BASIS and Stuart Hobson options for MS

[Anonymous]

I have B/G twins that were accepted into Basis for 5th grade. I know there are a lot of threads but I’m hoping for feedback, especially for African American children. They are bright, active kids and both do well in school ( low 5s/ high 4s on PARCC). This could change but so far, DS is really into STEM, DD leans more towards humanities. They currently attend a charter that’s been ok but the kids don’t want to stay for middle and we think they need more of a challenge. Still, we don’t want to overwhelm them based on some of the posts I’ve read here. We are in-bounds for Stuart Hobson, so that is an option as well the following year, unfortunately we did not have a chance to visit before everything shut down.

[Anonymous]

I'd try it and if they don't like it you can always switch to SH.

[Anonymous]

Unless the twins are really into sports and/or music, I'd go with BASIS. SH only tracks for English and math, and not very seriously. SH also socially promotes after 6th grade, and doesn't lead into a viable HS.

[Anonymous]

We’re IB for SH and very happy at Basis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re IB for SH and very happy at Basis.

+1 and I tried to talk my kid into SH for 6th next year and she is not interested.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless the twins are really into sports and/or music, I'd go with BASIS. SH only tracks for English and math, and not very seriously. SH also socially promotes after 6th grade, and doesn't lead into a viable HS.

OP here thank you for all of the responses. One of my kids is pretty active in an extracurricular. The interest may change one day since he’s only 10, but right now he does enjoy it very much - is it really that hard to balance an activity and the workload at Basis?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless the twins are really into sports and/or music, I'd go with BASIS. SH only tracks for English and math, and not very seriously. SH also socially promotes after 6th grade, and doesn't lead into a viable HS.

OP here thank you for all of the responses. One of my kids is pretty active in an extracurricular. The interest may change one day since he’s only 10, but right now he does enjoy it very much - is it really that hard to balance an activity and the workload at Basis?

No. Pre-shutdown, my 5th grade DC was in two BaSIS after school activities plus ballet 2x a week and a rec sport. Bedtime at 9 every night, except for when sports ran late. The workload is manageable. .

[Anonymous]

Considering how poorly DCPS is handling the shutdown, I'd go charter.

[Anonymous]

How is BASIS handling distance learning? Did they provide each kid with a laptop? What type of schedule are they following? What's the transition been like?

We too have this option and are thinking about what to do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is BASIS handling distance learning? Did they provide each kid with a laptop? What type of schedule are they following? What's the transition been like?

We too have this option and are thinking about what to do.

Grades frozen in place. No comprehensive exams. Teachers delivering content/morning announcements via video.

Too much work given initially but that was adjusted. Trying to incorporate fun espec for younger kids — pajama days, etc with teachers joining in/leading. Their Instagram had been busy during this period.

Students without laptops or suitable devices were issued devices. Same for hot spots.

Overall I think as well as can be expected. Really pleasantly surprised by grading policy adjustment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Considering how poorly DCPS is handling the shutdown, I'd go charter.

DCPS has done OK actually, given the very tough circumstances. In the last couple weeks, they've drummed up considerable sector support for devices for poor kids, including from the private sector. They've also created a TV channel for each grade from K-8, widely distributed home learning packets, embraced Microsoft Teams teaching etc. etc. Individual schools with predominantly UMC populations are obviously doing a lot more.

I'm not hearing rave reviews of all the charter on-line teaching efforts from our many local friends with kids at charters. It's hit and miss with charters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Considering how poorly DCPS is handling the shutdown, I'd go charter.

DCPS has done OK actually, given the very tough circumstances. In the last couple weeks, they've drummed up considerable sector support for devices for poor kids, including from the private sector. They've also created a TV channel for each grade from K-8, widely distributed home learning packets, embraced Microsoft Teams teaching etc. etc. Individual schools with predominantly UMC populations are obviously doing a lot more.

I'm not hearing rave reviews of all the charter on-line teaching efforts from our many local friends with kids at charters. It's hit and miss with charters.

It is hit or miss with DCPS too, varying a lot by school.

[Anonymous]

The 📺 schooling us better than Zoom live teaching where students start disturbing instruction. Muting them is not an option when obscene gestures/ pictures are being displayed.

[Anonymous]

Basis means little recess nor PE during the day, long hours and homework. The academic is ok despite the high turnover of teachers but there is too little phsysical activity for kids IMO

[Anonymous]

+100. The lack of fresh air and physical activity isn't good for BASIS students, especially MS boys. Our neighbors reported seeing a big improvement in their boy's behavior after they left, in 8th grade, for a school abroad with big playing fields and mandatory sports. The lack of a school library isn't great either - no place to retreat to read and reflect quietly within the building itself.