Difference between NW parent involvement and Capitol Hill parent involvement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think what DCPS do-gooders & DC Public school advocates often fail to see is how transient the DC area is, most people in DC are here for the short term and don’t often care enough to vote in local elections because they plan to move where their votes are noticed. (Taxation without representation, anyone?)

A lot more people want their children to have the all around school experience that they had without the unnecessary stress of school lotteries which are often rigged. These people want rigorous academics, good test scores from the school setting, strong active PTAs, libraries/gardens/gyms/open fields, varsity sports & clubs, school spirit which can be summed up in the form of parades, bands, school dances, concerts, charity benefits via silent auctions etc. Thus, many move to suburban schools.

Whilst there are still others who wouldn’t set foot in a public school for religious reasons so their children attend parochial schools and yet others believe in the private school model all the way.

I don’t discount BASIS but I often wonder if the children and families who are there don’t feel regret because they haven’t branched out to see what they’re missing.

for all the bashing of the facilities, it also seems like a really convenient location, especially for Hill families.
This parent of a child who has now been accepted to a college way beyond what their personal possibilities were can say, due to friends who have moved to the suburbs and or gone private, both top 3 and other, that BASIS is top notch. No regrets other than that the college counselors are currently sub par and there is a lot of staff turnover. However, the cohort remaining are really smart, interesting, hardworking fun kids who aren't materialistic, substance abusing or social media obsessed. And the class is well represented among income levels and racial composition. It is kind of ideal for the real world

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think what DCPS do-gooders & DC Public school advocates often fail to see is how transient the DC area is, most people in DC are here for the short term and don’t often care enough to vote in local elections because they plan to move where their votes are noticed. (Taxation without representation, anyone?)

A lot more people want their children to have the all around school experience that they had without the unnecessary stress of school lotteries which are often rigged. These people want rigorous academics, good test scores from the school setting, strong active PTAs, libraries/gardens/gyms/open fields, varsity sports & clubs, school spirit which can be summed up in the form of parades, bands, school dances, concerts, charity benefits via silent auctions etc. Thus, many move to suburban schools.

Whilst there are still others who wouldn’t set foot in a public school for religious reasons so their children attend parochial schools and yet others believe in the private school model all the way.

I don’t discount BASIS but I often wonder if the children and families who are there don’t feel regret because they haven’t branched out to see what they’re missing.

Nope.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think what DCPS do-gooders & DC Public school advocates often fail to see is how transient the DC area is, most people in DC are here for the short term and don’t often care enough to vote in local elections because they plan to move where their votes are noticed. (Taxation without representation, anyone?)

A lot more people want their children to have the all around school experience that they had without the unnecessary stress of school lotteries which are often rigged. These people want rigorous academics, good test scores from the school setting, strong active PTAs, libraries/gardens/gyms/open fields, varsity sports & clubs, school spirit which can be summed up in the form of parades, bands, school dances, concerts, charity benefits via silent auctions etc. Thus, many move to suburban schools.

Whilst there are still others who wouldn’t set foot in a public school for religious reasons so their children attend parochial schools and yet others believe in the private school model all the way.

I don’t discount BASIS but I often wonder if the children and families who are there don’t feel regret because they haven’t branched out to see what they’re missing.

This parent of a child who has now been accepted to a college way beyond what their personal possibilities were can say, due to friends who have moved to the suburbs and or gone private, both top 3 and other, that BASIS is top notch. No regrets other than that the college counselors are currently sub par and there is a lot of staff turnover. However, the cohort remaining are really smart, interesting, hardworking fun kids who aren't materialistic, substance abusing or social media obsessed. And the class is well represented among income levels and racial composition. It is kind of ideal for the real world

In our experience, Basis works for around half the families who lottery in. We got fed up with running our music gifted kid to lessons, rehearsals and ensembles around town because Basis doesn't have a music program. We also got tired of weak ELA/English lit classes, the heads changing, and teachers quitting mid-year. Friends left for other reasons - e.g. no truly advanced foreign language offerings and middle school-age boys bouncing off the walls without playing fields or a gym at school.

