Finding Middle Schools?

[Anonymous]

DCI parent here, only 6th. & 7th grades this year. Acedemics are multiple levels because kids are at different levels. Math can be tailored down to the individual, science has only 1 teacher this year for both grades and levels. DCI is not as challenging as BASIS or Latin but it's not bad for a start up. As a parent there are many things I could nit pick about DCI (reliance on tech a big one) but my kid is happy and is learning. My 2nd kid will probably go to Basis as he can easily meet those challenges. Different kids.

[Anonymous]

My 6th grader is taking 8th grade math at DCI---they offer it even though they don't have 8th graders. My kid finds DCI appropriately challenging (esp. language) but LOVES the mandatory Design class (taught by FutureMakers), theater class, and his elective Coding class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pp, how is it very obvious to you that the school-not the parents-are spending a lot of money on the students? It is a STem school without a computer lab, library, study hall or field, there are 25-plus kids in each classroom at a time, charter school texahers receive a smaller salary, and any bonuses are donated or raised by the parents, NOt the school.
My kid is thriving at BASIS, but it is despite the amount the school is spending on its DC students!

The school is in prime real estate location in an easily accessible location and as a result has space constraints. I would rather the current location than a larger space. The school does have a roving computer lab for class use. As for not having specific rooms designated for library, study hall, computer lab, or field that would be due to space constraints. The english teachers have established libraries of books for students in their rooms. The national mall is 2 blocks away. Afterschool care does provide for study hall time as well as a multitude of extra-curricular activities. As for 25 students per class that is pretty typical and I do not see much value in smaller classes when school is done right.

As for what I see they are spending money on, I see that they have a lot of support staff and a lot of course offerings. They also have before care and afterschool care as well as a ton of extra-curriculars. Plus, each teacher has student hours for support at least once a week and often more often. For example, the math department has student hours about 8 hours a week both before and after school. This and other examples shows me that they are spending a lot of money.

The books in the classrooms are donated by teachers and parents/students not the schools and are far from a "library", and MLK, the closest library, is closing for rextended renovations soon, which will leave Basis without anything but a few used lit books on classroom windowsills on premises-no research, no wifi access. Classrooms in ALL Basis campuses have more than the average number of students, and since there are troublemakers in almost every class, 25 plus is DEfINiTElY too many. Basis campuses where space isn't limited also opt not to have libraries, computer labs, fields etc, thus not spending the money on students and their needs. There is no roving computer lab at basis, one classroom has a few computers, but a regular classroom with a few computers does not a lab make. There is not even a 3D printer or use of technology for assignments etc allowed nor offered at the school, so it's a wonder how the T in STEM justified. Oh and the study hall before and after school is paid by the parents, and is only a "quiet " study hall 45 minutes a day. Many teachers this year only have one student hour a week, and that time is thrive they give of to students, not something the school pays for for the students.

[Anonymous]

why don't we all stop picking on schools and try to talk about what's good about the middle schools we've chosen?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
The books in the classrooms are donated by teachers and parents/students not the schools and are far from a "library", and MLK, the closest library, is closing for rextended renovations soon, which will leave Basis without anything but a few used lit books on classroom windowsills on premises-no research, no wifi access. Classrooms in ALL Basis campuses have more than the average number of students, and since there are troublemakers in almost every class, 25 plus is DEfINiTElY too many. Basis campuses where space isn't limited also opt not to have libraries, computer labs, fields etc, thus not spending the money on students and their needs. There is no roving computer lab at basis, one classroom has a few computers, but a regular classroom with a few computers does not a lab make. There is not even a 3D printer or use of technology for assignments etc allowed nor offered at the school, so it's a wonder how the T in STEM justified. Oh and the study hall before and after school is paid by the parents, and is only a "quiet " study hall 45 minutes a day. Many teachers this year only have one student hour a week, and that time is thrive they give of to students, not something the school pays for for the students.

All teachers at the school have access to wifi for use during classes and regularly use it. I am not keen at all on kids having access to wifi at school and see no need for it. My kid has seen no problem with 25 or more students and for the past 2 and half years there I have been satisfied with the amount of material covered in each class. All middle schools have some trouble makers for the record. We have found that class disruptions have been much less this year. Even with the amount of disruptions in the previous years, there was still a lot of content covered and taught. I also wager that the disruptions seen at BASIS in past were nothing compared to the average DCPS middle school. Also, there is a roving computer cart that my kid has used in several classes on a regular basis. 3D printer, you are kidding me, aren't you???? As for libraries, again I am not concerned since there are several collections in the classrooms plus there are support staff for students in need who may have trouble in that department. Plus, DC has a library in every section of town. Also, before care is free and yes, aftercare does have a fee which is typical for most schools.

