The Flogging of Basis

[Anonymous]

I understand that BASIS isn’t the right fit for every student, and it’s fair to critique aspects of the model—academic pressure, limited flexibility, etc. But in a city where so many middle schools struggle to deliver consistently strong academic outcomes, I think it’s worth asking: why do we so often single out BASIS, one of the few public options that clearly works for a sizable number of kids?

Let’s look at the big picture:
• In 2023, only 19% of DCPS middle school students met or exceeded expectations in math on the PARCC exam. In some Wards, it was under 10%.
• By contrast, BASIS DC routinely has 60–70% of students meeting or exceeding expectations in math and ELA—despite serving a diverse, lottery-based population.
• And while BASIS does have attrition, many of the students who leave go on to Walls, Banneker, private schools, or other high-performing environments. They’re landing well—often because they’ve built a strong academic foundation at BASIS.
• Meanwhile, roughly a third of BASIS students stay through 12th grade, completing AP-heavy high school coursework that rivals elite privates—at no cost to families.

Yes, it’s not warm-and-fuzzy. Yes, it can be intense. But that intensity is exactly what some students thrive on—especially those who are academically motivated and aren’t finding enough challenge elsewhere. For many families, BASIS is the only tuition-free option in DC that consistently delivers a rigorous curriculum without needing a lottery win for Walls or private tuition.

To be clear, I’m not saying BASIS is perfect. I’m also conflicted about whether its model should define the future of public education. But it seems unfair to hold it to a higher standard than schools where kids are staying—but not learning.

We need more quality options, not fewer. Let’s work on lifting other schools up, not tearing down one of the rare public models that’s producing serious academic results.

[Anonymous]

Because people like you, who are constantly boosting BASIS by making apples-to-oranges comparisons, are annoying. That's the real reason.

[Anonymous]

My kids are happy at a different school and we chose a different path. That said, different academic environments and experiences can be great for different kids. It’s great that there are different options available for different families.

That said, the Basis threads are exhausting and it also becomes exhausting to have have every other middle school thread highjacked to become a thread about Basis as well. It’s not a good look.

[Anonymous]

Please no more Basis threads. There is a whole recent thread about this.

[Anonymous]

Agree 100% - but no need for this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand that BASIS isn’t the right fit for every student, and it’s fair to critique aspects of the model—academic pressure, limited flexibility, etc. But in a city where so many middle schools struggle to deliver consistently strong academic outcomes, I think it’s worth asking: why do we so often single out BASIS, one of the few public options that clearly works for a sizable number of kids?

Let’s look at the big picture:
• In 2023, only 19% of DCPS middle school students met or exceeded expectations in math on the PARCC exam. In some Wards, it was under 10%.
• By contrast, BASIS DC routinely has 60–70% of students meeting or exceeding expectations in math and ELA—despite serving a diverse, lottery-based population.
• And while BASIS does have attrition, many of the students who leave go on to Walls, Banneker, private schools, or other high-performing environments. They’re landing well—often because they’ve built a strong academic foundation at BASIS.
• Meanwhile, roughly a third of BASIS students stay through 12th grade, completing AP-heavy high school coursework that rivals elite privates—at no cost to families.

Yes, it’s not warm-and-fuzzy. Yes, it can be intense. But that intensity is exactly what some students thrive on—especially those who are academically motivated and aren’t finding enough challenge elsewhere. For many families, BASIS is the only tuition-free option in DC that consistently delivers a rigorous curriculum without needing a lottery win for Walls or private tuition.

To be clear, I’m not saying BASIS is perfect. I’m also conflicted about whether its model should define the future of public education. But it seems unfair to hold it to a higher standard than schools where kids are staying—but not learning.

We need more quality options, not fewer. Let’s work on lifting other schools up, not tearing down one of the rare public models that’s producing serious academic results.

Bravo.

Where do we sign up?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please no more Basis threads. There is a whole recent thread about this.

Maybe basis should have its on board. My kid isn’t even in kindergarten and I’m tired of the basis debates on this thread.

[Anonymous]

The flogging of BASIS will continue until morale improves on DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Diversity of options, including Basis, is a great thing.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you explain to us precisely what's required to move from 6th grade into 7th grade at BASIS and then we'll see how "pure lottery" it sounds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don't you explain to us precisely what's required to move from 6th grade into 7th grade at BASIS and then we'll see how "pure lottery" it sounds.

Passing comps is what’s required. 5th grade entry is indeed pure lottery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don't you explain to us precisely what's required to move from 6th grade into 7th grade at BASIS and then we'll see how "pure lottery" it sounds.

Passing comps is what’s required. 5th grade entry is indeed pure lottery.

So you're admitting that BASIS prevents the weakest students from entering its upper grades, yet you still think it's an apples to apples comparison to compare test scores with other schools? This is the kind of disingenuous behavior that makes people hate BASIS boosters.

[Anonymous]

Basis is the only public school without social promotion, so it is no surprise that some kids drop out.

Plenty of private schools “counsel out” low performers.

Functionally, it is the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Under the current model, BASIS should not be operating with public money and should not be included for comparisons with other DC public schools.

[Anonymous]

BASIS boosters inject the school into every thread about MSs/HSs, regardless of what the thread is actually about. See a recent thread about Latin. It was about Latin but was turned into yet another BASIS thread by people boosting their school by tearing down another and the kids who go there.

Perhaps if you feel so persecuted, you could stop the constant criticism of other schools/kids and work on lifting all boats rather than stepping on others to feel good about your school.