Anyone know about BASIS Charter schools?

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

I am wondering if anyone has knowledge of or experience with BASIS Charter schools. I would appreciate any feedback.

 

If one had an opportunity to send one's kid to a BASIS school that was brand new, would one do this? Is this school just hype? Do their other schools perform as well as the Tuscon one does?

 

 

https://www.basisschools.org/

[Ellie]

I might choose a charter school over a "regular" public school, but it would have to be pretty darn good for me to consider a charter school instead of homeschooling. :-)

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

I might choose a charter school over a "regular" public school, but it would have to be pretty darn good for me to consider a charter school instead of homeschooling. :-)

 

:iagree:I agree that a school would have to be pretty darn good to send one's kid there over homeschooling. I also think that many so-called good schools are not that great. I went to a prep school ages ago and I have heard that it is not as good as then and let's not even go there with the socialization even back then;)

[Kalypso]

My ds12 is currently in 7th grade at BASIS. We put him in school last year because he was giving me such a difficult time at home. He really likes it there. At this point, my dh and I plan to put each of our younger dc in BASIS when they reach 5th grade.

 

I would be glad to answer any questions that you have. Maybe if you could ask me some speciifc questions it would be easier for me :)

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

My ds12 is currently in 7th grade at BASIS. We put him in school last year because he was giving me such a difficult time at home. He really likes it there. At this point, my dh and I plan to put each of our younger dc in BASIS when they reach 5th grade.

 

I would be glad to answer any questions that you have. Maybe if you could ask me some speciifc questions it would be easier for me :)

 

Are they in the Tuscon one or one of their other ones? Do all of their charters perform as well or nearly as well as the Tuscon one?

 

Do they have clear behavioral expectations and measures for discipline in place to prevent classroom disruptions? Do they have strong polices to prevent bullying?

 

Are you happy with the curricula? Do they really have a rigorous program or is it just hype? Do they foster individual mastery and not place too much emphasis on group work?

 

Do they encourage parental volunteers or participation? Do they allow parents to escort child into school seeing as some schools will not even allow parents to escort kids into school even at kindergarten age:001_huh:? Do they keep parents in the loop?

 

You could PM me if you prefer. I appreciate any info.

[Kalypso]

I have to leave soon, but I will get back to you today to answer your questions.

[Ailaena]

First, I would never, ever send my child to a brand-new school without accepting that the first few years are going to be a gigantic mess.

 

Once upon a time, many years ago when there was just BASIS Tucson and Scottsdale (2006/7), I had no inclination to continue homeschooling past 6th grade and so I scoured the greater Phoenix area looking for schools.

 

In my head, I had it narrowed down to four schools, BASIS Scottsdale being one of them. The friends we had that went there raved and raved about it, and their kids are intelligent, well-spoken, polite, etc, etc, so we went there a couple of different times to check it out.

 

As far as a school goes, it is impressive. They have very high standards and help each child to achieve those standards, and they require parental involvement. Their classrooms were well managed (in my limited experience) and we did hear over and over about how discipline was handled (I don't remember, I just remember hearing about it).

 

For a free school I thought it was great. High structure, high standards, AP classes required, everyone seems to do very well, the kids love it. It was just not a good fit for us at the time because they were too structured. Everyone took the same classes, there was no room for students who were advanced or behind. Plus it was too far from our house, dd did NOT want to go back to school and gym hours bumped up to start at 1:30.

 

Nowadays, I see that there a million other BASIS schools and they are much more open to having kids at different levels.

 

For instance, their math sequence looks great on paper. However, are the schools really equipped to handle kids who take AP cal BC as a Freshman? I mean in this entire city there is only one school I know of who has classes after calc BC. Plus, according to them:

Completing any of the tracks

listed in this Math Course Sequence will ensure a student

has met the BASIS course requirements for graduation

by the end of 11th grade. Students have to take the AP

Calculus AB or BC Exam to be eligible for graduation.

