Deal, BASIS or Latin for a engineering-minded boy who also loves humanities

[Anonymous]

We are IB for Deal and that won't change (unless the city goes to 100% lottery open enrollment for all middle schools).

I am intrigued by the accelerated pace of basis, which DS can handle, though he might gripe about homework. I loved the Dead Poets Socety vibe to Latin. And I want DS to TAKE Latin as well ( not Happening at deal).

Candidly, I worry about lack of tracking at Deal and Latin when it comes to the general survey courses, which make up 80%? 90%? of the schedule.

Kids in my kid's demographic profile performed almost exactly the same on the DCCAS, although interestingly to me, more kids In this very specific demographic group were more likely to score "Advanced" at Deal than at BASIS or Latin. Much more likely, statistically speaking. That last factor gave me pause. What do you think is at play with that?

And playing the what if game, assuming lottery gods smile, which of the 3 would you select?

[Anonymous]

BASIS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Candidly, I worry about lack of tracking at Deal and Latin when it comes to the general survey courses, which make up 80%? 90%? of the schedule.

Kids in my kid's demographic profile performed almost exactly the same on the DCCAS, although interestingly to me, more kids In this very specific demographic group were more likely to score "Advanced" at Deal than at BASIS or Latin. Much more likely, statistically speaking. That last factor gave me pause. What do you think is at play with that?

And playing the what if game, assuming lottery gods smile, which of the 3 would you select?

The data you raise, if true, then it would indicate that there actually IS more tracking, differentiation, or whatever at Deal. Could be a "critical mass" thing. And, as far as I know, there is ability-grouping at Deal, as there is in other public middle schools in DC. They just will never call it that.

[Anonymous]

I would choose Basis. Very strong STEM core, more math acceleration possibilities, more science like physics and chemistry early on. Plus, the remainder is a very classics-focused curriculum, with several years of Latin, et cetera.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are IB for Deal and that won't change (unless the city goes to 100% lottery open enrollment for all middle schools).

I am intrigued by the accelerated pace of basis, which DS can handle, though he might gripe about homework. I loved the Dead Poets Socety vibe to Latin. And I want DS to TAKE Latin as well ( not Happening at deal).

Candidly, I worry about lack of tracking at Deal and Latin when it comes to the general survey courses, which make up 80%? 90%? of the schedule.

Kids in my kid's demographic profile performed almost exactly the same on the DCCAS, although interestingly to me, more kids In this very specific demographic group were more likely to score "Advanced" at Deal than at BASIS or Latin. Much more likely, statistically speaking. That last factor gave me pause. What do you think is at play with that?

And playing the what if game, assuming lottery gods smile, which of the 3 would you select?

We actually did the lottery last year and got into both Latin and Basis and we chose Basis

[Anonymous]

It was Basis first year so I imagine those standardized test score will change, and/or reflect the kids' prior schooling more than what they learned in several months at Basis.

- not a middle school parent

[Anonymous]

This year with the common lottery it won't be possible to get into more than one, though, correct?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This year with the common lottery it won't be possible to get into more than one, though, correct?

Op here. That's my take, too, which is why I'm trying to decide whether to rank BASIS or Latin #1

[Anonymous]

Latin but I prefer well rounded to hyper accelerated STEM especially for middle school.

[Anonymous]

BASIS with the comfort of having Deal as backup. Is the commute an issue?

[Anonymous]

We've been extremely impressed by the math instruction at Deal. Something like 30% of the 8th grade class is taking Geometry (after taking Algebra 1 as 7th graders), and the math department chair is awesome. Just something to consider.

[Anonymous]

We made a similar decision between Basis and Latin, chose Latin and are very happy we did so. We like the academic rigor and encouraging atmosphere at Latin. The teachers have been wonderful and my child really looks forward to going to school each day. I don't love the school's location, but I like the building and think that it will only get better with the addition of the gym in a couple of years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've been extremely impressed by the math instruction at Deal. Something like 30% of the 8th grade class is taking Geometry (after taking Algebra 1 as 7th graders), and the math department chair is awesome. Just something to consider.

BASIS. Remember, we did not study for the DCCAS at BASIS, and I bet it is worthless because all our kids score advanced even though some are clearly more academic. At BASIS, your child I believe can continue to take Latin after the required two years. The math is unbelievable, especially if you prepare your kid for Algebra I in 5th - this puts them into the LEAP math program and opens up all sorts of doors. They do diagnostic testing for STARS and at the beginning of the year for math. Latin is rigorous, English instruction is not lacking (and they actually teach them the parts of speech before they learn to write essays). I would vote for BASIS with Deal and Wilson as backups. There is nothing like taking Chemistry, Physics and Bio 6th-8th grade to prepare kids for the AP courses in those subjects. We have been blown away and so have our kids.

[Anonymous]

DCI. Seriously.

[Anonymous]

Does DCI even exist?