Exploring BASIS Peoria: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Tuition-Free Education and Academic Excellence
BASIS Peoria is a distinguished public charter school located in Peoria, Arizona, serving students from grades 5 through 12. As part of the BASIS Charter Schools network, it provides a tuition-free, academically rigorous education, emphasizing college preparation and advanced coursework. This article delves into various aspects of BASIS Peoria, including its rankings, curriculum, extracurricular activities, and support services, offering a comprehensive overview for prospective students and parents.
Academic Excellence and Rankings
BASIS Peoria consistently achieves high rankings, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. According to U.S. News & World Report, BASIS Peoria is ranked #66 in the National Rankings, #8 in Arizona High Schools, #5 in the Phoenix, AZ Metro Area High Schools, #17 in Charter High Schools, and #3 in STEM High Schools. These rankings are based on student performance on state-required tests, graduation rates, and college preparation.
The school's performance on state exams is "Well Above Expectations." Notably, 100% of students took at least one AP® exam, and 100% passed at least one AP® exam. Among exam takers in the 12th grade class, 99% scored 3 or higher on an exam. The graduation rate is 100%, significantly above the state median.
Tuition-Free Education and Associated Costs
BASIS Charter Schools, including BASIS Peoria, are tuition-free public charter schools. While there is no tuition, families may incur expenses for field trips, extracurricular activities, after-school care, or other academic resources. Financial aid is available for qualifying families to help cover these costs. In Arizona schools, a security deposit is required upon accepting an offer of enrollment to cover potential loss or damage to school property.
Curriculum and Advanced Placement Courses
BASIS Peoria offers an accelerated, comprehensive, and advanced curriculum designed to challenge and engage academically motivated students. The school utilizes the Saxon Math curriculum in Grades K-3, teaching a grade level ahead. In grades 4-8, enVision Math is used, providing assessment tools and comprehensive lesson plans. At the high school level, several AP math courses are available, including AP Calculus.
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Students begin taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses in or before 10th grade, with a requirement to take six AP courses prior to graduation. BASIS Peoria offers a total of 25 AP courses. The school's curriculum is designed to prepare students for college-level coursework and success in higher education.
Extracurricular Activities and Student Life
BASIS Peoria offers a variety of extracurricular activities and student clubs to enrich the student experience. These activities vary from school to school, aligning with the interests of the student body. Some popular options include sports teams (such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and tennis), Model UN, and a robotics club. The school also offers after-school sports, allowing middle and high school students to participate in charter association sports leagues.
BASIS Peoria hosts traditional milestones like prom and graduation, fostering a sense of community and celebration. Events like spirit weeks and dances create opportunities for socialization.
Student Support and Special Services
BASIS Peoria provides a range of student support services to ensure student success. Every school has a Student Affairs team that offers academic, social/emotional, and behavioral support to students in need. Teachers hold regular Student Hours (before and after school) for extra help. The Student Affairs team also meets with students who require additional support.
BASIS Charter Schools provide special education services in compliance with federal and state laws, offering a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. The school also provides support to English language learners (ELL).
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School Safety and Security
BASIS Charter Schools prioritize the safety and security of students, personnel, and visitors. While specific security details are not disclosed, the school follows district policies, state guidelines, federal guidelines, and best practices to ensure a safe learning environment.
Preparing for BASIS Peoria
To prepare for attending BASIS Peoria, new students take a diagnostic exam to evaluate their math and English Language Arts abilities. Additional practice may be recommended based on the results. The school also recommends attending the summer orientation program to become familiar with the campus, meet fellow students, and learn organizational tips.
Students who transfer to BASIS Charter Schools during high school may face challenges if they did not follow an advanced curriculum at their previous school. Individualized academic plans are provided to help these students reach their highest academic potential.
Kindergarten Programs at BASIS Peoria Primary
BASIS Peoria Primary serves students in grades K-4 and cultivates a love of learning through hands-on activities. The primary school offers full-day and half-day kindergarten programs. The half-day program includes core classes such as Math, Language & Literacy, Civics/History/Science, and a daily Movement class. The full-day program includes enrichment subjects like Music, Art, Drama, Engineering, and Mandarin, as well as lunch and snack breaks and two recess blocks.
The kindergarten program follows state guidelines for age cutoffs, requiring children to be 5 years old before September 1 of the year they wish to start kindergarten in Arizona. Each kindergarten class has a Lead Kindergarten Teacher and a Kindergarten Teaching Fellow who co-teach all core subjects.
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Additional Programs and Policies
BASIS Charter Schools offer Early Bird (before school) and Late Bird (after school) programs to assist parents with varying schedules. Early Bird is a free program providing supervision in the morning, while Late Bird is a fee-based program offering structured activities.
BASIS Charter Schools do not provide transportation for students, and students are expected to bring a packed lunch, although some schools offer lunch programs through parent Booster Clubs or the National School Lunch Program. The schools do not have uniforms, celebrating individuality and self-expression.
BASIS Charter Schools have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, with students attending an anti-bullying program led by the Student Affairs team. Teachers hold bachelor’s degrees, at minimum, and many have advanced degrees in their subject areas. New teachers attend the Summer Institute to learn about the curriculum and classroom-management techniques.
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