October waitlist data is up

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How long have you been at BASIS? You're not all wrong, but you sound like a MS parent.

Many of the HS parents don't care for the current HoS, and not because he can be cold. We think he's wrong for the school because he's a bully, and not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. His intellectual limitations seem to power his intransigence over a range of issues he can't quite grasp, great and small. His brilliant and good-natured predecessor is sorely missed by 11th and 12th grade families.

If I could do it over again, like the mom who took her marbles to a parochial school, I'd have left after the current head's first year for a HS led by a capable, and cerebral, grown-up.

Stabilizing BASIS' leadership by installing a mediocre insider at the top was a mistake on the part of Arizona HQ that isn't necessarily apparent to relative newcomers. The program would have been far better off led by an internal hire from out West (like the previous HoS) with the intellectual wattage and integrity to lead DC's most academic public HS. What's undeniable is that turnover of strong HS teachers has risen steadily during this head's tenure, and not just because of Covid (as a variety of stakeholders likes to claim). I predict a dip in college admissions success in 2-3 years mainly due to the exodus of a gaggle of beloved teachers.

I think everything you said is fair and logical. You are correct that I did not know his predecessor. I don't question you when you say how wonderful she was. My understanding is that she departed of her own volition; they did not fire her in favor of him. I hear you when you say they should have filled the job with someone from AZ. I would reply to that feedback from parents of older kids that the school has loosened the reigns over the past few years and adapted; a bit less focus on testing and homework and a bit more consideration for mental health of the kids. Obviously I don't have personal experience with what preceded him. What I would say is that a HoS who has been in BASISDC is much more likely to understand the population and culture of DC than a central AZ employee. I am 100% certain that a hire from AZ would have been lambasted as some as further evidence of a for profit company operating a business from 2k miles away. I think they would have been criticized no matter what they did.

I don't know that the current HoS is unintelligent. My reflexive reaction to people declaring someone "smart" or "not" and crediting or blaming their success as a leader thusly is that it is too easy. Great leaders are rarely dumb, but they needn't be the smartest person in the room (whatever that means). It is about emotional IQ, empathy and communication. My impression of the HoS is that he is insecure and his reactions and interactions are informed by that insecurity. I think this also manifests as tone deaf when he fails to read a room. I admit I find it odd that the school doesn't understand that fundraising appeals are more likely to be successful when you embrace your prospects and make them feel valued. There is a way to make people feel heard even if you don't do what they asked. He would do well to learn those skills.

The criticism of lost teachers is hard to react to since the entire teaching profession is hemorrhaging teachers and admins across the US. While that doesn't make it less stressful or problematic when it is your kids' teachers who depart, it makes it difficult to assess how much of it is internal and how much societal and external.

That said, the quality of the instruction, academic rigor and all business approach at BASIS is one for which I am eternally grateful. Without it we would have left the city schools, and perhaps DC. It is not perfect, but I know of no school that is. My experience is that HS parents see the school through a different prism; you all had a choice to depart for application HS in 9th and elected to stay. That's an entirely different animal than MS where viable options are slim to none.

Basis isn’t hemorrhaging teachers who leave the profession, they went to other schools in DC. That indicates an issue with Basis.

[Anonymous]

The previous HoS was essentially an Arizona hire. She worked as a science teacher in DC for a year before being promoted to head. She was even younger than the current head, but far more grounded with a more sophisticated understanding of the DC population and culture than the current head. Yes, she left of own volition, due to a family tragedy. Few were happy to see her go. Many of the high school parents would be thrilled if this disappointing head exited the stage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How long have you been at BASIS? You're not all wrong, but you sound like a MS parent.

Many of the HS parents don't care for the current HoS, and not because he can be cold. We think he's wrong for the school because he's a bully, and not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. His intellectual limitations seem to power his intransigence over a range of issues he can't quite grasp, great and small. His brilliant and good-natured predecessor is sorely missed by 11th and 12th grade families.

