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Why Latin? More than just an Ancient Language

Why Latin? More than just an Ancient Language

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Unlocking the Foundations of Modern Society

When many parents hear the word Latin, they picture an ancient language with little relevance to modern life. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, Latin is far more than an ancient language, it is a powerful tool that strengthens reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. By connecting learning across subjects such as history, government, science, and modern languages, Latin helps students build the intellectual foundation for long-term academic success.

The ancient world is closer than many students realize. The influence of Rome can still be seen in our laws, government, language, architecture, and cultural traditions.

By studying Latin:

  • students gain a richer understanding of the ideas that shaped the world they live in today.
  • helps students develop a deeper understanding of the ideas and institutions that have shaped today’s world.
  • provides valuable historical context that supports learning across multiple subjects, including history, literature, and civics.

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, students begin studying U.S. Government and Politics in Grade 9. Their Latin background helps them better understand the origins of democratic institutions, civic leadership, and political systems. Students learn to make meaningful connections between historical events and modern society.

Why Latin At BASIS Independent Manhattan

Latin is often called the “parent language” of many modern languages, including Spanish and French. Our students study Latin in Grade 5 and Grade 6. In Grade 7 students have the opportunity to choose between Latin, French, Spanish or Mandarin and work their way up to taking a language AP.

Students who study Latin:

  • develop a deeper understanding of how languages function, making it easier to learn additional languages later on.
  • can easily identify scientific terminology. Here at BASIS Independent Manhattan students take Biology, Chemistry and Physics throughout Middle school. Latin provides them with the important foundations to understand the challenging terminology.

Mr. Kittle Kamp our Upper School Latin teacher remarked that:

“Students quickly discover that the knowledge they gain in Latin class reaches far beyond the classroom.”

National Latin Exam: The Language Awards

Mr. Kittle-Kamp our wonderful Latin teacher here at BASIS Independent Manhattan Upper School has discussed the importance of Latin and how it Latin encourages students to engage thoughtfully with literature and language.

“Every sentence presents students with a challenge to solve.”

The National Latin Exam (NLE) is a wonderful example of this. The NLE is a test given annually to Latin students across the United States and in 22 countries around the world. The NLE is not meant to be a competition but rather an opportunity for students to receive reinforcement and recognition for their accomplishments in the classroom. This was our school’s seventh time participating in the NLE. EUGE et gratulationes!

Special Book Award:

The National Latin Exam recognizes students who have earned remarkable achievements on exams with special book awards. Students receive this special book award if they have earned:

  • A Gold Medal on three exams and 
  • A fourth gold medal on the Advanced Prose Exam 

Congratulations to Kaylee H. (Gr. 10), who has received three gold medals previously, earned a Gold Summa Cum Laude on the Advanced Latin Prose Exam and received this special award with a medal, her certificate, and a Loeb Commentary of Livy.

More Than an Ancient Language

At BASIS Independent Manhattan Upper School, Latin is much more than a window into the ancient world, it is a powerful foundation for lifelong learning. Latin helps students develop curiosity, confidence, and intellectual agility. Whether they go on to pursue careers in science, law, business, medicine, public service, or the arts, the skills they build through Latin will continue to serve them for years to come.

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Senior Spotlight: Alan M. ’26’s Road to Berkeley 

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“I’m ready to brag!”

Alan declared when he sat down to be interviewed. Alan is not given to bragging, so this demanded an explanation. “There aren’t a lot of moments in life,” he went on to explain, “when people notice your accomplishments. Graduating from high school is one, and I’m going to take advantage of it.” He said this with a knowing smile that suggested he was joking. 

Sort of. 

Because Alan does have every reason to be proud. He has left his mark on BASIS Independent McLean. He’ll be remembered for his dry humor, the WWE-style wrestling match he held for the December talent show, and his sleeping mat in the Reading Room, which he donated to future classes. And the list of schools he was admitted to this spring is equally impressive: Berkeley, Duke, Michigan, Emory, Rice, UCLA, UNC, UVA, and Washington University.

Alan arrived at this point with good humor, a big personality, and hard work. It all started in 8th grade, when he joined BIM after four years in the US and a year spent in China due to COVID. Alan settled in at BIM quickly. He recalls meeting students in orientation that he is still friends with today. Academically, he felt like he was up to speed after only a few months. 

