BASIS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Fair point. Just curious, PP, did your kid ever attend BASIS? I have heard that BASIS has gotten better compared to it's earlier years. Not sure if that's true or if it's just more self-selection (for example, I know many families that didn't lottery for BASIS this year because they didn't think it would be a good fit for their kid).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Fair point. Just curious, PP, did your kid ever attend BASIS? I have heard that BASIS has gotten better compared to it's earlier years. Not sure if that's true or if it's just more self-selection (for example, I know many families that didn't lottery for BASIS this year because they didn't think it would be a good fit for their kid).

I used to work at BASIS. Yes, the program is better run now than in the past, but the building still isn't a good fit for anybody, other than the central location.

I want my kids in schools with good good academics AND libraries, quality performing arts spaces, strong music programs, good playing fields etc. I also want more creativity and flexibility in a curriculum, particularly for hands-on STEM learning, group/team academic research, and advanced foreign language study. My preferences make me a troll here, so I'll add that most BASIS DC families wax enthusiastic about a program they consider a godsend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Sure, plenty of kids leave because Basis is a horrible match for them. But plenty of others leave because they want something different and/or seek out a “more perfect” school. Not because Basis isn’t a solid option. (For example, just look at the current thread contemplating Walls vs Basis).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Sure, plenty of kids leave because Basis is a horrible match for them. But plenty of others leave because they want something different and/or seek out a “more perfect” school. Not because Basis isn’t a solid option. (For example, just look at the current thread contemplating Walls vs Basis).

This past year, they had the highest number yet continue from 8th grade to 9th grade. It was in a school presentation; I think it said it was like 90% of the class. And yes the first graduating classes are small (look at DCI and Latin), but they will grow (like DCI and Latin).

And as for peace of mind, there is something to that. Yes, the school may not work out for your kid, but if it does, you have a pathway - unlike say at a DCPS middle school that doesn't feed into Wilson.

[Anonymous]

OK, but to many of us Basis is still just a cram school, albeit an effective one. A fine education is about far more than scoring high on 6 or 8 AP tests.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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

Yes. 7th grade parent: I appreciate the "spiral" learning. I learned biology in 9th grade, chemistry in 10th, physics in 11th. I don't remember much of any of it, and probably didn't remember much bio even in 11th grade. Yes, they aren't learning anything in depth, but it grows and should build on previous years. And as my child said, "But I wouldn't understand the bio without the chemistry, and the chemistry without the physics."

From the bits I've overheard from distance learning, kids are generally engaged and interested.

As others have mentioned, there isn't enough writing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Sure, plenty of kids leave because Basis is a horrible match for them. But plenty of others leave because they want something different and/or seek out a “more perfect” school. Not because Basis isn’t a solid option. (For example, just look at the current thread contemplating Walls vs Basis).

This. Also, note that the school has only been around since 2012, is 100% lottery, admits virtually no one after 5th grade, does not do social promotion, and seems to attract more people each year. So, it is not surprising that there are more kids in the lower grades than upper grades.

If a kid leaves because of natural attrition (e.g., parents move out of area, private school, Basis is not the right fit, etc.), he or she isn’t replaced. You can’t really compare it to an in-bounds school such as Wilson with 450+ kids in the senior class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Sure, plenty of kids leave because Basis is a horrible match for them. But plenty of others leave because they want something different and/or seek out a “more perfect” school. Not because Basis isn’t a solid option. (For example, just look at the current thread contemplating Walls vs Basis).

This. Also, note that the school has only been around since 2012, is 100% lottery, admits virtually no one after 5th grade, does not do social promotion, and seems to attract more people each year. So, it is not surprising that there are more kids in the lower grades than upper grades.

If a kid leaves because of natural attrition (e.g., parents move out of area, private school, Basis is not the right fit, etc.), he or she isn’t replaced. You can’t really compare it to an in-bounds school such as Wilson with 450+ kids in the senior class.

You boosters never stop. Basis isn't "the right fit" for bright, hard-working kids because it doesn't offer a well-rounded education and isn't a very well-run or resourced school. Staff turnover remains stubbornly high, heads change with alarming frequency, extra-curriculars are thin on the ground, the middle school curriculum is inflexible and none too exciting (all those multiple choice tests and quizzes), the building is depressing etc. Basis was supposedly a great fit for my student, among the highest achievers in her cohort. We left anyway for a far richer and healthier education because we could afford to, unlike the majority of Basis families. Families gut out Basis to enjoy what comes next.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Sure, plenty of kids leave because Basis is a horrible match for them. But plenty of others leave because they want something different and/or seek out a “more perfect” school. Not because Basis isn’t a solid option. (For example, just look at the current thread contemplating Walls vs Basis).

This. Also, note that the school has only been around since 2012, is 100% lottery, admits virtually no one after 5th grade, does not do social promotion, and seems to attract more people each year. So, it is not surprising that there are more kids in the lower grades than upper grades.

