The new school is set to open this fall.
Construction on BASIS Mesa at Eastmark commences in March. Philip Carhuff is the architect; Canyon Building & Design is the general contractor.
“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,” McDonald said.
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,” Barrett said. “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.”
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-4 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.
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 with seven builders offering homes in the first phase of residential development.
