Basis is sucking the energy out of my child

[Anonymous]

The work loads have been so crazy and there are teachers that don’t seem to be teaching. And why is there zero communication between parents and teachers? Having a hard time here.

[Anonymous]

This is a...surprise? There's a long BASIS thread on DCUM every few months. The boosters jump on to tell parents like you that your kid isn't cut out for it, pipe down, go find another school.

Our kid did well academically at BASIS but we left after 6th grade anyway. He wasn't happy and we, his parents, didn't care for the spirit of the place. The teacher turnover at BASIS is ridiculous. Around a third of the teachers leave every year. The head changes almost every year. The kids don't get nearly enough fresh air, fun, chances to express themselves, ethics or character training or choice of what they study. Maybe half the families love the place anyway, because the academics are much better than what most DCPS programs offer. End of story.

[Anonymous]

Aren’t they still doing parent hours? You call the office anytime and set up a meeting w one of your kids teachers. The teachers have to set aside an hour a week for this.

They want kids to take responsibility for their work, which some manage to do and other struggle with. And it is a lot of work.

(I am not defending any of this - just trying to explain how the place operates to a parent whose kid is struggling).

[Anonymous]

I had one kid that thrived at Basis and one that did not. If you live in DC, this is what the lottery is all about. Find the school that works best for each kid. I feel fortunate that I can do that here.

[Anonymous]

OP, mid year is tricky to exit, what are your option? Your local DCPS is probably doing better. Where are your kids friends?

[Anonymous]

If your kid is stressed out, do some of the work with/for her to calm the waters, or hire somebody to. We do that and it helps. We won’t be back next year.

[Anonymous]

OP have you reached out to anyone? I've found the teachers and admin very responsive and accommodating this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a...surprise? There's a long BASIS thread on DCUM every few months. The boosters jump on to tell parents like you that your kid isn't cut out for it, pipe down, go find another school.

Our kid did well academically at BASIS but we left after 6th grade anyway. He wasn't happy and we, his parents, didn't care for the spirit of the place. The teacher turnover at BASIS is ridiculous. Around a third of the teachers leave every year. The head changes almost every year. The kids don't get nearly enough fresh air, fun, chances to express themselves, ethics or character training or choice of what they study. Maybe half the families love the place anyway, because the academics are much better than what most DCPS programs offer. End of story.

This is the thing- it is challenging - and I think that is the answer. You should find another school if its not working for your kid. Which is what you did, and the correct move.

[Anonymous]

Don’t let boosters shame your kid,OP. The stress comes from weak teaching and execution as much from the challenge. We bailed for a tougher but much better done full on suburban GT program. Kid gets better grades now and is much happier.

[Anonymous]

OP: what grade are you?

[Anonymous]

I love charter schools but don't love the Basis model. With that being said, it may work well for some children. I would think long and hard about whether it is a good fit for my child/family tho. Your title reflects exactly how I imagine Basis OP.

[Anonymous]

I have two kids at Basis (both in middle school).

One completes all of her homework during the school day with little effort. She’s been extremely happy this year (though there’s one class with teacher turnover that she complains about).

My other child stresses more about the workload, but still manages to spend a lot of time doing video games and watching TV each evening, plus there’s almost never homework on weekends.

Both kids have stellar grades.

The school is far from perfect, but OP’s posting does not resonate with our family.

[Anonymous]

Nothing you have described is unique to pandemic-world Basis. That's what Basis is and has always been. They are open about it and brag aggressively about the academic rigor at all cost model. While I feel for your child this isn't a bait and switch. If you bought a car that got 12 miles to the gallon with a sticker on the window that clearly said it got 12 miles to the gallon then I'd probably not have a lot of sympathy when, a year later, you lamented the cost ownership because it guzzles gas. Buyer be ware.

[Anonymous]

I have a kid there in middle school. She has been learning a lot, loves distance learning, and has been doing great. Sure, she has to work hard, but she also finds time for a lot of fun activities. Nothing is perfect but, for some kids at least, Basis offers an excellent model. If it doesn’t work for your child, either adapt or move on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a kid there in middle school. She has been learning a lot, loves distance learning, and has been doing great. Sure, she has to work hard, but she also finds time for a lot of fun activities. Nothing is perfect but, for some kids at least, Basis offers an excellent model. If it doesn’t work for your child, either adapt or move on.

6th grade parent here. I agree. Its work - there is a lot of double checking that everything is done. But education is not being compromised in distance learning, and I feel like she is still on top of things.