How to help child succeed at BASIS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are the factors causing more students to stay for high school? Did BASIS address past problems and improve in ways that students/parents find more appealing? Or does it have to do with other school options now somehow being less desirable than previously? What schools were BASIS MS students often switching to for HS previously? Or a combination of factors or other factors causing increased popularity in the high school?

I’ve talked with a few of the 8th graders that are re-enrolling. They are staying because … they like Basis. They like the friends they’ve made, they like their classes, they don’t mind the facilities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure I’m buying the child input angle. If you have a good relationship with your 11 year old, you can sell them on BASIS, or sell them on a reasonable alternative. That’s the name of that tune.

I don’t disagree. That said, I think the input of my two current BASIS middle schoolers shouldn’t be discounted. They say they’re happy and don’t want to go anywhere else — for middle school or high school. But many on DCUM say that’s impossible!

[Anonymous]

Big difference between input from an 11 year old and an....8th grader. I don't doubt that some kids are eager to stay for HS (not mine). This architect thinks that the District should never have signed off a rehab creating a school for over 600 tweens/adolescents with little natural light, many classrooms and a cafeteria without windows, and no outdoor space. More happiness could have come from a responsible rehab. I'm also not sold on the way the BASIS franchise installs 20 something heads, one after the other. The current guy is such a bully that he's driving out some of the better veteran teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Big difference between input from an 11 year old and an....8th grader. I don't doubt that some kids are eager to stay for HS (not mine). This architect thinks that the District should never have signed off a rehab creating a school for over 600 tweens/adolescents with little natural light, many classrooms and a cafeteria without windows, and no outdoor space. More happiness could have come from a responsible rehab. I'm also not sold on the way the BASIS franchise installs 20 something heads, one after the other. The current guy is such a bully that he's driving out some of the better veteran teachers.

This is a genius take! Thanks for letting us know that some kids prefer to change schools for HS. That'll show all those people who have been posting on this thread that "all kids want to stay for HS". Except, wait, NO ONE SAID THAT! People have expressed that their kids wanted to stay. And a larger cohort than in the past is staying this year. No one said it is the perfect fit for all kids.

On your suggestion that the current Head is driving out long tenured teachers I would note that Covid has caused a great many educators to leave the profession. Schools across DC and the US are seeing a market uptick in teachers leaving. There are at least two other threads on DCUM right now where posters are trying to use teacher departures as data to support their dislike of current admins. Someone else made the point but I will repeat it here: without actual data on the number of Basis teachers leaving vs local and national averages those numbers in a vacuum tell us nothing.

One last question: Were you not an architect when your kid enrolled at Basis? Or had you not seen the inside of the school? Seems like given your outsized knowledge on the subject you might have noticed the architectural deficiencies before enrolling, no?

[Anonymous]

My children are in the MS. I don't know if they'll stay for HS. They can. They don't have to. One thing I do know is that their zoned Dunbar HS has everything a HS should have according to posters a HS should have and BASIS doesn't have. It is modern, fields, library, sports, and facilities. Dunbar HS is missing one thing, a deal-breaker for me, a student who is proficient or advanced in mathematics according to the 2019 PARCC data.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My children are in the MS. I don't know if they'll stay for HS. They can. They don't have to. One thing I do know is that their zoned Dunbar HS has everything a HS should have according to posters a HS should have and BASIS doesn't have. It is modern, fields, library, sports, and facilities. Dunbar HS is missing one thing, a deal-breaker for me, a student who is proficient or advanced in mathematics according to the 2019 PARCC data.

You've identified the central argument of those that seem to have a bone to pick with Basis: the list of things it does not have and why it is not the perfect school, without regard to the what it does offer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My children are in the MS. I don't know if they'll stay for HS. They can. They don't have to. One thing I do know is that their zoned Dunbar HS has everything a HS should have according to posters a HS should have and BASIS doesn't have. It is modern, fields, library, sports, and facilities. Dunbar HS is missing one thing, a deal-breaker for me, a student who is proficient or advanced in mathematics according to the 2019 PARCC data.

You've identified the central argument of those that seem to have a bone to pick with Basis: the list of things it does not have and why it is not the perfect school, without regard to the what it does offer.

I guess it boils down to are you a glass half full or a glass half empty kind of person. I too am looking at what it offers as a parent and for my children.

