What Basis Schools Are
Basis Schools are a network of charter schools operated by the Basis Charter Schools organization. They are tuition-free public schools that do not follow the standard district curriculum. Instead, Basis Schools use their own academic model, which emphasizes classical education methods, core academic subjects, and standardized testing as a measure of student progress.
Basis Schools operate in Arizona, Washington D.C., and several other states. Each school is independently chartered but follows the same educational philosophy and curriculum framework set by the Basis organization. Unlike traditional public schools run by your local school district, Basis Schools have their own hiring practices, budget management, and day-to-day operations, though they must still meet state accountability standards.
Because they are public charter schools, Basis Schools do not charge tuition. Admission is typically open to any student in the school's service area, though some schools use a lottery system when more families explore than seats are available. The schools are funded through per-pupil state funding, just as district schools are, but they receive no local property tax revenue.
Key Takeaways
- Basis Schools are tuition-free charter schools that use a classical education model focused on core academics and standardized testing rather than the district curriculum.
- Schools operate in Arizona, Washington D.C., and select other states, each with its own campus but following the same Basis curriculum and educational approach.
- Admission is open to students in the school's service area, and schools use lottery systems when enrollment exceeds capacity.
- Basis Schools emphasize homework, testing, and traditional academic subjects, which means the daily schedule and workload differ significantly from many district schools.
- Your child can attend a Basis School without paying tuition, but you should understand the school's expectations and teaching methods before enrolling.
The Basis Curriculum and Teaching Model
Basis Schools teach a classical education curriculum that prioritizes English, mathematics, science, history, and foreign languages. The schools do not use the Common Core State Standards that many district schools follow. Instead, they develop their own standards and assessments, though they must still administer state-mandated tests.
The teaching approach relies heavily on direct instruction, homework, and frequent assessment. Students typically receive substantial homework assignments starting in elementary school. Teachers use quizzes and tests regularly to measure understanding and identify gaps. This model differs from schools that emphasize project-based learning, collaborative group work, or student-directed inquiry.
Basis Schools also require students to take foreign language courses beginning in elementary school, usually Spanish or Mandarin Chinese. Science and history are taught as separate subjects with dedicated class time, rather than integrated into other subjects. The school day is typically longer than district schools, and the academic pace is faster.
Admission and Enrollment Process
Basis Schools are open-enrollment charter schools, meaning any student who lives in the school's service area can seek admission. You do not need to live in a specific neighborhood or attend a particular elementary school to explore. However, each Basis campus serves a defined geographic area, and you must live within that area to be considered.
When a school receives more applications than available seats, it uses a random lottery to select students. The lottery is conducted by the school or the Basis organization and is open to the public. If your child's name is drawn, you will be notified and given enrollment information. If not selected, your child's name enters a waitlist, and you may be contacted if a seat opens during the school year.
You will need to provide proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, and your child's birth certificate and immunization records. Some schools may require a parent information session or orientation before enrollment begins. Unlike some charter networks, Basis Schools do not screen students for academic performance or behavior during the admission process.
Academic Performance and Testing
Basis Schools track student progress through frequent internal assessments and state standardized tests. The schools publish their test scores publicly and use them as a primary measure of school quality. In states where data is available, Basis Schools often score above the state average on standardized tests, though performance varies by campus and grade level.
The schools also track college acceptance and enrollment. Basis publishes data showing that a high percentage of Basis high school graduates are admitted to four-year colleges and universities. However, you should review the specific campus's data for the school your child would attend, since performance differs between locations.
Because testing and homework are central to the Basis model, students who struggle with this approach may find the school stressful. Families should consider whether their child works well with frequent assessment and substantial daily homework before enrolling.
Costs and What Is Included
Basis Schools are tuition-free. You pay no enrollment fees, no activity fees, and no tuition charges. The school receives per-pupil funding from the state, which covers teacher salaries, facilities, and instructional materials.
