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Anonymous wrote:Amazing how quickly a simple question about BASIS becomes an opportunity for the trollers! I think there will be more wait list movement for 5th grade, though there are definitely more siblings who got preference over prior years. It is still a relatively new school and last year's wait list issues for 6th grade likely reflected those growing pains. As someone with a 6th grader at the school and a son thankfully matched for 5th next year, I hope you get in!

one of PPs here -- not trolling, but genuinely wondering why the scarcity argument has currency. We have an upper ES child in a non-Deal DCPS feeder and right now we consider BASIS somewhat of a fallback option. DC can handle BASIS rigor but we're on the fence on the pedagogical model. There's plenty to both like (advanced academics and high achievement bar) and question (over-emphasis on testing). We have yet to decide but will certainly consider in time along with other options.

I encourage you to reflect on all of your options and to choose BASIS, PP. However, please either commit fully to BASIS or relinquish your spot by May 1. Please don't enroll to have more time to make a decision. There are families on the BASIS wait list who, like you, have other options, but who, unlike you, have a preference for BASIS. Those families will be forced to commit to their fallback option if you hold on to spot you don't really want.

not considering SY15/16, but either way -- why shouldn't someone take the offered space as a fallback and wait to see if other preferable options as ranked in lottery become available? Plenty of people hold their nose and end up USING spots for which they are ambivalent. There are 18 kids currently waitlisted for BASIS for 5th grade -- ALL will be offered seats. There are 84 waitlisted for 6th. That's not particularly high as lottery numbers go -- at Latin there are 154 waitlisted for 5th grade and 175 for 6th grade

I misunderstood your post, PP.

It's hard to argue with doing everything possible when it's in the interests of your child, including holding a spot at a school that you probably won't attend. However, keep in mind that many of families wait listed for 6th grade probably can't wait until a spot opens up in the fall, e.g., they sign a contract for a private school or move to MD or VA over the summer. If enough families enroll and then relinquish their spots over the summer or in the fall, the school ends up with an under-enrolled 6th grade, as it did this year.

That happens to many schools, DCPS and DCPCS alike. Stuart Hobson took a huge hit in 2013 when a bloc of enrolled students took seats at BASIS and left the school scrambling to fill the gap before count day. At the time parents simply exploited a loophole by double enrolling in DCPS and DCPCS without providing notification and were no shows when school began. At least no one can double enroll now, but one can hold out for waitlist options.

As a family called from the 6th grade waitlist from last year we didn't enroll in private or move. My DC got into another school he wanted to attend more. BASIS was our safety school since we knew everyone gets in. I don't think people on the wait list don't know that about the school. It is what it is. Lists move a lot for all schools. BASIS just needs to figure out their actual demand.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Amazing how quickly a simple question about BASIS becomes an opportunity for the trollers! I think there will be more wait list movement for 5th grade, though there are definitely more siblings who got preference over prior years. It is still a relatively new school and last year's wait list issues for 6th grade likely reflected those growing pains. As someone with a 6th grader at the school and a son thankfully matched for 5th next year, I hope you get in!

one of PPs here -- not trolling, but genuinely wondering why the scarcity argument has currency. We have an upper ES child in a non-Deal DCPS feeder and right now we consider BASIS somewhat of a fallback option. DC can handle BASIS rigor but we're on the fence on the pedagogical model. There's plenty to both like (advanced academics and high achievement bar) and question (over-emphasis on testing). We have yet to decide but will certainly consider in time along with other options.

I encourage you to reflect on all of your options and to choose BASIS, PP. However, please either commit fully to BASIS or relinquish your spot by May 1. Please don't enroll to have more time to make a decision. There are families on the BASIS wait list who, like you, have other options, but who, unlike you, have a preference for BASIS. Those families will be forced to commit to their fallback option if you hold on to spot you don't really want.

not considering SY15/16, but either way -- why shouldn't someone take the offered space as a fallback and wait to see if other preferable options as ranked in lottery become available? Plenty of people hold their nose and end up USING spots for which they are ambivalent. There are 18 kids currently waitlisted for BASIS for 5th grade -- ALL will be offered seats. There are 84 waitlisted for 6th. That's not particularly high as lottery numbers go -- at Latin there are 154 waitlisted for 5th grade and 175 for 6th grade

I misunderstood your post, PP.