[Anonymous]

For every comment on here finding fault with BASIS, there’s another comment on this thread or a different thread where people are singing its praises or eager to find out if their child will get off the waitlist. BASIS is clearly great for some and terrible for others. It’s important and helpful to know what generally makes it a good fit or not to the extent folks are trying to decide for their own child. But I’m the end everyone has their own priorities and those are not right or wrong. Just different.

But for a moment, I’d like to get back to the original question on here regarding success at BASIS. How can parents help their children? Are the parents quizzing their kids? Do students ever/often form study groups together? When students receive disappointing “pre-comps” scores what specific measures are taken to ensure they improve by the end of year comps? How much do pre-comps count for the course grade? How is the “90s Club” or any other measure of success presented to the students to help them stay motivated and focused? I heard the school has a spirit week. Do students feel like they are “in it together” or do they feel more competitive with one another? Are the most successful students generally successful from the beginning, or is it common for “stragglers” to get the help they need and rise to the top?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What are the factors causing more students to stay for high school? Did BASIS address past problems and improve in ways that students/parents find more appealing? Or does it have to do with other school options now somehow being less desirable than previously? What schools were BASIS MS students often switching to for HS previously? Or a combination of factors or other factors causing increased popularity in the high school?

I’ve talked with a few of the 8th graders that are re-enrolling. They are staying because … they like Basis. They like the friends they’ve made, they like their classes, they don’t mind the facilities.

Same here with my kid

-signed parent of current 8th grader

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For every comment on here finding fault with BASIS, there’s another comment on this thread or a different thread where people are singing its praises or eager to find out if their child will get off the waitlist. BASIS is clearly great for some and terrible for others. It’s important and helpful to know what generally makes it a good fit or not to the extent folks are trying to decide for their own child. But I’m the end everyone has their own priorities and those are not right or wrong. Just different.

But for a moment, I’d like to get back to the original question on here regarding success at BASIS. How can parents help their children? Are the parents quizzing their kids? Do students ever/often form study groups together? When students receive disappointing “pre-comps” scores what specific measures are taken to ensure they improve by the end of year comps? How much do pre-comps count for the course grade? How is the “90s Club” or any other measure of success presented to the students to help them stay motivated and focused? I heard the school has a spirit week. Do students feel like they are “in it together” or do they feel more competitive with one another? Are the most successful students generally successful from the beginning, or is it common for “stragglers” to get the help they need and rise to the top?

As a parent of a kid at BASIS, I’ve heard from other parents that it’s a mix of everything. Kids who are struggling at the school often tend to leave early (5th, 6th grade, maybe 7th.). The ones who stay seem to get the hang of how the place works, and this may help with establishing study groups because they are mostly aligned with their study habits. I think the school administration is generally supportive, and the students are generally supportive of each other, with students being less cut throat than what I hear from my friends whose kids are in the top privates. There are some really good teachers and some that aren’t so good…like any school. I’ve also seen some kids who are friends with my child start off as average, and then eventually climb into the top 10-20% with hard work (based on the results from awards ceremonies.)

I don’t know how to answer your question on how to prep them for BASIS except for encouraging strong executive functioning skills. A lot of this is taught at the school and comes with time, but as a parent you can work with your child over the summer by having set schedules at home and encouraging your child to write down what they plan to do daily and checking off completed tasks. Although I don’t think this is unique to BASIS, it will help your child manage their workload once the school year starts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For every comment on here finding fault with BASIS, there’s another comment on this thread or a different thread where people are singing its praises or eager to find out if their child will get off the waitlist. BASIS is clearly great for some and terrible for others. It’s important and helpful to know what generally makes it a good fit or not to the extent folks are trying to decide for their own child. But I’m the end everyone has their own priorities and those are not right or wrong. Just different.

But for a moment, I’d like to get back to the original question on here regarding success at BASIS. How can parents help their children? Are the parents quizzing their kids? Do students ever/often form study groups together? When students receive disappointing “pre-comps” scores what specific measures are taken to ensure they improve by the end of year comps? How much do pre-comps count for the course grade? How is the “90s Club” or any other measure of success presented to the students to help them stay motivated and focused? I heard the school has a spirit week. Do students feel like they are “in it together” or do they feel more competitive with one another? Are the most successful students generally successful from the beginning, or is it common for “stragglers” to get the help they need and rise to the top?