The one thing that did take time, Alan says, was coming out of his shell. It’s safe to say that with the support of teachers and his fellow students, he had certainly overcome any shyness by the time he was a junior in high school. His teachers remember him as bold and funny.

Madame Sèye recalls a time on a French exam when Alan encountered a free-response question to which he didn’t know the answer. Rather than leave it blank, Alan wrote an entire page flattering French President Emmanuel Macron. He reasoned that since Madame Sèye had mentioned she thought Macron was handsome, a heartfelt tribute to the president might earn him extra points. “I had to admire his creativity and confidence,” she concludes. “His essay had absolutely nothing to do with the prompt, but it did earn a permanent place in French class history!” 

BIM also helped Alan focus on his future. He shares, “Even in eighth grade, I knew I wanted to go into finance… but I didn’t really know what it was!” That changed in AP Economics in his ninth-grade year. “It transformed how I see the world and led me to the path I’m on now.” 

That path has involved a lot of work outside of school, helping others with their finances. For three years, Alan worked with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. It was a lot more than just a way to polish his resume. He recalls spending two hours helping a woman who came in clutching crumpled pay stubs and receipts save a few hundred dollars on her taxes. Tears in her eyes, she told him she would use the money to buy a tablet for her son’s schoolwork. Alan used the skills he learned in the IRS program to create a website that helps immigrants with taxes. This last year, his Senior Project explored how family businesses responded to the COVID crisis, with the goal of creating a playbook to help these businesses cope with systemic economic crises.

Alan presenting on his Senior Project topic: Credit Access and Financial Resilience of Local Small Businesses During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Between volunteering and school, Alan had a heavy workload, which he handled in two ways. First, he kept school and home separate. “I didn’t work on school stuff at home at all,” he says. He took advantage of lunch, free time during the day, and time right after school to get his work done. Second, he practiced martial arts seven days a week to keep himself centered. As a kid, he said he played tennis, basketball, and soccer, but as he grew older, he was drawn to what he calls the “directness” of martial arts. He did boxing, kickboxing, wushu, kung fu, and jiu-jitsu. 

All of this helped Alan remain calm as he entered the college application process, which he mostly enjoyed. 

“I liked how we were all working together towards the same goal.” 

The part he didn’t like was the writing. He said it was hard to make himself vulnerable in his personal statement. It took eight drafts for him to get it where he liked it. 

And it worked! Of all the schools he was accepted into, Alan found himself choosing between Duke, Berkeley, and Michigan. Michigan, he says, was out because it was too cold. He liked Duke, but Berkeley offered him in-state tuition. That, combined with their excellent business program, tipped the scales. In the end, it was a “very, very, very easy choice.” Alan is excited that he will be joined there by fellow BIM grads Gabe Z. and Adithya P. 

Next fall, Alan will bring his warmth and good humor to the West Coast. We wish him the best of luck! 

BASIS Independent McLean is an Age 2–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Red-Tailed Hawks community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Costa Rica Term Project Trip 2026

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Somewhere between the roar of white-water rapids and the impossibly slow blink of a three-toed sloth, our students stopped rushing through life and started paying attention to it during our Term Project Trip to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has a way of doing that. For seven days, our group of BASIS Independent Brooklyn High School students and their teacher chaperones, Ms. Nalipinki and Mr. Bedes, traded classrooms and schedules for rainforest canopies, cacao groves, and rivers that had absolutely no intention of going easy on them. They harvested coffee beans, spotted baby crocodiles from a riverboat, and soaked their sore muscles in volcanic hot springs as the sun dipped below the mountains. They stood under waterfalls and found tiny tree frogs hiding in plain sight.

This is the story of that trip from the muddy boots to the many unforgettable moments in between.

Our wonderful trip leaders, Ms. Nalipinski and Mr. Bedes, posed with our high school travelers

Landing in San Jose and Jumping In

After the long flight to Costa Rica, our local guide helped revive our group for a walking tour of San Jose. He helped orient our students and chaperones to the culture of Costa Rica and prepared us for the busy day ahead!

