BASIS Tucson

Both my sons attended BASIS Oro Valley last year but niether will attend this year. We were very enthusiastic about this school and really wanted it to work but it just wasn't for my kids. We really like the curriculum, but that's about where it ends. Some of the teachers were really good and some were terrible and had NO teaching skills. My younger son's favorite teacher was let go, according to rumor because a wealthy donor parent didn't like him. Basically, if your child fits the BASIS mold then he or she will do very well, but if they deviate from that then forget it. Both my sons are "gifted" so we're told, so it wasn't an issue of cognitive ability. The real issue was their inability to work with kids who learn a little differently. A situation that is common with "gifted" kids. They also completely misrperesented how much homework and busy work the kids get. The get a LOT. My son's were doing 2 hours and more of homework every night which meant they couldn't do anything else in life basically.
—Submitted by a parent

If you believe in taking money from EVERYONE, and then selecting a FEW to give them a "rigorous" education -- then hail BASIS! The "Best Schools Rankings" uses a very twisted formula to determine "best" schools -- number of students divided by number of AP exams they take. That's it. No magic or complications there -- no socio-economic factors, no race, no special ed students (wondering if a single BASIS teacher knows even what IEP stands for). It would be interesting (and telling) to see the actual AP scores of the BASIS students -- the formula doesn't care how many 4s and 5s there are. Also, BASIS still believes, in the 21st century, in the 19th century model of lecture-and-test philosophy. The world has changed in the past 100 years, but education hasn't. BASIS is nothing but a TUSD school (like UHS) for the select few, paid for by the rest, but closed to the rest. American Dream 2.0.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is in 6th grade and finishing her first year at the new Basis Oro Valley. We are very pleased with the school overall. Yes there were a few minor issues with communication but the OV Boosters newsletter fills in what the schools and your child may not. Really great involved and concerned teachers, challenging pace with lots of extra help (if needed). Parent involvement can be as much or as little as you want. I totally disagree with many previous remarks about different issues, especially the lack of creativity- art history class, music and drama, puppet troupe, improv....lots to choose from- electives and after school clubs!! Actually more choices than she has time to do or she would have done even more! No there weren't any field trips for her class, except for the upcoming project week, but that is not so important to me or her. Lots of extracurricular social time with several dances throughout the year, several plays and even operas, parking lot party, talent show....You get out of the school what you want- a little or a lot. We got a lot packed into our first year there and my daughter is looking forward to next year, we wouldn't dream of going anywhere else.
—Submitted by a parent

100 miles. That's about how far we go every day, round-trip, for both my kids to go to BASIS Tucson. This is our second year "commuting" to both the middle & high school. The national recognition/test scores/curriculum --- what drew us to BASIS Tucson. The dedication of the teachers, the openness of the administration to listen, the willingness of everyone to "chip-in" to contribute to our students' well-being as a "whole-child" --- what's keeping us here. Last year, my high-schooler had the choice to go to another prestigious school nearby, but he wanted to stay. This year, my middle-schooler complains that I pick him up from school too early, because he would rather go to his English teacher's after-school hours. (Apparently, many others feel that way as his classroom always seems to be full and by the way, that teacher is not obligated to hold after-school hours EVERY day.). Lots of other wonderful reasons to be here. Maybe not for everyone, but for us, the 100 miles is worth it!
—Submitted by a parent

Not only does this school have excellent teachers and a challenging academic program but you know for sure that the staff is functioning as a great team when you call the school and the principal is answering the phones!
—Submitted by a parent

I've been a student at basis for the past four years. When I first got there, I thought it was a great school. However, now I honestly hate it. The administration has let the fame get to their heads, and is no longer focusing on the students, but is instead focusing on the student's test scores. If you would rather have an academic life then a social life, then this is most definitely the school for you.

As a BASIS student, I would say that this school is appropriate for any kid who wants a proper education. There are very little schools that can give you as much support and knowledge as BASIS does. Again, this is a BASIS student writing, and I absolutely love the school.

