BASIS Selects Eastmark for Its Next East Valley School

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The nationally renowned charter school BASIS has selected Eastmark for its next East Valley campus. Construction on BASIS Mesa at Eastmark commences in March 2013. The new school is set to open fall 2013.

“Every DMB community features education and lifelong learning among its Community Life pillars, which are empowered by partnerships that extend far beyond the classroom. We’re delighted to bring to future residents and neighbors this charter school option in the early phase of Eastmark”

“BASIS is our first 5-12 educational partner and a perfect fit for this community. Eastmark’s central location in the East Valley will give hundreds of children more opportunities to earn a world-class education, which is a tremendous value for kids, their families and our region’s future workforce,” said Dea McDonald, Senior Vice President of DMB Associates and General Manager of Eastmark.

“Every DMB community features education and lifelong learning among its Community Life pillars, which are empowered by partnerships that extend far beyond the classroom. We’re delighted to bring to future residents and neighbors this charter school option in the early phase of Eastmark,” added McDonald.

The new BASIS Mesa at Eastmark will complement the East Valley BASIS programs. Because of the strong interest by parents and students, the BASIS Board of Directors agreed there was enough demand to develop another school in the East Valley, explained Craig Barrett, retired Chairman/CEO of Intel Corporation and Chairman of the Board for BASIS Schools Inc.

“Our BASIS Chandler School has had a waiting list since we opened. DMB brought us the opportunity to develop in their new community, in an early phase of the development, where we could be a true partner. Its location, easy access to transportation and vision for the future made Eastmark the right choice for us. We’re eager to grow another top performing school for the region,” Barrett said.

The BASIS Mesa at Eastmark will open with grades 5-10, adding grade 11 by 2014 and grade 12 by 2015. BASIS Mesa may also add K through 4th grades in ensuing years. The design and size of the new school will be similar to its Chandler and Phoenix campuses. The campus will be located adjacent to the Eastmark Great Park, situated on approximately 4.5 acres. DMB is advancing the development and construction of Eastmark Parkway to meet the timelines of the opening of the charter school.

Families can sign up for the BASIS Mesa at Eastmark interest list at www.basislink.org.

The first phase of Eastmark’s residential development is in the Queen Creek School District. The district does not have plans to build another campus in Eastmark in the immediate future.

Eastmark will host its grand opening on June 1, 2013, with seven builders offering homes in the first phase of residential development.

The BASIS Model and National Rankings

• BASIS is the top performing school in Arizona, with BASIS students ranked highest in Stanford 10 national test scores in both math and reading in 2012.
• All BASIS schools are “A” rated by the Arizona Department of Education (“AZEd”).
• BASIS has been recognized in multiple national and international publications as being one of the top schools in the U.S. (Newsweek, U.S. News, Washington Post).
• BASIS has a rigorous curriculum and seeks to educate students at internationally competitive levels. The educational philosophy rests on three concepts: a rigorous curriculum, student accountability and knowledgeable, effective teachers.
• Approximately 5,000 students attend BASIS schools, with campuses in Tucson, Oro Valley, Scottsdale, Chandler, Flagstaff, Peoria and Washington, DC. BASIS is also opening new schools in Ahwatukee, San Antonio and a new K-4 program in Tucson.

About BASIS:

BASIS Schools, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit education organization that holds charters for BASIS Chandler (2011), BASIS Flagstaff (2011), BASIS Oro Valley (2010), BASIS Peoria (2011), BASIS Phoenix (2012), BASIS Scottsdale (2003), BASIS Tucson (1998) and BASIS Tucson North (2012). BASIS schools are ranked among America’s Best High Schools by Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, and The Washington Post, and were the subject of the 2009 documentary “2 Million Minutes: The 21st Century Solution.”

BASIS Educational Group is an education management organization committed to transforming American education and elevating academic achievement to internationally competitive levels among all students, regardless of geographic location, economic background, culture or ethnicity. The Group provides education management services to the schools operated by BASIS Schools, Inc. and BDC, Inc.

About Eastmark:

At five square miles (3,200 acres), Eastmark is a vibrant, integrated and evolving regional community poised as “The Heart and Hub of the East Valley.” Eastmark sits at the center of a major transportation hub anchored by the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, three major freeways, numerous businesses and acclaimed educational institutions. The expansive 106-acre Eastmark Great Park connects residential areas, resort components, employment cores, recreational spaces and commerce. Eastmark is the largest privately held, contiguous property in the Southeast Valley. www.Eastmark.com.

About DMB Associates:

DMB Associates, Inc. (“DMB”) is an Arizona-based, diversified real estate investment and development firm with real estate holdings through affiliated companies. DMB’s portfolio includes signature commercial properties, resort/recreational and primary home communities, country clubs, health clubs and spas. DMB is known for development that complements and enhances the greater communities of which they are a part. Every DMB community is distinguishable due to the Company’s core dedication to community life, partnership, legacy and stewardship. www.DMBInc.com.