My kids are great to get up and around so we usually start a few minutes before 8 or right at 8. I do have a schedule but it is not a timed schedule more in order of things I would like done, so we don't get off track. The first year the abeka guy could have told me I needed to buy a rock for homeschool and I would have done it....needless to say I spent way too much and bought so much I didn't really need or use in the long run. This year I am more sensible and I have branched off from straight abeka. Our fav fav fav is the Apologia science - Astronomy. We use Abeka for Math, English, Writing and Reading. We use the above mentioned science. We are doing US Geography, states, capitals, etc this year.  Spelling Power is new for us this year and so far I really like it, even though I don't do it exactly like she says too.  We are using Abeka Bible program this year, but I am really not liking it and I know I will be changing that next year. Basically I am learning to look more, and not just take the first thing someone tells me, especially not a paid person for the company! I love listening to practiced homeschoolers and I couldn't survive without my homeschool group!