Recently relocated to Arizona, I have learned much about certain school districts. My 4th grader started school & noticed that the work matched those in California when she was in 3rd grade. Moved her to charter school which offered something new. Moms told me about BASIS. Researched, read, visited, toured the school, met faculty, examined sample class courses & schedules. Impressed. This school is definitely not for every child, especially if the child(ren) do not have support at home to go over homework. Daughter will start BASIS 2010, she has been mentally prepared to work hard. She wants to go to UCSD like her sister & sees her sister studying all the time. Life isn't free nor easy & finishing college open many doors. Promotions, raises, bonuses are earned by hard work. My job is to guide my kids towards a bright future and BASIS seems to share the same vision.
—Submitted by a parent

High expectations, committment to excellence, problem-solving skills, time management, one of the top five public HS in the nation. Need I say more? 'Great teachers, rigorous curriculum and high levels of accountability. We do what others say should be done but we actually do it.' (Michael Block, Co-Founder)
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children at BASIS for two years. One in 8th grade and one in 6th grade. They truly enjoy the excellent music, art and drama programs and academics. My children are very happy at BASIS. I came from Asia and the curriculum at BASIS is very similar to where I came from. If Americans want to stay at the top, our children will need to have more school like BASIS to attend. Of course they will be expected to WORK. What do you think the Chinese and Indians are doing? Yes, teachers should be strict, how else do they control the classroom ? BASIS school is a choice, they do not pick the only the smart kids, they just expect them to work and have discipline. Kids that want to learn at their own pace should not be there. Go somewhere else an stay behind.
—Submitted by a parent

I have one child at BASIS in fifth grade and since he has been there he is a changed person. Before he began, at his public school, he was bored, bullied, and completely miserable. Since his transfer to BASIS, his learning has progressed at an incredible rate we never knew was possible. He has never been happier.
—Submitted by a parent

My kids are being pushed way too hard! Teachers are so strict! Sure, teaching skills are great! But no recess, no field trips, no nothing! Kids learn at their own pace, not what these stuck up teachers tell them to!
—Submitted by a parent

We are currently attending BASIS Tucson. It has been a phenomenal experience. There are amazing teachers and educationally rigorous classes. While attending BASIS we have been given the tools to excel in many subjects, that are not typically necessary until a student has reached college education. Overall, it has been a very inspirational for our future ambitions and dreams as young adults. One of the best schools anyone could ever attend, we strongly recommend it to any aspiring students.
—Submitted by a student

Academically fantastic; lacking in soul. The school's structure makes it really hard to get to know the teachers, and the rigorous program gives short shrift to other important matters pertaining to a well-rounded education, such as creativity and empathy for others. Imagination tends to be swallowed here by the frantic pace of the academic curriculum. My child is here because the closest alternative is woefully inadequate, and I'm grateful overall for the high expectations and quality instruction. However, I feel that BASIS does not necessarily a happy, balanced kid make. It values academic achievement to the detriment of emotional and social intelligence, and many of the teachers ignore or fail to recognize a hierarchical, intolerant, and often cruel undercurrent among the kids. (I think BASIS assumes, mistakenly, that it is immune to this common Middle School problem.) In a nutshell: great education; very one-dimensional; a little cold.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has developed a sense of responsibility and matured considerably in the short time he's been at Basis. The quality of the teaching staff and curriculum is evident.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a great school to have your child into, but my kid needed extra help, otherwise he could not survive the high speed at which the teachers go. For my child, Kumon on Oracle Rd helped a lot and I strongly recommend it if you want results.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a new student, I have to say that Basis is a whole different world from the school he came from. Rote learning, flash cards, 2 hours of worksheet homework a night, where as at his previous school there were projects, investigational learning, creativity was encouraged and the parents were welcome. 'Open house' for me said it all. Parents were herded into a small room to sit for 2 hours while teacher after teacher presented without any time for parent's questions. In the past, we were welcomed into classrooms to see our student's work and explore his world at school. There were parents and teachers sharing ideas and smiles. Kids played and were excited to show us everything. If the 'Open House' is any indication of how my child is being educated (sitting and listening), then it is not worth it.
—Submitted by a parent

Follow uo on before alot of my friends are scared to tell there parents how they feel cause thye feel they are letting them down which is rubbish to me but that is the presure we are under.I just wish we had a teachersomone we can go too and let it out we tell our parents they get upset i dont know i just wish they had more of a guidance system for us.Basis is good if your a good test taker wish me luck for high school
—Submitted by a student

have a child at BASIS and it is a very frustrating experience! If you expect the teachers to communicate with you...forget it! We get the feeling that they allow kids to fail, if they are even close it, instead of trying help at all. If your child needs any type of help or encouragement with schooling...do not expect it from BASIS. We are definitely considering leaving.
—Submitted by a parent

WOW! this school rocks, nice kids, dedicated staff, and some wacky times...........
—Submitted by a student