The Bryan Allen Stevenson School of Excellence (BASSE) is excited to provide new learning opportunities for students in Sussex County. BASSE is a Georgetown-based tuition-free, public charter school focused on service-learning opening on the southern side of the Delaware Tech campus this fall.
Here are five things that set BASSE apart from other schools in the area:
- Personalized Learning: Each student has a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) to help teachers understand their needs and ensure their academic and social-emotional success. Each student will have a learning environment that reflects their learning style and academic strengths and provides growth opportunities. BASSE is open to students regardless of learning needs, including students with IEPs and 504 plans.
- Service Learning: This teaching method combines meaningful service to the community with curriculum-based learning. Students apply their classroom knowledge to community problems, creating a cycle of learning, action, and reflection. Each student has three significant service-learning project experiences throughout their student life at BASSE: class-based service-learning projects (Grades 6-9), a small-group service-learning project (Grade 10), and an individualized service practicum (Grades 11 & 12).
- Inquiry-Driven Academics: BASSE plans to use the International Baccalaureate curriculum to support students in building a solid academic foundation, developing students’ confidence in managing their learning, and making connections between their education in the classroom and the real world.
- Extracurricular Activities for All Students: All students will participate in clubs of their choice and design based on student interests. Students will have access to sports and other activities like music, chess, Odyssey of the Mind, and entrepreneurship. BASSE will provide support for student participation by providing transportation and through our extended school day.
- Unique Schedule: BASSE has a unique schedule that includes a rotating block of classes, intentional time for service and enrichment, and a flexible Friday schedule for students to self-direct their learning with teacher guidance. Our extended school day provides time for students to participate in extracurricular activities and for students to get ample time to finish their work during school hours.
BASSE’s goal is to provide students with a challenging academic experience while giving them opportunities to fully engage with their community. Ms. Ashford, the school’s co-founder, academic head of school, and chief designer of the student and teacher experience at BASSE, prioritized balancing innovation and research-based practices.
As a career educator, Ms. Ashford is passionate about teaching and learning. She is delighted for the school to open in the fall and work closely with the staff, students, and families. “I wanted to design the school I would have liked to attend as a student and where I would want to work as an educator. I’m excited to lead a building where care and learning are at the center of what we do.”
Many of the families that have already enrolled their students are excited about BASSE’s 2023 opening as well. The Rogers family has followed BASSE’s progress from the beginning and is anticipating the first day of school.
“Our son loves hands-on learning and learns best when he doesn’t have extra large classes,” says Mrs. Rogers, whose son is enrolled in BASSE’s first 7th-grade class. “We love the extended school day, that they learn to help the community, and that he’ll participate in clubs. I definitely think he will enjoy it, and we can’t wait until September!”
Learn more at basseinc.org and apply to enroll your student today at https://www.schoolchoicede.org/Apply/BASSE.
