Last night my kid said "I really like Basis - I'm glad I go to school there"!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nailed it. BASIS is not a "normal" place for a middle school education. Parents who know what they are signing up for and see how Basis for 4 years could be useful, in the big picture, whether that is because their child is coming from an elementary school with weak academics and they need to "jump start," or because they see it as a bridge between ES and Walls or private school, are probably satisfied, especially if their children are motivated learners who don't need extra support. Those who were hoping BASIS would be something else, are likely disappointed. In fairness to BASIS they are pretty up-front about what their school is like. The problem is that many parents don't have other options so they go into BASIS with unrealistic expectations. (The booster-types who couldn't possibly say anything negative about the choice they made for their kids' school is not helpful to this).

This is right but I also don't see why its a problem. There's no reason why a student shouldn't pick a school just for middle school, or use it as a jump start or bridge to walls.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BASIS boosters have furnished most of the one-note drivel on DCUM for almost a decade now. Kid loves the place, really. Who needs a well-rounded education? Not us!! We’re thrilled with a middle school where there’s little fun, creativity or choice to be had, an institution w/out a stable teaching force, a stable admin team, well-paid teachers etc. etc. Yes, it gets old. This has been an unusual thread because the boosters haven’t dominated.

If its been almost a decade, it's not some small group of parents.

I have never understood the Basis animosity out there -- its surreal. Why can't a kid like Basis and want to go there? I'm the ward 3 poster who is sending a kid to Basis over Deal. Both schools have benefits and drawbacks. But the anger on this board about the school is just bizarre and makes people sound unhinged.

Such an easy statement to make from Ward 3. Upper Caucasia is just bizarre.

PP here. Not sure I understand. Why is it easy to make a statement that the anger towards the school is bizarre? It is. It sounds more like people are just angry that they feel they don't have enough choices -- in which case, why are they ranting about Basis and not ranting about DCPS?

Separately, if you don't live in the Deal catchment , you also may not know about the drawbacks of the school, which are many. It's not a promise land; its a mixed bag like Basis and everything else.

Pointing out BASIS' limitations is hardly tantamount to "ranting," PP.

Nope, and every school has limitations. Couldn't agree more. But that's not what people are doing. They paint broad brush strokes and call names.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Nailed it. BASIS is not a "normal" place for a middle school education. Parents who know what they are signing up for and see how Basis for 4 years could be useful, in the big picture, whether that is because their child is coming from an elementary school with weak academics and they need to "jump start," or because they see it as a bridge between ES and Walls or private school, are probably satisfied, especially if their children are motivated learners who don't need extra support. Those who were hoping BASIS would be something else, are likely disappointed. In fairness to BASIS they are pretty up-front about what their school is like. The problem is that many parents don't have other options so they go into BASIS with unrealistic expectations. (The booster-types who couldn't possibly say anything negative about the choice they made for their kids' school is not helpful to this).

This is right but I also don't see why its a problem. There's no reason why a student shouldn't pick a school just for middle school, or use it as a jump start or bridge to walls.

I am the PP and I agree completely!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BASIS boosters have furnished most of the one-note drivel on DCUM for almost a decade now. Kid loves the place, really. Who needs a well-rounded education? Not us!! We’re thrilled with a middle school where there’s little fun, creativity or choice to be had, an institution w/out a stable teaching force, a stable admin team, well-paid teachers etc. etc. Yes, it gets old. This has been an unusual thread because the boosters haven’t dominated.

If its been almost a decade, it's not some small group of parents.

I have never understood the Basis animosity out there -- its surreal. Why can't a kid like Basis and want to go there? I'm the ward 3 poster who is sending a kid to Basis over Deal. Both schools have benefits and drawbacks. But the anger on this board about the school is just bizarre and makes people sound unhinged.

Such an easy statement to make from Ward 3. Upper Caucasia is just bizarre.

