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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote]I'd be very interested in BASIS DC for my children if it boasted "normal" middle school facilities, e.g. outdoor space, a gym/stage along with the high octane imported-from-Arizona curriculum and stellar teaching, but it doesn't. It's housed in a cramped building that doesn't seem like a healthy place for kids ages 11-18 to spend most of their waking moments for eight years. [/quote]

People should realize that Basis is a school for academics. From what I have heard the AZ facilities are cramped as well and PE is held at local parks. There is a small gym and small stage but the main focus is academics. Most clubs also have an academic focus (yes there are exceptions but mostly in the lower grades and these children eventually leave). For some families, this is a blessing and they love it. For them, Basis fits this niche. However, many parents and students want both academics and activities including club sports or more musical options which is why there is a drop in enrollment every year and a mass exodus between middle school and high school. The teachers are mostly very good to excellent. I don't think most of you should worry about calculus and when it will be taught, the statistics show that the majority of students will not be at the school to worry about it. Also, the early graduation at 11th grade is due to pushing the entire curriculum for all subjects down a year (6th grade curriculum is taught in 5th, etc.). There really is not much of a change in numbers between 11th and 12th. If you start with 150 5th graders, replace appr. 40 in 6th grade and end up with about 30 kids graduating (estimating, I didn't check the numbers), that is quite a difference. So, enroll your child if you think this model works for your child and if you find that it does not, leave when you are ready, if that day comes. For many children who leave it is not because they could not do the work, they chose not to follow the Basis path. There are many pathways to academic excellence and Basis is simply one of many (although in DC you may need to move or go private to find them).[/quote]

While it's admirable that BASIS is a school for academics, most colleges are looking for kids who have the whole package.  Grades and test scores provide some evidence of motivation, as does a rigorous curriculum, but top colleges are seeking kids who also undertake leadership roles, think critically, organize events, and master skills outside of a classroom setting.  The high scoring kids with the  latter skills will be the alumni who provide bragging rights. [/quote]

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