Day two started with an early wake-up and a tour of a coffee farm. Guides spoke about the bean-to-cup journey and exactly how volcanic soil, high altitudes, and microclimates create the country’s special coffee.

Cafe Britt Coffee Tour

Then our explorers took to the zip lines! Thanks to one brave soul with a GoPro, we have a video so you can experience it, too.

https://vimeo.com/1204930772?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Adventure Travel

On day three, our Bears got up early and went white water rafting. The amazing local guides helped spot local wildlife, including a sloth, macaw, and toucan! There were periods of adventure as well as very calm, scenic moments on the water.

White-water rafting
One adorable sloth spotted!

Hiking to the Volcano

The next day, everyone drove to Arenal Volcano National Park and hiked for 3.5 miles to see the volcano. Along the way, our team saw colorful snakes, more toucans, and many interesting insects. The day ended with a tour of the small town of La Fortuna.

Waterfalls and Kayaking

On day 5, everyone began the day by driving to La Fortuna’s gorgeous waterfall. There were 502 stairs down to the river for some lovely swimming, and the 502 stairs back up! Consensus was that the trek was well worth it.

After lunch, it was time for kayaking. Then the day ended with a few hours of relaxing in the hot springs.

Vieja National Park

Another amazing stop for spotting animals and being immersed in nature was Vieja National Park, where our team saw white-faced monkeys, sulfur springs, and mud pots.

River Cruise and Snorkeling Adventure

On the last day, we relaxed together and enjoyed a river cruise, where we saw baby crocodiles and so many monkeys. Afterwards, we went snorkeling and saw beautiful wildlife, including pufferfish, turtles, eels, and incredibly colorful fish.

# # #

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

Class of 2026: Graduation Reflections

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On June 16th, family, faculty, and students of BASIS Independent Brooklyn gathered together at the Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to celebrate the accomplishments of our Class of 2026. Our twenty-five graduates are now poised to continue their academic careers in top colleges and universities in both the U.S. and abroad.

During the ceremony, Co-valedictorians Gregory G. and Nate C. captured their time together as a class and inspired their fellow graduates to look ahead to all that is in store for them. We wanted to share their speeches with our community since their words reflected the joy, humor, and honor at the heart of the celebration.

Gregory S. ’26 Co-valedictorian
Photo by Danny Dolan (www.dannydolan.com)

Address by Class of 2026 Co-valedictorian Gregory S.

Hi everyone. I can’t believe our time in high school is coming to an end, so with that, I have some words to say.

There’s one question I get more than anything when people find out where I go to school. They say how is BASIS Independent Brooklyn? And my answer has always been the same: it’s small.

For a long time, I said that like it was a complaint. But now I realize it was a blessing and the best thing that ever happened to us.

It’s all about perspective.

When I got to BASIS, I noticed pretty quickly that a lot of things just didn’t exist yet. No club for this, no group for that. And at first, I thought that was a problem. But then I realized — that’s actually the opportunity.

Think about it. Amazon didn’t start because Jeff Bezos had everything handed to him. It started because there was no good way to buy books online, and he went and built it. Some of the greatest companies in the world exist because somebody looked at something that wasn’t there and decided to go build it themselves.

We did the same thing. If the East Asian Club didn’t exist, someone in this room would have built it. The Jewish Affinity Group, the Motorsport Engineering Club, and DECA — all started by people in this room. BASIS Independent Brooklyn, being small, meant the opportunity was wide open. We just had to be willing to step up and take it.

BASIS being small also meant there weren’t a lot of people in the class. You look around, you’ve got 25 kids in your grade, and you think: this is it? So, there were definitely some moments where we all felt like we were missing out. Brooklyn Tech has a thousand people in its class.

Meanwhile, we’ve got 25.

But those 25 people were in every single class with you. They were there stressing over the same deadlines, praying for the AP curve to save everyone’s grade, having fun in Spanish together, and chilling at lunch. You didn’t get a thousand acquaintances. You got a handful of people who actually know you.

I’ll take five people who know me completely over a hundred people who don’t know me at all. Every single time.

Before I close, I need to thank some people.

Mom, Dad — thank you. For everything. To my older brother —thank you for screaming at me when I needed it. To my younger brother — sorry for screaming at you. You probably needed it too.

