Maryland Families

This is my second year with STAA, and the experience has been wonderful for our family. They helped me assess my children (ages 11 and 8), and helped me identify the reason for my son's reading problems so we could seek the right therapy for him. They recommended materials to teach with that were appropriate for my children, and also let me use other materials at my discretion. When there was one recommendation that I didn't like (great program, but not for my teaching style), my teacher-advisor offered other suggestions, and we found an alternative that suits me better. Their unit-studies-like approach to history, science, and literature also allows me to teach these subjects to both of my children at the same time despite their 3.5 year age difference. I don't work nearly as hard as I did when I was planning my own curriculum, I am comfortable that my children are receiving a well rounded education, and there is no pressure to pass tests or meet deadlines. Preparing portfolios and grades for report cards is pretty simple too. STAA offers wonderful support, and still leaves me feeling like I'm the one in charge of my children's education. I highly recommend STAA. --Lori from Maryland (July 2006)

We are new to STAA, and we love it already! We were impressed by the initial evaluation process; it was as if our adviser knew our kids, just by evaluating their work. She was able to help us find the material that was a right fit for our kids. We had the flexibility to choose what works for our family, and each individual child, and not be limited by a boxed curriculum. We are excited to learn History, Science, and Religion together with each child doing work at their own level. Our kids are looking forward to it so much, they have already read through most of their literature, just for fun. We do feel finding this program has been a blessing for our family. Our advisor is wonderful; it's nice to know she is available if we need her -- Franz & Jomary from Maryland (July 2006)

We have only just enrolled our 6th grade daughter with STAA for the 06-07 year. At this time, I cannot comment on the effectiveness of STAA methods nor advisors etc… So far, though, I am impressed with the assessment tests and the “quick conference” my advisor afforded me before I attended a home school expo, just a week ago. I can’t thank her enough for her input and very positive attitude! --Carmela from Maryland

We contacted STAA because a friend of ours was using the program and when we decided to bring our 3rd grader home after 1 month of our parish school we were scared! I was comfortable with doing my son's Kindergarten, but I wasn't sure where my daughter was in terms of grade levels/ability. The assessment testing was quick and easy to do, so I didn't expect much valuable feedback. Boy, was I wrong!!! It was like my advisor had met my kids and spent hours/days with them. She was able to clearly identify problems I had only begun to suspect, and show me strengths she had that I had not fully appreciated. The books she suggested were ones I didn't even know existed! My kids were plodding along with curricula I had gathered for them while I waited for the test results, but once the new materials arrived things began to move so much more smoothly. The especially loved the Math U See DVDs and the Catholic Heritage Curriculum spellers and grammar books. Our advisor was able to reassure us that we were spending enough time in school for the 3rd grader and see that we were pushing the K son too much. This year we have prepared for school with such peace - we know that our plans and program choices are time-tested and that if we have problems STAA will help us solve them quickly and efficiently. Our book costs are less this year too!!!!! STAA has been a real blessing to me as a mom, too, because they have constantly reminded me that the Lord and Our Lady are eager to help and guide us on this journey if I will only let them. I can never be reminded of that too often!!! :) Bless you all on your journey! -- Mary Ellen from Maryland (July 2006)