 

Really? But do they have to pass it? Is it fair to base a entire year's grade on one test? I am sure that is not usually an issue, high standards, lots of help, etc, but for some reason it irked me.

 

And this is the case with all of their classes. AP world in 8th grade?? I mean, that test is known as the most difficult one. Not that I didn't have my standards aligned with these, don't read me wrong, I just don't know how well it works on a random sampling of students.

 

So I guess my only question would be how many students actually take these AP tests in 8th/9th grade and do they actually pass them?

 

That was way too long and rambly, but I am being rushed out the door!:tongue_smilie:

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

First, I would never, ever send my child to a brand-new school without accepting that the first few years are going to be a gigantic mess.

 

Once upon a time, many years ago when there was just BASIS Tucson and Scottsdale (2006/7), I had no inclination to continue homeschooling past 6th grade and so I scoured the greater Phoenix area looking for schools.

 

In my head, I had it narrowed down to four schools, BASIS Scottsdale being one of them. The friends we had that went there raved and raved about it, and their kids are intelligent, well-spoken, polite, etc, etc, so we went there a couple of different times to check it out.

 

As far as a school goes, it is impressive. They have very high standards and help each child to achieve those standards, and they require parental involvement. Their classrooms were well managed (in my limited experience) and we did hear over and over about how discipline was handled (I don't remember, I just remember hearing about it).

 

For a free school I thought it was great. High structure, high standards, AP classes required, everyone seems to do very well, the kids love it. It was just not a good fit for us at the time because they were too structured. Everyone took the same classes, there was no room for students who were advanced or behind. Plus it was too far from our house, dd did NOT want to go back to school and gym hours bumped up to start at 1:30.

 

Nowadays, I see that there a million other BASIS schools and they are much more open to having kids at different levels.

 

For instance, their math sequence looks great on paper. However, are the schools really equipped to handle kids who take AP cal BC as a Freshman? I mean in this entire city there is only one school I know of who has classes after calc BC. Plus, according to them:

Completing any of the tracks

listed in this Math Course Sequence will ensure a student

has met the BASIS course requirements for graduation

by the end of 11th grade. Students have to take the AP

Calculus AB or BC Exam to be eligible for graduation.

 

Really? But do they have to pass it? Is it fair to base a entire year's grade on one test? I am sure that is not usually an issue, high standards, lots of help, etc, but for some reason it irked me.

 

And this is the case with all of their classes. AP world in 8th grade?? I mean, that test is known as the most difficult one. Not that I didn't have my standards aligned with these, don't read me wrong, I just don't know how well it works on a random sampling of students.

 

So I guess my only question would be how many students actually take these AP tests in 8th/9th grade and do they actually pass them?

 

That was way too long and rambly, but I am being rushed out the door!:tongue_smilie:

 

Thanks for the info:) I agree with hesitating in regards to a new school:tongue_smilie: If you have any other feedback, please let me know:)

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

Any other thoughts?:lurk5:

[ChiMomNP]

I am wondering if anyone has knowledge of or experience with BASIS Charter schools. I would appreciate any feedback.

 

If one had an opportunity to send one's kid to a BASIS school that was brand new, would one do this? Is this school just hype? Do their other schools perform as well as the Tuscon one does?

 

 

https://www.basisschools.org/

 

I'm considering sending my son to a BASIS school for 7th grade next year. I love the accelerated academic focus. I'm not sure about the potential 3 hours of homework a night though. I'm not sure how my 12 year old will handle that but I think we may give it a try. I love what I have seen and read about the schools. This is a huge decisions for us, we swore we would never send him back to a public school, but the results at BASIS are remarkable. These days children need every advantage they can get to compete in what is an increasingly global economy. It is a tough decision. We love having him home, but it looks so good.

Edited December 28, 2011 by ChiMomNP

[AimeeM]

This would be the automatic no-go for me: "Beginning in 6th grade, students are required to pass Comprehensive exams in each core subject in order to progress to the next grade level." I am firmly anti-teach to the test and/or your entire academic year boils down to a single testing day.