BASIS Phoenix Central

Having been at Basis Phoenix Central for 3 years, I’ve seen a lot of positive changes and improvements. My child started there in kindergarten and we have found it to be a caring and nurturing environment. The coursework is hard but not unreasonably so. He had about a half hour of homework in kindergarten and now has about 30-40 minutes 4 days a week in second grade. The course offerings are uniquely varied, with everything from Mandarin to martial arts to drama. And because the curriculum is accelerated it’s really encouraging to see how quickly he’s learning essentials like reading and math.

First off, the Basis program is not for everyone. But for children who thrive on structure and academic challenge, this school is great. The range of subjects - from the start - is engaging and perfect with kids with various interests. The after school clubs go even further to offer fun and educational experiences.

We made the decision to have my child attend a Basis school, so decision was made that our child would attend Basis Central. For the last several years before this year it was an awesome environment for kids and parents. The true basis curriculum was followed so that every child in the school had a chance to succeed. The curriculum made kids work for grades and teachers taught kids not just do what is happening this year.Now we come to this year and the school has a very progressive attitude that wont allow for the growth of kids, classrooms out of control (what teacher certifications ), the school has teachers walking around in sloppy clothes (unprofessional),the kids are made to learn pronouns ( why do they need to learn this in school ?) The fact parents needed to sign a contract giving permission for teachings that mirrored CRT. This school has become maybe one step from a poorly run public school. I truly believe Basis is a wonderful curriculum and approach to teaching young minds but this school is just the opposite a disgrace to the BASIS name. I would never recommend Basis central!!!!!!!!!! They have no control of kids because behavior problems are not dealt with in an appropriate manner. So many teachers left this school last year and who knows the certifications of the new teachers.

NOT THIS BASIS!!! This use to be a great school. It is horrible. They preach a restorative discipline versus punitive, yet children are asked to raise their hand and then ridiculed in front of the class. Children dose others with over the counter meds and no call from administration yet local law enforcement was called.Sexual harassment and victim is inconvenienced and moved to back of the room or different seat. Out of control classrooms, children told they are an embarrassment. High rate of teacher turnover recently. Restorative discipline results in assigned seating during lunch. Loss of locker privileges because they are not resourceful with time, whose responsibility is it to maintain control and guide children when parents are not present. Administration will not contact parents but will stand out front and lecture your child when you get them to school late as if it’s truly their fault and they have other means of arriving to school within their control. When you try to talk to most of administration, Dean or Head of school they don’t feel it’s necessary to answer your questions regarding any situation that involved your child only restate school policy and if you use one curse word, the call ends. But other children are using sexual language and offensive language towards your child and no one contacted you. They do not want to hear anything you have to say or listen when you are allowed to speak. It is not the school it once was and I recommend any other Basis just not this one. It was a great school and so sad to see what it has become, it’s unbelievable, Education and Environment are not at all positive or encouraging. There has been one person that has listened and is a positive light in administration, Head of Student Affairs. I would steer clear of this School! There are great staff, front office, IT, Health Coordinator. Concerning after 2 years of COVID and 2 months into school year main subject classrooms have no control or positive learning environment.

Basis Central Phoenix is providing my child with an education far superior to what he received at our neighborhood public school. But there are trade-offs and it is a rigorous curriculum. The first few years of elementary school establish the foundation for what your child needs to be successful in middle and high school and later on in life, and Basis does a great job in this area! That said, it's easy to see why Basis, Great Hearts and other public charter schools simply aren't the solution for many families. Lack of school transportation, no subsidized meal program, near daily home work that requires parents to be home and involved (and confident they have the knowledge to answer questions/provide support), isn't feasible for most low-income, working families. I wish this wasn't the case. I can' speak to the quality of the special education services as my child does not receive those services, but the Basis model does have ways to quickly identify struggling students and put supports in place to help them. Basis Central Phoenix has an arts-enhanced curriculum that is awesome! The diversity of classes keeps my son engaged and there are plenty of after-school activities that are great for K-5 kids. The school encourages even the youngest students to be independent and take responsibility for their learning, and there are a variety of ways the school/teachers communicate with parents. The school and leadership also offer families many opportunities to share concerns, ask questions, offer feedback, etc. I believe that if you set high expectations for your child they can and will rise to meet them and Basis shares this philosophy, which is why it's the right school for my son.