BASIS

[Anonymous]

NP here and high school basis parent - I agree that there is sometime rote memorization in the younger grades, but it all comes together in the ap classes

[Anonymous]

Is there writing? Are they assigned papers?

[Anonymous]

Yes, but writing instruction isn’t Basis’ strong suit. Not nearly enough joy of learning for us. We left after 7th grade for a private. Kid had mostly As at Basis. Report card results about the same at the private but kid is more motivated and much happier there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, but writing instruction isn’t Basis’ strong suit. Not nearly enough joy of learning for us. We left after 7th grade for a private. Kid had mostly As at Basis. Report card results about the same at the private but kid is more motivated and much happier there.

Private isn’t an option for our family. So thinking maybe BASIS or bust for our bright kid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basis isn’t for the independent minded learner or family with a quirky background or interests. There is little respect for the individual. Find academic brilliance elsewhere. Basis is advanced mediocrity in a dreary setting. The academics are for DC but it competitive in the Metra area.

Sorry your kid couldn’t cut it.

This is completely untrue. Over the years, scores of parents have compared BASIS to a private club where kids get treated and graded according to factors which don't necessarily reflect their academic strengths or weaknesses. This aspect has improved from previous years but it still exists.
Before someone accuses me of talking nonsense, how do you explain students who scored brilliantly in APs, taken at BASIS proper, but are barely surviving in college? What about those who quit college altogether after changing their major more than once? Then there are those who were pushed out or received failing grades for various reasons but are somehow excelling in the most difficult college level classes, including upper level sciences. Obviously, there are also students who excelled at BASIS and are doing fine in college.
Try it. If your very smart and studious kid does well keep him or her. If not, don't try to understand what's going on. Go elsewhere, especially under these virtual circumstances.

[Anonymous]

I can explain how some students don’t do as well in college - lack of structure, bad time management and parties. And why others do well - maturity.

Has very little to do with their high school, especially if it was rigorous.

[Anonymous]

No kids at Basis but I support the philosophy that if your kids can’t cut it with the workload and academics, no problem. You don’t pass or get counseled out.

If we had this high standard expectation when it comes to academics in more schools in DC, then many families wouldn’t leave the city or go private. DC schools would be viewed more favorably and with better standing. As it is, it’s pathetic how low the bar is in DC.

I don’t care that there is not a lot of clubs or green space or that there are limited facilities, etc.... You want that for your kid, go to another school in DC. Plenty of them have that. But hardly any have really high academic standards and stand firm in this.

The honors for all crap at Wilson is disastrous and bringing the school down. Ask families there about their kids experiences in 9th and 10th. It’s just sad that rigor is being cut all in the name of equity and closing the achievement gap by lowering the top.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, but writing instruction isn’t Basis’ strong suit. Not nearly enough joy of learning for us. We left after 7th grade for a private. Kid had mostly As at Basis. Report card results about the same at the private but kid is more motivated and much happier there.

Private isn’t an option for our family. So thinking maybe BASIS or bust for our bright kid?

If Basis is your best option, you can probably make it work. If your kid winds up miserable there, you could move to find a happier option. There’s no “bust” with UMC DC families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No kids at Basis but I support the philosophy that if your kids can’t cut it with the workload and academics, no problem. You don’t pass or get counseled out.

If we had this high standard expectation when it comes to academics in more schools in DC, then many families wouldn’t leave the city or go private. DC schools would be viewed more favorably and with better standing. As it is, it’s pathetic how low the bar is in DC.

I don’t care that there is not a lot of clubs or green space or that there are limited facilities, etc.... You want that for your kid, go to another school in DC. Plenty of them have that. But hardly any have really high academic standards and stand firm in this.

The honors for all crap at Wilson is disastrous and bringing the school down. Ask families there about their kids experiences in 9th and 10th. It’s just sad that rigor is being cut all in the name of equity and closing the achievement gap by lowering the top.

. The choice is not binary in this Metro region, Basis, Wilson or no school at all. Many Basis MS students go on to Walls, Banneker, privates on scholarships, the burbs, some families leave the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, but writing instruction isn’t Basis’ strong suit. Not nearly enough joy of learning for us. We left after 7th grade for a private. Kid had mostly As at Basis. Report card results about the same at the private but kid is more motivated and much happier there.

Private isn’t an option for our family. So thinking maybe BASIS or bust for our bright kid?

If Basis is your best option, you can probably make it work. If your kid winds up miserable there, you could move to find a happier option. There’s no “bust” with UMC DC families.

You are assuming we can afford to move or private. We can’t.

[Anonymous]

Even those who rely on Section 8 vouchers for their housing can afford to move in this City. Find a different landlord willing to accept your voucher. Some will even in the Deal or Hardy Districts. Basis is a choice, not your only option. We found the place intellectually stifling, with the emphasis on conformity vs. cultivating intellectual curiosity and a love of leatmrning. Other families love the franchise’s approach to education. Sounds like you’re hellbent on loving it.

[Anonymous]

It’s a mistake to plan for Basis for 5th to 12th. More than half the families still leave along the way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s a mistake to plan for Basis for 5th to 12th. More than half the families still leave along the way.

Yes, but having a Basis as a solid option through 12th sure brings my family a lot of piece of mind.

[Anonymous]

Peace of mind...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s a mistake to plan for Basis for 5th to 12th. More than half the families still leave along the way.

Yes, but having a Basis as a solid option through 12th sure brings my family a lot of piece of mind.

Wistful thinking. When a kid isn't doing well in a particular school emotionally and/or academically, an option no longer seems solid. Plenty of Basis families find that their kids don't thrive in the program, particularly in 7th and 8th grades. Hope that yours blossoms at Basis, but don't be caught flat-footed if they don't. Hello, they admit around 125 5th graders and graduate around 50 seniors.