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Charter schools are schools that are publicly funded but independently run. This unique operation model gives charter schools more control over things like curriculum, staffing, and budgeting compared to traditional public schools. Charter schools are held accountable by authorized public chartering agencies and are required to follow state academic standards.
BASIS Charter Schools are a network of high-performing, tuition-free public charter schools. Our network comprises 40 charter schools across Arizona, Louisiana, Texas, and Washington, D.C. All BASIS Charter Schools utilize the BASIS Charter School Curriculum, which encourages self-motivation and hard work, enables students to master advanced content, and thoroughly prepares students for college.
BASIS Charter Schools are public charter schools. As public schools, we are tuition-free, open to all students, and required to follow state academic standards.
BASIS Charter Schools do not charge tuition and are free to attend. Even though our families do not pay tuition, there may be expenses for field trips, extracurricular activities, after-school care, or other academic resources. Financial aid is available for qualifying families.
For our Arizona schools: A security deposit is required upon accepting an offer of enrollment. This deposit is held in the event that school property is lost or damaged. Barring any such damage, the deposit is refunded once the student leaves or graduates from the school.
At every grade level, homework is used to reinforce concepts taught during the school day, establish good time management, and hone organizational skills. Homework volume differs by grade level and by student.
A typical BASIS Charter School student should expect about 15–30 minutes of homework per night in kindergarten, 35–40 minutes in grades 1–2, 45–55 minutes in grades 3–4, 60–90 minutes in grades 5–7, and up to three hours in grades 8 and up.
Yes. Kindergarten students have a daily Movement class, and students in grades 1–6 are required to participate in PE and Sports classes three times per week. Beginning in grade 7, students can choose to continue with Physical Education as an elective course.
Mandarin is taught from grades K–3. In grade 8, students select which foreign language they would like to study. We offer Mandarin, Spanish, French, and Latin. Students continue to take the same foreign language throughout their high school years.
We believe Mandarin is valuable for young students to learn because it is a tonal language. This means that the same word can have multiple meanings depending on the tone. Students of the language must attend to both the basic sound as well as the tone in order to understand a word.
The difference in brain activity between Mandarin and English speakers is well documented in scientific research. Most recently, The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America published a study that outlined the specific differences in brain activity between speakers of tonal and non-tonal languages. The results demonstrated that while speech processing is largely carried out in the “common left hemisphere,” Mandarin speakers activate an additional sector of their brain called the “right anterior temporal cortex,” which is crucial in recognizing differences in tone. Learning to speak a tonal language means that one must exercise this connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain to improve their tonal comprehension abilities.
We utilize the Saxon Math curriculum in Grades K–3, teaching a grade level ahead. For example, we teach Saxon Math 1 in Kindergarten.
We also use a proprietary math curriculum called SPORK Math. It is used for grades 4–8. SPORK Math is delivered through tablets, allowing us to update the curriculum every year, to ensure that we are responsive to our students’ needs. This method of delivery facilitates rapid homework communication between teachers and students, making time spent in the classroom more productive. For example, while students are doing homework, they can mark the problems they are struggling with the most. Their teacher will receive that information in real-time and can come to class the next day with a lesson prepared to address those concepts. Long term, SPORK Math will help teachers identify the areas students struggle with the most, allowing them to adapt their lessons and plan for extra practice.
At the high school level, we offer several AP math courses, including AP Calculus. Please reach out to the school you’re interested in for more information as the curriculum may differ from campus to campus.
We offer a rigorous curriculum in which all students learn concepts ahead of their grade level. Our teachers are excellent at differentiating and meeting the needs of each student—both those with areas for improvement and those ready for advancement. At the high school level, we offer a wide range of AP courses for students. All students are required to take at least six AP courses prior to graduation, but many of our students choose to take on additional AP courses.
Our curriculum is designed to be engaging and challenging, but age-appropriate. In the younger grades, we focus on building a strong foundation in core subjects like reading, writing, and math, while also sparking curiosity and a love of learning. Our experienced teachers differentiate instruction to ensure each child is appropriately challenged. We believe that all students can thrive with dedication and support.
A typical class has approximately 30 students. Grades K–3 follow a co-teaching model with two teachers in each classroom, while grades 4–12 have one teacher per subject.
The start date for each school is determined by the Head of School and leadership team, and then announced on the school’s website. To find your school’s website, click here.
To maximize academic instruction time, BASIS Charter Schools do not include professional development (in-service) days on the school calendar.