If I could do it over again, like the mom who took her marbles to a parochial school, I'd have left after the current head's first year for a HS led by a capable, and cerebral, grown-up.

Stabilizing BASIS' leadership by installing a mediocre insider at the top was a mistake on the part of Arizona HQ that isn't necessarily apparent to relative newcomers. The program would have been far better off led by an internal hire from out West (like the previous HoS) with the intellectual wattage and integrity to lead DC's most academic public HS. What's undeniable is that turnover of strong HS teachers has risen steadily during this head's tenure, and not just because of Covid (as a variety of stakeholders likes to claim). I predict a dip in college admissions success in 2-3 years mainly due to the exodus of a gaggle of beloved teachers.

I think everything you said is fair and logical. You are correct that I did not know his predecessor. I don't question you when you say how wonderful she was. My understanding is that she departed of her own volition; they did not fire her in favor of him. I hear you when you say they should have filled the job with someone from AZ. I would reply to that feedback from parents of older kids that the school has loosened the reigns over the past few years and adapted; a bit less focus on testing and homework and a bit more consideration for mental health of the kids. Obviously I don't have personal experience with what preceded him. What I would say is that a HoS who has been in BASISDC is much more likely to understand the population and culture of DC than a central AZ employee. I am 100% certain that a hire from AZ would have been lambasted as some as further evidence of a for profit company operating a business from 2k miles away. I think they would have been criticized no matter what they did.

I don't know that the current HoS is unintelligent. My reflexive reaction to people declaring someone "smart" or "not" and crediting or blaming their success as a leader thusly is that it is too easy. Great leaders are rarely dumb, but they needn't be the smartest person in the room (whatever that means). It is about emotional IQ, empathy and communication. My impression of the HoS is that he is insecure and his reactions and interactions are informed by that insecurity. I think this also manifests as tone deaf when he fails to read a room. I admit I find it odd that the school doesn't understand that fundraising appeals are more likely to be successful when you embrace your prospects and make them feel valued. There is a way to make people feel heard even if you don't do what they asked. He would do well to learn those skills.

The criticism of lost teachers is hard to react to since the entire teaching profession is hemorrhaging teachers and admins across the US. While that doesn't make it less stressful or problematic when it is your kids' teachers who depart, it makes it difficult to assess how much of it is internal and how much societal and external.

That said, the quality of the instruction, academic rigor and all business approach at BASIS is one for which I am eternally grateful. Without it we would have left the city schools, and perhaps DC. It is not perfect, but I know of no school that is. My experience is that HS parents see the school through a different prism; you all had a choice to depart for application HS in 9th and elected to stay. That's an entirely different animal than MS where viable options are slim to none.

Basis isn’t hemorrhaging teachers who leave the profession, they went to other schools in DC. That indicates an issue with Basis.

Not really. A few went to other schools, mostly private. Some left the profession.

Turnover was low at Basis compared to DCPS generally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The previous HoS was essentially an Arizona hire. She worked as a science teacher in DC for a year before being promoted to head. She was even younger than the current head, but far more grounded with a more sophisticated understanding of the DC population and culture than the current head. Yes, she left of own volition, due to a family tragedy. Few were happy to see her go. Many of the high school parents would be thrilled if this disappointing head exited the stage.

So the current HoS:

Too young - except the prior beloved HoS was younger

Too inexperienced - except she had less experience than the current HoS

Reflects the unstable leadership of BASIS - except you want the now 3 year tenured HoS replaced

You don't like the HoS. That's cool. Just stop with the side drama and noise and say that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How long have you been at BASIS? You're not all wrong, but you sound like a MS parent.

Many of the HS parents don't care for the current HoS, and not because he can be cold. We think he's wrong for the school because he's a bully, and not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. His intellectual limitations seem to power his intransigence over a range of issues he can't quite grasp, great and small. His brilliant and good-natured predecessor is sorely missed by 11th and 12th grade families.

