BASIS DC will seek to expand to include K to 4th grade

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Why would you think BASIS' elementary demographics would be really that different from other BASIS feeders such as Ludlow-Taylor, Maury, and Brent?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TBH... there is a real risk that BASIS goes down the tubes if it doesn't have a big population of UMC families coming in at 5th.

Oh, don't worry, they will. I would be more concerned about UMC families deserting their in-bounds schools.

Founded in 1998, BASIS has 59 schools, including 43 charter schools. They are the only national charter in DC.

In just a decade BASIS DC went from nothing to the #1 middle school in DC, and admissions gets harder and harder every year.

"The only national charter" whut? What about KIPP?

Check here for waitlist data: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/aaron2446/viz/MSDCSeatsandWaitlistOfferData_draft/MSDCPublicDisplay

I'm really perplexed why you would say admissions is getting harder and harder. The waitlist this year is shorter than it was in 2020.

Oh, you are right, I forgot about KIPP.

Is this the school?

https://www.washingtoninformer.com/dc-charter-board-plans-review-oversight-in-wake-of-kipp-fraud-scandal-involving-late-mayor/

BASIS only has 135 5th grade seats but sometimes admit 150 off the bat. The percentage that gets in based on the number of seats goes down each year. In the early years. everyone got in. Now, it is much harder, and this year looks like the hardest yet.

In addition, a lot of people self-select for BASIS because it is so rigorous (a lot of parents/kids aren't interested and want an easier school), so the waiting list numbers matter less for BASIS than other more "normal" schools.

Rocketship is also arguably a "national" charter, not really sure how you are defining "national"...

This year is not the hardest yet, not so far anyway. In 2020 135 spots were offered and 218 kids were waitlisted. Ultimately 133 received BASIS offers. This year, 135 spots were offered and 155 kids were waitlisted. With the existence of Latin Cooper, I would expect the waitlist to move quite a bit this year. Time will tell but I don't think this year is harder than 2020.

2020 was an outlier year. Just look at the numbers for other schools....

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

You are wrong. You obviously don't have a kid at BASIS.

The BASIS network tracks how all the schools compare, and BASIS DC is in the top group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TBH... there is a real risk that BASIS goes down the tubes if it doesn't have a big population of UMC families coming in at 5th.

Oh, don't worry, they will. I would be more concerned about UMC families deserting their in-bounds schools.

Founded in 1998, BASIS has 59 schools, including 43 charter schools. They are the only national charter in DC.

In just a decade BASIS DC went from nothing to the #1 middle school in DC, and admissions gets harder and harder every year.

"The only national charter" whut? What about KIPP?

Check here for waitlist data: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/aaron2446/viz/MSDCSeatsandWaitlistOfferData_draft/MSDCPublicDisplay

I'm really perplexed why you would say admissions is getting harder and harder. The waitlist this year is shorter than it was in 2020.

Oh, you are right, I forgot about KIPP.

Is this the school?

https://www.washingtoninformer.com/dc-charter-board-plans-review-oversight-in-wake-of-kipp-fraud-scandal-involving-late-mayor/

BASIS only has 135 5th grade seats but sometimes admit 150 off the bat. The percentage that gets in based on the number of seats goes down each year. In the early years. everyone got in. Now, it is much harder, and this year looks like the hardest yet.

In addition, a lot of people self-select for BASIS because it is so rigorous (a lot of parents/kids aren't interested and want an easier school), so the waiting list numbers matter less for BASIS than other more "normal" schools.

Rocketship is also arguably a "national" charter, not really sure how you are defining "national"...

This year is not the hardest yet, not so far anyway. In 2020 135 spots were offered and 218 kids were waitlisted. Ultimately 133 received BASIS offers. This year, 135 spots were offered and 155 kids were waitlisted. With the existence of Latin Cooper, I would expect the waitlist to move quite a bit this year. Time will tell but I don't think this year is harder than 2020.

2020 was an outlier year. Just look at the numbers for other schools....

Ok but that's not what you said. You said "hardest yet". And if you compare with 2019 (135 seats and 148 on the WL then 101 offers), I'm not sure the current year is going to end up being more difficult than that year either. Is 2019 also an outlier, and why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TBH... there is a real risk that BASIS goes down the tubes if it doesn't have a big population of UMC families coming in at 5th.

Oh, don't worry, they will. I would be more concerned about UMC families deserting their in-bounds schools.

Founded in 1998, BASIS has 59 schools, including 43 charter schools. They are the only national charter in DC.

In just a decade BASIS DC went from nothing to the #1 middle school in DC, and admissions gets harder and harder every year.

"The only national charter" whut? What about KIPP?

