BASIS Tucson

I'm in 7th grade and I wanna leave. I've learned a lot but I feel like the workload is not worth the knowledge. By the middle of the first semester, I had to do homework during lunch, in the car, everywhere. By the second semester, I had to either quit all my extracurricular activities or do homework during PE(I chose the latter). If I went there next year, I would be forced to take AP world history in 8th grade. Also in most classes we have quizzes every week, and some of the quizzes require the whole class period and have 20 Mc's and a 5 paragraph essay. Because of the crazy honor roll( recognizes top 15 and 5 percent) and favoritist teachers there is extreme heirarchy based on how "smart' you are. By now i would like even bad TUSD schools better than basis.

RE: Feb 13, 2013 Comments: No, you are correct, my eldest daughter did not take Calculus till 10th grade. And I doubt that your 9th grader was forced to take AP Calculus in 9th grade. We have two children that are in 7th grade. One will take Calculus a year before our oldest did (Maybe like your child) and one is on track to take it a year later than our oldest. Same grade - 2 levels apart. We are grateful this was possible for our situation, but understand that part of this was due to opening the new school and is likely to be the extent of "accommodation" at BASIS. I would not want it to go any further than that either, or then we start sliding down that slope towards teaching towards lower expectations. Excessive accommodation and lowering of expectations for our students performance and ability to learn has hurt our country and local communities. I still believe that BASIS is not for all students, especially if they and their parents are miserable in this environment. However, I do admire kids who have at least attempted the curriculum and put their best effort forward, but maybe still found it too overwhelming. I am thankful for the scholastic opportunity BASIS offers.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is finishing her third year at the lower school and is excited to attend the upper school next year. Her first year at BASIS was tough - she was used to low expectations and having to do little work to get by. Homework was a struggle for much of the year, but then we found that she was actually working for very little of that time - mostly she was complaining and finding ways to avoid working. Once we addressed the time management issue, she improved. Now she is able to finish most of her homework at school. She has been in involved in extracurricular sports and clubs every year, and has many more friends than she did at her old school. There have been a few teachers we have not been happy with, but whenever I requested a conference they were willing to meet with me and addressed the problems in a satisfactory way. If your child is struggling, you and your child must be the ones to change what you are doing, because this school is not going to make exceptions for your child, or to change what has been a successful model for the majority of the students who go there.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree with the parent post dated Jan 31. The only exception, is that I would not give as much credit for successes to teachers, as I would to the students and parents. I do not deny that there are some exceptional teachers at Basis, but some of the teachers In my opinion, conducted themselves in a manner that was less than professional. Our child's safety and well being came first, hence our decision to withdraw our child from Basis. Today our child thanks us and is happier and doing well in a new school. well.
—Submitted by a parent

To the Jan 31 response... BASIS for todays 5th graders is much different than BASIS for todays 11th graders. Did your 11th grader take AP Calc in 9th grade? The answer is no because BASIS did not offer AP Calc in 9th grade until this year. I agree BASIS kids are creative and amazing in every way, and so too are the teachers (and parents without whom very few students could survive). But all these positives are DESPITE what BASIS does, not because of it. Some fifth graders enter talent shows, some cry themselves to sleep at night. Stress is high and so is attrition. Some seniors write SRPs, some seniors deflate in nervous anxiety and resentment, burnt out from too many multiple choice tests. I blame the system for the failures, and credit the strength of the students and teachers and parents for the successes. There are two opposing opinions of BASIS, both need to be heard. Ultimately parents and students must decide what is right for them.
—Submitted by a parent

As a student of BASIS Tucson North, I can attest to the fact that this is a wonderful school. The rigorous curriculum is superb, and allows students to challenge themselves to a degree unparalleled in the Tucson area. The problem most seem to run into, however, is that the school absolutely does not teach to the lowest common denominator - rather, students who are behind are expected to take it upon themselves to improve their performance. The resources are there for them to take advantage of, in the form of both peer tutoring and teacher student hours. I love every single one of my teachers, and frankly I couldn't have asked for better ones; if me or one of my parents has anything they want to talk about with a teacher, they will find that the teachers are readily available and more than willing to discuss whatever might be a problem, and my teachers are more than willing to help me if I feel that I'm floundering in the new material. Do not, however, expect students here to get free grades, or expect grade inflation - a failing grade is a failing grade, no questions asked.