[Anonymous]

Why does every thread that mentions Cap Hill turn into a BASIS thread? It is irrelevant to the original post?. Besides it isn’t a Cap Hill or Upper NW school.

https://dcpcsb.org/sites/default/files/media/file/BASIS%20DC%20PCS_0%20%281%29.pdf

[Anonymous]

If you have to ask, you must not live on the Hill. The CH-Basis relationship is relevant to the original post. On the Hill, most parents go from huge involvement in a local DCPS for many years, to almost no involvement at the charters they move on to.

We've stayed at Brent for 5th grade this year, with roughly one-quarter of the in-boundary families from the 4th grade cohort. We didn't play the lottery - we're moving abroad this year. Around one-third of the 4th grade families landed at Basis.

In the last 5 or 6 years, Basis and Wash Latin have become the Cap Hill public middle schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does every thread that mentions Cap Hill turn into a BASIS thread? It is irrelevant to the original post?. Besides it isn’t a Cap Hill or Upper NW school.

https://dcpcsb.org/sites/default/files/media/file/BASIS%20DC%20PCS_0%20%281%29.pdf

Because tbh, most people who actually live on Capitol Hill with school age children don't post in these threads. It's mostly former Hill people now living in the suburbs or upper NW, and those people are connected with friends who decided to stay and send their kids to BASIS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does every thread that mentions Cap Hill turn into a BASIS thread? It is irrelevant to the original post?. Besides it isn’t a Cap Hill or Upper NW school.

https://dcpcsb.org/sites/default/files/media/file/BASIS%20DC%20PCS_0%20%281%29.pdf

Wow, those blue dots/Basis students really amalgamate on the Hill. Case in point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have to ask, you must not live on the Hill. The CH-Basis relationship is relevant to the original post. On the Hill, most parents go from huge involvement in a local DCPS for many years, to almost no involvement at the charters they move on to.

We've stayed at Brent for 5th grade this year, with roughly one-quarter of the in-boundary families from the 4th grade cohort. We didn't play the lottery - we're moving abroad this year. Around one-third of the 4th grade families landed at Basis.

In the last 5 or 6 years, Basis and Wash Latin have become the Cap Hill public middle schools.

Actually, it was almost HALF the families. Nearly early 30 kids out of 60 in 4th grade at Brent last year now at BASIS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does every thread that mentions Cap Hill turn into a BASIS thread? It is irrelevant to the original post?. Besides it isn’t a Cap Hill or Upper NW school.

https://dcpcsb.org/sites/default/files/media/file/BASIS%20DC%20PCS_0%20%281%29.pdf

Because tbh, most people who actually live on Capitol Hill with school age children don't post in these threads. It's mostly former Hill people now living in the suburbs or upper NW, and those people are connected with friends who decided to stay and send their kids to BASIS.

??? You know this how?

[Anonymous]

So, some people don't even consider BASIS; some attend but wish they had better options (however they define that) and happily leave for 9th; and others continue through high shool.

Sounds like lots of schools in the city. NOt sure why it attracts the haters.

I think it's because the school - and many of its parents - claims to have the most advanced curriculum for a DC public, at least in MS. That boast strikes some as cocky and arrogant, others as true. It also makes some parents annoyed that their MS doesn't have similar advanced options, albeit in a kinder, gentler, more beautiful setting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So, some people don't even consider BASIS; some attend but wish they had better options (however they define that) and happily leave for 9th; and others continue through high shool.

Sounds like lots of schools in the city. NOt sure why it attracts the haters.

I think it's because the school - and many of its parents - claims to have the most advanced curriculum for a DC public, at least in MS. That boast strikes some as cocky and arrogant, others as true. It also makes some parents annoyed that their MS doesn't have similar advanced options, albeit in a kinder, gentler, more beautiful setting.

Doesn't every middle school here bring the haters?

