Moments of Connection: The Ard Family
Posted in Homeschool View on Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Forty-five years ago, we began our mission to educate, inspire, and change lives through curriculum that promotes academic excellence and Christian values. Today, we’re proud to be a part of the homeschool journey and countless memories for thousands of families, including the Ard family.
We recently were blessed with the opportunity to connect with Quantrilla Ard, the PhD Mama, about her family’s homeschool journey with AOP.
How long have you been homeschooling?
We have been homeschooling for the past 2.5 years.
How long have you homeschooled with AOP?
We have homeschooled with AOP the entire time!
How many kids do you have?
We have three children, ages 12, 10, and 6. They are in 5th/6th, 3rd/4th, and kindergarten.
Which curriculum do you use for each child?
We use LIFEPAC for the two younger ones and Monarch for our oldest. Our oldest was a LIFEPAC-er before this year, but we wanted to give him the option to use the computer to see if he liked it better.
Who is responsible for homeschooling in your household?
I am honored to be their main homeschool care person. We love our time together!
Why did you choose the curriculum you currently use?
We chose AOP because it fit our needs both spiritually and academically. We wanted a curriculum that would challenge our young scholars while shaping their hearts as children of God. I also needed a student-paced curriculum because I needed the flexibility of letting my older ones work independently.
Do you plan to use the same curriculum again? Why or why not?
We adore LIFEPAC and Monarch and will definitely continue to use them. I can’t praise the flexibility of this curriculum enough. We have been through so many life changes since we began homeschooling, and LIFEPAC has grown and gone with us.
Why did you choose to homeschool?
Initially, it was because there was a major shift in the school where our oldest two were being educated. Since that institution was our first choice, we found ourselves in a quandary about what to do next. We wanted to keep them in a Christian environment (particularly one in our denomination) and ensure they were receiving the best scholastic advantage. My husband actually made the suggestion because I was already at home with our youngest, and after praying, we felt an instant relief to move forward.
What is your favorite feature of AOP curriculum?
I can’t narrow my favorite component to one thing! I love the teacher’s guides with all the extra resources, and I love that my oldest can hop on Monarch whenever and wherever we are. I enjoy the vibrant and colorful workbooks! I am a huge fan of the whole style of LIFEPAC and Monarch.
What is one thing you wish was different about the curriculum?
I wish there was a bit more representation across the board. I enjoy the material, but as a mom of children of color, to see that representation both in the curriculum and the resources is so valuable and necessary.
What role has AOP played in your homeschool journey?
AOP has saved us. I hit the ground running and never looked back. I have always felt supported and cared for by the entire team. AOP took the stress out of education for our family right when we needed it, and we will never forget it. I am the bandwagon, the fan club, and everything in between!
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