BASIS Chandler

The school is a great school overall. I agree with the frustration of one science teacher in particular that is not able to communicate with the students and it is reflected in the grades. My child has lost interest and hope in that subject. I have faith that the school will remedy the situation and hire someone that has the enthusiasm and love for the subject that will inspire the kids like they have in other subjects. There are some really great teachers at BASIS and they make learning fun. I am so impressed at the amount of knowledge that my child has been able to retain. At BASIS, because of pre comps and comps they have to retain whatever they learn for the long-term. After reading the reviews, I do hope that bullying situations will be addressed and remedied. Most kids may not report it. My child was bullied but stood up for himself and is now friends with his bully. I didn't know until after the fact. I hope the school stresses respects for others and that bullying is not tolerated. Character and integrity are important and should be taught along with academics to distinguish BASIS as the best school in the nation.
—Submitted by a parent

My wife and I generally like basis, especially last acedemic year. They had a change in principals and a few teachers as they now have a teacher who is very difficult for adunts, let alone young children and she's teaching the sceinces. The teachers are very interested in their subjects and that helps. Homewrok take my oldest about 2 hrs a day, he gets an avweage of B's, which is pretty good for basis. Sports is severly lacking(Basketball), but you can go to your "assigned" public school and join their sports theam that basis doesn't have (i.e. MOST!). There is some bullying, but in the lower grades Ms. Smith deals with it prompty, she is the one to go to for bullying. As for the diversity, well... 55% are Indian, about 25% asian (Chinese, etc.), about 3% Hispanic, 1% African (from Africa as well as US African Americans), the rest casucasian.
—Submitted by a parent

Insensitive and thick skinned? Really? My child is opposite all that and yet he's excelling because he gets his work done and is responsible. Please don't generalize about what type of kids can't succeed here. You sound ridiculous and bitter. Improvements can be made at the school but when compared to other schools in the Chandler area, this school is one of the better options.
—Submitted by a parent

quality of education is good. very chaotic during registration, parents and students were sweating and complaining because no aircon that time. they let students walk to a community park located at the other side of the road in a 3 digit temp, and when they came back, you can smell the stinky body odor of the students in the entire hallway.small school and gym for 500 (or more) students.AC is low during summer.

This school has excellent academic programs for students. It's definitely not easy expecially when your kids came from public schools with minimal expectations. This school is not for every child nor is it for parents who are not involve with their kids' education. Parents who complain about their kids having too much homework should really consider taking their kids somewhere else. What will your kids do when they go to universities where they will be competing with other kids from China, India, Europe, and top of their classes in US High School. My take is, 50% of the US High School kids may be going college, may be half of that 50% will go to a 2 year community colleges. So, 25% go to a 4 year university, not all of them will graduate because they will not be able to compete with other kids. If you are complaining that Basis is too hard, please go to another school so that other kids who are on the waitlist may take the available spots for better education.
—Submitted by a parent

I was appalled at the school's administration at BASIS Chandler. When my son was bullied, they turned the other way. But, what do you expect from a charter school in Arizona? We were so excited to have him get into a school with such a high rating and rigorous acedemic curriculum. He did not have a problem with that, even having to stay up until midnight on a regular basis to complete homework (!). In fact, he was excited about the subjects he took but, after the severe bullying episodeS (yes, more than one time with more than one kid) and no support from the administration, we had to remove him and put him back into public school. Now, THAT was the best thing we could have done for him. Thank God for good public schools in our area! Live and learn...
—Submitted by a parent

As a student, I thought coming to BASIS would be challenging and the teachers would be well trained it their subjects. Well, I was right. It is impossible to finish homework before midnight. The teachers are also well prepared in their subjects, too bad that some of them don't speak well enough English to let us learn. And the teachers that do understand English don't even teach half the time.

This school is has proven to be "we will burn you out" type tough. Teachers are not all amazing...some are clueless about how to teach. They put so much pressure on the kids that the kids reach breaking points. None of the students can get done with homeworks and tests before mid night. If you miss a day sue to illness, you will get yelled at and threatened the next day!! Parents have to teach everything at home almost! If you land a horrible teacher, your life is pretty much ruined. I as a parent HATE their balloon ceremony.... and I have to say my daughter is among the top 15% in her class but I feel for the ones who dont get a balloon despite trying too hard. It is an insane school ! I am actively searching for other schools for my kid. I am scared for her happiness and well being. If your child is insensitive and thick skinned, this school may be a good fit !
—Submitted by a parent

Very good school especially if your child wants to go to college. Moderate homework and some limited sports. Some teachers don't speak English well and my two children dropped two grades in the subjects they each had this teacher for. They say the school is looking into it, but a little frustrating for the kids. Grades are NOT a giveaway. Many time there are only one or two kids getting above 90% in some classes. AIMS, is not an issue, but Comps and Pre-comps are the big deal here.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a great school for hard working students. Teachers really prepares you for AP exams. Both of my children got 5's in both of their APs last year. This school also offer a lot of extra curricular activities in the form of clubs and sports. The school administration really cares about students and their academics. A lot of apportunities for high achieving students. Another aspect of this school I appreciate the most is providing students with a lot of chances to improve and not to give up. For example, there is an end of trimester exam, that usually constitute 25% of the overall grade. Even in some cases there are exams that you can take after the summer break if you would like to perform better and get a better grade. This makes a student keep going and keep working.
—Submitted by a parent

great school. focus on academics. small class size. They started lot of extra curricular activities this year.
—Submitted by a parent

I find this school challenging but since half of the teachers do not attain a proper teaching degree, it applies more pressure on the individual students. It however facilitates chances to open up programs and hold strong roles of leadership. The teachers really know you, and the environment is more friendly. Being a student myself, I have seen many leave because of the pressure this school gives, but it can be coped with through hard work and dedication which is an aspect of academics ALL students must hone.

This school is a very good school. We have excellent teachers, the principal is nice, the academic programs are very challenging, we have fun programs in the middle of the school year, that's educational, wholesome, and fun.

tough school but way ahead of the public school system. Focus on academics. No sports or other junk programs.
—Submitted by a parent