From kindergarten to fifth grade, our students are outside and moving every day. PE is offered at least three days a week at all campuses, and students have at least one daily recess in addition to their PE class. Specific recess schedules vary by campus and by grade level. Students also have opportunities to play outside during our Early Bird (before school) and Late Bird (after school) programs. For more information, reach out to your local BASIS Charter School.
BASIS Charter Schools offer extracurricular activities to enrich our students’ experience. Extracurriculars vary from school to school, as each school aligns its activities to the unique interests of the student body. Clubs and extracurriculars could include Art, Dance, Orchestra, Band, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis, Minecraft, Coding, and Chess—just to name a few!
Yes, our schools offer after-school sports. Specific sports vary from school to school, as each school aligns its offerings to the unique interests of the student body. Some of our most popular offerings since Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, and Tennis.
Our middle and high school students are able to participate in charter association sports leagues and have the opportunity to test their skills against other schools inside and outside of our network. Please contact your local BASIS Charter School for specific information.
Yes. BASIS Charter Schools offer the Early Bird (before school) and Late Bird (after school) programs to assist parents/guardians whose schedules do not align with the schools’ scheduled start and end times.
Early Bird is a free program that serves parents whose days begin earlier than the school start time. During Early Bird, staff members supervise students in designated areas of the school. While our staff members do monitor students’ safety and general well-being, we do not provide organized instruction or recreation during this time. Students are still expected to follow all school rules.
The Late Bird program is a fee-based, after-school program that serves parents whose days end later than the school end time. During Late Bird, staff members supervise students in designated areas of the school. The Late Bird program is structured, so students have time to do homework, read, etc. Financial aid is available for qualifying families.
No. BASIS Charter Schools do not provide transportation for students to and from school at this time. However, we encourage members of our parent-volunteer Booster Clubs to identify carpool opportunities.
At most campuses, we do not provide lunch for our students. Students are expected to come to school with a packed lunch. We do offer a lunch program at BASIS Phoenix South and at our Baton Rouge locations. Some schools also offer a hot lunch program organized by our parent Booster Clubs. For more information, please reach out to your local BASIS Charter School directly.
BASIS Charter Schools do not have uniforms. We celebrate individuality and believe that uniforms can hinder students’ self-expression. We encourage students to dress comfortably and appropriately for a learning environment.
Yes! At BASIS Charter Schools, we understand the importance of celebrating milestones and fostering a sense of community. Events like spirit weeks and dances create opportunities for socialization and celebration. We also celebrate student achievements through graduation ceremonies.
Every BASIS Charter School has a Student Affairs team. Individuals on this team offer academic, social/emotional, and behavioral support to students in need. With our advanced curriculum, having a strong academic support program in place is essential for student success. Our teachers hold regular Student Hours (before and after school) during which students can get extra help. The Student Affairs team also meets with students who need extra support on a regular basis. They work with students on organization, time management, note taking, and other related skills that enable academic success.
We work hard to ensure that every incoming student has the opportunity to succeed at our school. Prior to the first day of school, a diagnostic exam is administered to new students to evaluate their math and English Language Arts ability. Sometimes, we may recommend some additional practice prior to the first day of school.
We also recommend that new students attend our summer orientation program. This allows students to become more familiar with the campus, meet fellow students, and learn important organizational tips.
Once the school year starts, your student will have access to a wide range of academic support throughout the year. This includes Student Hours with teachers, one-on-one meetings with our Student Affairs team members, peer tutoring, and more.
Joining BASIS Charter Schools at the high school level can be a challenge for students who did not follow an advanced curriculum at their previous school. For example, our minimum math level required in grade 9 is Precalculus. If your student has not already completed Algebra I & II, which are typical public high school math requirements, it can be a challenge to adjust to our curriculum.
Students who join BASIS Charter Schools during high school receive individualized academic plans based on the courses they have already completed at their previous school(s). These plans are intended to motivate students to reach their highest academic potential, while also considering their prior educational experience. Students who transfer to a BASIS Charter School later in the program still benefit from being part of an academically focused community and receive a more advanced education than they would at a traditional high school.
Yes. BASIS Charter Schools are public schools that provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities who are currently eligible, or are determined eligible, to receive special education and related services. BASIS Charter Schools comply with all aspects of federal and state civil rights and disability laws, and we are committed to ensuring that all students who are eligible for special education and related services receive them.