If I could do it over again, like the mom who took her marbles to a parochial school, I'd have left after the current head's first year for a HS led by a capable, and cerebral, grown-up.

Stabilizing BASIS' leadership by installing a mediocre insider at the top was a mistake on the part of Arizona HQ that isn't necessarily apparent to relative newcomers. The program would have been far better off led by an internal hire from out West (like the previous HoS) with the intellectual wattage and integrity to lead DC's most academic public HS. What's undeniable is that turnover of strong HS teachers has risen steadily during this head's tenure, and not just because of Covid (as a variety of stakeholders likes to claim). I predict a dip in college admissions success in 2-3 years mainly due to the exodus of a gaggle of beloved teachers.

I think everything you said is fair and logical. You are correct that I did not know his predecessor. I don't question you when you say how wonderful she was. My understanding is that she departed of her own volition; they did not fire her in favor of him. I hear you when you say they should have filled the job with someone from AZ. I would reply to that feedback from parents of older kids that the school has loosened the reigns over the past few years and adapted; a bit less focus on testing and homework and a bit more consideration for mental health of the kids. Obviously I don't have personal experience with what preceded him. What I would say is that a HoS who has been in BASISDC is much more likely to understand the population and culture of DC than a central AZ employee. I am 100% certain that a hire from AZ would have been lambasted as some as further evidence of a for profit company operating a business from 2k miles away. I think they would have been criticized no matter what they did.

I don't know that the current HoS is unintelligent. My reflexive reaction to people declaring someone "smart" or "not" and crediting or blaming their success as a leader thusly is that it is too easy. Great leaders are rarely dumb, but they needn't be the smartest person in the room (whatever that means). It is about emotional IQ, empathy and communication. My impression of the HoS is that he is insecure and his reactions and interactions are informed by that insecurity. I think this also manifests as tone deaf when he fails to read a room. I admit I find it odd that the school doesn't understand that fundraising appeals are more likely to be successful when you embrace your prospects and make them feel valued. There is a way to make people feel heard even if you don't do what they asked. He would do well to learn those skills.

The criticism of lost teachers is hard to react to since the entire teaching profession is hemorrhaging teachers and admins across the US. While that doesn't make it less stressful or problematic when it is your kids' teachers who depart, it makes it difficult to assess how much of it is internal and how much societal and external.

That said, the quality of the instruction, academic rigor and all business approach at BASIS is one for which I am eternally grateful. Without it we would have left the city schools, and perhaps DC. It is not perfect, but I know of no school that is. My experience is that HS parents see the school through a different prism; you all had a choice to depart for application HS in 9th and elected to stay. That's an entirely different animal than MS where viable options are slim to none.

Basis isn’t hemorrhaging teachers who leave the profession, they went to other schools in DC. That indicates an issue with Basis.

Not really. A few went to other schools, mostly private. Some left the profession.

Turnover was low at Basis compared to DCPS generally.

Don’t buy this. The reality is that half a dozen of the longest serving and most effective BASIS high school teachers left in the spring because they were unwilling to continue to work for the jerk in charge. That’s the whole story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How long have you been at BASIS? You're not all wrong, but you sound like a MS parent.

Many of the HS parents don't care for the current HoS, and not because he can be cold. We think he's wrong for the school because he's a bully, and not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. His intellectual limitations seem to power his intransigence over a range of issues he can't quite grasp, great and small. His brilliant and good-natured predecessor is sorely missed by 11th and 12th grade families.

If I could do it over again, like the mom who took her marbles to a parochial school, I'd have left after the current head's first year for a HS led by a capable, and cerebral, grown-up.