Check here for waitlist data: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/aaron2446/viz/MSDCSeatsandWaitlistOfferData_draft/MSDCPublicDisplay

I'm really perplexed why you would say admissions is getting harder and harder. The waitlist this year is shorter than it was in 2020.

Oh, you are right, I forgot about KIPP.

Is this the school?

https://www.washingtoninformer.com/dc-charter-board-plans-review-oversight-in-wake-of-kipp-fraud-scandal-involving-late-mayor/

BASIS only has 135 5th grade seats but sometimes admit 150 off the bat. The percentage that gets in based on the number of seats goes down each year. In the early years. everyone got in. Now, it is much harder, and this year looks like the hardest yet.

In addition, a lot of people self-select for BASIS because it is so rigorous (a lot of parents/kids aren't interested and want an easier school), so the waiting list numbers matter less for BASIS than other more "normal" schools.

Rocketship is also arguably a "national" charter, not really sure how you are defining "national"...

This year is not the hardest yet, not so far anyway. In 2020 135 spots were offered and 218 kids were waitlisted. Ultimately 133 received BASIS offers. This year, 135 spots were offered and 155 kids were waitlisted. With the existence of Latin Cooper, I would expect the waitlist to move quite a bit this year. Time will tell but I don't think this year is harder than 2020.

2020 was an outlier year. Just look at the numbers for other schools....

Ok but that's not what you said. You said "hardest yet". And if you compare with 2019 (135 seats and 148 on the WL then 101 offers), I'm not sure the current year is going to end up being more difficult than that year either. Is 2019 also an outlier, and why?

Wait and find out.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

You are wrong. You obviously don't have a kid at BASIS.

The BASIS network tracks how all the schools compare, and BASIS DC is in the top group.

The US News link posted earlier (https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/) has BASIS DC at #274. How is that "top group"? I know BASIS does its own scoring but I dont really buy it, knowing they want to expand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:TBH... there is a real risk that BASIS goes down the tubes if it doesn't have a big population of UMC families coming in at 5th.

Oh, don't worry, they will. I would be more concerned about UMC families deserting their in-bounds schools.

Founded in 1998, BASIS has 59 schools, including 43 charter schools. They are the only national charter in DC.

In just a decade BASIS DC went from nothing to the #1 middle school in DC, and admissions gets harder and harder every year.

"The only national charter" whut? What about KIPP?

Check here for waitlist data: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/aaron2446/viz/MSDCSeatsandWaitlistOfferData_draft/MSDCPublicDisplay

I'm really perplexed why you would say admissions is getting harder and harder. The waitlist this year is shorter than it was in 2020.

Oh, you are right, I forgot about KIPP.

Is this the school?

https://www.washingtoninformer.com/dc-charter-board-plans-review-oversight-in-wake-of-kipp-fraud-scandal-involving-late-mayor/

BASIS only has 135 5th grade seats but sometimes admit 150 off the bat. The percentage that gets in based on the number of seats goes down each year. In the early years. everyone got in. Now, it is much harder, and this year looks like the hardest yet.

In addition, a lot of people self-select for BASIS because it is so rigorous (a lot of parents/kids aren't interested and want an easier school), so the waiting list numbers matter less for BASIS than other more "normal" schools.

Rocketship is also arguably a "national" charter, not really sure how you are defining "national"...

This year is not the hardest yet, not so far anyway. In 2020 135 spots were offered and 218 kids were waitlisted. Ultimately 133 received BASIS offers. This year, 135 spots were offered and 155 kids were waitlisted. With the existence of Latin Cooper, I would expect the waitlist to move quite a bit this year. Time will tell but I don't think this year is harder than 2020.

2020 was an outlier year. Just look at the numbers for other schools....

Ok but that's not what you said. You said "hardest yet". And if you compare with 2019 (135 seats and 148 on the WL then 101 offers), I'm not sure the current year is going to end up being more difficult than that year either. Is 2019 also an outlier, and why?

Wait and find out.

Sorry but Cooper offered so many spots I don't see how that woudn't have an impact.

[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:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

You are wrong. You obviously don't have a kid at BASIS.

The BASIS network tracks how all the schools compare, and BASIS DC is in the top group.

No, it isn't. Alex is open about how BASIS DC was last or almost last in most metrics for years. They have improved in recent years but DC is still near the bottom. I know this because Alex said it as recently the working session held a few Fridays ago to talk about the next strategic plan. Did you not attend?

I am very happy with BASIS. My kids thrive there. That doesn't prevent me from being objective. BASIS DC is objectively near the bottom the BASIS charter school rankings and metrics.