We have a strong and knowledgeable team who implements federal programs such as 504 plans, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). We work collaboratively with families to ensure each student receives the necessary tools and support.
If you have specific questions about special education at BASIS Charter Schools, please contact the Special Education Coordinator at your school and they will be happy to assist you.
Yes, BASIS Charter Schools provide English language learner (ELL) services. Each BASIS Charter School campus has a strong and knowledgeable team who implements federal programs such as ELL services.
BASIS recognizes the importance of social-emotional learning alongside academics. Our teachers create a supportive classroom environment that encourages positive social interactions, empathy, and responsible behavior. We integrate social-emotional learning opportunities throughout the day, helping students develop healthy relationships and self-regulation skills.
Our teachers hold bachelor’s degrees, at minimum, and many have master’s or doctorate degrees in the subject they teach. New BASIS Charter School teachers are required to attend our Summer Institute, where they learn about our curriculum and systems, and review classroom-management techniques used throughout our network. Additional training and workshops are held each subsequent year to further hone their skills.
In grades 1–3, we have a co-teaching model. Our Learning Expert Teachers (LETs) are experts in education and instruction, while our Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) are experts in a particular field of study.
Your student will rotate from classroom to classroom for different courses, with their LET traveling with them and providing consistency throughout the day. The LET provides individualized support to students while the SET delivers the main lesson. Additionally, the LET monitors the progress of each student and acts as a point of contact for parents.
This co-teaching model allows our teachers to differentiate learning and meet our students’ needs by lowering the student-teacher ratio.
Some of our Arizona campuses offer both half-day and full-day options for kindergarten. Our half-day kindergarten program includes all core classes (Math, Language & Literacy, Civics/History/Science) plus a daily Movement class. In addition to these classes, students in our full-day kindergarten program also study enrichment subjects such as Music, Art, Drama, Engineering, and Mandarin. Full-day students have lunch and snack breaks throughout the day, as well as two recess blocks. Each program has two teachers in the classroom.
All of our schools offer tuition-free options for kindergarten, but specific program details vary from school to school. Half-day kindergarten at our Arizona schools is always tuition-free. Full-day kindergarten is tuition-free at BASIS Phoenix Central, BASIS Phoenix South, BASIS Baton Rouge Materra and BASIS Baton Rouge Primary Mid City.
Each kindergarten class has a Lead Kindergarten Teacher who is an expert in early education and a Kindergarten Teaching Fellow who assists with all aspects of lessons and learning. Our Lead Kindergarten Teachers and Teaching Fellows work collaboratively to co-teach all the core subjects. Students in our full-day kindergarten program also meet with Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) for certain enrichment courses.
BASIS Charter Schools follow state guidelines for kindergarten age cutoffs.
In Arizona, your child must be 5 years old before September 1 of the year in which they wish to start kindergarten. If your child does not meet the standard age cutoff but will be turning 5 years old before December 31, you may apply for early kindergarten admission.
In Louisiana, your child must be 5 years old on or before September 30 of the year in which they wish to start kindergarten. Louisiana does not offer early admission for children who do not meet the age cutoff.
Yes. The college counseling process begins early in the BASIS Charter School Curriculum. Students attend educational seminars beginning in grade 8 to become more familiar with all facets of the college admissions process. BASIS Charter School seniors take a daily College Counseling Seminar, in which they explore potential colleges, submit applications, apply for scholarships, and prepare for interviews.
BASIS Charter Schools offer a wide range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students, which allow students to earn college credits. Students are required to take six AP courses prior to graduation, but many of our students choose to exceed this number and take on additional AP courses. All AP Exam fees are covered by the school.
Yes. Each school’s College Guidance Coordinator works diligently to help students find scholarship opportunities. BASIS Charter Schools graduates average over $100,000 in merit aid.
Senior Projects are a unique aspect of the BASIS Charter School Curriculum, giving students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in their desired career field. Students who complete a Senior Project will conduct high-level, off-campus research on an approved topic. Senior Projects allow students to gain valuable first-hand knowledge in their field of study while networking with professionals in their field. Additionally, Senior Projects can help students stand out when applying to colleges.
BASIS Charter Schools are open to all students. We have no entrance exams and do not restrict admission on the basis of academic achievement or any protected class.
Geographic requirements vary from state to state:
Arizona: BASIS Charter Schools in Arizona are not restricted by school district boundaries, so you are welcome to attend any school in the state. Students are simply required to provide proof of Arizona residency.
