I'm really considering using this for my (soon-to-be) K son.  Anyone else use it?  It is so expensive, but I already have a few of the books on hand, was hoping I might be able to gather a few more.

What do you all think?

It looks very expensive, but looks like an incredible curriculum. :D

Ha!  That's exactly what I was thinking!

Between the library and our books, I've managed to knock-off about $145...so I might be able to make it work!

Here's hoping!

I've looked at it as well.  They have a very active yahoo group.  Their book selections look great.  Check rainbow resource for new copies, they have a lot of them at a greater discount. 

I got the American Story 1 for history this year. I did not buy the LA program but did buy most of the coordinating readers that it listed.

I got the guide and WP exclusives used and most of the books for the program for $150 total. There are only about 2-3 books I did not buy but can get at the library. I got many of the books here, from Goodwill, or used book stores for $1 or less! I didn't have to buy many of the books since my library had most of them but I just kept finding them for .50 here and there.

I really like the program and my kids do to.

Thanks everyone.

OOHHH that Rainbow Resource is trouble!!  Curriculum junkies like me should not be allowed to have it!

We love Winterpromise and are doing Children Around The World.  I think you could work around purchasing the readers for both the core program and language arts.  You can collect them on your own (here, Goodwill, garage sales!) buy them discounted at your local bookstore or use your library.  Another option is substituting another book that supports the topic.

For instance, we had Swiss Family Robinson assigned during our study of that area - we had already read it, so we read Hans Brinker and The Wheel on the School.   In the program we're using the books aren't directly referenced.

The exclusives provided by the Brooks family are wonderful and you do need reference books for an overall persective.

We used AW last year and loved it.  We are using the LA as well.  If you have and awesome library, you might be able to get away with it, but if you buy the whole package, the IG is free... so that is something to consider as well.

HTH!