How to help child succeed at BASIS

[Anonymous]

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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?

My sixth grader is incredibly anti school and does the absolute minimum; in elementary school he refused to do any of his projects, which was the only homework. At Basis, he spent most of 5th grade playing video games and I haven't seen him do a minute of schoolwork this year. The thing is, he learns enough and does enough work at school that he's passing, with not completely awful grades. For us, that's success. The bare minimum at Basis is adequate, which I don't think is true at most other schools. Kids with higher standards might choose to do more work.

lol, great kid. working harder does not mean working smarter! does he seem to enjoy school though? do the tests stress him out?

"Enjoy" school would be an overstatement, but generally, yes. He goes to school willing, doesn't complain, mentions having friends, and very occasionally talks enthusiastically about stuff they are learning. He doesn't seem stressed at all - even when failing tests - but does seem proud when he does well, e.g. "I got 100 percent on my math test!" People talk about the very high standards and workload, but to a large extent it's self determined by parents and students. The chances of doing so badly you're held back are very low.

The chances of a kid become unhappy at BASIS even if they're doing well academically aren't low. Talk to parents who moved on to more humane buildings (light! space! greenery! playing fields!) and well-led programs if you doubt this, OP.

I know a family that did this and the kid isn’t that happy at the new school either.

The grass is always going to be greener for some. Having been at BASIS for middle school, I'm skeptical when parents claim that their kids love the place. You can prep your kid to succeed, but prepping your kid to love the program can backfire, particularly if the kid has friends in good suburban and private schools. Not buying that 90 are coming back in the fall. 8th grade families often keep fall plans under wraps to head off awkward discussions with other families.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

My sixth grader is incredibly anti school and does the absolute minimum; in elementary school he refused to do any of his projects, which was the only homework. At Basis, he spent most of 5th grade playing video games and I haven't seen him do a minute of schoolwork this year. The thing is, he learns enough and does enough work at school that he's passing, with not completely awful grades. For us, that's success. The bare minimum at Basis is adequate, which I don't think is true at most other schools. Kids with higher standards might choose to do more work.

lol, great kid. working harder does not mean working smarter! does he seem to enjoy school though? do the tests stress him out?

"Enjoy" school would be an overstatement, but generally, yes. He goes to school willing, doesn't complain, mentions having friends, and very occasionally talks enthusiastically about stuff they are learning. He doesn't seem stressed at all - even when failing tests - but does seem proud when he does well, e.g. "I got 100 percent on my math test!" People talk about the very high standards and workload, but to a large extent it's self determined by parents and students. The chances of doing so badly you're held back are very low.

The chances of a kid become unhappy at BASIS even if they're doing well academically aren't low. Talk to parents who moved on to more humane buildings (light! space! greenery! playing fields!) and well-led programs if you doubt this, OP.

I know a family that did this and the kid isn’t that happy at the new school either.

The grass is always going to be greener for some. Having been at BASIS for middle school, I'm skeptical when parents claim that their kids love the place. You can prep your kid to succeed, but prepping your kid to love the program can backfire, particularly if the kid has friends in good suburban and private schools. Not buying that 90 are coming back in the fall. 8th grade families often keep fall plans under wraps to head off awkward discussions with other families.

80-90 have filled out their forms to return to BASIS for 9th grade. That's from the head of school. Even if some do have alternate plans under wraps, I doubt there are that many. So, let's say 10 have alternate plans, that still leaves a sizable 9th grade class of 70.

[Anonymous]

PP said 80-90.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

My sixth grader is incredibly anti school and does the absolute minimum; in elementary school he refused to do any of his projects, which was the only homework. At Basis, he spent most of 5th grade playing video games and I haven't seen him do a minute of schoolwork this year. The thing is, he learns enough and does enough work at school that he's passing, with not completely awful grades. For us, that's success. The bare minimum at Basis is adequate, which I don't think is true at most other schools. Kids with higher standards might choose to do more work.

lol, great kid. working harder does not mean working smarter! does he seem to enjoy school though? do the tests stress him out?

"Enjoy" school would be an overstatement, but generally, yes. He goes to school willing, doesn't complain, mentions having friends, and very occasionally talks enthusiastically about stuff they are learning. He doesn't seem stressed at all - even when failing tests - but does seem proud when he does well, e.g. "I got 100 percent on my math test!" People talk about the very high standards and workload, but to a large extent it's self determined by parents and students. The chances of doing so badly you're held back are very low.

The chances of a kid become unhappy at BASIS even if they're doing well academically aren't low. Talk to parents who moved on to more humane buildings (light! space! greenery! playing fields!) and well-led programs if you doubt this, OP.