As a parent of a kid at BASIS, I’ve heard from other parents that it’s a mix of everything. Kids who are struggling at the school often tend to leave early (5th, 6th grade, maybe 7th.). The ones who stay seem to get the hang of how the place works, and this may help with establishing study groups because they are mostly aligned with their study habits. I think the school administration is generally supportive, and the students are generally supportive of each other, with students being less cut throat than what I hear from my friends whose kids are in the top privates. There are some really good teachers and some that aren’t so good…like any school. I’ve also seen some kids who are friends with my child start off as average, and then eventually climb into the top 10-20% with hard work (based on the results from awards ceremonies.)

I don’t know how to answer your question on how to prep them for BASIS except for encouraging strong executive functioning skills. A lot of this is taught at the school and comes with time, but as a parent you can work with your child over the summer by having set schedules at home and encouraging your child to write down what they plan to do daily and checking off completed tasks. Although I don’t think this is unique to BASIS, it will help your child manage their workload once the school year starts.

You see knowledgeable and helpful so can I follow-up with this: I have seen reports on DCUM of kids who manage to get most homework done during school hours. In your experience is that regularly possible?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For every comment on here finding fault with BASIS, there’s another comment on this thread or a different thread where people are singing its praises or eager to find out if their child will get off the waitlist. BASIS is clearly great for some and terrible for others. It’s important and helpful to know what generally makes it a good fit or not to the extent folks are trying to decide for their own child. But I’m the end everyone has their own priorities and those are not right or wrong. Just different.

But for a moment, I’d like to get back to the original question on here regarding success at BASIS. How can parents help their children? Are the parents quizzing their kids? Do students ever/often form study groups together? When students receive disappointing “pre-comps” scores what specific measures are taken to ensure they improve by the end of year comps? How much do pre-comps count for the course grade? How is the “90s Club” or any other measure of success presented to the students to help them stay motivated and focused? I heard the school has a spirit week. Do students feel like they are “in it together” or do they feel more competitive with one another? Are the most successful students generally successful from the beginning, or is it common for “stragglers” to get the help they need and rise to the top?

As a parent of a kid at BASIS, I’ve heard from other parents that it’s a mix of everything. Kids who are struggling at the school often tend to leave early (5th, 6th grade, maybe 7th.). The ones who stay seem to get the hang of how the place works, and this may help with establishing study groups because they are mostly aligned with their study habits. I think the school administration is generally supportive, and the students are generally supportive of each other, with students being less cut throat than what I hear from my friends whose kids are in the top privates. There are some really good teachers and some that aren’t so good…like any school. I’ve also seen some kids who are friends with my child start off as average, and then eventually climb into the top 10-20% with hard work (based on the results from awards ceremonies.)

I don’t know how to answer your question on how to prep them for BASIS except for encouraging strong executive functioning skills. A lot of this is taught at the school and comes with time, but as a parent you can work with your child over the summer by having set schedules at home and encouraging your child to write down what they plan to do daily and checking off completed tasks. Although I don’t think this is unique to BASIS, it will help your child manage their workload once the school year starts.

You see knowledgeable and helpful so can I follow-up with this: I have seen reports on DCUM of kids who manage to get most homework done during school hours. In your experience is that regularly possible?

I think in the first year (5th grade) it’s harder to do that because it’s a lot more work than what elementary school kids are used to. However, it may be possible in later years as the child gets used to a new homework completion pattern. Also, if the child uses study hall efficiently, there is less work to do at home. There is also significant variability in homework over the year, with more study time and prep work needed before the end of grading period exams and pre-comps/comps. Hope this helps

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For every comment on here finding fault with BASIS, there’s another comment on this thread or a different thread where people are singing its praises or eager to find out if their child will get off the waitlist. BASIS is clearly great for some and terrible for others. It’s important and helpful to know what generally makes it a good fit or not to the extent folks are trying to decide for their own child. But I’m the end everyone has their own priorities and those are not right or wrong. Just different.

But for a moment, I’d like to get back to the original question on here regarding success at BASIS. How can parents help their children? Are the parents quizzing their kids? Do students ever/often form study groups together? When students receive disappointing “pre-comps” scores what specific measures are taken to ensure they improve by the end of year comps? How much do pre-comps count for the course grade? How is the “90s Club” or any other measure of success presented to the students to help them stay motivated and focused? I heard the school has a spirit week. Do students feel like they are “in it together” or do they feel more competitive with one another? Are the most successful students generally successful from the beginning, or is it common for “stragglers” to get the help they need and rise to the top?