My son was excited to leave this school and so was the rest of the family. My son was being pushed way too hard! My son stayed after school every day. He even went to school on Saturday s. But to no avail. he received almost all F s in every class. If you expect the teachers to communicate with you...forget it! My son self-esteem was broken. He didn t even get a D for showing up and participating. When I removed my son from the school no-one did not ask why nor did anyone come out to speak with me. I was one of almost 20 parents that removed their children from the school. If I kept my son in this school he would have repeated the same grade twice. (Basis in Washington, DC)
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 6th grade at the new Basis. Honestly, he loves it. As far as what he is learning it is amazing. He has homework but also study hall so he does not have as much at night. The weekly testing in some subjects lets them know immediately if a student needs help. Because he is doing 30 math problems daily, he is doing well in math. He loves the labs in chem and he is enjoying history. He thought Latin was very awkward at first but now he is really catching on. His teachers have student hours weekly, so if a student needs extra help they can go. The teachers at Basis work very hard to insure the students are learning and they connect with the kids. He also has Kenpo three times a week and he loves having drama class every day. He is learning organization which is so important in life. The leadership at Basis is very hands on and involved. Basis just had a school picnic and last night he went to a big Halloween Party at the school with a DJ etc. For the first time, my son is engaged in school. In the past, he did what he had to do to get it done. At Basis he is excited about what he is learning. For us, it s all about him. He is learning and he is happy.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a 10th grade student at BASIS say that I am having a wonderful experience. I tried out the traditional public highschool to have that "normal" experience and that was not for me. BASIS provides the BEST teachers in the area who are dedicated to their jobs; I've had teachers stay over 3 hours late to tutor me free whenever I needed help. The classes are challenging but are not impossible if you are willing to do the work. I manage to do 20+ hours of activities every week and maintain straight A's. BASIS is terrific school, but you have to be willing to do the work.

My son has been attending BASIS since 6th grade - and he loves it! His teachers are involved, supportive, and approachable. His studies are challenging - and yes he does have homework, but it is manageable - and nowhere near the 3+ hours reported by some disgruntled parents. More importantly, he has developed a keen work ethic, and we often have delightful and thought-provoking conversations ranging from the current political climate, to the historical - and he loves to discuss what he has learned. Prior to his enrollment, I was worried about his boredom and seeming lack of excitment about his education. No more - he is one motivated kid!
—Submitted by a parent

If you just want your child to LEARN and you can let go of the high expectations of straight A's, there is nowhere near 3 hours of homework per night. My daughter is in 7th grade and all she has to do after school is math. Which takes about 1/2 hour because she utilizes the time the teachers actually give them DURING SCHOOL to do her work.The previous post is full of judgments about the way the teachers LOOK (in fact, one of the reasons I love the school - they are teaching that those things DON'T matter). And we all know which teacher you are talking about - one of the most beloved and respected by the students, in fact. Schools are not required to do the Pledge in any state. Also, there is a flag and the Constitution posted on the wall in EVERY single classroom. If that is the most important thing to you, then clearly education is not a priority and BASIS is not for you. If your family has chosen not to take advantage of the MANY extracurricular activities that BASIS offers, then that is on you, not the school. There is no recess in any middle school and they are given 30 minutes for lunch, which is standard.
—Submitted by a parent

So happy to see the TRUTH being posted about Basis. This is our third year and realizing what BASIS is really all about. If ALL you want for your kid is ACADEMICS, this is the place for you. Excessive,unreasonable amounts of homework, 3 hours min per night ,and STRESS. NO recess, and BARELY enough time to eat lunch. Not Parent friendly, cant observe/volunteer in any class. There is also a persistant REJECTION of Americanism, no Pledge of Allegiance ( I am fighting for with Dept of Ed right now) LAW..Az State statutes! Teacher and staff self-expression of multiple facial PIERCINGS and TATTOOS more important than emphasis on Education.I realize we are diverse culture, student body, extremely diverse at lower school..We are, Americans FIRST, patriotism, respect, pride and honor for our country, growth of good character ALSO just as important to teach our young kids, Not teachers roll modeling to sit in her chair, not recite, while 5 brave kids stand up to recite the pledge. I just want to throw up..Have one more year to go, on to UHS, where a kid can have a normal, fun and JUST AS challenging education. BASIS cares only about rankings and test scores. THATS IT!!
—Submitted by a parent