[Anonymous]

Are there any other BASIS schools that have demographics similar to BASIS DC?

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Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Oh come on. You have to understand the "focus on kids it isn't educating" isn't just to tear down BASIS. It's to point out that BASIS' demographics are different from many other schools', and that it isn't meaningful to do comparisons that don't account for that. Witness how Deal and Hardy parents are not exactly beating down BASIS' door or clamoring for a BASIS in their neighborhood. That's because it isn't actually better.

What this city needs is schools that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body. I think it would be a waste to dedicate a building to a school that, whether they admit it or not, focuses on UMC students without special needs. That's not what we're most in need of.

No one in the US has solved for this. Nice sentence. How you gonna do it? I also reject the notion that solving for this need necessarily means we can't also provide high performing schools for excellent students. I reject the idea that it is all nor none. DC does not have a TJ or Bronx Science so you can't tell me that we have a too many top tier schools in DC.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Why are they so confident?

Are they going to make kids repeat grades, so each class will have some older kids in it?

I hope so. That's one of the things I like about the school. Disruptive kids who can't hack it don't continue to disrupt.

Having kids repeat grades doesn’t work. If a kid doesn’t understand the academics in a particular grade, they need specialized intervention. Just the kid sit through the same content twice won’t do a thing. Additionally, kids who are retained are more likely to drop out since they legally can on their 18th birthday. That’s why schools don’t do it anymore.

I. Don't. Care. I am sick of people like you arguing that kids like this should tear down an entire class, school and system. I think there are a whole lot more people like me who are done sitting on the sidelines watching a vocal minority argue that the majority of well meaning, hard working kids should suffer because of some liberal guilt or misplaced belief that "equity" means hurting the masses in furtherance of a few. Your failed policies predominantly hurt kids of color. They are the ones without options who are forced to attend schools with disruptive a-holes. Your interest in equity extends only as far as a bumper sticker. You are fine hurting all the other kids in those classes who want to learn in order to burnish your equity bona fides.

You (like so many others who chime in here) also present a false choice. As if the only options are social promotion or drop outs. If kids can't or won't hack it in traditional schools then there should be trade schools and non-traditional schools to divert them to. Your holy grail of social promotion through 12th grade is intellectually dishonest. Congrats, SJW! You have successfully created a system where hundreds (thousands?) of kids "graduate" from DCPS schools with 6th or 8th grade level math and and English skills and without having learned a trade. Now what? You think those kids are going to be able to get and keep jobs? You think they are going to show up and do the work at 18 because you gave them a fake diploma?

These are hard and serious issues and there are no easy solutions. People like you who dismiss alternatives and pretend like there is only one answer are part of the problem. You stifle open and honest discussion and lose sight of what and who you are actually seeking to help. Your policies are failing. All the high minded peer reviewed hogwash in the world won't change that.

PREACH.

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Anonymous wrote:Why are they so confident?

Are they going to make kids repeat grades, so each class will have some older kids in it?

I hope so. That's one of the things I like about the school. Disruptive kids who can't hack it don't continue to disrupt.

Having kids repeat grades doesn’t work. If a kid doesn’t understand the academics in a particular grade, they need specialized intervention. Just the kid sit through the same content twice won’t do a thing. Additionally, kids who are retained are more likely to drop out since they legally can on their 18th birthday. That’s why schools don’t do it anymore.

I. Don't. Care. I am sick of people like you arguing that kids like this should tear down an entire class, school and system. I think there are a whole lot more people like me who are done sitting on the sidelines watching a vocal minority argue that the majority of well meaning, hard working kids should suffer because of some liberal guilt or misplaced belief that "equity" means hurting the masses in furtherance of a few. Your failed policies predominantly hurt kids of color. They are the ones without options who are forced to attend schools with disruptive a-holes. Your interest in equity extends only as far as a bumper sticker. You are fine hurting all the other kids in those classes who want to learn in order to burnish your equity bona fides.

You (like so many others who chime in here) also present a false choice. As if the only options are social promotion or drop outs. If kids can't or won't hack it in traditional schools then there should be trade schools and non-traditional schools to divert them to. Your holy grail of social promotion through 12th grade is intellectually dishonest. Congrats, SJW! You have successfully created a system where hundreds (thousands?) of kids "graduate" from DCPS schools with 6th or 8th grade level math and and English skills and without having learned a trade. Now what? You think those kids are going to be able to get and keep jobs? You think they are going to show up and do the work at 18 because you gave them a fake diploma?

These are hard and serious issues and there are no easy solutions. People like you who dismiss alternatives and pretend like there is only one answer are part of the problem. You stifle open and honest discussion and lose sight of what and who you are actually seeking to help. Your policies are failing. All the high minded peer reviewed hogwash in the world won't change that.

