BASIS to Deal?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son left Basis at 9th grade for private. He really lost out -- he loved all the science, now he's bored, too easy. I wish he had stayed.

And thus starts BASIS boosterism.
BASIS science is mostly rote memorization and constant testing.
In fact there is so much testing that even teachers do not know which students are science oriented and science minded.

Just out of curiosity, which private school? I understand if you do not want to divulge the info for privacy reasons. It's just that one hears all the time about how much better and/or more rigorous private schools are compared to public schools. Well, maybe especially the elite private schools...

well, you are hearing that from people investing about $300K per child in that education, so ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son left Basis at 9th grade for private. He really lost out -- he loved all the science, now he's bored, too easy. I wish he had stayed.

And thus starts BASIS boosterism.
BASIS science is mostly rote memorization and constant testing.
In fact there is so much testing that even teachers do not know which students are science oriented and science minded.

Obviously your kid doesn't go to Basis-teachers totally know who is more science minded, and while there is a lot of testing, it is because there are a lot of subjects and material, as it is an accelerated program. My kid has a test each term (sometimes two, but rarely) in each of the sciences, English and history, and a quiz every other week (you take checm, physics and Bio 6-8th grade 3x a week each). Languages are quizzes usually every other week and Math alternates between quizzes and tests every other week. The testing is very helpful, since they cover so much material, and while there is a LOT of material covered, it is definitely not just rote memorization. The sciences and math build on the previous year, which is one of the reasons why they do not take kids after 6th.

[Anonymous]

You mentioned being willing to move to Maryland. I moved for my DCs to attend Maryland MS. The MS curriculum ( at Westland at least) offers only one science class per grade level. 8th graders take Geometry, highest math track, although I believe there are a few more advanced students that take Alg 2 at BCC first period, then transport by bus to Westland for the rest of the day.

That said, if you are in MCPS for 8th, student can apply to the Blair math/science magnet. I think you need to be already in the county to apply ( but you should check).