To my teachers, thank you for all the care and effort you put into this school.

And to my class — you shaped me more than you know. I went through all of it with you, and I genuinely hope our paths keep crossing.

So, here’s what I actually want you to walk away with today. Not that BASIS is small. Not that we missed out on the massive homecoming. But that didn’t stop us from going out and being great. From building things, to showing up for each other, to becoming genuinely amazing people.

That’s perspective. Taking what you have, not using it as an excuse, and making something out of it anyway.

Don’t let the small stuff stop you. Don’t let what’s missing define you. Look at what’s in front of you and ask what you can build with it.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Go be great.

Nate C. ’26 Co-valedictorian
Photo by Danny Dolan (www.dannydolan.com)

Address by Class of 2026 Co-valedictorian Nate C.

Good morning, everyone. I want to thank everyone for attending this highly anticipated yet mandatory event. Whether you are excited to be here or one of the siblings who was dragged here against your will, I hope my words will resonate with you today.

Thank you to parents, teachers, administrators, family members, esteemed guests, average guests, and of course, the Class of 2026.

I am honored to serve as your co-valedictorian. So let me briefly introduce myself. People know me as Nate the Great, Nate Dogg, the old man, the guy who sleeps too much, the guy who doesn’t sleep enough, and, for a certain few teachers, the traitor who didn’t take their capstone course this year.

Regardless of how you know me, I want you to know that I entered BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] in 9th grade as someone who had never been in such a close-knit and supportive environment. I had never seen such dedicated teachers, flexible schedules, and clean restrooms in my life. To be honest, I was quite terrified and overwhelmed, but BASIS took me in without a second thought.

Of course, I wouldn’t have gotten here without the support of the people around me. As much as I hate to admit it, I wouldn’t be standing here without my family’s support. I specifically want to thank my parents for encouraging me to leave my room and be “more social”, my grandparents for bringing an absurd amount of food to increase my “brain power,” and my brother for keeping me up during late-night study sessions with his superb singing and guitar skills. I also want to thank my friends and classmates for putting up with my sarcasm and constant exhaustion.

We have all grown over the last four years at BASIS. We have all grown as readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, and emerging scholars. While we have improved in many ways, we must acknowledge room for improvement, whether it’s only showing up late twice a week rather than four times or only falling asleep in class once rather than twice a day.

Throughout these past four years, we have truly gone through it all. We memorized countless literary devices, trig functions, the entire unit circle, the periodic table, and every major war between 1600 and 2000. And we couldn’t have done it without our supportive yet at times overly zealous teachers. Whether it was trying not to blow up the classroom during our chemistry labs, rewriting history in AP world, or channeling our inner acting talent during AP literature plays, our teachers supported and encouraged us.

Moving past academics, we have started so many clubs and greatly improved our local Red Hook community. I have honestly lost count of the number of awards we have earned over the years. We have become leaders and have shaped our school in just as many ways as it has shaped us.

Throughout our time together, we have created many fond yet, at times, embarrassing memories. From getting sunburnt and taking the wrong ferry to our high school retreat, to taking our local trash pickup too seriously by collecting an absurd amount of questionable items, we have done it all. I still remember stuffing my face with unknown delicacies during World Fest and being forced to take a photo with my four favorite teachers during Prom (you know who you are).

As we prepare for the next chapter ahead of us, we need to remember what we will be leaving behind. We will miss having a welcoming student lounge all to ourselves, accessible student hours, and of course, free food. These everyday moments, the ones we barely noticed at the time, are the ones we’ll miss the most. However, we will not be missing the numerous post-AP projects, college essays, or times the vending machine scammed us.

I also want to take the time to congratulate you all on your college acceptances. Whether you are attending your dream school or simply trying to get as far away from your parents as possible, I’m confident it will work out. We will carry the values BASIS instilled in us to college and beyond, including hard work, perseverance, and the courage to negotiate every and any assignment we find unfair.

I look into the crowd, and I see future doctors, engineers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and many other successful professionals. I hope we all stay in touch in the future, whether as friends or as simply colleagues, we call for investment advice.

I’m sure you’re waiting for a cliche ending or overused quote, but we’re innovators here, so you’re going to have to keep on waiting forever. I also know many of you have been impatiently waiting at the finish line for the past three months now. Well, guess what, we’re all caught up now, so are you ready to graduate?

