MFW is pricey and a boxed curriculum is probably not the best "fit" for a special needs student. There are some good free programs out there- KISS Grammar, Mr. Q Life Science, Blend Phonics, etc. A great list can be found here: http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthrea...

Thanks CrimsonWife. I will check out the site. I should have said I would be borrowing much of MFW, but would still have to purchase parts. I am torn between being "routine" (ie using a boxed cir.) and being "flexible" (ie getting our own thing going). It will be my first time homeschooling, so at this point, the many available options are making me a bit nuts!

There are many free curriculum programs available. Several are free! If you want to email me [[email: [[email: [[email: (Email address can only be seen by the question and answer creators), I can give you a list of the free programs I have found to this point. Yes, there are so many programs out there that you can't shake a stick at all of them! The important thing is to find out what kind of learner your child is, then finding a program that teaches to that kind of learner. Our son is a kinetic learner so a lot of hands-on activities works best for us. Intellego Unit Studies is good for hand-on, videos, and very little writing which fits us really well. It's designed by a mom of a special needs child though so I think it's better than most. Our son loves the program. I can share more about the studies if you want to email me. In fact, email me and I'm willing to help as much as I can. I understand how you feel quite a bit. There is just too much stuff out there for homeschooling! I've had problems finding specifics for special needs and homeschooling though.

I use MFW for my NT kids, but it wasn't a good fit for my autistic son. I use a variety of different things for him instead.

We use Story of the World and Singapore Math. We have an educator's card from our state homeschool association ( in MN, we have MHA and MÂCHÉ). The card allows me to get a discount at Barnes & Noble, Half-Price bookstore and various museums, theatres, art centers, etc. We also get a lot of materials from our public library.