It's hard to argue with doing everything possible when it's in the interests of your child, including holding a spot at a school that you probably won't attend. However, keep in mind that many of families wait listed for 6th grade probably can't wait until a spot opens up in the fall, e.g., they sign a contract for a private school or move to MD or VA over the summer. If enough families enroll and then relinquish their spots over the summer or in the fall, the school ends up with an under-enrolled 6th grade, as it did this year.

Anonymous wrote:I released a spot for 5th grader today, hopefully, your child moves up a slot. As a PP above suggested, I did educate myself regarding the school and the focus on test test test and the comprehensive exams as a pass or fail once the student enters 6th grade. I also spoke with parents currently at the school and others that withdrew for this very reason. That's the reason I chose another school, no trolling here - I just don't believe passing/failing an exam should be the basis for promotion to the next grade.

Not quibbling with your thought process, but the reality is that for most students the testing is not onerous, and passing pre-comps and final comps is not a big deal. During the grading periods students have been exposed to the material seen on the comps, and it's mostly review by test time. Not to say that comps don't require work, but it is certainly not an overwhelming chest-seizing experience for most. My kids seem more anxious about the first day of an overnight camp, or their initial assessment for their soccer/baseball leagues, than the tests at Basis.

Additionally, I guess it is subjective, but our family does not feel like there are too many tests at Basis.

For my kids it is just plain school and they generally like it. I like it too because they are surrounded by a bunch of flourishing kids. To get a sense, just hang out on the sidewalk after school and you'll see hoards of laughing and smiling kids headed to Shake Shack or being picked up by their parents.

I released a spot for 5th grader today, hopefully, your child moves up a slot. As a PP above suggested, I did educate myself regarding the school and the focus on test test test and the comprehensive exams as a pass or fail once the student enters 6th grade. I also spoke with parents currently at the school and others that withdrew for this very reason. That's the reason I chose another school, no trolling here - I just don't believe passing/failing an exam should be the basis for promotion to the next grade.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Amazing how quickly a simple question about BASIS becomes an opportunity for the trollers! I think there will be more wait list movement for 5th grade, though there are definitely more siblings who got preference over prior years. It is still a relatively new school and last year's wait list issues for 6th grade likely reflected those growing pains. As someone with a 6th grader at the school and a son thankfully matched for 5th next year, I hope you get in!

one of PPs here -- not trolling, but genuinely wondering why the scarcity argument has currency. We have an upper ES child in a non-Deal DCPS feeder and right now we consider BASIS somewhat of a fallback option. DC can handle BASIS rigor but we're on the fence on the pedagogical model. There's plenty to both like (advanced academics and high achievement bar) and question (over-emphasis on testing). We have yet to decide but will certainly consider in time along with other options.

I encourage you to reflect on all of your options and to choose BASIS, PP. However, please either commit fully to BASIS or relinquish your spot by May 1. Please don't enroll to have more time to make a decision. There are families on the BASIS wait list who, like you, have other options, but who, unlike you, have a preference for BASIS. Those families will be forced to commit to their fallback option if you hold on to spot you don't really want.

not considering SY15/16, but either way -- why shouldn't someone take the offered space as a fallback and wait to see if other preferable options as ranked in lottery become available? Plenty of people hold their nose and end up USING spots for which they are ambivalent. There are 18 kids currently waitlisted for BASIS for 5th grade -- ALL will be offered seats. There are 84 waitlisted for 6th. That's not particularly high as lottery numbers go -- at Latin there are 154 waitlisted for 5th grade and 175 for 6th grade

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Amazing how quickly a simple question about BASIS becomes an opportunity for the trollers! I think there will be more wait list movement for 5th grade, though there are definitely more siblings who got preference over prior years. It is still a relatively new school and last year's wait list issues for 6th grade likely reflected those growing pains. As someone with a 6th grader at the school and a son thankfully matched for 5th next year, I hope you get in!

one of PPs here -- not trolling, but genuinely wondering why the scarcity argument has currency. We have an upper ES child in a non-Deal DCPS feeder and right now we consider BASIS somewhat of a fallback option. DC can handle BASIS rigor but we're on the fence on the pedagogical model. There's plenty to both like (advanced academics and high achievement bar) and question (over-emphasis on testing). We have yet to decide but will certainly consider in time along with other options.