I know a family that did this and the kid isn’t that happy at the new school either.

The grass is always going to be greener for some. Having been at BASIS for middle school, I'm skeptical when parents claim that their kids love the place. You can prep your kid to succeed, but prepping your kid to love the program can backfire, particularly if the kid has friends in good suburban and private schools. Not buying that 90 are coming back in the fall. 8th grade families often keep fall plans under wraps to head off awkward discussions with other families.

80-90 have filled out their forms to return to BASIS for 9th grade. That's from the head of school. Even if some do have alternate plans under wraps, I doubt there are that many. So, let's say 10 have alternate plans, that still leaves a sizable 9th grade class of 70.

I've learned not to trust a thing the young head of school says. We'll see.

[Anonymous]

And the rising 9th graders who say ALL of their friends are staying — that they’ve turned down Walls, etc. — do you not trust them either?….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

My sixth grader is incredibly anti school and does the absolute minimum; in elementary school he refused to do any of his projects, which was the only homework. At Basis, he spent most of 5th grade playing video games and I haven't seen him do a minute of schoolwork this year. The thing is, he learns enough and does enough work at school that he's passing, with not completely awful grades. For us, that's success. The bare minimum at Basis is adequate, which I don't think is true at most other schools. Kids with higher standards might choose to do more work.

lol, great kid. working harder does not mean working smarter! does he seem to enjoy school though? do the tests stress him out?

"Enjoy" school would be an overstatement, but generally, yes. He goes to school willing, doesn't complain, mentions having friends, and very occasionally talks enthusiastically about stuff they are learning. He doesn't seem stressed at all - even when failing tests - but does seem proud when he does well, e.g. "I got 100 percent on my math test!" People talk about the very high standards and workload, but to a large extent it's self determined by parents and students. The chances of doing so badly you're held back are very low.

The chances of a kid become unhappy at BASIS even if they're doing well academically aren't low. Talk to parents who moved on to more humane buildings (light! space! greenery! playing fields!) and well-led programs if you doubt this, OP.

I know a family that did this and the kid isn’t that happy at the new school either.

The grass is always going to be greener for some. Having been at BASIS for middle school, I'm skeptical when parents claim that their kids love the place. You can prep your kid to succeed, but prepping your kid to love the program can backfire, particularly if the kid has friends in good suburban and private schools. Not buying that 90 are coming back in the fall. 8th grade families often keep fall plans under wraps to head off awkward discussions with other families.

80-90 have filled out their forms to return to BASIS for 9th grade. That's from the head of school. Even if some do have alternate plans under wraps, I doubt there are that many. So, let's say 10 have alternate plans, that still leaves a sizable 9th grade class of 70.

I've learned not to trust a thing the young head of school says. We'll see.

NP. Dropping in the "young" adjective without context and as some sort of dis makes you look silly and small.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

My sixth grader is incredibly anti school and does the absolute minimum; in elementary school he refused to do any of his projects, which was the only homework. At Basis, he spent most of 5th grade playing video games and I haven't seen him do a minute of schoolwork this year. The thing is, he learns enough and does enough work at school that he's passing, with not completely awful grades. For us, that's success. The bare minimum at Basis is adequate, which I don't think is true at most other schools. Kids with higher standards might choose to do more work.

lol, great kid. working harder does not mean working smarter! does he seem to enjoy school though? do the tests stress him out?

"Enjoy" school would be an overstatement, but generally, yes. He goes to school willing, doesn't complain, mentions having friends, and very occasionally talks enthusiastically about stuff they are learning. He doesn't seem stressed at all - even when failing tests - but does seem proud when he does well, e.g. "I got 100 percent on my math test!" People talk about the very high standards and workload, but to a large extent it's self determined by parents and students. The chances of doing so badly you're held back are very low.

The chances of a kid become unhappy at BASIS even if they're doing well academically aren't low. Talk to parents who moved on to more humane buildings (light! space! greenery! playing fields!) and well-led programs if you doubt this, OP.

I know a family that did this and the kid isn’t that happy at the new school either.

The grass is always going to be greener for some. Having been at BASIS for middle school, I'm skeptical when parents claim that their kids love the place. You can prep your kid to succeed, but prepping your kid to love the program can backfire, particularly if the kid has friends in good suburban and private schools. Not buying that 90 are coming back in the fall. 8th grade families often keep fall plans under wraps to head off awkward discussions with other families.

80-90 have filled out their forms to return to BASIS for 9th grade. That's from the head of school. Even if some do have alternate plans under wraps, I doubt there are that many. So, let's say 10 have alternate plans, that still leaves a sizable 9th grade class of 70.

