BASIS Tucson North

5740 East River Road

School District

Basis School Inc.
Grade

5-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

charter

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by student on October 15, 2024

I’ve been a student at BTN since 3rd grade. I learned a lot, but over time the experience just gets worse and worse every year. The teachers give out so much homework and many assessments every week. The school is so crowded. The only reason why the school is considered a “very educational” place is because of the STUDENTS and not the teachers. The teachers just talk about a topic for 1 day, then never review it again, then give us difficult homework based on the topic, and then give us an assessment. They give us a huge study guide to fill out, but they don’t review it or go over it. How am i supposed to know if it’s correct if they don’t check the answers? I felt smarter last year before these newly experienced teachers were hired. The physical education is bad. The gym is small. At lunch, there’s not enough time to eat AND go outside within 25 minutes. The only area we can be outside is so small, there’s almost no space to run around many other students. The time i have to go to my locker, get water, go to the bathroom, and be on time to class is FIVE MINUTES. In 5th grade, one teacher gave us 2 bathroom passes for the whole year. It’s not acceptable to force a student in class if they have to use the bathroom.
Submitted by parent on August 01, 2023

Two years in a row there is no Computer Science teacher. The administration is only interested in tracking kids and now there is a new policy for all students to wear their IDs around their necks at all times (papers please!). The principal is so widely disliked that teachers have extremely high turnover. They unionized against the administration. The school is incapable of recruiting and/or retaining good teachers. Principal also got rid of nearly every parent volunteer opportunity. I would pull my kid in a heartbeat if my kid would agree to it. Its no longer a STEM school, more like a SEM school as Technology is missing. The principal also informed us: "Literature before Math" so there goes the M also.
Submitted by student on July 10, 2023

As a kid who has been going to this school since kindergarten back at the primary location, it feels as if every year strips away my free time more and more. For example, this year they had changed the rules during lunch to where you cannot play just basketball with your friends. Instead, they make you do a specific game they most likely made up in 10 minutes (they just combine games you'd play as a toddler into one game). You are not allowed to play anything but those games. The school in general is a very orderly almost robotic school that has insanely strict rules like how you cannot have any devices on you during a school dance. I get that the goal is to get kids off their phones to have fun at these events however based off my friends and experience from the events, most kids are not even on their phones and might be on them for at most 5 minutes to record a video or photo to have a memory of that event. One other rule that blows my mind is the no touching rule where no physical touching is allowed at all. PDA is understandable, but getting in trouble for dapping people up is crazy. I would like to point out the fact that a few teachers literally scream at kids just for going to their friends locker. For example me and my friend were getting ready for our elective class (we have two different electives but our rooms are across each other), so like we usually do, my friend goes to my locker and waits for me to be finished to walk to our classes together. If we are good on time, we'll usually go take the long way just so we can talk to each other more before going back into a class where you sit still for 50 minutes straight and listen with no talking. Then, one of the 5th grade teachers (who is known for doing this kind of stuff) follows us around the entire school behind us almost like a stalker and then screams to the top of her lungs at the most populated hall downstairs yelling at my friend and I for practically walking to class. Not to mention the extreme amounts of stress and decrease in mental health the homework provides. For the 7th grade, it takes on average 3 hours to complete all homework in which all of it is most likely due the next day. The math homework especially takes a long time to do if you do not understand the material and it is always due the next day. "Just go ask for help", you could but the teachers just explain it like they did at first. I would not recommend this school to any kid who wants to overall just be happy.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2023

This school is so bad I don't have enough words to describe what they have done to my children. 1 star is too much for them. This school doesn't have a parent vue or student vue, so it's very hard to keep track of the assignments and grades. The kids are supposed to track their assignments by using the planner, so if there is any error on student or teacher's part (which happens all too often), it is time consuming to figure it out. if you want a snapshot of your grades, you have to come to dean's office after school and ask for the report. Sometimes it takes a week or more for the dean to do it. Whether or not the teacher personally likes your child is definitely reflected in their grade. An example; my child got an A on a test, but after 2 weeks the teacher changed an A to a C in the system, and it good we did not put the test in the trash because we had to prove it happened. She got an A at the end of a semester, but got a C on these extra, Basis unique "Comp" exams which skewed her grade to a B. We wanted to be able to review the mistakes, but it's a school rule that a completed "Comp" exam cannot be reviewed, thereby making it impossible to learn directly from one's own mistakes. I can go on, and on, and on...save yourself a lot of regretful headaches and find a better place for your young scholars.
Submitted by student on April 16, 2023

