BASIS Peoria: A Beacon of Excellence in Arizona’s Education Landscape
BASIS Peoria, located in the vibrant city of Peoria, Arizona, stands as a premier educational institution that has earned a stellar reputation for its rigorous academic programs and high-achieving students. Since its inception, BASIS Peoria has exemplified the philosophy that every student can achieve exceptional academic success with the right guidance and a challenging curriculum. As part of the larger BASIS Charter Schools network, BASIS Peoria contributes to a tradition of academic excellence that has garnered national and international recognition.
Overview of BASIS Charter Schools
The BASIS Charter School network, of which BASIS Peoria is a part, was founded in 1998 in Tucson, Arizona, by Olga and Michael Block. Their vision was to provide students with a world-class education that would prepare them for success in college and beyond, by creating a curriculum that was on par with the highest-performing education systems around the globe. What started as a small initiative has now expanded into a network of over 30 schools in various states across the U.S. and internationally.
BASIS schools are known for their emphasis on a liberal arts curriculum, advanced coursework, and an overarching commitment to helping students reach their full potential. BASIS Peoria embodies these values through its educational approach and unique structure, offering students an experience that goes far beyond traditional schooling.
The Curriculum: Rigor and Depth
At the heart of BASIS Peoria’s success is its rigorous and well-rounded curriculum. Designed to challenge students at every grade level, the curriculum follows the same academic model implemented across all BASIS Charter Schools. From the foundational years of primary education through high school, the academic program is designed to progressively increase in difficulty, fostering intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of a wide range of subjects.
Primary School Program
BASIS Peoria begins with a strong foundation in its primary school, which covers kindergarten through 4th grade. The primary school program at BASIS is structured to nurture students’ love for learning through a curriculum that integrates subjects such as math, reading, science, and social studies with courses in art, physical education, and music. The early years of education focus on developing the fundamental skills necessary for students to succeed in later grades, such as problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication.
A key feature of the BASIS Peoria primary program is the use of specialized subject teachers from as early as kindergarten. Unlike traditional elementary schools, where one teacher covers multiple subjects, BASIS Peoria introduces subject-specific teachers who bring expertise and passion to their classrooms. This model not only enhances the quality of instruction but also introduces students to the importance of learning from specialists in different fields.
Middle School and High School Programs
Middle school at BASIS Peoria, which encompasses grades 5 through 8, is where the academic rigor truly begins to ramp up. During this phase, students delve into a comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced coursework in subjects like algebra, biology, chemistry, physics, and history. A distinctive feature of BASIS middle schools is the accelerated pace at which students are introduced to high school-level courses. By the time students reach the end of middle school, they have often completed a number of high school courses, giving them a head start as they move into the upper grades.
High school at BASIS Peoria, covering grades 9 through 12, is characterized by a diverse array of advanced placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and capstone research projects. BASIS high schools are widely recognized for their outstanding AP performance, with students consistently scoring above the national average on AP exams. Many students graduate with a significant number of college credits, providing them with the opportunity to enter universities at an advanced level or to explore additional academic interests during their college years.
Additionally, the Senior Project, a hallmark of the BASIS curriculum, offers seniors the opportunity to pursue an independent research project or internship in a field of their choice. This project serves as a capstone to their BASIS education, allowing students to apply their academic skills in a real-world setting while exploring career paths or contributing to academic research.
The Faculty: Experts and Educators
BASIS Peoria places a strong emphasis on the quality of its faculty, recognizing that exceptional educators are crucial to student success. The school recruits teachers who are not only experts in their fields but also passionate about education and student development. Many of the faculty members at BASIS Peoria hold advanced degrees in their respective disciplines, ensuring that students receive instruction from highly knowledgeable individuals who are well-versed in the subject matter.
In addition to their subject expertise, BASIS teachers are known for their ability to create a supportive and engaging classroom environment. They work closely with students to help them overcome academic challenges, develop strong study habits, and foster a love for learning. The small class sizes at BASIS Peoria allow for individualized attention, ensuring that every student is given the resources and support needed to succeed.
Student Achievement and Recognition
BASIS Peoria’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the achievements of its students. The school consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in Arizona and the United States. BASIS Peoria students routinely score in the highest percentiles on standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement exams. The school has also been recognized for its impressive college acceptance rates, with graduates gaining admission to prestigious universities both in the U.S. and abroad.
In addition to their academic accomplishments, BASIS Peoria students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including athletics, performing arts, and academic clubs. The school encourages students to pursue their interests outside of the classroom, understanding that a well-rounded education includes opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. Many students have gone on to achieve accolades in competitions such as the National Merit Scholarship Program, Science Olympiad, and Model United Nations, further solidifying BASIS Peoria’s reputation as a school that cultivates not only academic prowess but also well-rounded, capable individuals.
School Culture and Values
BASIS Peoria prides itself on fostering a culture of hard work, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. The school’s motto, “Accelerate, Elevate, Achieve,” encapsulates its educational philosophy, which is centered on pushing students to exceed their own expectations. The school environment is characterized by high expectations, both academically and behaviorally, and students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning journey.
One of the core values of BASIS Peoria is the belief that every student can achieve academic success with the right combination of support and effort. The school’s approach is one that emphasizes mastery of material rather than rote memorization. Students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and explore topics in depth. While the curriculum is demanding, students at BASIS Peoria are provided with a structured support system that includes tutoring, office hours with teachers, and peer mentoring programs to help them navigate their coursework.
The emphasis on personal responsibility and self-discipline is evident in the way students are encouraged to manage their time effectively and take initiative in their studies. The BASIS Peoria Honor Code, which promotes integrity and respect, plays a significant role in shaping the school’s culture. By instilling these values early on, BASIS Peoria prepares students not only for academic success but also for the challenges they will face in college and beyond.
College Counseling and Future Preparation
BASIS Peoria places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the transition to higher education. The school’s college counseling program is designed to provide students with the guidance and support they need to navigate the often-complex college application process. Starting in the early years of high school, students are introduced to the fundamentals of college preparation, including selecting the right courses, preparing for standardized tests, and identifying colleges that align with their academic and career goals.
By the time students reach their senior year, they work closely with college counselors to finalize their college applications, write personal statements, and prepare for interviews. The success of this program is evident in the impressive college acceptance rates of BASIS Peoria graduates, many of whom are accepted into top-tier universities such as Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and Princeton.
Beyond college preparation, BASIS Peoria is committed to ensuring that students are well-prepared for life after graduation. Whether students pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the arts, or any other field, the skills they develop at BASIS Peoria—critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and intellectual curiosity—serve as a strong foundation for their future endeavors.
Conclusion
BASIS Peoria stands as a beacon of academic excellence in Arizona’s education landscape. Through its rigorous curriculum, exceptional faculty, and commitment to student achievement, the school has created an environment where students are not only challenged but also supported in their pursuit of knowledge. The success of BASIS Peoria’s students, both in the classroom and beyond, is a testament to the school’s dedication to preparing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
As part of the larger BASIS Charter Schools network, BASIS Peoria continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in education, proving that with the right approach, every student can achieve greatness. With its emphasis on intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility, and academic rigor, BASIS Peoria is helping to shape the future of education—one student at a time.