PP here. Not sure I understand. Why is it easy to make a statement that the anger towards the school is bizarre? It is. It sounds more like people are just angry that they feel they don't have enough choices -- in which case, why are they ranting about Basis and not ranting about DCPS?

Separately, if you don't live in the Deal catchment , you also may not know about the drawbacks of the school, which are many. It's not a promise land; its a mixed bag like Basis and everything else.

Pointing out BASIS' limitations is hardly tantamount to "ranting," PP.

Nope, and every school has limitations. Couldn't agree more. But that's not what people are doing. They paint broad brush strokes and call names.

Are they painting with broad brush strokes and calling names when they point out that BASIS DC has 8 heads in 13 years? Or that teacher turnout remains high even by DCPCS standards? Or that the school doesn't have a library or any outdoor space?

My firm was involved in renovating the building. We suggested that the roof be developed in a different way, with HVAC infrastructure off to one side to make room for a fenced-off open basketball court. Our suggestion was firmly and immediately ejected by the BASIS franchise, although creating the court wouldn't have added cost. I don't quite get BASIS.

[Anonymous]

There is no BASIS. It’s the Blocks inc. once you get that, you’re clued in.

[Anonymous]

BASIS is one of those schools where the right fit is critical. One kid's joyless, rigid grind may be another kid's much needed structure. My 8th grader with ADHD and anxiety is thriving at BASIS, because she can't handle very open ended, vague projects or assignments and instead needs very concrete assignments and clear expectations.

It seems like the people who hate BASIS either were upset that it ended up being a poor fit for their child, or they're defensive that due to BASIS' reputation, people will assume that their child couldn't hack the academics. BASIS boosters seem afraid that due to the vitriol, people will try to shut down a school that's a good fit for their kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BASIS is one of those schools where the right fit is critical. One kid's joyless, rigid grind may be another kid's much needed structure. My 8th grader with ADHD and anxiety is thriving at BASIS, because she can't handle very open ended, vague projects or assignments and instead needs very concrete assignments and clear expectations.

It seems like the people who hate BASIS either were upset that it ended up being a poor fit for their child, or they're defensive that due to BASIS' reputation, people will assume that their child couldn't hack the academics. BASIS boosters seem afraid that due to the vitriol, people will try to shut down a school that's a good fit for their kids.

I totally agree. As a new BASIS parent, my 5th grader is enjoying life at her new school. I'm happy she is happy. In more than 10 years, parents and students can figure out if they want to attend or not. Remember, nobody is forcing anyone to attend.

For what it's worth, I haven't seen a similar thread "I really like Deal - I'm glad I go to school there", have you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BASIS boosters have furnished most of the one-note drivel on DCUM for almost a decade now. Kid loves the place, really. Who needs a well-rounded education? Not us!! We’re thrilled with a middle school where there’s little fun, creativity or choice to be had, an institution w/out a stable teaching force, a stable admin team, well-paid teachers etc. etc. Yes, it gets old. This has been an unusual thread because the boosters haven’t dominated.

If its been almost a decade, it's not some small group of parents.

I have never understood the Basis animosity out there -- its surreal. Why can't a kid like Basis and want to go there? I'm the ward 3 poster who is sending a kid to Basis over Deal. Both schools have benefits and drawbacks. But the anger on this board about the school is just bizarre and makes people sound unhinged.

Such an easy statement to make from Ward 3. Upper Caucasia is just bizarre.

PP here. Not sure I understand. Why is it easy to make a statement that the anger towards the school is bizarre? It is. It sounds more like people are just angry that they feel they don't have enough choices -- in which case, why are they ranting about Basis and not ranting about DCPS?

Separately, if you don't live in the Deal catchment , you also may not know about the drawbacks of the school, which are many. It's not a promise land; its a mixed bag like Basis and everything else.

Pointing out BASIS' limitations is hardly tantamount to "ranting," PP.

I think the idea of the thread was to highlight the joy of someone's child. Of course trashing someone else's joy makes you green with envy for the school, the education or maybe even envious that someone's else's child was able to say something your own child could/would never say.