If a kid leaves because of natural attrition (e.g., parents move out of area, private school, Basis is not the right fit, etc.), he or she isn’t replaced. You can’t really compare it to an in-bounds school such as Wilson with 450+ kids in the senior class.

You boosters never stop. Basis isn't "the right fit" for bright, hard-working kids because it doesn't offer a well-rounded education and isn't a very well-run or resourced school. Staff turnover remains stubbornly high, heads change with alarming frequency, extra-curriculars are thin on the ground, the middle school curriculum is inflexible and none too exciting (all those multiple choice tests and quizzes), the building is depressing etc. Basis was supposedly a great fit for my student, among the highest achievers in her cohort. We left anyway for a far richer and healthier education because we could afford to, unlike the majority of Basis families. Families gut out Basis to enjoy what comes next.

LOL. You forgot to mention your kid's need for “fresh air.”

Clearly, Basis wasn’t a good fit for your child, and you still seem to carry a lot of psychological baggage about it.

When did you child depart and where is she now?

[Anonymous]

What an overly sweeping assertion. Maybe Basis wasn't the right fit for your child, but plenty of bright, hard-working kids are happy there.

I won't argue with you about facilities, but we've been happy enough with the extracurricular options.

As for the curriculum, distance learning has given me a chance to look up close at what my two middle schoolers are studying at Basis and I couldn't be more impressed. My family at least has zero complaints with the curriculum (though I acknowledge that there's been some uneven teaching in a few classes, though most teachers have been strong).

[Anonymous]

Kids happy or parents happy that they’re not paying for a private, moving to the burbs, or suffering in the DCPS doldrums? There are some happy BASIS students, but not nearly as many as claimed in a decade worth of DCUM threads.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Sure, plenty of kids leave because Basis is a horrible match for them. But plenty of others leave because they want something different and/or seek out a “more perfect” school. Not because Basis isn’t a solid option. (For example, just look at the current thread contemplating Walls vs Basis).

This. Also, note that the school has only been around since 2012, is 100% lottery, admits virtually no one after 5th grade, does not do social promotion, and seems to attract more people each year. So, it is not surprising that there are more kids in the lower grades than upper grades.

If a kid leaves because of natural attrition (e.g., parents move out of area, private school, Basis is not the right fit, etc.), he or she isn’t replaced. You can’t really compare it to an in-bounds school such as Wilson with 450+ kids in the senior class.

You boosters never stop. Basis isn't "the right fit" for bright, hard-working kids because it doesn't offer a well-rounded education and isn't a very well-run or resourced school. Staff turnover remains stubbornly high, heads change with alarming frequency, extra-curriculars are thin on the ground, the middle school curriculum is inflexible and none too exciting (all those multiple choice tests and quizzes), the building is depressing etc. Basis was supposedly a great fit for my student, among the highest achievers in her cohort. We left anyway for a far richer and healthier education because we could afford to, unlike the majority of Basis families. Families gut out Basis to enjoy what comes next.

This is rich. It’s obvious PP kids went private. Some parents don’t have that luxury of choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Sure, plenty of kids leave because Basis is a horrible match for them. But plenty of others leave because they want something different and/or seek out a “more perfect” school. Not because Basis isn’t a solid option. (For example, just look at the current thread contemplating Walls vs Basis).

This. Also, note that the school has only been around since 2012, is 100% lottery, admits virtually no one after 5th grade, does not do social promotion, and seems to attract more people each year. So, it is not surprising that there are more kids in the lower grades than upper grades.

If a kid leaves because of natural attrition (e.g., parents move out of area, private school, Basis is not the right fit, etc.), he or she isn’t replaced. You can’t really compare it to an in-bounds school such as Wilson with 450+ kids in the senior class.

You boosters never stop. Basis isn't "the right fit" for bright, hard-working kids because it doesn't offer a well-rounded education and isn't a very well-run or resourced school. Staff turnover remains stubbornly high, heads change with alarming frequency, extra-curriculars are thin on the ground, the middle school curriculum is inflexible and none too exciting (all those multiple choice tests and quizzes), the building is depressing etc. Basis was supposedly a great fit for my student, among the highest achievers in her cohort. We left anyway for a far richer and healthier education because we could afford to, unlike the majority of Basis families. Families gut out Basis to enjoy what comes next.

This is rich. It’s obvious PP kids went private. Some parents don’t have that luxury of choice.

No she is rich. Not everyone else is.

[Anonymous]

All I can say is my kid loves it. We could easily go private, but we couldn’t find a better match. So far that remains true. 8th grade.

[Anonymous]

Weird question. Is there a shower in the building? Given that there is no recess I am thinking I might need my boy to run/ bike/ scooter to school to get some energy out. But he stinks without a shower.