Navigating the BASIS Charter School 9th Grade Curriculum

The BASIS Curriculum is known for its accelerated and comprehensive approach to education. It is designed to equip students with deep content knowledge and strong organizational skills. For families considering BASIS Charter Schools for their children, understanding the 9th-grade curriculum is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the BASIS 9th-grade experience, addressing its strengths, weaknesses, and unique aspects.

Introduction to the BASIS Curriculum

The BASIS Curriculum distinguishes itself through several key features:

Subject Expert Teachers (SETs): Instruction is led by teachers specializing in specific disciplines, many holding advanced degrees.
Spiraled Curriculum: The curriculum revisits concepts at increasing levels of complexity throughout the grades.
Early AP Exposure: Students begin taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams in 9th grade.
Emphasis on Core Disciplines: A rigorous schedule is maintained in all core disciplines.

9th Grade Curriculum Overview

In the high school years, the BASIS Curriculum is known for its breadth and depth. Honors courses are the minimum level offered in core disciplines, with a significant percentage of courses taken at the Advanced Placement (AP) level.

Core Subjects: A Rigorous Approach

Students in 9th grade at BASIS Charter Schools engage in a demanding course load. This includes:

Humanities: English and history are taught as separate subjects.
Math & Science: Math and science are also taught separately.
World Language: Students continue their world language studies.
Concurrent Science Classes: Students take three separate, concurrent science classes: biology, chemistry, and physics.
Electives: Students can choose an elective beginning in grade 6 and a world language option beginning in grade 7.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

BASIS requires AP coursework for all students, starting in 9th grade. Students are expected to take 4 AP courses and exams. This early exposure to college-level material is a hallmark of the BASIS approach.

Read also: Your Guide to Nursing Internships

The Role of Memorization vs. Application

While BASIS schools are known for preparing students for AP exams, there are different perspectives on the balance between memorization and application within the curriculum.

Some argue that the focus remains on memorization and rote learning in high school to prepare for multiple-choice heavy AP exams. The College Board doesn't test group work, research or presentation skills, or participation in class discussions. One former BASIS parent noted that their child found it wasteful to study for history and government APs because the tests were based on analysis rather than facts.

Others contend that AP exams involve more than just memorization. They require analysis and critical thinking skills. The history and government APs, for example, present short texts that students must analyze in the context of their historical knowledge to answer questions.

Academic Enrichment

Academic Enrichment may be introduced in grade 4 or 5. It offers students time to approach teachers with questions and work independently on homework.

The BASIS Learning Environment

The learning environment at BASIS is characterized by a few elements.

Teacher Quality and Classroom Management

One recurring concern about BASIS schools is the variability in teacher quality. Some BASIS grads report a mixed bag in terms of teachers, with some being great and others struggling to control their classes. There's also mention of high teacher turnover and ineffective school leadership.

Class Size and Individual Attention

BASIS schools typically have smaller class sizes compared to traditional public schools. The small classes can allow for more individualized attention.

The Importance of Quantitative Skills

Students who are quick with quantitative work may find the workload more manageable. If a student struggles with math, the homework can become overwhelming.

Preparing for College and Beyond

BASIS schools pride themselves on preparing students for college. BASIS students must take at least 6 AP exams and obtain at least a 3 on one exam to graduate.

College Readiness Index

BASIS schools often score high on the college readiness index, which measures how many students take and pass AP exams.

Senior Project

The senior year culminates in a 3-month, off-site Senior Project. Students propose and construct the project under the guidance of an internal faculty adviser and an external professional specialist in the field of the student’s choosing. Students apply their academic content knowledge in a professional or research setting and demonstrate individual accountability and a facility with problem solving.

Considerations for Choosing BASIS

Deciding whether BASIS is the right fit involves considering several factors:

Student Motivation and Work Ethic: An average student who's willing to put in the study time can succeed at BASIS.
STEM Aptitude: Students who are intellectually above average in STEM subjects and reasonably motivated are more likely to thrive.
Learning Style: BASIS may not be the best fit for students who thrive in environments emphasizing creativity, critical thinking skills, advanced writing skills, sophisticated presentations, and group work.
Alternatives to BASIS: If BASIS does not seem like the right fit, there are other options. These options could include IB programs.

Comparing BASIS to Other Schools

Comparisons between BASIS and other schools, such as Jackson-Reed (JR), often arise. While BASIS offers more advanced math and science earlier than some schools, JR offers multiple AP exam cycles.

Graduation Rates

BASIS Oro Valley has a graduation rate of 100%, which is well above the state median.

tags: #basis #charter #schools #9th #grade #curriculum