Just being a little philosophical after a glass or two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BASIS is one of those schools where the right fit is critical. One kid's joyless, rigid grind may be another kid's much needed structure. My 8th grader with ADHD and anxiety is thriving at BASIS, because she can't handle very open ended, vague projects or assignments and instead needs very concrete assignments and clear expectations.

It seems like the people who hate BASIS either were upset that it ended up being a poor fit for their child, or they're defensive that due to BASIS' reputation, people will assume that their child couldn't hack the academics. BASIS boosters seem afraid that due to the vitriol, people will try to shut down a school that's a good fit for their kids.

Come on, who....hates BASIS? Who has the energy? What some parents dislike is that BASIS doubles as Ward 6's MS for UMC families.

I'm still not buying that an AP prep academy is a great fit for any student. Even students who can ace algebra in 5th or 6th grade would benefit from a well-rounded education and good facilities. BASIS DC is no better than OK.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BASIS boosters have furnished most of the one-note drivel on DCUM for almost a decade now. Kid loves the place, really. Who needs a well-rounded education? Not us!! We’re thrilled with a middle school where there’s little fun, creativity or choice to be had, an institution w/out a stable teaching force, a stable admin team, well-paid teachers etc. etc. Yes, it gets old. This has been an unusual thread because the boosters haven’t dominated.

If its been almost a decade, it's not some small group of parents.

I have never understood the Basis animosity out there -- its surreal. Why can't a kid like Basis and want to go there? I'm the ward 3 poster who is sending a kid to Basis over Deal. Both schools have benefits and drawbacks. But the anger on this board about the school is just bizarre and makes people sound unhinged.

Such an easy statement to make from Ward 3. Upper Caucasia is just bizarre.

PP here. Not sure I understand. Why is it easy to make a statement that the anger towards the school is bizarre? It is. It sounds more like people are just angry that they feel they don't have enough choices -- in which case, why are they ranting about Basis and not ranting about DCPS?

Separately, if you don't live in the Deal catchment , you also may not know about the drawbacks of the school, which are many. It's not a promise land; its a mixed bag like Basis and everything else.

Pointing out BASIS' limitations is hardly tantamount to "ranting," PP.

I think the idea of the thread was to highlight the joy of someone's child. Of course trashing someone else's joy makes you green with envy for the school, the education or maybe even envious that someone's else's child was able to say something your own child could/would never say.

Just being a little philosophical after a glass or two.

You're not being philosophical; you're being seriously judgemental.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BASIS is one of those schools where the right fit is critical. One kid's joyless, rigid grind may be another kid's much needed structure. My 8th grader with ADHD and anxiety is thriving at BASIS, because she can't handle very open ended, vague projects or assignments and instead needs very concrete assignments and clear expectations.

It seems like the people who hate BASIS either were upset that it ended up being a poor fit for their child, or they're defensive that due to BASIS' reputation, people will assume that their child couldn't hack the academics. BASIS boosters seem afraid that due to the vitriol, people will try to shut down a school that's a good fit for their kids.

Come on, who....hates BASIS? Who has the energy? What some parents dislike is that BASIS doubles as Ward 6's MS for UMC families.

I'm still not buying that an AP prep academy is a great fit for any student. Even students who can ace algebra in 5th or 6th grade would benefit from a well-rounded education and good facilities. BASIS DC is no better than OK.

Obviously you hate BASIS, otherwise why would you say it's just OK. Out of all the public MS in DC, it is one of the best options. It is more than OK.

And you obviously have not read what BASIS parents are saying, it is not a school for any child. It serves its purpose that parents willingly sign up for when they enroll their child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BASIS boosters have furnished most of the one-note drivel on DCUM for almost a decade now. Kid loves the place, really. Who needs a well-rounded education? Not us!! We’re thrilled with a middle school where there’s little fun, creativity or choice to be had, an institution w/out a stable teaching force, a stable admin team, well-paid teachers etc. etc. Yes, it gets old. This has been an unusual thread because the boosters haven’t dominated.