I have been to BTN for almost 3 years. I have to say every year the school has gotten worse in every category imaginable. I've heard that BASIS was an amazing school since when I was in the second grade and was really excited to attend the school first in 2020 as a 5th grade student. Its online program when the pandemic hit was way better than my previous school and I got to meet many friends and wonderful teachers. The same can be said for 6th grade, a really solid school year with some minor teacher adjustments here and there and the teachers were respectable nowhere close to the best, but solid. This year, 7th grade, has been the single most frustrating year of my life. It all started with rapid change of teachers, 3 whole times in just biology. Do not get me wrong some teachers are amazing, kind, and fun to engage with, but most aren't. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think a teacher who can't copy a link or put PowerPoints into slideshow and who finds answers to students' questions using just google who also can't keep track of students' work and grades is worth showing any respect for. Some teachers made changes to prove that they really care about teaching, most of them are still incredibly frustrating to engage or communicate with. Additionally, this school year, the school required the learning of Linguistics and it has been terrible. They grabbed teachers that were teaching anything to do with languages and made them the linguistics teacher. Even the teacher himself said he hates linguistics and thinks it's a stupid subject that he is teaching with no experience. When someone is stating that their job is stupid, then it really is. Recently, the school's teachers made a union to raise their pay. As a son of a teacher myself, I totally agree teachers need more money than is given to them. However, I don't think it's at all reasonable to ask for more income if they aren't gonna even do their job, teach students. It's like students creating a union saying students who don't try should be given higher grades though of their laziness and low intent of learning, absolutely horrendous and disgustingly greedy. In conclusion, this school's ratings do not live up to the reality at all. It has caused many problems at home too regarding grades and teachers. I, as a student, would not recommend to send your kids, grandkids, future kids, or any middle school kids you know to this "school" and I will be probably leaving after I finish middle school.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2019

My daughter attends BTN and is doing very well there. She is an incredibly bright girl, but like many kids, would at times lack motivation and interest in her studies. The teachers at BTN have been wonderful in encouraging her to apply herself, and now that she has, she is above the 88th percentile in all of her classes, including three AP classes. She takes pride in her classwork and her scholastic abilities, and she has met and surpassed goals that she once thought she could never even approach. Teachers and staff have high expectations, but they give each student the tools they need to succeed in primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. I can't say enough good things about BTN.If you want your child to exceed and succeed, and you are willing to help them achieve those accomplishments, look no further than BTN.
Submitted by parent on June 17, 2019

Please do not send your child to this school. Your child may suffer from extreme stress, anxiety, low self esteem, social and or emotional problems. This school is not for everyone. Tons of homework that won't allow a kid to be a kid. The head of school and most all the staff is almost impossible to deal with. No nurse, sports are pathetic. BASIS North will not take the time to help your child, BASIS North won't work with the parent when problems arise, they could care less what kind of person your child becomes in life or how they treat people as long as they get the grade results for BASIS ranking system, they only educate to pass tests, the most important thing to this school are the results. I agree BASIS North has severe favoritism towards certain students that will bring the results they are looking for. Check with your pediatricians see if they would share how many kids are they see for medical reason because of the stress and anxiety caused by this school. At one point BASIS North was having Counselors come to the school to help the kids deal with stress and anxiety. Families having to medicate there kids due to the unnecessary pressure of passing comps. I regret enrolling my child in this school. Please think twice before you send your child to this school. It's not worth it!
Submitted by student on May 19, 2018

If you are a parent or student looking at BASIS, I know it seems wonderful and that's how my parents and I felt when we first looked at the school but please take this review into consideration as this was written with an unbiased view by many 8th graders who currently attend this school.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2017

This is the 5th year at Basis Tucson North for my 4 children (3 boys and 1 girl). The oldest is in 9th Grade. They have all learned to enjoy their studies, work reasonably hard, and succeed. Teachers are wonderful and willing to help. I enjoy my kids’ enthusiasm about their studies and appreciate how they share what they’re learning with me. The administration has welcomed parent input and is willing to discuss suggestions with us. Overall, we are happy with their opportunity.
Submitted by student on October 14, 2017

This school is extremely challenging but the payoff is enormous if you are motivated enough to subject yourself to "eternal" work during the year. It is really stressful and difficult but I thrive in the environment.
Submitted by parent on September 29, 2016

I have 2 boys at this school- grades 7th and 10th. It is tough and certainly they can't get away with much goofing off. Life is hard and the earlier our children learn to deal with it the easier it will be for their future/college. They are expected to study a lot but they are now used to it. They certainly do not want to go to another school. They are proud of going to Basis Tucson North. They are able to participate in after school programs and they both choose to play sports for the school also. There are times when it is difficult to keep them motivated but I keep reinforcing the need to focus on their future and the goals they want to accomplish. I'm proud to be a parent of 2 young boys who want to stand above their friends from other schools. The teachers are willing to reach out to me when needed and they keep me informed. They definitely don't get paid enough for what they do. My biggest frustration with the school is the location of it and the congestion of traffic.Great school to get your kids ready for college and lives expectations.
Submitted by parent on September 16, 2016