As a parent of a kid at BASIS, I’ve heard from other parents that it’s a mix of everything. Kids who are struggling at the school often tend to leave early (5th, 6th grade, maybe 7th.). The ones who stay seem to get the hang of how the place works, and this may help with establishing study groups because they are mostly aligned with their study habits. I think the school administration is generally supportive, and the students are generally supportive of each other, with students being less cut throat than what I hear from my friends whose kids are in the top privates. There are some really good teachers and some that aren’t so good…like any school. I’ve also seen some kids who are friends with my child start off as average, and then eventually climb into the top 10-20% with hard work (based on the results from awards ceremonies.)

I don’t know how to answer your question on how to prep them for BASIS except for encouraging strong executive functioning skills. A lot of this is taught at the school and comes with time, but as a parent you can work with your child over the summer by having set schedules at home and encouraging your child to write down what they plan to do daily and checking off completed tasks. Although I don’t think this is unique to BASIS, it will help your child manage their workload once the school year starts.

You see knowledgeable and helpful so can I follow-up with this: I have seen reports on DCUM of kids who manage to get most homework done during school hours. In your experience is that regularly possible?

I think in the first year (5th grade) it’s harder to do that because it’s a lot more work than what elementary school kids are used to. However, it may be possible in later years as the child gets used to a new homework completion pattern. Also, if the child uses study hall efficiently, there is less work to do at home. There is also significant variability in homework over the year, with more study time and prep work needed before the end of grading period exams and pre-comps/comps. Hope this helps

It very much does. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I just spoke with a rising 9th grader who’s staying. She says only three kids are leaving for high school — one who’s moving out-of-state, one for parochial school, and one for Walls. If true, then the rising 9th grade class would have over 90 kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For every comment on here finding fault with BASIS, there’s another comment on this thread or a different thread where people are singing its praises or eager to find out if their child will get off the waitlist. BASIS is clearly great for some and terrible for others. It’s important and helpful to know what generally makes it a good fit or not to the extent folks are trying to decide for their own child. But I’m the end everyone has their own priorities and those are not right or wrong. Just different.

But for a moment, I’d like to get back to the original question on here regarding success at BASIS. How can parents help their children? Are the parents quizzing their kids? Do students ever/often form study groups together? When students receive disappointing “pre-comps” scores what specific measures are taken to ensure they improve by the end of year comps? How much do pre-comps count for the course grade? How is the “90s Club” or any other measure of success presented to the students to help them stay motivated and focused? I heard the school has a spirit week. Do students feel like they are “in it together” or do they feel more competitive with one another? Are the most successful students generally successful from the beginning, or is it common for “stragglers” to get the help they need and rise to the top?

As a parent of a kid at BASIS, I’ve heard from other parents that it’s a mix of everything. Kids who are struggling at the school often tend to leave early (5th, 6th grade, maybe 7th.). The ones who stay seem to get the hang of how the place works, and this may help with establishing study groups because they are mostly aligned with their study habits. I think the school administration is generally supportive, and the students are generally supportive of each other, with students being less cut throat than what I hear from my friends whose kids are in the top privates. There are some really good teachers and some that aren’t so good…like any school. I’ve also seen some kids who are friends with my child start off as average, and then eventually climb into the top 10-20% with hard work (based on the results from awards ceremonies.)

I don’t know how to answer your question on how to prep them for BASIS except for encouraging strong executive functioning skills. A lot of this is taught at the school and comes with time, but as a parent you can work with your child over the summer by having set schedules at home and encouraging your child to write down what they plan to do daily and checking off completed tasks. Although I don’t think this is unique to BASIS, it will help your child manage their workload once the school year starts.

You see knowledgeable and helpful so can I follow-up with this: I have seen reports on DCUM of kids who manage to get most homework done during school hours. In your experience is that regularly possible?

I think in the first year (5th grade) it’s harder to do that because it’s a lot more work than what elementary school kids are used to. However, it may be possible in later years as the child gets used to a new homework completion pattern. Also, if the child uses study hall efficiently, there is less work to do at home. There is also significant variability in homework over the year, with more study time and prep work needed before the end of grading period exams and pre-comps/comps. Hope this helps

Depends entirely on the elementary school, the kid and the family. Our eldest was allowed to work ahead a year in math at his DCPS before BASIS. We're raising our kids bilingual and biliterate in a language not taught in DC public schools, meaning language classes on weekends and homework in the second language. We've been supplementing for reading and writing via on-line courses and tutors for several years. Our kids play musical instruments in youth ensembles. One also plays competitive chess. BASIS was actually less work in 5th than our kids were accustomed to from 4th grade.