Stabilizing BASIS' leadership by installing a mediocre insider at the top was a mistake on the part of Arizona HQ that isn't necessarily apparent to relative newcomers. The program would have been far better off led by an internal hire from out West (like the previous HoS) with the intellectual wattage and integrity to lead DC's most academic public HS. What's undeniable is that turnover of strong HS teachers has risen steadily during this head's tenure, and not just because of Covid (as a variety of stakeholders likes to claim). I predict a dip in college admissions success in 2-3 years mainly due to the exodus of a gaggle of beloved teachers.

I think everything you said is fair and logical. You are correct that I did not know his predecessor. I don't question you when you say how wonderful she was. My understanding is that she departed of her own volition; they did not fire her in favor of him. I hear you when you say they should have filled the job with someone from AZ. I would reply to that feedback from parents of older kids that the school has loosened the reigns over the past few years and adapted; a bit less focus on testing and homework and a bit more consideration for mental health of the kids. Obviously I don't have personal experience with what preceded him. What I would say is that a HoS who has been in BASISDC is much more likely to understand the population and culture of DC than a central AZ employee. I am 100% certain that a hire from AZ would have been lambasted as some as further evidence of a for profit company operating a business from 2k miles away. I think they would have been criticized no matter what they did.

I don't know that the current HoS is unintelligent. My reflexive reaction to people declaring someone "smart" or "not" and crediting or blaming their success as a leader thusly is that it is too easy. Great leaders are rarely dumb, but they needn't be the smartest person in the room (whatever that means). It is about emotional IQ, empathy and communication. My impression of the HoS is that he is insecure and his reactions and interactions are informed by that insecurity. I think this also manifests as tone deaf when he fails to read a room. I admit I find it odd that the school doesn't understand that fundraising appeals are more likely to be successful when you embrace your prospects and make them feel valued. There is a way to make people feel heard even if you don't do what they asked. He would do well to learn those skills.

The criticism of lost teachers is hard to react to since the entire teaching profession is hemorrhaging teachers and admins across the US. While that doesn't make it less stressful or problematic when it is your kids' teachers who depart, it makes it difficult to assess how much of it is internal and how much societal and external.

That said, the quality of the instruction, academic rigor and all business approach at BASIS is one for which I am eternally grateful. Without it we would have left the city schools, and perhaps DC. It is not perfect, but I know of no school that is. My experience is that HS parents see the school through a different prism; you all had a choice to depart for application HS in 9th and elected to stay. That's an entirely different animal than MS where viable options are slim to none.

Basis isn’t hemorrhaging teachers who leave the profession, they went to other schools in DC. That indicates an issue with Basis.

Not really. A few went to other schools, mostly private. Some left the profession.

Turnover was low at Basis compared to DCPS generally.

Don’t buy this. The reality is that half a dozen of the longest serving and most effective BASIS high school teachers left in the spring because they were unwilling to continue to work for the jerk in charge. That’s the whole story.

+1

Why keep up the charade that turnover wasn’t high? It was. And many went to DCPS schools. It’s not that hard to verify.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How long have you been at BASIS? You're not all wrong, but you sound like a MS parent.

Many of the HS parents don't care for the current HoS, and not because he can be cold. We think he's wrong for the school because he's a bully, and not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. His intellectual limitations seem to power his intransigence over a range of issues he can't quite grasp, great and small. His brilliant and good-natured predecessor is sorely missed by 11th and 12th grade families.

If I could do it over again, like the mom who took her marbles to a parochial school, I'd have left after the current head's first year for a HS led by a capable, and cerebral, grown-up.

Stabilizing BASIS' leadership by installing a mediocre insider at the top was a mistake on the part of Arizona HQ that isn't necessarily apparent to relative newcomers. The program would have been far better off led by an internal hire from out West (like the previous HoS) with the intellectual wattage and integrity to lead DC's most academic public HS. What's undeniable is that turnover of strong HS teachers has risen steadily during this head's tenure, and not just because of Covid (as a variety of stakeholders likes to claim). I predict a dip in college admissions success in 2-3 years mainly due to the exodus of a gaggle of beloved teachers.