Deal: Too crowded
Hardy: Not Deal, something about uniforms
SH: "Gangs" in red shirts
Jefferson: "Isn't on the Hill"
EH: failing school
BASIS: good programs if you don't mind the prison like setting
Latin: out-dated

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, some people don't even consider BASIS; some attend but wish they had better options (however they define that) and happily leave for 9th; and others continue through high shool.

Sounds like lots of schools in the city. NOt sure why it attracts the haters.

I think it's because the school - and many of its parents - claims to have the most advanced curriculum for a DC public, at least in MS. That boast strikes some as cocky and arrogant, others as true. It also makes some parents annoyed that their MS doesn't have similar advanced options, albeit in a kinder, gentler, more beautiful setting.

Doesn't every middle school here bring the haters?

Deal: Too crowded
Hardy: Not Deal, something about uniforms
SH: "Gangs" in red shirts
Jefferson: "Isn't on the Hill"
EH: failing school
BASIS: good programs if you don't mind the prison like setting
Latin: out-dated

Yes - but BASIS is in a league of its own in this regard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, some people don't even consider BASIS; some attend but wish they had better options (however they define that) and happily leave for 9th; and others continue through high shool.

Sounds like lots of schools in the city. NOt sure why it attracts the haters.

I think it's because the school - and many of its parents - claims to have the most advanced curriculum for a DC public, at least in MS. That boast strikes some as cocky and arrogant, others as true. It also makes some parents annoyed that their MS doesn't have similar advanced options, albeit in a kinder, gentler, more beautiful setting.

Doesn't every middle school here bring the haters?

Deal: Too crowded
Hardy: Not Deal, something about uniforms
SH: "Gangs" in red shirts
Jefferson: "Isn't on the Hill"
EH: failing school
BASIS: good programs if you don't mind the prison like setting
Latin: out-dated

Yes - but BASIS is in a league of its own in this regard.

That's just because you like it. I feel the same way about my favorite school on this list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, some people don't even consider BASIS; some attend but wish they had better options (however they define that) and happily leave for 9th; and others continue through high shool.

Sounds like lots of schools in the city. NOt sure why it attracts the haters.

I think it's because the school - and many of its parents - claims to have the most advanced curriculum for a DC public, at least in MS. That boast strikes some as cocky and arrogant, others as true. It also makes some parents annoyed that their MS doesn't have similar advanced options, albeit in a kinder, gentler, more beautiful setting.

Doesn't every middle school here bring the haters?

Deal: Too crowded
Hardy: Not Deal, something about uniforms
SH: "Gangs" in red shirts
Jefferson: "Isn't on the Hill"
EH: failing school
BASIS: good programs if you don't mind the prison like setting
Latin: out-dated

Fun summary, but "haters" is major BS. Most of the alleged haters simply state facts on DCUM - e.g. the school doesn't track for social studies or science. Only in DC's toxic political environment would stating the unvarnished truth make a poster a hater.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So, some people don't even consider BASIS; some attend but wish they had better options (however they define that) and happily leave for 9th; and others continue through high shool.

Sounds like lots of schools in the city. NOt sure why it attracts the haters.

I think it's because the school - and many of its parents - claims to have the most advanced curriculum for a DC public, at least in MS. That boast strikes some as cocky and arrogant, others as true. It also makes some parents annoyed that their MS doesn't have similar advanced options, albeit in a kinder, gentler, more beautiful setting.

Sort of. I take issue with the assertion that BASIS offers the most "advanced curriculum," at least across the board. While it's true that most advanced math and science classes in both the BASIS MS and HS are far and away the most challenging in the public system in the City, unfortunately, the same can't be said of BASIS' humanities classes. Arguably, humanities is stronger at Washington Latin and possibly Deal. We have neighbors who bailed on BASIS during or after MS mainly because they were fed up with weak and uninspired ELA and foreign language instruction for their humanities-oriented students as much as anything else. For example, the BASIS HS teaches no language past the AP level, while Walls and Wilson do. At Walls, the sky is essentially the limit for advanced language instruction at GW for students who can handle advanced course work. Putting BASIS on a broad-based academic achievement pedestal makes for a tidy argument, but it's not warranted.