Anonymous wrote:DC schools can easily arrange for National Archives staff to meet with student groups, including participants in college seminars, for presentations and Q & A (no charge).

We get it, BASIS DC admins consider learning beyond the building to be a waste of time.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think we can agree that BASIS’ curriculum is not based on a expeditionary model, and that some kids may learn better through constant field trips, hands on group projects, etc.

Rather, BASIS emphasizes rigorous academics and individual accountability.

Which approach produces more “Eureka moments” in my view depends on the kid. My BASIS kid enjoys her math problem sets, for example (and disdained her prior school’s constant field trips and group projects).

Constant field trips? Give us a break.

When I taught at BASIS I couldn't even get permission to have MS kids spend 15 minutes walking over to the National Archives to spend half an hour reading founding documents of the Republic for themselves.

There's a happy medium, parents. Locking kids in the grim building all day every school day isn't the answer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think we can agree that BASIS’ curriculum is not based on a expeditionary model, and that some kids may learn better through constant field trips, hands on group projects, etc.

Rather, BASIS emphasizes rigorous academics and individual accountability.

Which approach produces more “Eureka moments” in my view depends on the kid. My BASIS kid enjoys her math problem sets, for example (and disdained her prior school’s constant field trips and group projects).

Constant field trips? Give us a break.

When I taught at BASIS I couldn't even get permission to have MS kids spend 15 minutes walking over to the National Archives to spend half an hour reading founding documents of the Republic for themselves.

There's a happy medium, parents. Locking kids in the grim building all day every school day isn't the answer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would choose private. My kid was cooped up inside all day, every day at BASIS. I expected them to take advantage of their proximity to the all the monuments/museums and green space that downtown has to offer, but it’s drill and kill all day, and lunch.

I don't understand how any smart family would choose a school with zero outdoor space for their child. I'd never say this to a family in person, obviously, but it's just nuts IMHO.

I don't understand how any smart family would choose a school in DC in the first place.

Anonymous wrote:I think we can agree that BASIS’ curriculum is not based on a expeditionary model, and that some kids may learn better through constant field trips, hands on group projects, etc.

Rather, BASIS emphasizes rigorous academics and individual accountability.

Which approach produces more “Eureka moments” in my view depends on the kid. My BASIS kid enjoys her math problem sets, for example (and disdained her prior school’s constant field trips and group projects).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What we didn't like about BASIS DC was the laser-like focus on test prep en route to AP exams, vs. applying knowledge. At our current school, the strongest and most enthusiastic STEM kids compete in science competitions, often as part of a team, locally, regionally and even internationally. Kids are encouraged to do academic research and publish. Students also intern madly, so they can be mentored by science professionals.

BASIS DC doesn't offer a first-rate education in any subject because there are precious few Eureka moments. It the program works for your family, fine. But claiming that BASIS DC is the gold standard for 5th-12th grade STEM studies in 2021 is silly.

Incidentally, BASIS Chandler in Arizona often fields teams to compete in science competitions at the national level. I know this because an old friend sends her children there.

This is a silly, misinformed comment by someone whose kid couldn't handle Basis. Eureka moments? Basis DC kids participate in science competitions (including the national science olympiad), do academic research and publish, and intern.

Anonymous wrote:Okay. The Comprehensive Exams kinda freak me out. Are the kids prepared? What about test anxiety? Do they test in 5th grade like that? What percentage of kids don’t pass?

Anonymous wrote:Why should a high schooler be doing academic research and publishing? Sounds ridiculous.

Anonymous wrote:Okay. The Comprehensive Exams kinda freak me out. Are the kids prepared? What about test anxiety? Do they test in 5th grade like that? What percentage of kids don’t pass?

Anonymous wrote:What we didn't like about BASIS DC was the laser-like focus on test prep en route to AP exams, vs. applying knowledge. At our current school, the strongest and most enthusiastic STEM kids compete in science competitions, often as part of a team, locally, regionally and even internationally. Kids are encouraged to do academic research and publish. Students also intern madly, so they can be mentored by science professionals.

BASIS DC doesn't offer a first-rate education in any subject because there are precious few Eureka moments. It the program works for your family, fine. But claiming that BASIS DC is the gold standard for 5th-12th grade STEM studies in 2021 is silly.

Incidentally, BASIS Chandler in Arizona often fields teams to compete in science competitions at the national level. I know this because an old friend sends her children there.