I think everything you said is fair and logical. You are correct that I did not know his predecessor. I don't question you when you say how wonderful she was. My understanding is that she departed of her own volition; they did not fire her in favor of him. I hear you when you say they should have filled the job with someone from AZ. I would reply to that feedback from parents of older kids that the school has loosened the reigns over the past few years and adapted; a bit less focus on testing and homework and a bit more consideration for mental health of the kids. Obviously I don't have personal experience with what preceded him. What I would say is that a HoS who has been in BASISDC is much more likely to understand the population and culture of DC than a central AZ employee. I am 100% certain that a hire from AZ would have been lambasted as some as further evidence of a for profit company operating a business from 2k miles away. I think they would have been criticized no matter what they did.

I don't know that the current HoS is unintelligent. My reflexive reaction to people declaring someone "smart" or "not" and crediting or blaming their success as a leader thusly is that it is too easy. Great leaders are rarely dumb, but they needn't be the smartest person in the room (whatever that means). It is about emotional IQ, empathy and communication. My impression of the HoS is that he is insecure and his reactions and interactions are informed by that insecurity. I think this also manifests as tone deaf when he fails to read a room. I admit I find it odd that the school doesn't understand that fundraising appeals are more likely to be successful when you embrace your prospects and make them feel valued. There is a way to make people feel heard even if you don't do what they asked. He would do well to learn those skills.

The criticism of lost teachers is hard to react to since the entire teaching profession is hemorrhaging teachers and admins across the US. While that doesn't make it less stressful or problematic when it is your kids' teachers who depart, it makes it difficult to assess how much of it is internal and how much societal and external.

That said, the quality of the instruction, academic rigor and all business approach at BASIS is one for which I am eternally grateful. Without it we would have left the city schools, and perhaps DC. It is not perfect, but I know of no school that is. My experience is that HS parents see the school through a different prism; you all had a choice to depart for application HS in 9th and elected to stay. That's an entirely different animal than MS where viable options are slim to none.

Basis isn’t hemorrhaging teachers who leave the profession, they went to other schools in DC. That indicates an issue with Basis.

Not really. A few went to other schools, mostly private. Some left the profession.

Turnover was low at Basis compared to DCPS generally.

PP again but many posters here say Basis is a good option because DCPS is a mess. So why would we compare Basis turnover rates to DCPS if no one wants to send their kids there? And honestly I can’t imagine DCPS turnover rates at comparable high schools (Walls, Banneker, JR) were higher than Basis. Because they weren’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How long have you been at BASIS? You're not all wrong, but you sound like a MS parent.

Many of the HS parents don't care for the current HoS, and not because he can be cold. We think he's wrong for the school because he's a bully, and not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. His intellectual limitations seem to power his intransigence over a range of issues he can't quite grasp, great and small. His brilliant and good-natured predecessor is sorely missed by 11th and 12th grade families.

If I could do it over again, like the mom who took her marbles to a parochial school, I'd have left after the current head's first year for a HS led by a capable, and cerebral, grown-up.

Stabilizing BASIS' leadership by installing a mediocre insider at the top was a mistake on the part of Arizona HQ that isn't necessarily apparent to relative newcomers. The program would have been far better off led by an internal hire from out West (like the previous HoS) with the intellectual wattage and integrity to lead DC's most academic public HS. What's undeniable is that turnover of strong HS teachers has risen steadily during this head's tenure, and not just because of Covid (as a variety of stakeholders likes to claim). I predict a dip in college admissions success in 2-3 years mainly due to the exodus of a gaggle of beloved teachers.