I encourage you to reflect on all of your options and to choose BASIS, PP. However, please either commit fully to BASIS or relinquish your spot by May 1. Please don't enroll to have more time to make a decision. There are families on the BASIS wait list who, like you, have other options, but who, unlike you, have a preference for BASIS. Those families will be forced to commit to their fallback option if you hold on to spot you don't really want.

A shadow day would be helpful. The kids work hard and take tests, but they also have fun. They gain incredible organizational and study skills that will serve them well. The trollers always find ways to suggest nefarious funders and evil doers at work. It's been a godsend for our family.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Amazing how quickly a simple question about BASIS becomes an opportunity for the trollers! I think there will be more wait list movement for 5th grade, though there are definitely more siblings who got preference over prior years. It is still a relatively new school and last year's wait list issues for 6th grade likely reflected those growing pains. As someone with a 6th grader at the school and a son thankfully matched for 5th next year, I hope you get in!

one of PPs here -- not trolling, but genuinely wondering why the scarcity argument has currency. We have an upper ES child in a non-Deal DCPS feeder and right now we consider BASIS somewhat of a fallback option. DC can handle BASIS rigor but we're on the fence on the pedagogical model. There's plenty to both like (advanced academics and high achievement bar) and question (over-emphasis on testing). We have yet to decide but will certainly consider in time along with other options.

+1 to both these posts.

I have an 8th grader at Basis and a younger sib starting next year. The school is working for us but it is definitely different from anything else in the city and not what everyone will want or choose for their kids. Personally I think and hope the wait list reflectsparents having a better understanding of the model (and applying or not) and that school is doing a better job at educating prospective parents so that there is less culture shock among those who do come.

Anonymous wrote:Amazing how quickly a simple question about BASIS becomes an opportunity for the trollers! I think there will be more wait list movement for 5th grade, though there are definitely more siblings who got preference over prior years. It is still a relatively new school and last year's wait list issues for 6th grade likely reflected those growing pains. As someone with a 6th grader at the school and a son thankfully matched for 5th next year, I hope you get in!

one of PPs here -- not trolling, but genuinely wondering why the scarcity argument has currency. We have an upper ES child in a non-Deal DCPS feeder and right now we consider BASIS somewhat of a fallback option. DC can handle BASIS rigor but we're on the fence on the pedagogical model. There's plenty to both like (advanced academics and high achievement bar) and question (over-emphasis on testing). We have yet to decide but will certainly consider in time along with other options.

Amazing how quickly a simple question about BASIS becomes an opportunity for the trollers! I think there will be more wait list movement for 5th grade, though there are definitely more siblings who got preference over prior years. It is still a relatively new school and last year's wait list issues for 6th grade likely reflected those growing pains. As someone with a 6th grader at the school and a son thankfully matched for 5th next year, I hope you get in!

Anonymous wrote: BASIS is interested in filling their spaces. They are interested in having certain types of families attend their school. There is a lot of money coming from various sources.

All charter schools want to fill their spaces. But Basis has no more 'sources of money' compared to other schools. There is the per pupil allotment from the city and some funds raised by parents. Less in foundation or corporate donations than some other DC charters. It's all on their 990.

BASIS is interested in filling their spaces. They are interested in having certain types of families attend their school. There is a lot of money coming from various sources.

Yes. The PP and OP were asking about the BASIS waitlist and I was relaying our experience. What is your point?

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Anonymous wrote:Last year all 5th graders got in and they couldnt fill their 6th grade.

^^ this. why the hand wringing over space at Basis? and they want to EXPAND

BASIS is in its third year and doing well. It will undoubtedly start becoming difficult to get into BASIS for 6th grade without sibling preference.

Also, they want to expand down, offering 4th grade down to K, eventually. Many of the kids entering in 5th grade are poorly prepared, and they think that expanding down will help remedy that situation.

when -- by 2025? they weed out students as they progress, thus removing many of said siblings before preference is utilized.

How about 2015?. They only made something like 25 spots available in the lottery for 6th and have something approaching 200 on the wait list.

We were well over 125 and didn't take the spot when called. I believe that was before school opened or right after.

What is your point, PP? You weren't that interested in the school and had other options, so you turned down the spot when it was finally offered to you in the fall. Thus, it really is not that hard to get into the school?