It's sad that you don't care. Personally, I care about all the kids, and I also care that their rights under IDEA are observed, including the right to services and the right to the least restrictive placement. It seems you feel BASIS cannot comply with IDEA? Or that the staff at BASIS cannot maintain orderly classrooms? Sorry to hear it.

I think it telling that you didn't address any of the substantive criticisms of your "social promotions for all" and false binary outcome positioning. You fall back on bumper sticker platitudes that "personally, I care about all the kids" and try and divert this to a smaller discussion about IDEA (the details of which I could not care less about). What's your answer to socially promoting kids to a useless HS diploma with MS educations and a work ethic informed by having never had to work or be held to account? What's your answer to how your policies hurt poor kids and kids of color who don't have options to move or pay and end up with poor school environments? How does hurting all those other kids to cater to a small number of disruptive kids years behind grade level illustrate caring about "all" the kids?

When you want to have a discussion about these issues. let me know.

It doesn't matter if you care about IDEA. It's the law. BASIS has to care about it. I would like to know, and I hope the PCSB would also like to know, how BASIS plans to comply with IDEA. It's not a "smaller discussion", it's the law. It's not "catering", it's the law.

My answer would be that keeping kids with their age cohort is developmentally appropriate, and that they should receive services and intensive remediation so that they have their special needs addressed and catch up academically to the extent possible. Unfortunately this is expensive, but I believe the city should fund it because it'll pay off in the long term. Academic retention at BASIS does not address students' special needs, and is merely a way of motivating them to leave BASIS so that BASIS can claim to be "successful" and point to its good test scores, which are really achieved through demographics and attrition rather than anything particularly great about the teaching.

DP. IDEA does not forbid holding kids back. It also does not forbid failing kids out or giving them hard tests. What happens with BASIS is not that BASIS kicks kids out; it's that kids and their parents figure out the school isn't working for them. Because nobody actually wants to fail. All IDEA does is guarantee "access to the curriculum." It does not guarantee access to a particular curriculum, or that they child will not fail. I suppose if BASIS families did not self-select (insisted on staying in BASIS despite the fact that their kids cannot or will not step up academically) AND these kids legitimately had IEPs (unclear) then BASIS would have to provide some way to show the kids were learning something under the IDEA. But BASIS absolutely could still give them failing grades and retain them.

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Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Of course it operates as an admissions test when so few people are willing to have their kids repeat a grade. They aren't allowed to do that in DC. HUGE difference in population. Why do you think BASIS DC measures up so badly? Come on now.

You didn't actually say you were talking only about your list. You said it replying to SOMEONE ELSE's POST, which didn't reference your list. You said BASIS schools are all free charter schools. You were wrong. Way to dig in though.

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Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

Ha ha! So quintessentially DCUM. An obnoxious post calling out someone for being wrong while actually being totally wrong themselves!

Come back PP. Let us learn from your infinite wisdom! Tell me how I send my kid to Basis McLean for free!

Times like there I REALLY wish you had to sign your posts. BASIS McLean is not a BASIS Charter school. It is a BASIS Independent School. The former are free and lottery, the latter are for profit and charge tuition. If this concept is too hard for you I will help you out.

Charter Schools (free): https://enrollbasis.com/?src=logo
Independent Schools (tuition): https://basisindependent.com/about/

Your original post didn't say all Basis charter schools are charter schools. It said all BASIS schools are free. False. Come on now. Stop looking like an idiot.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I wish they would open up a second middle/high school instead because there are plenty of good elementary schools in DC already and a shortage of good middle and high school options. Also, the BASIS HOS mentioned the second school could potentially share outdoor space and a gym with the current school which would be amazing regardless but more ideal with students similarly aged.

Another thought: With a BASIS elementary school feeding into the middle/high school eventually, it seems eventually less Capitol Hill families would be at BASIS because they have great convenient elementary options already…

This. Hill families, your middle school seats are threatened!

This is a very real issue. Enrollment data shows us that Brent, Maurey and Watkins send a TON of kids to BASIS. There won't be 135 5th grade seats to fill of they are only backfilling from 4th grade BASIS kids. Will those Hill families choose BASIS in K instead of Brent, etc.? If BASIS had a good or great physical space for ES, does that change the answer? If they don't choose BASIS, what does the demographic of BASIS look like without all those white UMC families? Are there enough kids who can hack it at BASIS to fill those spots if the Hill school populations aren't filling them? Could this help the Hill MS to improve without the brain drain? Would people think twice about living on the Hill without the BASIS school safety valve?