I've learned not to trust a thing the young head of school says. We'll see.

Weird thing to lie about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

My sixth grader is incredibly anti school and does the absolute minimum; in elementary school he refused to do any of his projects, which was the only homework. At Basis, he spent most of 5th grade playing video games and I haven't seen him do a minute of schoolwork this year. The thing is, he learns enough and does enough work at school that he's passing, with not completely awful grades. For us, that's success. The bare minimum at Basis is adequate, which I don't think is true at most other schools. Kids with higher standards might choose to do more work.

lol, great kid. working harder does not mean working smarter! does he seem to enjoy school though? do the tests stress him out?

"Enjoy" school would be an overstatement, but generally, yes. He goes to school willing, doesn't complain, mentions having friends, and very occasionally talks enthusiastically about stuff they are learning. He doesn't seem stressed at all - even when failing tests - but does seem proud when he does well, e.g. "I got 100 percent on my math test!" People talk about the very high standards and workload, but to a large extent it's self determined by parents and students. The chances of doing so badly you're held back are very low.

The chances of a kid become unhappy at BASIS even if they're doing well academically aren't low. Talk to parents who moved on to more humane buildings (light! space! greenery! playing fields!) and well-led programs if you doubt this, OP.

I know a family that did this and the kid isn’t that happy at the new school either.

The grass is always going to be greener for some. Having been at BASIS for middle school, I'm skeptical when parents claim that their kids love the place. You can prep your kid to succeed, but prepping your kid to love the program can backfire, particularly if the kid has friends in good suburban and private schools. Not buying that 90 are coming back in the fall. 8th grade families often keep fall plans under wraps to head off awkward discussions with other families.

80-90 have filled out their forms to return to BASIS for 9th grade. That's from the head of school. Even if some do have alternate plans under wraps, I doubt there are that many. So, let's say 10 have alternate plans, that still leaves a sizable 9th grade class of 70.

I've learned not to trust a thing the young head of school says. We'll see.

NP. Dropping in the "young" adjective without context and as some sort of dis makes you look silly and small.

Agreed. Your gripes would be made more powerfully with actual facts/examples rather than ad hominem attacks on age (or appearance or whatever).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

My sixth grader is incredibly anti school and does the absolute minimum; in elementary school he refused to do any of his projects, which was the only homework. At Basis, he spent most of 5th grade playing video games and I haven't seen him do a minute of schoolwork this year. The thing is, he learns enough and does enough work at school that he's passing, with not completely awful grades. For us, that's success. The bare minimum at Basis is adequate, which I don't think is true at most other schools. Kids with higher standards might choose to do more work.

lol, great kid. working harder does not mean working smarter! does he seem to enjoy school though? do the tests stress him out?

"Enjoy" school would be an overstatement, but generally, yes. He goes to school willing, doesn't complain, mentions having friends, and very occasionally talks enthusiastically about stuff they are learning. He doesn't seem stressed at all - even when failing tests - but does seem proud when he does well, e.g. "I got 100 percent on my math test!" People talk about the very high standards and workload, but to a large extent it's self determined by parents and students. The chances of doing so badly you're held back are very low.

The chances of a kid become unhappy at BASIS even if they're doing well academically aren't low. Talk to parents who moved on to more humane buildings (light! space! greenery! playing fields!) and well-led programs if you doubt this, OP.

I know a family that did this and the kid isn’t that happy at the new school either.

The grass is always going to be greener for some. Having been at BASIS for middle school, I'm skeptical when parents claim that their kids love the place. You can prep your kid to succeed, but prepping your kid to love the program can backfire, particularly if the kid has friends in good suburban and private schools. Not buying that 90 are coming back in the fall. 8th grade families often keep fall plans under wraps to head off awkward discussions with other families.

Prepping kids to love the place? What a weird way to phrase it? I did enrich my child’s education prior to middle school and instilled a good attitude. But my kid is a smart, organized self-starter who loves it, her friends, a couple teachers, and the extracurriculars. I’m not involved at all. The only negative she says about it (other than normal bad day stuff) is that all her smart friends from her last school are going to walls and she wishes she could go to school with them. But it was up to her, and she - like most of her Basis friends-decided to stay. We left it entirely up to her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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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?

My sixth grader is incredibly anti school and does the absolute minimum; in elementary school he refused to do any of his projects, which was the only homework. At Basis, he spent most of 5th grade playing video games and I haven't seen him do a minute of schoolwork this year. The thing is, he learns enough and does enough work at school that he's passing, with not completely awful grades. For us, that's success. The bare minimum at Basis is adequate, which I don't think is true at most other schools. Kids with higher standards might choose to do more work.

lol, great kid. working harder does not mean working smarter! does he seem to enjoy school though? do the tests stress him out?