Parent of former student - my student was part of the initial 5th grade class and made it through 8th grade. The school has deteriorated in recent years in my opinion, primarily from seasoned teachers being replaced by new teachers, some of which were recent Basis grads in their early 20's. Lots of social issues, primarily from lack of space, kids always being congested and influence of inexperienced teachers. Academics were strong as they set the bar high and there is some support for struggling students, but many times office hours are inconvenient. Parents really need to be dialed in or student will suffer. Sports programs are pathetic. They fund raise for teacher bonuses at an obnoxious level. Happy with the level of education, but happy to be out from all the other issues.
Submitted by student on July 14, 2016

look at my comments to find out why i mean really its bad bad bad bad
Submitted by other on March 08, 2016

If you want a school that does not go out of their way to help kids, does not put forth the effort to help them learn to make good choices, does not truly educate them, then this school is for you. Be warned, the way Basis hits their charter mission is by filtering out all the kids that need any additional help. They hit their goals by getting rid of the kids that require any effort. They are busy patting themselves on the back when the few graduating kids would have done it anyhow! The administration's actions are completely opposite of the propaganda they deliver to the public. My advice: look elsewhere for your students education!
Submitted by parent on May 03, 2015

If your child, no matter how bright, doesn't fit their mold they tell you to leave which is actually illegal. It is a very stressful and rigid environment. They are highly resistant to providing accommodations to students with disabilities of any shape or form even though they are federally mandated to provide them
Submitted by parent on February 17, 2015

My daughter LOVES this school. My daughter is bright and loves the involvement and engagement of her teachers. She is so excited to tell me all about her day every day after school. She is excelling in not only the basic courses such as Math, Science and English, but is also loving the time that she has with Art, Music, Latin and Classics. Her homework is minimal since she uses her time wisely in school and study hall. In addition, the homework isn't a chore because it is on material that she is enjoying instead of the mindless busywork she was given at her previous school. She has met so many friends! She loves the after school activities. She loves the catered hot lunch every Tuesday and Thursday. Her and her friends decorate each other's lockers for birthdays and such (with permission from the school). I forgot to mention Kenpo - she has found a new passion here as well. She is very thankful for the warm and encouraging environment for her to learn and explore. The Honor Assembly each period is one of favorite times since she has her hard work recognized and gets to recognize that of her peers. We have found the school to be the perfect environment for our daughter.
Submitted by parent on November 04, 2014

Please do NOT enroll your child at Basis Tucson North. The administration is controlling & unopen to practical changes. Payment with SMART for Charters (the service used to pay school fees) is such a hassle because it is an unorganized & unprofessional company. The school has little funding & students can t even be provided photocopies of worksheets sometimes. Students are not allowed to decorate lockers or enter class if they are even FIVE minutes late (you read that right). In January 2015, they are implementing a policy to ban backpacks because it's too dangerous. There is no cafeteria & students must bring their own lunch (there is an occasional hot lunch program). Parking is extremely frustrating because of the way the parking lot is structured. There is constant gridlock during pick-up times. In September 2014, one student was almost run over in the parking lot. Academically speaking, it is rigorous & that is to be expected (lots of homework). My child had a great experience at a different Basis location & I regret having sent him here. There are other Basis schools in the area that are just as good in terms of academic rigor but less strict otherwise (i.e. no backpack bans).
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2014

Not sure what happened below but it's apparent you are not happy. This is our 3rd year at Basis Tucson North. For starters the Basis admin. IS spectacular. The teachers, principals and head of school are very hands on and involved with the students and the teachers. They are always available by email or appoint. No clue what changes you wanted. The front desk is nothing but kind and helpful. Patty and her helpers bend over backwards to be helpful to both parents and students. I personally love Smart for Charters. It's easy, fast and you can pay from home rather than taking a check to school. It's no different than any online service from amazon to banking etc. YES I'm happy about the back pack ban. They are huge and they are heavy for kids to carry. I don't know of a school with a cafeteria in Tucson. Lunch is available for purchase twice a week. I am one of the many parents who serve lunches. The kids can eat inside or outside, play basketball etc. If you follow the traffic there is no gridlock especially with the staggered start times this year. Yes, academically it's unparalleled to any school in the U.S. Hope you can find a school that makes you happy. :)
Submitted by parent on April 27, 2014

We are very happy in this school. The teachers and the school's atmosphere really push kids to excel and promote the spirit of learning. My son was an average student in public school system and I was told he is not a candidate for Basis by other parents. However, he is excelling and enjoying the school. He loves going and is happy there. There is homework to be done, but there is lots of feedback and kids learn how to adjust and improve. Tests and quizzes are frequent, but no testing anxiety, it becomes part of regular school day. Sometimes, I feel parents are more anxious about the tests and kids are fine. Overall, very happy with the school.
Submitted by parent on April 23, 2014

this school is wonderful. my daughter was an "ok" student at district 16 school and is an excellent student at basis. now we realize that she was not challenged at the public school. the teachers at district 16 were so indifferent. now she loves going to school, loves her teachers and what she is learning in class, has made many very good friends. She talks about what she has learned on an ongoing basis at home. this school has raised her. the teachers really care about what they are doing. we couldn't be happier. everyone said she wasn't a "basis student" which is so silly. any kid can be a basis student. it just takes a student that wants to learn and a parent that believes their child has more potential.