I am asking these questions, but I would note that BASIS is not responsible for or to the CH schools. The CH families may think BASIS is "theirs" but it isn't.

This, exactly. Is BASIS really that great, or is it a meh school whose "success" is the result of demographics and of their social promotion policy (and don't forget, shirking on taking kids after 5th like other schools do).

I think this is a very interesting question. My guess is that most Brent/Maury/LT families will not move their kids to BASIS for K just to lock in 5th. They'll already have been at their local ES for 1-2 years and they'll by-and-large have had good experiences, because those schools are good. The kind of families who stick out the Hill are the kind of families who don't prioritize locking in a middle school (or they'd move to NW/Deal/Hardy). BASIS is close, but not close enough to be neighborhood-y for K-4; kids are very different by 5th. Also UMC Hill parents are by and large super involved in the Hill ESes and I just can't see BASIS allowing that, which I think would frustrate those parents. (I think Watkins could cut a bit differently. Families already have to move from Peabody to Watkins in 1st and as UMC families are increasingly reluctant to do that, I think those families might cut out for BASIS in K instead in higher numbers.)

If Brent/Maury/LT shared a middle school, I actually think this could have a positive effect on the local MS almost immediately... since they don't, it'll be a small trickle. SH could be the most affected the most immediately, since LT & Watkins both feed there and not all Watkins kids will bail, even if in larger numbers. I wonder what percentage of slots they'll hold for MS? At first it's going to be all sibling preference and newbies will be shut out entirely unless that percentage is huge. Middle school entry will get even crazier if this is approved.

I'm PP to whom you responded. I think I agree with much of what what you project. One of the things I find amusing is the reflexive responses on DCUM from people who immediately question whether BASIS is appropriate for ES. They have like 40 other schools that already offer K+.

Everyone knows BASIS operates lots of elementary schools. But this country is filled with crappy schools. Existing doesn't mean it's actually good.

https://enrollbasis.com/about-basis-charter-schools/awards-and-rankings/

Objective data says they thrive.

Oh please, let's definitely compare private and selective admissions schools as if they're pure lottery in a high-needs area.

What are you talking about? All BASIS schools are free and lottery. The rankings I pointed to are for BASIS schools. Stop typing; you look more foolish evert time you "contribute".

You are 100% wrong and look really foolish because of your tone in this post. Even in the DMV, Basis McLean is a private school. Basis Brooklyn is a private school. In almost all BASIS locations, students have to pass a placement test (post-lottery) to be placed in a grade and, if a student doesn't pass, their admission is contingent on being willing to repeat the prior grade. You have ABSOLUTELY no idea what you're talking about.

You have conflated the BASIS charter schools with the private for profit BASIS Independent Schools (McLean). The schools on the list I linked to are the charter schools. THEY ARE NOT PRIVATE. Which is why when you misunderstand the difference and accuse someone (incorrectly) of referencing private schools, you look like a fool.

BASIS charter schools take all comers. They absolutely to a test to place kids where they belong. They do not refuse kids based on those results, merely place them appropriately. That is not an "admissions test".

Which BASIS schools have a high proportion of at-risk kids?

Why does BASIS DC perform so much worse than other BASIS schools?

That is a fair question, because it does. Ironically, one of the reasons is because it does not have an ES. All of the other campuses start in ES. I think part of the issue is also what you see here on DCUM. We spend a lot of time in DC on performative nonsense and faux equity that the environment isn't focused on academic excellence as much as other garbage. Look at this forum as an example. Anytime anyone points to BASIS's success people chime in to try and focus on the kids is isn't educating. In DC, people score points not for building things or succeeding, but for tearing them down. I think that makes it much harder for schools to succeed.

Oh come on. You have to understand the "focus on kids it isn't educating" isn't just to tear down BASIS. It's to point out that BASIS' demographics are different from many other schools', and that it isn't meaningful to do comparisons that don't account for that. Witness how Deal and Hardy parents are not exactly beating down BASIS' door or clamoring for a BASIS in their neighborhood. That's because it isn't actually better.

What this city needs is schools that can effectively educate a low-income, high-trauma, high-special needs student body. I think it would be a waste to dedicate a building to a school that, whether they admit it or not, focuses on UMC students without special needs. That's not what we're most in need of.

This is SUCH a toxic and ignorant statement. Do you think that only white parents care about education in DC? Only white kids have the ability to succeed at Basis? That a school system can just ignore the cause of educating kids who are going to go to college?? How does that serve DC, to gut education for the kids who will go on to become DC's educated professional class (nurses, police officers, teachers)? Also I bet dollars to donuts that on other threads, you lament about "white flight." Well, what do you expect?