Anonymous wrote:Title says it all - just posting b/c my kid (7th grader) hasn't always felt this way (and maybe won't in the future - but I'm happy to enjoy the now!). As a parent, I am pretty impressed with the school as well. Really, really solid academics; teachers that work hard and seem to care a lot; a hands on/impressive and hard working head of school. The school has also done a really good job throughout the pandemic, IMO. It is a challenging school and demands a lot from students, but if you have the type of kid who can handle it at this stage of their lives, it is a good choice.

Believe it or not, there are BASIS DC middle school students who can easily handle the workload but don't like the program. We didn't return after 5th/DL. All things considered, our kid's new school is a big improvement. It's less chaotic/more organized, more kid-friendly, happier, more parent-friendly and has much better facilities, academics and enrichment (other than for science).

You BASIS middle school parents sound desperate to convince us that the school is all-around wonderful.

Come on, no library,computer lab or language classes before 8th grade. MS kids are given almost no choice in their schedules. Extra-curriculars aren't very good. Teacher turnover is high and too many teachers are experienced and/or none too inspired. We know the drill.

You're making do, because you can't afford privates and don't want to move to Fairfax.

DD is also loving 5th grade. More time outside? DD has a 15-minute walk to school every day. Have a library? Have you noticed MLK Library is just two blocks away? It has amazing kids and teen reading rooms. It's open every day, even on Sundays. It's clean and new, with a fantastic roof top garden so your child can read and have more time outside. Problems solved.

Anonymous wrote:Thats really great, if the bullying would calm down, my 7th grader would be equally as happy

Have you spoken to the 7th grade Dean about the bullying? We had some similar issues early in the school year, and the Dean took care of it by meeting with students, I think moving some kids into different elements, etc.

My 5th grader has the same complaints about the building and outdoor time, but when I asked if he wanted to switch schools, he quickly said no. He really does like the friends he’s made, everything he’s learning, and the independence of riding the metro to/from school by himself. Agree that homework is usually finished before he gets home. He was on a sports team this fall that gave him lots of exercise, and we hope to do something similar this spring.

My 5th grader is growing & learning & enjoying himself. He is loving the challenge & loves almost every class. So far the homework is not that much. He has plenty of time to complete it at school most days. I ask him about whether the building bothers him- and he looks at me like it hasn’t occurred to him. Doesn’t bother him. We do need to make sure he gets exercise after school & weekends.

Tell her that BASIS Arizona/Big Brother says that libraries are passé in this century and that outdoor time is for people who are bad at math and have no hope of attending elite colleges. That should help.

My 5th grader is happy there, though she wishes the building was better (wants: a library and outside time).

Anonymous wrote:My seventh grader loves, it too! Sorry to hear about bullying -- we haven't seen that.

Its the incessant teasing over dumb things. DS good friends are not in his element this year, so it seems to be bothering him more.

I have friends with kids graduating from Basis this year. They are really happy as well. No schools are perfect but this has been a very good option for many.

My seventh grader loves, it too! Sorry to hear about bullying -- we haven't seen that.

Thats really great, if the bullying would calm down, my 7th grader would be equally as happy

Our 6th grader is happy. It's been interesting going through precoms for the first time - I think they are really proud of taking an exam like that. The experience of taking a big test is something worth having, unless your kid is one who really is crappy at tests. (In which case, run from Basis!)

That’s great!

Title says it all - just posting b/c my kid (7th grader) hasn't always felt this way (and maybe won't in the future - but I'm happy to enjoy the now!). As a parent, I am pretty impressed with the school as well. Really, really solid academics; teachers that work hard and seem to care a lot; a hands on/impressive and hard working head of school. The school has also done a really good job throughout the pandemic, IMO. It is a challenging school and demands a lot from students, but if you have the type of kid who can handle it at this stage of their lives, it is a good choice.