If its been almost a decade, it's not some small group of parents.

I have never understood the Basis animosity out there -- its surreal. Why can't a kid like Basis and want to go there? I'm the ward 3 poster who is sending a kid to Basis over Deal. Both schools have benefits and drawbacks. But the anger on this board about the school is just bizarre and makes people sound unhinged.

Such an easy statement to make from Ward 3. Upper Caucasia is just bizarre.

PP here. Not sure I understand. Why is it easy to make a statement that the anger towards the school is bizarre? It is. It sounds more like people are just angry that they feel they don't have enough choices -- in which case, why are they ranting about Basis and not ranting about DCPS?

Separately, if you don't live in the Deal catchment , you also may not know about the drawbacks of the school, which are many. It's not a promise land; its a mixed bag like Basis and everything else.

Pointing out BASIS' limitations is hardly tantamount to "ranting," PP.

I think the idea of the thread was to highlight the joy of someone's child. Of course trashing someone else's joy makes you green with envy for the school, the education or maybe even envious that someone's else's child was able to say something your own child could/would never say.

Just being a little philosophical after a glass or two.

You're not being philosophical; you're being seriously judgemental.

Nope, PP hit the nail on the head, people need to chill out and stop flying off the handle

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BASIS is one of those schools where the right fit is critical. One kid's joyless, rigid grind may be another kid's much needed structure. My 8th grader with ADHD and anxiety is thriving at BASIS, because she can't handle very open ended, vague projects or assignments and instead needs very concrete assignments and clear expectations.

It seems like the people who hate BASIS either were upset that it ended up being a poor fit for their child, or they're defensive that due to BASIS' reputation, people will assume that their child couldn't hack the academics. BASIS boosters seem afraid that due to the vitriol, people will try to shut down a school that's a good fit for their kids.

Come on, who....hates BASIS? Who has the energy? What some parents dislike is that BASIS doubles as Ward 6's MS for UMC families.

I'm still not buying that an AP prep academy is a great fit for any student. Even students who can ace algebra in 5th or 6th grade would benefit from a well-rounded education and good facilities. BASIS DC is no better than OK.

+100!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Come on, who....hates BASIS? Who has the energy? What some parents dislike is that BASIS doubles as Ward 6's MS for UMC families.

I'm still not buying that an AP prep academy is a great fit for any student. Even students who can ace algebra in 5th or 6th grade would benefit from a well-rounded education and good facilities. BASIS DC is no better than OK.

Clearly, you do. You show up on every single BASIS thread, complain about the facilities, and then tell parents that they're wrong about their own children's success or happiness at the school. That sounds like pretty obsessive hatred. You tried BASIS and it didn't work for your kid. Move on with your life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BASIS is one of those schools where the right fit is critical. One kid's joyless, rigid grind may be another kid's much needed structure. My 8th grader with ADHD and anxiety is thriving at BASIS, because she can't handle very open ended, vague projects or assignments and instead needs very concrete assignments and clear expectations.

It seems like the people who hate BASIS either were upset that it ended up being a poor fit for their child, or they're defensive that due to BASIS' reputation, people will assume that their child couldn't hack the academics. BASIS boosters seem afraid that due to the vitriol, people will try to shut down a school that's a good fit for their kids.

I totally agree. As a new BASIS parent, my 5th grader is enjoying life at her new school. I'm happy she is happy. In more than 10 years, parents and students can figure out if they want to attend or not. Remember, nobody is forcing anyone to attend.

For what it's worth, I haven't seen a similar thread "I really like Deal - I'm glad I go to school there", have you?

I'm the ward 3 poster. Lots of people are very happy at Deal, particularly in the 6th grade. I think you don't see a lot of threads on it because it's pretty well established. (Though the thrill often fades in 7th and 8th).