Thank you, Class of 2026, and good luck.

# # #

Thank you to Gregory, Nate, and our entire Class of 2026 for leaving their mark on our school community! We will be cheering you on these next few months during the transition to college, and remember, you will always have a home here.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

Term Project Week: Hands on Learning and Discovering Passions Through Multidisciplinary Projects

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Term Project Week is a special tradition across all BASIS Independent Schools. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, Project Week is a much anticipated time on campus by teachers and students alike. After a year of learning, studying, and exams, the teachers are eager to create projects around their passions and share them with students. Term Project Week provides a space for students to discover new passions through multidisciplinary projects.

When walking around campus during Project Week you might see students learning how to line dance, while other students are building volcanoes as they learn about Pompeii, and some students may even be designing and building their own race cars. The excitement of Project Week isn’t limited to projects on campus, but expands into the community as well. This year we had students who got to learn about the intertidal zone and explore three different beaches in the Puget Sound. Beyond that we have groups of students who will be traveling to Alaska, France, and Norway for their Project Week.

Take a look at some of the projects we had this year and see what happens when students have the opportunity to explore passions and delve into creative projects.

Wearable Art Studio: Become a Fashion Designer

This project was led by Ms. Tseng and Ms. Haugen for students in grades 3–5. Students got to create custom totes bags, hats, and bandanas using printmaking, fabric paint, and tie-dye techniques. Their project culminated with a runway showcase where the designers got to debut their one-of-a-kind creations!

Chinese Cooking Camp

Ms. Pan and Ms. Chen, two of our Subject Expert Teachers in Mandarin, took students in grades 3–4 on a fun and flavorful journey into the world of Chinese cooking. During this project students used their team work skills to prepare vegetables, meat, and other ingredients. All of the students had a blast growing their confidence in the kitchen. But the best part of this project — trying and sharing the delicious food they created with friends!

Splish Splash

Ms. E-E and Ms. Rieger left campus behind for Project Week and took a group of grade 6–8 students to explore different forms of outdoor exercise, including hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This group of students loved immersing themselves in nature for the week and admiring the beauty of the lakes and forests that are in their own backyard. A highlight of this project was getting to see a turtle in its natural habitat!

Rome 3-D Model Lab

In this project students in grade 7–10 became Roman architects and city planners for the week, as they reconstructed the monuments of the ancient world. Students learned how the Romans designed their cities and the engineering and architectural techniques that made Rome famous. Students then worked in teams to create detailed models of famous Roman monuments, using physical materials and digital tools.

Fiber Arts

Many students in grades 5–10 chose to explore the colorful world of weaving, led by Ms. Dreskin. Students got to explore texture and pattern as they built their own unique woven pieces with yarn and other creative fibers. Artists got to learn weaving techniques, as wells as knotting, fringe, and mixed-material details.

Erupting History: Build a Volcano and Discover Pompeii

Another group of grade 3–5 students explored the history and science behind the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Students analyzed archaeological evidence and created their very own working volcano models of Mount Vesuvius. Getting to make the volcanoes erupt was a highlight for all!

Term Project Week is a cherished tradition at BASIS Independent Bellevue that highlights the joyful learning culture we nurture on our campus. We are grateful for our teachers who work hard to create engaging projects and our students who consistently bring their passion, innovation, and creativity into each project.

From Page to Carnegie Hall: Celebrating Kurn S., Class of 2026

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For many students, writing is an assignment. For Kurn S., it has always been something deeper—a way to understand the world, and himself within it.

That passion culminated this year in one of the highest honors a young writer can achieve. Kurn was named a 2026 National Gold Medal Portfolio Award recipient in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, placing him among just 16 students nationwide selected from over 10,000 submissions. The award represents the highest distinction in the competition and is awarded to only 16 high school seniors each year—8 artists and 8 writers. As part of this recognition, Kurn received a $12,500 scholarship and traveled to New York City, where he was honored on stage at Carnegie Hall.

Kurn S. holds his National Gold Medal Portfolio Award at Carnegie Hall, honoring his achievement as one of just 8 writers nationwide selected for this distinction.

