The parents all had the same mysterious complaint: the kids did not seem to understand "the big picture" when it came to problem solving. In essence, they were not learning the basic mathematical concepts to enable them to master an area and go on to the next learning level. Mental math scores on the standardized testing was abomidable. Even tutors did not help, as they fell behind their grade level in math. These were kids with 130-plus IQ's who, while admittedly more verbal than mathematical, were extremely bright and quick learners. Tangentia and her friend Multiplicity (not her real name) have since transferred to a different school which uses another program (the Saxon books). In only a half of a year, they have both excelled in math (really!). Most importantly, they like it and do not perceive it as a "problem" subject for them. This is quite amazing to hear from them after the past two years, but I swear it is absolutley true. Math is no longer the hated subject -- no longer a monster looming out there to dread and hate. While they may always be more verbal than mathematical, at least they have now been afforded the opportunity to learn and like math. How was this accomplished? By turning to a basic curriculum with repetition and problems and (some complained at first) no pictures in the book. No gimmicks. Just plain old fashioned learning. Yet it is a learning method with which they feel profoundly secure. Their homework is done independently and with relish. Since they understand it, they do not fear it, and there is no real need for assistance from a parent, let alone a tutor. This is true independence for both students and parents. It is the way learning is supposed to be. And it has even been accomplished in the subject of math. Enough said?