Even though I know it's very hard to find a good school in Tucson for our children, overall, my experience at this school was not good. On the positive side, the school has a decidedly international flavor, which is wonderful. However, the attraction for many of the international families at the school is a reflection of a system of education which is one they likely grew up with in their home countries. The American approach toward education, for good and bad, tries to emphasize the development of the whole individual, through social activities, athletics, and a system of thinking and learning which develops critical, independent thinking and creative problem solving. Basis does little of these things and, instead, utilizes a system of education more similar to what China has in place and is desperately trying to change because of its almost exclusive emphasis on rote leraning and test preparation. Maybe, as another reviewer pointed out, you can avoid some of the negative socialization at Basis, since the kids are kept so busy with no recess during school hours (at Tucson Lower School) and very little time for lunch, they have very little time to talk to each other at all
—Submitted by a parent

I've had two children attend this school and both wanted to leave after a few years. It wasn't that it was too hard, just that they didn't find the school to be much fun. And as a parent I always found the atmosphere there very unfriendly and cold. A really good school will combine tough learning with a nurturing feeling. Didn't get that here.
—Submitted by a parent

Three of my children go to this school. We absolutely LOVE it!! I cannot believe how much they are learning. They come home and have such interesting discussions with us, and we feel they are truly being prepared for life. Some people worry about sending their kids to Basis because they definately have to work hard. My feeling is kids need to be taught to work and we have trouble with that in our American culture. Basis provides a way for me to instill work ethic in my kids. They do have sports and a lot of extra curricular activities, however, it isn't like a public school where there is a lot of money for these things. The sports at Basis can't compare to public schools. but the education is so good it is a worthwhile trade.I played four years of volleyball in high school, and it never got me anywhere in life. I would have been better off spending my time studying at a school like Basis. Furthermore, most of the kids at Basis care about school and come from homes where school is emphasized. There is peer pressure to suceed. I like that. My kids have been much less exposed to the moral "junk" they would be getting in public school by going to Basis. We love it!!
—Submitted by a parent

BASIS teachers all have Bachelors degree. BASIS teachers stay at school for hours to help students. BASIS teachers are included in at least one extra curicular or an elective. BASIS students have a higher chance of getting into a college. BASIS students have a 100% passing grade on AIMS. BASIS students are able to graduate by eleventh grade due to the advanced curriculum. 100% percent of BASIS students are accepted into four year colleges. BASIS school have been visited by well known colleges (I.e. Harvard, Yale, U of A, etc.) BASIS schools are very well supported by many parents. To sum it all up: Great School ~BASIS Students

This is our daughter's second year at BASIS, and we couldn't be happier!! When we moved to AZ- before we had children, I was told of the state of the schools in Tucson. As a medical practitioner, who often helped to write contracts with TUSD, I learned quickly that this wasn't where I wanted my children to obtain their education. After K-4 in a catholic school, our daughter transfered to BASIS. Yes, they have homework, but not 3-4 hours per night!! She averages 2 hours per night. The teachers and staff at BASIS are outstanding. They all offer several additional hours per week for tutoring if your child has questions and to work on homework. The educators there truly care about my child and have gone the extra mile to provide guidance when needed. Our daughter is not a "brainiac" by any means, but she is achieving great things at BASIS, and we are very grateful for the opportunities BASIS has given her.
—Submitted by a parent

What a bunch of hoopla for nothing! You can get the same curriculum at just about any Tucson, Arizona High School that offers 10 or more AP/IB classes. Granted, your kid will still get the 4+ hours of daily homework but he/she will have a much better offering of extracurricular activities. Stop feeding this school's ego.
—Submitted by a parent

I have spoken to approximately twenty parents who have their children at BASIS in fifth thru seventh grade and all have commented that their children receive two to three hours of homework per night. This is what BASIS does and weather this is good or bad for any particular student I believe this is for each parent to decide. The previous parent stated that their child did their homework in school to which I respond wonderful , but as one administrator at BASIS told me We try to load them up with as much homework as possible so they will learn how to manage their time. If they have a few minutes in the car riding home or riding to baseball practice they should take advantage of that time and use it for homework or study .
—Submitted by a parent

I am so sorry your daughter had so much homework. That means she was wasting the time given in class to work on homework. I have two children at Basis and they rarely have homework. They use that time in class to complete the homework. What did your daughter do with that time? Teachers do this so if your child has a question about the homework they can ask the teacher for help. I wish you all the best.
—Submitted by a parent