I think we will have to agree to disagree since you seem like an unhappy camper to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The books in the classrooms are donated by teachers and parents/students not the schools and are far from a "library", and MLK, the closest library, is closing for rextended renovations soon, which will leave Basis without anything but a few used lit books on classroom windowsills on premises-no research, no wifi access. Classrooms in ALL Basis campuses have more than the average number of students, and since there are troublemakers in almost every class, 25 plus is DEfINiTElY too many. Basis campuses where space isn't limited also opt not to have libraries, computer labs, fields etc, thus not spending the money on students and their needs. There is no roving computer lab at basis, one classroom has a few computers, but a regular classroom with a few computers does not a lab make. There is not even a 3D printer or use of technology for assignments etc allowed nor offered at the school, so it's a wonder how the T in STEM justified. Oh and the study hall before and after school is paid by the parents, and is only a "quiet " study hall 45 minutes a day. Many teachers this year only have one student hour a week, and that time is thrive they give of to students, not something the school pays for for the students.

All teachers at the school have access to wifi for use during classes and regularly use it. I am not keen at all on kids having access to wifi at school and see no need for it. My kid has seen no problem with 25 or more students and for the past 2 and half years there I have been satisfied with the amount of material covered in each class. All middle schools have some trouble makers for the record. We have found that class disruptions have been much less this year. Even with the amount of disruptions in the previous years, there was still a lot of content covered and taught. I also wager that the disruptions seen at BASIS in past were nothing compared to the average DCPS middle school. Also, there is a roving computer cart that my kid has used in several classes on a regular basis. 3D printer, you are kidding me, aren't you???? As for libraries, again I am not concerned since there are several collections in the classrooms plus there are support staff for students in need who may have trouble in that department. Plus, DC has a library in every section of town. Also, before care is free and yes, aftercare does have a fee which is typical for most schools.

I think we will have to agree to disagree since you seem like an unhappy camper to me.

Actually I am extremely happy with what my child is learning, but very disappointed at the lack of money spent and school resources outside of the teachers themselves, especially because it will mean that my child will have t leave by high school to meet those other needs, and if those resources were there, DC would
Stay no question. For a middle school, however, it is not as necessary. The mention of WIFI was in lieu of a library, kids do not need wifi, but they do need some way to research and cannot do so without either a library or Internet access. And a roving computer cart in lieu of a tech lab at a STEM school is pretty pitiful, used books parents donate does not make a librAry and before care is NOT a study hall environment. Moreover, the fact that you say these are the resources Basis officers exemplifies the facts that the school does NOt spend money on their students, not proof that it does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 6th grader is taking 8th grade math at DCI---they offer it even though they don't have 8th graders. My kid finds DCI appropriately challenging (esp. language) but LOVES the mandatory Design class (taught by FutureMakers), theater class, and his elective Coding class.

Thanks for sharing. I am glad to hear they ofer classes by ability, and not the child's grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The books in the classrooms are donated by teachers and parents/students not the schools and are far from a "library", and MLK, the closest library, is closing for rextended renovations soon, which will leave Basis without anything but a few used lit books on classroom windowsills on premises-no research, no wifi access. Classrooms in ALL Basis campuses have more than the average number of students, and since there are troublemakers in almost every class, 25 plus is DEfINiTElY too many. Basis campuses where space isn't limited also opt not to have libraries, computer labs, fields etc, thus not spending the money on students and their needs. There is no roving computer lab at basis, one classroom has a few computers, but a regular classroom with a few computers does not a lab make. There is not even a 3D printer or use of technology for assignments etc allowed nor offered at the school, so it's a wonder how the T in STEM justified. Oh and the study hall before and after school is paid by the parents, and is only a "quiet " study hall 45 minutes a day. Many teachers this year only have one student hour a week, and that time is thrive they give of to students, not something the school pays for for the students.

All teachers at the school have access to wifi for use during classes and regularly use it. I am not keen at all on kids having access to wifi at school and see no need for it. My kid has seen no problem with 25 or more students and for the past 2 and half years there I have been satisfied with the amount of material covered in each class. All middle schools have some trouble makers for the record. We have found that class disruptions have been much less this year. Even with the amount of disruptions in the previous years, there was still a lot of content covered and taught. I also wager that the disruptions seen at BASIS in past were nothing compared to the average DCPS middle school. Also, there is a roving computer cart that my kid has used in several classes on a regular basis. 3D printer, you are kidding me, aren't you???? As for libraries, again I am not concerned since there are several collections in the classrooms plus there are support staff for students in need who may have trouble in that department. Plus, DC has a library in every section of town. Also, before care is free and yes, aftercare does have a fee which is typical for most schools.

I think we will have to agree to disagree since you seem like an unhappy camper to me.