I think everything you said is fair and logical. You are correct that I did not know his predecessor. I don't question you when you say how wonderful she was. My understanding is that she departed of her own volition; they did not fire her in favor of him. I hear you when you say they should have filled the job with someone from AZ. I would reply to that feedback from parents of older kids that the school has loosened the reigns over the past few years and adapted; a bit less focus on testing and homework and a bit more consideration for mental health of the kids. Obviously I don't have personal experience with what preceded him. What I would say is that a HoS who has been in BASISDC is much more likely to understand the population and culture of DC than a central AZ employee. I am 100% certain that a hire from AZ would have been lambasted as some as further evidence of a for profit company operating a business from 2k miles away. I think they would have been criticized no matter what they did.

I don't know that the current HoS is unintelligent. My reflexive reaction to people declaring someone "smart" or "not" and crediting or blaming their success as a leader thusly is that it is too easy. Great leaders are rarely dumb, but they needn't be the smartest person in the room (whatever that means). It is about emotional IQ, empathy and communication. My impression of the HoS is that he is insecure and his reactions and interactions are informed by that insecurity. I think this also manifests as tone deaf when he fails to read a room. I admit I find it odd that the school doesn't understand that fundraising appeals are more likely to be successful when you embrace your prospects and make them feel valued. There is a way to make people feel heard even if you don't do what they asked. He would do well to learn those skills.

The criticism of lost teachers is hard to react to since the entire teaching profession is hemorrhaging teachers and admins across the US. While that doesn't make it less stressful or problematic when it is your kids' teachers who depart, it makes it difficult to assess how much of it is internal and how much societal and external.

That said, the quality of the instruction, academic rigor and all business approach at BASIS is one for which I am eternally grateful. Without it we would have left the city schools, and perhaps DC. It is not perfect, but I know of no school that is. My experience is that HS parents see the school through a different prism; you all had a choice to depart for application HS in 9th and elected to stay. That's an entirely different animal than MS where viable options are slim to none.

Basis isn’t hemorrhaging teachers who leave the profession, they went to other schools in DC. That indicates an issue with Basis.

Not really. A few went to other schools, mostly private. Some left the profession.

Turnover was low at Basis compared to DCPS generally.

Don’t buy this. The reality is that half a dozen of the longest serving and most effective BASIS high school teachers left in the spring because they were unwilling to continue to work for the jerk in charge. That’s the whole story.

That is simply false.

[Anonymous]

Maybe I’m the only one, but I’m still in the camp of liking the HOS. I find him incredibly hard-working. I also find him enormously responsive, with monthly town halls. When I’ve approached him over the years about very specific concerns with teachers, he’s been very good and the dealt with the problems. And when challenges have come up with my own kids, I’ve found him reasonable.

I do know two parents who firmly disagree with me based on their personal experiences, but in my observation in both cases they were seeking unreasonable accommodations for their kids who simply couldn’t keep up and/or had challenges unrelated to the school.

I do find the loss of teachers at the high school level concerning (and with a current 8th grader I’ll be thinking thru my options carefully). But I would need to hear very specific examples of how the most beloved teachers left due to the current HOS to attribute such loss to him. I don’t rule it out. But none of the exceptional teachers who have departed confided in me about their reasons, so I don’t assume they left because of him. (Yeah, maybe they thought he was as a$&, but the draw of a greater salary and benefits package at Walls might have been the decisive factor. I don’t know. And in the meanwhile hearsay is not persuasive.)

I disagree about charges that he’s dim-witted. I think he’s quite smart. Though I agree he’s not an intellectual. But he does not need to be.

He’s been around awhile and is strong at enforcing the BASIS way. So when parents approach him with ideas about changing the language curriculum or something he may give a quick dismissive response. Personally I’m sympathetic with him on much of this.

In any case, I recognize my views may change, especially if we stick around for high school (as we likely will).

But someone needed to come to his defense on this thread. Might as well be me.

[Anonymous]

Spoken by a parent who's unfamiliar with how the BASIS AZ programs operate. Fact is, the "BASIS way" is very much what a particular group of founders, HoS and local charter school board make it.

My sibling has kids at BASIS Scottsdale. The campus has a strong arts program, including a competitive orchestra, good athletic facilities and a nice media center. I'm told that their HoS supports advanced language study from 5th grade.

