathy has a new book out! It's entitled 100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum: Choosing The Right Curriculum And Approach For Your Child's Learning Style. It would make a great addition to your homeschooling parent reference library! | 
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