Actually I am extremely happy with what my child is learning, but very disappointed at the lack of money spent and school resources outside of the teachers themselves, especially because it will mean that my child will have t leave by high school to meet those other needs, and if those resources were there, DC would
Stay no question. For a middle school, however, it is not as necessary. The mention of WIFI was in lieu of a library, kids do not need wifi, but they do need some way to research and cannot do so without either a library or Internet access. And a roving computer cart in lieu of a tech lab at a STEM school is pretty pitiful, used books parents donate does not make a librAry and before care is NOT a study hall environment. Moreover, the fact that you say these are the resources Basis officers exemplifies the facts that the school does NOt spend money on their students, not proof that it does.

I don't think you're going to find a single charter in all of DC that offers all that you seem to be looking for, in lieu of some extremely wealthy private sector benefactor stepping up and donating facilities and resources - again I'd point out that DC does not allocate anywhere near equitable funding, facilities and resources per student to charters as they do to DCPS schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 6th grader is taking 8th grade math at DCI---they offer it even though they don't have 8th graders.

Do you know if they'll continue this for future years? What will your kid take next year..or in 12th grade? I am definitely interested in learning about the math sequence at various schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The books in the classrooms are donated by teachers and parents/students not the schools and are far from a "library", and MLK, the closest library, is closing for rextended renovations soon, which will leave Basis without anything but a few used lit books on classroom windowsills on premises-no research, no wifi access. Classrooms in ALL Basis campuses have more than the average number of students, and since there are troublemakers in almost every class, 25 plus is DEfINiTElY too many. Basis campuses where space isn't limited also opt not to have libraries, computer labs, fields etc, thus not spending the money on students and their needs. There is no roving computer lab at basis, one classroom has a few computers, but a regular classroom with a few computers does not a lab make. There is not even a 3D printer or use of technology for assignments etc allowed nor offered at the school, so it's a wonder how the T in STEM justified. Oh and the study hall before and after school is paid by the parents, and is only a "quiet " study hall 45 minutes a day. Many teachers this year only have one student hour a week, and that time is thrive they give of to students, not something the school pays for for the students.

All teachers at the school have access to wifi for use during classes and regularly use it. I am not keen at all on kids having access to wifi at school and see no need for it. My kid has seen no problem with 25 or more students and for the past 2 and half years there I have been satisfied with the amount of material covered in each class. All middle schools have some trouble makers for the record. We have found that class disruptions have been much less this year. Even with the amount of disruptions in the previous years, there was still a lot of content covered and taught. I also wager that the disruptions seen at BASIS in past were nothing compared to the average DCPS middle school. Also, there is a roving computer cart that my kid has used in several classes on a regular basis. 3D printer, you are kidding me, aren't you???? As for libraries, again I am not concerned since there are several collections in the classrooms plus there are support staff for students in need who may have trouble in that department. Plus, DC has a library in every section of town. Also, before care is free and yes, aftercare does have a fee which is typical for most schools.

I think we will have to agree to disagree since you seem like an unhappy camper to me.

Actually I am extremely happy with what my child is learning, but very disappointed at the lack of money spent and school resources outside of the teachers themselves, especially because it will mean that my child will have t leave by high school to meet those other needs, and if those resources were there, DC would
Stay no question. For a middle school, however, it is not as necessary. The mention of WIFI was in lieu of a library, kids do not need wifi, but they do need some way to research and cannot do so without either a library or Internet access. And a roving computer cart in lieu of a tech lab at a STEM school is pretty pitiful, used books parents donate does not make a librAry and before care is NOT a study hall environment. Moreover, the fact that you say these are the resources Basis officers exemplifies the facts that the school does NOt spend money on their students, not proof that it does.

I don't think you're going to find a single charter in all of DC that offers all that you seem to be looking for, in lieu of some extremely wealthy private sector benefactor stepping up and donating facilities and resources - again I'd point out that DC does not allocate anywhere near equitable funding, facilities and resources per student to charters as they do to DCPS schools.

Latin has theses things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
The books in the classrooms are donated by teachers and parents/students not the schools and are far from a "library", and MLK, the closest library, is closing for rextended renovations soon, which will leave Basis without anything but a few used lit books on classroom windowsills on premises-no research, no wifi access. Classrooms in ALL Basis campuses have more than the average number of students, and since there are troublemakers in almost every class, 25 plus is DEfINiTElY too many. Basis campuses where space isn't limited also opt not to have libraries, computer labs, fields etc, thus not spending the money on students and their needs. There is no roving computer lab at basis, one classroom has a few computers, but a regular classroom with a few computers does not a lab make. There is not even a 3D printer or use of technology for assignments etc allowed nor offered at the school, so it's a wonder how the T in STEM justified. Oh and the study hall before and after school is paid by the parents, and is only a "quiet " study hall 45 minutes a day. Many teachers this year only have one student hour a week, and that time is thrive they give of to students, not something the school pays for for the students.