The current HoS has his good points, but he's a control freak. Too bad you missed the previous head, equally hard-working but not a micro manager and much sharper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe I’m the only one, but I’m still in the camp of liking the HOS. I find him incredibly hard-working. I also find him enormously responsive, with monthly town halls. When I’ve approached him over the years about very specific concerns with teachers, he’s been very good and the dealt with the problems. And when challenges have come up with my own kids, I’ve found him reasonable.

I do know two parents who firmly disagree with me based on their personal experiences, but in my observation in both cases they were seeking unreasonable accommodations for their kids who simply couldn’t keep up and/or had challenges unrelated to the school.

I do find the loss of teachers at the high school level concerning (and with a current 8th grader I’ll be thinking thru my options carefully). But I would need to hear very specific examples of how the most beloved teachers left due to the current HOS to attribute such loss to him. I don’t rule it out. But none of the exceptional teachers who have departed confided in me about their reasons, so I don’t assume they left because of him. (Yeah, maybe they thought he was as a$&, but the draw of a greater salary and benefits package at Walls might have been the decisive factor. I don’t know. And in the meanwhile hearsay is not persuasive.)

I disagree about charges that he’s dim-witted. I think he’s quite smart. Though I agree he’s not an intellectual. But he does not need to be.

He’s been around awhile and is strong at enforcing the BASIS way. So when parents approach him with ideas about changing the language curriculum or something he may give a quick dismissive response. Personally I’m sympathetic with him on much of this.

In any case, I recognize my views may change, especially if we stick around for high school (as we likely will).

But someone needed to come to his defense on this thread. Might as well be me.

Thank you PP! I am also a parent of an 8th grader and I agree with you. I also find all this anonymous shit-posting about the HOS quite distasteful. People should really think long and hard about the things they are saying and whether they would be willing to say them with attribution, or to the person's face. If not, maybe check yourself a bit. Would you want/approve of your kids acting this way/making anonymous mean-spirited comments on websites? I think not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spoken by a parent who's unfamiliar with how the BASIS AZ programs operate. Fact is, the "BASIS way" is very much what a particular group of founders, HoS and local charter school board make it.

My sibling has kids at BASIS Scottsdale. The campus has a strong arts program, including a competitive orchestra, good athletic facilities and a nice media center. I'm told that their HoS supports advanced language study from 5th grade.

The current HoS has his good points, but he's a control freak. Too bad you missed the previous head, equally hard-working but not a micro manager and much sharper.

Your points are not particularly relevant, as you can’t fault the current HOS for BASISDC’s facilities.

Also, Scottsdale has 1,000 kids — so it’s natural to expect more course offerings.

FWIW, my kids love the current arts teachers (art, drama, music).

[Anonymous]

Fair point that there is no “BASIS way,” at least not one that’s set in stone. I got disillusioned with this head when he wouldn’t let parents of Spanish immersion grads organize low cost after-school language maintenance lessons on campus, or offer these kids remotely challenging 8th grade Spanish. That wasn’t about education or college admissions on the part of the HoS, it was about control. Parents come to DCUM to raise issues for the simple reason that the BASIS DC will not tolerate a PTA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fair point that there is no “BASIS way,” at least not one that’s set in stone. I got disillusioned with this head when he wouldn’t let parents of Spanish immersion grads organize low cost after-school language maintenance lessons on campus, or offer these kids remotely challenging 8th grade Spanish. That wasn’t about education or college admissions on the part of the HoS, it was about control. Parents come to DCUM to raise issues for the simple reason that the BASIS DC will not tolerate a PTA.

BASIS parents don’t have a private listserv or fb page or anything? No place where you can discuss issues in a less public setting and without the anonymity?

[Anonymous]

Maybe we should ask Jeff to create a Basis forum so y’all stop hijacking every single DCPS thread.