Louisiana: Per state laws, our BASIS Baton Rouge campuses are only able to enroll students living within the East Baton Rouge Parish School District.
Washington, D.C.: BASIS DC is open to all students who reside within the District of Columbia.
Arizona and Louisiana: All applications must be submitted through the online enrollment portal.
Washington, D.C.: All applications must be submitted using the common application at My School DC.
For your best chances of securing a seat, we recommend completing your application during the Open Enrollment period. This allows you to be included in our random lottery if the number of applications received exceeds the number of available seats. Open Enrollment typically starts in the fall for the following school year.
Open Enrollment is a designated timeframe during which families can apply for the upcoming school year. BASIS Charter Schools in Arizona, Texas and Louisiana have an Open Enrollment period in the fall for the following school year.
Applying during Open Enrollment allows you to be included in our enrollment lottery if we do not have enough open seats to accommodate all applications. We recommend applying during the Open Enrollment period for your best chance of securing a seat. Families who apply during Open Enrollment but do not receive an enrollment offer will be placed on a waitlist.
Please note that the exact Open Enrollment dates and lottery dates are determined on a year-to-year basis. Please visit our Apply page or sign up for our interest list for the most up-to-date information.
BASIS Charter Schools use a lottery and waitlist system to determine enrollment when the number of applications received exceeds the number of available seats.
To participate in our enrollment lottery, families must apply during the Open Enrollment period. Open Enrollment happens in the fall for the following school year.
If you apply during Open Enrollment: If the number of applications received during Open Enrollment exceeds the number of openings (at any grade level), enrollment is determined by a lottery and waitlist. To be included in the lottery, you need to apply by midnight on the last day of Open Enrollment. After the Open Enrollment period ends, lottery drawings are held. You will receive the results directly from the school(s) you applied to. Families that do not receive an enrollment offer from the lottery will be added to a waitlist.
If you apply outside of Open Enrollment: Applications submitted after the Open Enrollment period has ended will be added to a waitlist and processed on a first-come, first-served basis, following any applications received during Open Enrollment. Schools will continue to make offers to waitlisted applicants as seats become available. There is not a lottery for applications submitted outside of Open Enrollment.
Disclaimer: For questions regarding the lottery and waitlist process in Washington, DC, please see the FAQ at MySchoolDC.org
We recommend applying during the Open Enrollment period so you can be included in our enrollment lottery if the number of applicants exceeds the number of available seats. This is your best chance of securing a seat for your child. However, we continue to accept applications throughout the year, even after the Open Enrollment window has ended.
Please note that the exact Open Enrollment dates and lottery dates are determined on a year-to-year basis. Join our interest list to receive Open Enrollment updates for your school of interest.
Applications submitted during the Open Enrollment period will receive results by the end of the day on the published lottery date (typically in mid-January). Applications submitted after Open Enrollment will receive results within 2–3 days.
Applicants who are offered enrollment at a BASIS Charter School will be provided with instructions for accepting the offer, completing the online registration form, and submitting registration documents to the school.
Applicants who are not offered enrollment will be placed on a waitlist. Waitlisted applications still have a chance of receiving an offer, since we continue to make offers throughout the spring, summer, and even into the beginning of the school year as seats become available.
Out-of-state and international applicants are welcome to apply to our schools. If offered enrollment, families must provide proof of residency no later than the first day of the school year. All applications are submitted via our online enrollment portal. Please reach out to our enrollment team for specific guidance based on your family’s circumstances. Enrollment policies vary from state to state.
You may notice fluctuations in your student’s waitlist number. This is a fairly common occurrence, especially during peak times of enrollment, and should not be a cause for concern. Even if your student’s waitlist number is high following the lottery, things can change rapidly.
No, current BASIS Charter School families who are continuing at the same campus the following year do not need to reapply. You will complete a re-enrollment survey from your school in the spring, communicating your plans for the following school year.
If your student is advancing to their school’s affiliate BASIS campus (moving from primary school to upper school) or transferring to another BASIS campus, you are required to submit a new application for the upcoming school year.
Please visit the links below to view our enrollment policies for the 2024–25 school year:
Please visit the links below to view our enrollment policies for the 2025–26 school year:
*Please note that our enrollment process varies from state to state. If you have questions regarding enrollment at our BASIS Charter Schools in Arizona, Louisiana or Washington, D.C., you can contact the BASIS Ed Enrollment Department at (480) 696-3997 or email us at [email protected].
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