However, some costs may explore outside the school's budget. Families may be asked to contribute to field trips, school events, or technology fees, though these are typically optional. Some Basis Schools offer before-school and after-school programs for an additional fee. Lunch is not free unless your child qualifies for the federal free or reduced-price lunch program based on household income.
You are responsible for transportation to and from school. Basis Schools do not operate bus routes in most locations. Some schools offer carpool coordination or information, but families must arrange their own transportation or use public transit if available.
How Basis Schools Differ from District Schools
The most visible difference is the curriculum. District schools in your area follow state standards and often use textbooks and materials aligned to those standards. Basis Schools use their own curriculum, which emphasizes classical subjects and methods. This means your child will learn different content at different paces than peers in district schools.
Discipline and behavior expectations also differ. Basis Schools typically have stricter behavior codes and enforce them consistently. Dress codes, homework completion, and classroom conduct are monitored closely. If your child has struggled with behavior in other schools, you should understand Basis's discipline policy before enrolling.
The school culture is also distinct. Basis Schools emphasize academic rigor and college preparation from elementary school forward. This can create a high-pressure environment for some students and a motivating one for others. Parent involvement expectations may also be higher than in some district schools.
Basis Schools Compared to Other Charter Networks
Basis Schools operate differently from many other charter networks in several key ways. While most charter schools use a lottery system for admission, not all emphasize classical curriculum or heavy homework loads the way Basis does. Some charter networks focus on STEM, arts, or project-based learning instead of traditional academic subjects.
The table below shows how Basis Schools compare to the broader charter school landscape on features that matter most to families making enrollment decisions:
| Feature | Basis Schools | Other Charter Networks |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | Classical education model; no Common Core | Varies widely; some use Common Core, others use their own |
| Homework | Substantial, starting in elementary school | Varies by school; some emphasize project-based learning instead |
| Testing | Frequent internal assessments and state tests | Varies; some charter networks minimize standardized testing |
| Geographic reach | Arizona, Washington D.C., and select states | Varies by network; some operate nationally, others regionally |
| Admission | Lottery when oversubscribed; no academic screening | Most use lottery; some screen for behavior or academics |
Questions to Ask Before Enrolling
Before your child attends a Basis School, visit the campus and speak with current parents and teachers. Ask about the daily schedule, homework expectations, and discipline policies. Request recent test score data for the specific school and grade level your child would enter. Find out whether the school offers support for students who struggle academically or behaviorally, and what that support looks like.
Ask about transportation options and whether the school location is convenient for your family. Understand the school's policy on student withdrawals and transfers if your child does not thrive in the environment. Request information about special education services and whether the school can meet your child's needs if they have an IEP or 504 plan.
Talk to your child about the school's approach and whether they are comfortable with homework and frequent testing. A school that works well for one child may not work for another, even within the same family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Basis Schools accept students with special education needs?
Yes, Basis Schools must serve students with IEPs and 504 plans under federal law. However, the extent of services varies by campus. Contact the specific school to learn what special education support is available and whether it matches your child's needs.
What happens if my child is not selected in the lottery?
Your child's name is placed on a waitlist. If another student withdraws during the school year, the school will contact families on the waitlist in lottery order. Waitlist positions do not carry over to the next school year; you must reapply if your child is not admitted.
Can my child transfer to a Basis School mid-year?
Mid-year transfers depend on seat availability. If a seat opens, the school will contact families on the waitlist. You can contact the school directly to ask about current openings, but admission is not may provide until a spot is available and your child is selected.
How much homework does a typical Basis student have?
Homework load varies by grade and subject, but Basis Schools expect substantial daily homework starting in elementary school. A first grader might have 30 to 60 minutes; older students often have two to three hours or more. Ask the specific school for typical homework expectations in the grade your child would enter.
Are Basis Schools religious schools?
No, Basis Schools are secular public charter schools. They do not teach religion or require religious participation. They are open to students of all faiths and no faith.