All teachers at the school have access to wifi for use during classes and regularly use it. I am not keen at all on kids having access to wifi at school and see no need for it. My kid has seen no problem with 25 or more students and for the past 2 and half years there I have been satisfied with the amount of material covered in each class. All middle schools have some trouble makers for the record. We have found that class disruptions have been much less this year. Even with the amount of disruptions in the previous years, there was still a lot of content covered and taught. I also wager that the disruptions seen at BASIS in past were nothing compared to the average DCPS middle school. Also, there is a roving computer cart that my kid has used in several classes on a regular basis. 3D printer, you are kidding me, aren't you???? As for libraries, again I am not concerned since there are several collections in the classrooms plus there are support staff for students in need who may have trouble in that department. Plus, DC has a library in every section of town. Also, before care is free and yes, aftercare does have a fee which is typical for most schools.

I think we will have to agree to disagree since you seem like an unhappy camper to me.

Actually I am extremely happy with what my child is learning, but very disappointed at the lack of money spent and school resources outside of the teachers themselves, especially because it will mean that my child will have t leave by high school to meet those other needs, and if those resources were there, DC would
Stay no question. For a middle school, however, it is not as necessary. The mention of WIFI was in lieu of a library, kids do not need wifi, but they do need some way to research and cannot do so without either a library or Internet access. And a roving computer cart in lieu of a tech lab at a STEM school is pretty pitiful, used books parents donate does not make a librAry and before care is NOT a study hall environment. Moreover, the fact that you say these are the resources Basis officers exemplifies the facts that the school does NOt spend money on their students, not proof that it does.

I don't think you're going to find a single charter in all of DC that offers all that you seem to be looking for, in lieu of some extremely wealthy private sector benefactor stepping up and donating facilities and resources - again I'd point out that DC does not allocate anywhere near equitable funding, facilities and resources per student to charters as they do to DCPS schools.

Latin has theses things.

They went 23 million dollars into hock to get those things.

[Anonymous]

NP - I agree with 6:42 except for the extremely happy with what my child has been learning at BASIS. I am not. Also the disruptions are not similar to Deal classrooms but may be similar to other middle schools. Deal's classes are very orderly. I think it is because they hire real teachers who are experienced with how to control a classroom. We have had to supplement outside of BASIS because I want to make sure my child is not behind in high school other than in rote memorization. BASIS also lost two good teachers to Deal last year; wonder if this is because of them not distributing the Annual Teacher's Fund. They are also losing other good teachers this year. Not happy with student hours as select teachers regularly are missing in action when my DC tries to attend.

From my AA friends at Latin or have in the past attended Latin; you must be regularly present in the school because of stereotypes.

If I was a stay at home Mom I would choose Deal hands down due to lack of "forced" rigor. I can deal with BASIS because I have designed my own program to fix it's deficiencies and so far my DC is cooperating. Unless something seriously changes we will not be there for high school. I don't want my child to be behind compared to other students with STEM majors in College.

[Anonymous]

11:48, I am baffled and bewildered at how you could ever possibly think your DC would be "behind" in STEM at BASIS. NO other school in DC (and that includes Deal and Latin) offers the math acceleration, LEAP science, the number of AP science courses, et cetera that BASIS does. NONE, not even close. BASIS spends at least 9 hours a week on science, from 5th grade on.

BASIS gives students a very solid and strong foundational knowledge AS WELL AS critical thinking skills. I can tell you that my DC is becoming quite adept at deconstructing arguments and rhetoric, through logic, analysis, and recognizing fallacies - all critical thinking skills that BASIS has been teaching. What you seem to not understand is that critical thinking without also having foundational knowledge and content is virtually useless. How could anyone ever think critically about something they don't really have any meaningful knowledge of? It's putting the cart before the horse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:why don't we all stop picking on schools and try to talk about what's good about the middle schools we've chosen?

here are the things I love about BASIS

they do have an established program so we can be measured against the schools in AZ
they have extremely advanced classes for those who are capable of acceleration in math from the get go
acceleration in science starts in 8th grade
my 5th grader is learning more than I ever did in 5th grade
my 8th grader is already beyond what I took in high school in math, and is also taking Economics and Intro to Law
they have a pass/fail senior project at the end of the last year which can be incredible
the faculty care deeply about the students
the ethos is one of work hard, diligence and intelligence is cool

my kids have really good friends from all different kinds of backgrounds

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 6th grader is taking 8th grade math at DCI---they offer it even though they don't have 8th graders. My kid finds DCI appropriately challenging (esp. language) but LOVES the mandatory Design class (taught by FutureMakers), theater class, and his elective Coding class.

What math is your 6th grader taking? Thanks!