The following email will be sent out today to customers who purchased Core 300, or a combination of the Core 300 IG and 20th Century CD. We will follow up with a snail mail letter to be certain we've reached all customers. A slightly revised version of this letter will also be posted on the Core 300 product page and on the Upper Cores Forum.

Dear Sonlighter,

I'm writing to say two things:

First, Sonlight owes you a sincere apology.

Second, I'd like you to let me know how we can resolve a problem for you.

We've gotten feedback from some families who are using the 2007 edition of Sonlight’s Core 300 program, 20th Century World History. Thanks to those who have shared their experience, we now realize that this program is not up to our usual standards.

For that, I sincerely apologize (on behalf of the entire Sonlight staff).

Customers tell us that their main frustration is with the DK 20th Century Day by Day CD. Some time ago, the publisher decided to discontinue the printed book version, which is central to Sonlight's Core 300 program. They did continue to produce the CD-ROM version. Because we could no longer get the printed book, we decided last April to include the CD in our Core 300 as its replacement.

We did not know at the time that this CD-ROM is not compatible with the Windows Vista® or Mac operating systems; in fact, it also may not work effectively on some older operating systems. The publisher of this CD-ROM has not yet announced when (or if) they will offer an update or new, Vista-friendly version. Additionally, we have learned that there are other problems with this software—most notably, the small display window makes it very difficult to use.

Another area of concern in the feedback we've received (and, frankly, one that we at Sonlight feel more acutely) is with the Instructor's Guide. You may have found that it does not include answers to all the Study Guide questions. This has proven increasingly difficult for some families.

Sonlight's managers took a long, hard look at the situation, and with much chagrin came to a conclusion: we will not be able to remedy this problem with our Instructor's Guide quickly enough to help our customers who are using these materials right now.

We want to make things right.

To begin with, I have included a $20 gift coupon in this letter. It's a special coupon code, and you'll find it at the end of this letter, in my P.S.

This coupon is really just a token of my apology. I have also worked out several options to help ease any problems you may be facing in using the materials in your Sonlight Core:

1. If you are able to use these materials and are making progress, we thank you for working around these issues. We are confident that you will gain much from the extensive study of modern World History and Literature that Core 300 offers, in spite of these inconveniences. Please enjoy using your $20 gift coupon to pick up something extra for Christmas or your homeschooling needs.

2. If you have found this program frustrating and would like to change to another course of study, we will be happy to take your return of the entire program and give you a full refund. Even if you have used your Core 300 materials beyond week 18 (the "normal" end of Sonlight's unconditional Love to Learn Guarantee)... please let us offer you this time extension for your return. For details and complete instructions on how to return your materials, please go to:

http://www.sonlight.com/return-policy.html

If you choose to return your Core 300, we have some suggestions for other Sonlight programs you might consider for this year. You could then choose to go back to 20th Century World History next year when we expect to have solved these problems.

• If your student is older, we recommend either:

o Civics/American Government (Core 400), usually used by students in 11th or 12th grade (ages 16-18). You will find a complete description on pages 111-116 of your 2007 Sonlight catalog. You can also visit http://www.sonlight.com/cp-400.html.

o Or History of God’s Kingdom (Core 200), usually used by students in Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18). See pages 103-106 or http://www.sonlight.com/cp-200.html.

• Younger students would benefit from:

o American History in Depth (Core 100), usually used by students in grades 7-11 (ages 12-16). See pages 98-102 or visit http://www.sonlight.com/cp-100.html

o Or History of God’s Kingdom (Core 200) , usually used by students in Grades 9-12 (ages 14-18). See pages 103-106 or http://www.sonlight.com/cp-200.html.

3. If the primary issue for you is difficulty with the DK 20th Century Day by Day CD-ROM, we are happy to refund your purchase price of $29.99. You can continue to use the remainder of the program, if you like, by researching the topics included in your Instructor’s Guide using the World Book online service. You can purchase a one-year subscription to World Book online at the World Book website.

I realize this entire situation is complicated by the fact that the "traditional" school year is well under way. I know, also, that your student may have to meet specific requirements for high school graduation. If none of the options I've listed above are right for you, please contact me or any member of my Customer Service team at [email protected] or call 303-730-6292.

We appreciate your patience as we work to find the best solution for you and your students this year.

Sincerely,

Peter Rouse Customer Fulfillment Manager, Sonlight Curriculum, Ltd.

P.S. Here's the $20 coupon code I promised in this letter: XXXXX. This code is unique to you, and can be used on absolutely anything Sonlight offers (it's a Gift Certificate, essentially). Please note, this code does expire after 24 months; you can redeem yours today, or when you're ready. Thank you!