Bay Area School of Enterprise

Bay Area School of Enterprise (BASE) is a great school. Its mostly youth ran which gives students that go there a chance to make the school go the way they want it to go. Going to BASE I've experienced planning community projects for the school including a Relationship Conference and a College Fair. BASE has great dedicated teachers and small class sizes that make learning seem more attractive.
--Submitted by a student

As a parent of a child diagnosed with ADHD, I highly recommend Bay Area School of Enterprise (BASE) for students with ADD, ADHD and other special needs. These students often require extra support and individual attention from teaching staff in order to succeed. BASE is the only school that my child has attended that has been able to come close to meeting this need. BASE has helped my child achieve grades that reflect his consistently high test scores while still maintaining the same academic rigor that can be found at other local high schools. The teaching staff are phenomenal. Their dedication and genuine concern for the success and well being of their students shows in everything they do. As a parent, I really appreciate that the teachers actually take time to communicate and discuss issues proactively before they become an irreversible problem. The bottom line is that BASE is an amazing school that has enabled my extremely bright child to finally succeed. I highly recommend BASE high school!
--Submitted by a parent

I am a junior at Alternatives in Action's Bay Area School of Enterprise (BASE). I have learned a lot and my teachers are really helpful. They have helped me to understand the steps that it will take for me to meet my A-G requirements and apply to college.
--Submitted by a student

The things I love about BASE are that we all get along and our teachers are so supportive. They take the time to help us out whenever we have a hard time in our classes or even outside of school. Here we see each other more like family. Our community is amazing. I like that the class sizes are pretty small because that way we can concentrate better and have more one-on-one time with our teachers. BASE has taught me many skills that will help me in the future. I've become more responsible since I came here.
--Submitted by a student

After 8 years at its current location on Alameda Point, the Bay Area School of Enterprise(BASE) will start the 2008-2009 school year at a new school site. Check out their website for more information, www.alternativesinaction.org . I'm excited because the new home for BASE means expanded programming for the high school youth! BASE will be co-located with other youth serving organizations like the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and the Alameda Boys and Girls Club. Being right across the street from the College of Alameda doesn't hurt either. Congratulations BASE!

This is a relatively new school which offers a uniquely student-based hands-on approach to learning, with lots of support but high expectations. I have two students enrolled here and have found that they are constantly challenged - which can be frustrating for them - but which is ultimately very good. The parent/family involvement with the school is very high - more so than many secondary school programs and parent/community outreach efforts are becoming more standardized & accessible. This isn't a program for every student or every family but, if traditional classroom high schools are not for your student, go to an orientation, meet some students and families and listen to your student. Are they sincerely commited, do you all understand what the school is about, etc. I think it's a great place for my children.
--Submitted by a parent

Well, here's my inside scoop. As a sophomore at BASE,I learn daily about the importance of literature, mathematics, and history. In addition to these though, I am also encouraged to develop public speaking skills, handle important events of the school and interact with adults. Youth at BASE are taught along guidelines of 5 R's, which are Responsibilty, Risk, Rigor, Relationships, and Real-world experiences. BASE is by far the most interactive school I have ever attended, and I give my coaches/teachers full support. It is understandable that our coaches may not be as experienced, but they are learning also. I feel that just because a teacher has achieved more than those at BASE,or has more experience, that does not mean they teach well, or even fully understand the subject without a handbook. We all need support ....
--Submitted by josh

While the ideas behind this school were inspiring, the implementation has been problematic. The teachers are not very experienced and have had serious problems with school discipline. The quality of the teaching is very low as evidenced by the test scores that show some improvement but are well below other high schools with similar demographics. I don't recommend this school to anyone, especially kids who have had problems in other schools. It could work for a child who is extremely well motivated and wants to set their own course.
--Submitted by a parent

BASE is a relatively 'young' school, still undergoing growing pains, and trying to find the best way to serve the young people who attend. Though I found the staff generally inexperienced, expecially with differentiated teaching strategies, the heart of the school is wonderful - sincere. The teachers and staff are willing to go beyond the extra step to do what they can to meet the needs of individual students. I would recommend this school, with some reservations. It is in the process of becoming an outstanding school, but isn't quite there yet - but is the place for anyone who wants to be part of the growth process.