"Enjoy" school would be an overstatement, but generally, yes. He goes to school willing, doesn't complain, mentions having friends, and very occasionally talks enthusiastically about stuff they are learning. He doesn't seem stressed at all - even when failing tests - but does seem proud when he does well, e.g. "I got 100 percent on my math test!" People talk about the very high standards and workload, but to a large extent it's self determined by parents and students. The chances of doing so badly you're held back are very low.

The chances of a kid become unhappy at BASIS even if they're doing well academically aren't low. Talk to parents who moved on to more humane buildings (light! space! greenery! playing fields!) and well-led programs if you doubt this, OP.

I know a family that did this and the kid isn’t that happy at the new school either.

The grass is always going to be greener for some. Having been at BASIS for middle school, I'm skeptical when parents claim that their kids love the place. You can prep your kid to succeed, but prepping your kid to love the program can backfire, particularly if the kid has friends in good suburban and private schools. Not buying that 90 are coming back in the fall. 8th grade families often keep fall plans under wraps to head off awkward discussions with other families.

DCUM is so weird. My kid likes the place. The facilities don't bother him. He likes his friends. My guess is that the school attracts a certain type of student, and so it can be nice to find friends who a similar to oneself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

My sixth grader is incredibly anti school and does the absolute minimum; in elementary school he refused to do any of his projects, which was the only homework. At Basis, he spent most of 5th grade playing video games and I haven't seen him do a minute of schoolwork this year. The thing is, he learns enough and does enough work at school that he's passing, with not completely awful grades. For us, that's success. The bare minimum at Basis is adequate, which I don't think is true at most other schools. Kids with higher standards might choose to do more work.

lol, great kid. working harder does not mean working smarter! does he seem to enjoy school though? do the tests stress him out?

"Enjoy" school would be an overstatement, but generally, yes. He goes to school willing, doesn't complain, mentions having friends, and very occasionally talks enthusiastically about stuff they are learning. He doesn't seem stressed at all - even when failing tests - but does seem proud when he does well, e.g. "I got 100 percent on my math test!" People talk about the very high standards and workload, but to a large extent it's self determined by parents and students. The chances of doing so badly you're held back are very low.

The chances of a kid become unhappy at BASIS even if they're doing well academically aren't low. Talk to parents who moved on to more humane buildings (light! space! greenery! playing fields!) and well-led programs if you doubt this, OP.

I know a family that did this and the kid isn’t that happy at the new school either.

The grass is always going to be greener for some. Having been at BASIS for middle school, I'm skeptical when parents claim that their kids love the place. You can prep your kid to succeed, but prepping your kid to love the program can backfire, particularly if the kid has friends in good suburban and private schools. Not buying that 90 are coming back in the fall. 8th grade families often keep fall plans under wraps to head off awkward discussions with other families.

DCUM is so weird. My kid likes the place. The facilities don't bother him. He likes his friends. My guess is that the school attracts a certain type of student, and so it can be nice to find friends who a similar to oneself.

Some people have trouble seeing outside their own situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When are these camps? Our rising 5th grader will likely be offered a spot eventually, but our summer is pretty booked right now. Yikes.

There are two camp sessions, each 3 weeks long. The first session runs June 21st until July 8th. The second session runs July 11th until July 29th. These are separate and apart from the BOSS program which is a two-day session to orient 5th graders. I was curious about the popularity of the camp sessions as I saw it as another potential way to get more acclimated to the school and other students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone have experience with the BASIS summer camp program? We are considering enrolling at BASIS and wondering if one of the summer programs there would help acclimate our rising 5th grader to the school and perhaps provide an opportunity to meet more incoming 5th graders before school starts.

This was our thinking as well.

[Anonymous]

Just FYI, according to the registrar, the 5th grade BASIS class is potentially full at this point if all the outstanding paperwork is submitted today. (Of course, there will be waitlist movement at BASIS in the future once waitlists at other schools move and enrolled students switch out.) I have personally been so impressed with the communication from the school thus far. Every phone call has been returned quickly. This is a refreshing change from prior experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just FYI, according to the registrar, the 5th grade BASIS class is potentially full at this point if all the outstanding paperwork is submitted today. (Of course, there will be waitlist movement at BASIS in the future once waitlists at other schools move and enrolled students switch out.) I have personally been so impressed with the communication from the school thus far. Every phone call has been returned quickly. This is a refreshing change from prior experience.

My son is #15 on the 5th grade BASIS waiting list. Any thoughts on if he'll get an offer?