How's basis going so far?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was under the impression that not only would an 8th grader transferring over need to have had and done well in algebra, but the student would have also had a year of physics, biology, and chemistry, respectively. Not sure about what level of Latin would be necessary or if the student could just stick with modern languages.

The charter school law does not allow academic prerequisites for admission. If Basis admits anyone to 8th (or whatever) grade, the process is a random lottery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

The charter school law does not allow academic prerequisites for admission. If Basis admits anyone to 8th (or whatever) grade, the process is a random lottery.

True but they are allowed to give them a placement test to see what Basis grade level to place them into. They may or may not place into their expected grade level. Also, a charter is allowed to say we will not admit students above a certain grade level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was under the impression that not only would an 8th grader transferring over need to have had and done well in algebra, but the student would have also had a year of physics, biology, and chemistry, respectively. Not sure about what level of Latin would be necessary or if the student could just stick with modern languages.

The charter school law does not allow academic prerequisites for admission. If Basis admits anyone to 8th (or whatever) grade, the process is a random lottery.

Not true. The charter law requires that admissions be non-selective, not grade placement. My understanding is that testing for grade placement is written into the BASIS DC charter and was approved by the PCSB.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All I know is that if you have any inkling of having your child attend Basis and they are currently 5th through 8th grade then I would send them now. I know of at least 2 new admitted students this week from what I understand. I was also told not to wait till next school year since it will be much more difficult to get in next school year.

That's called marketing boo-boo. Remember how if you didn't yank your child out of their elementary school and get them enrolled for the summer session you would be stuck with the horrors of your inboundary school?

The Basis model is developmentally inappropriate for 5th graders and relies on anxious DC parents to fill the gap.

Latin does the same thing. Doesn't every charter MS in DC doing this? Don't they all start in 5th grade (assuming they don't start in K or 1st) and thus put parents who wait to switch until 6th grade in the position of having to enter a lottery for only a handful of spots?

Is there a charter MS that starts in the 6th grade in DC?

Doesn't Howard University Math and Science start at 6th?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Doesn't Howard University Math and Science start at 6th?

Yes: http://www.howard.edu/ms2/default.htm

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:All I know is that if you have any inkling of having your child attend Basis and they are currently 5th through 8th grade then I would send them now. I know of at least 2 new admitted students this week from what I understand. I was also told not to wait till next school year since it will be much more difficult to get in next school year.

That's called marketing boo-boo. Remember how if you didn't yank your child out of their elementary school and get them enrolled for the summer session you would be stuck with the horrors of your inboundary school?

The Basis model is developmentally inappropriate for 5th graders and relies on anxious DC parents to fill the gap.

Latin does the same thing. Doesn't every charter MS in DC doing this? Don't they all start in 5th grade (assuming they don't start in K or 1st) and thus put parents who wait to switch until 6th grade in the position of having to enter a lottery for only a handful of spots?

Is there a charter MS that starts in the 6th grade in DC?

Doesn't Howard University Math and Science start at 6th?

You are right, PP. It does start in 6th.

I did a little digging, and found this document on the PCSB web site: http://www.dcpubliccharter.com/data/images/pcsb%20list%20alpha.pdf

I stand corrected. It appears that the norm in DC is for charter MS to begin in the 6th grade. Achievement Prep, DC Prep, and KIPP KEY start in the 4th grade. Latin and KIPP AIM and WILL (and now BASIS) start in the 5th. The rest start in 6th.

[Anonymous]

Paul Public Charter School looks to start at 6th

[Anonymous]

KIPP KEY used to start in 4th grade. Last year's 3rd graders are in the elementary school at Promise Academy this year (and their parents are up in arms about their DC-CAS scores). KEY now begins at 5th grade.

[Anonymous]

as of 2012-13, Capital City starts middle school with 5th grade

[Anonymous]

But wait. How is BASIS doing TODAY?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But wait. How is BASIS doing TODAY?

Great!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But wait. How is BASIS doing TODAY?

A lot of homework, but I'm very impressed with the amount my 6th grader has learned in just one month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:But wait. How is BASIS doing TODAY?

Great!

+1

DS is getting in the groove, and though there's a lot of work, he's getting more organized and is managing his time better, he's getting into a routine to get the work done fast, and is reclaiming a lot of his free time for creative outside pursuits. He enjoys the school, has been learning a ton, and has been coming home happy. We love it!

[Anonymous]

DS not doing the homework even though there's not that much, his accordion folder is stuffed, mostly with elaborate doodling and unfinished assignments. He has no physical activity other than PE.

OTOH, he's excited to be writing code for robots, is writing an article for the school paper and loves biology. I think he'll be wearing all red for spirit day tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS not doing the homework even though there's not that much, his accordion folder is stuffed, mostly with elaborate doodling and unfinished assignments. He has no physical activity other than PE.

OTOH, he's excited to be writing code for robots, is writing an article for the school paper and loves biology. I think he'll be wearing all red for spirit day tomorrow.

Great that he is enjoying it - but, do you actually look at his CJ?