His winning portfolio, Cosmology of My Second Spines, explores themes of identity, memory, and reconstruction. Rather than building a perfectly cohesive collection, Kurn leaned into something more authentic.

“My portfolio existed less as a curation of connected works and instead displayed the real, live way the human mind moves through memories the body refuses to remember,” he shared.

This willingness to embrace complexity—and even fragmentation—is part of what defines his voice as a writer. His English Subject Expert Teacher, Hal Hansen, describes his work as “sincere, personal, and very intuitive,” noting that “he’s very creative and original.”

In addition to his Scholastic recognition, Kurn was also named a 2026 YoungArts Winner with Distinction, placing him among the top 150 young creatives nationwide. Earlier this year, he traveled to Miami for National YoungArts Week, where he collaborated with peers across disciplines and performed his work at the historic Lyric Theater. He also served as the 2025–2026 Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate, acting as a literary ambassador and working with local schools and organizations to expand access to creative writing.

Kurn S. performs his spoken word poetry at the historic Lyric Theater during National YoungArts Week in Miami.

Behind these accomplishments is a process grounded in observation and patience. Kurn describes constantly capturing small, fleeting moments—details that might otherwise go unnoticed—and later transforming them into layered imagery and metaphor. His work often evolves over time, revisited and refined with fresh perspective.

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, he credits his growth in part to his AP English Literature experience, where he was able to put language to instincts he had developed on his own. Through studying poetic structure, sound, and technique, he strengthened both his analytical and creative confidence.

Still, sharing deeply personal work has not always come easily. Writing, for him, is often an act of vulnerability—one that requires both courage and acceptance.

“It’s most important for me to be proud of what I have created, and to know that it is brave to share my work with the world,” he reflected.

This mindset has shaped not only his success, but also his perspective on achievement. While recognition has been meaningful, he remains grounded in the purpose behind his work.

“Art should always be written first for the self and second for the audience.”

Hansen sees this dedication as something lasting well beyond high school. “I think Kurn is going to be writing for the rest of his life,” he shared. “He’s a natural born writer, and writers tend to write.”

This fall, Kurn will attend Stanford University, where he plans to major in Symbolic Systems, an interdisciplinary field combining neuroscience, linguistics, computer science, and philosophy. While he does not plan to pursue writing professionally, he intends to continue engaging with poetry through spoken word groups, student publications, and research exploring the intersection of neuroscience and creative expression.

Kurn celebrates a milestone moment, holding his diploma at graduation as he closes one chapter and begins the next.

“In a lot of ways, this recognition feels like a simultaneous cap on my high school creative writing career and a stepping stone for the next era of my life,” he said. “I will always consider myself a poet.”

His achievement also reflects a broader culture of writing at BISV. As Hansen noted, “There are more young writers at BISV than you’d maybe think… and Kurn did really well this year.”

From the classroom to the stage at Carnegie Hall, Kurn’s journey reflects the power of authentic expression and the impact of pursuing one’s passions with intention. As he begins this next chapter, his voice—and the stories he tells—will undoubtedly continue to evolve.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here. 

Senior Spotlight: Alina A. ’26’s Road to Oxford

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When Head of School Kate Reynolds thinks of Alina A. ’26, she thinks of the same thing most of us do: a wisp of a girl carrying a mountain of books. “I have known her since she was in grade 4,” Ms. Reynolds says, “when the books she carried around looked comically large for her. She’s grown taller, but the books are still just as intimidating!”

In Alina’s own words, “The central, defining feature of my life is that I really like reading and writing.” Her college personal statement was about how books have shaped her understanding of herself and the world. That love of books has led her all the way to Oxford University, where she’ll be studying literature next year.

Alina’s road to Oxford began ten years ago, when she joined BASIS Independent McLean in our very first year. Back then, she says, “I was shyer about having special interests. I really wanted to be on that STEM track the way everyone else was.” She credits her middle and high school English teachers with helping her realize that “I can do what I want, and it’s fine.”

In grade 5, she wrote a twenty-page story about a modern pantheon of gods in response to a two-page assignment. In eighth-grade English, she began combining her love of literature and art by illustrating scenes from novels for book-report projects. By the time she took AP Literature in grade 11, she was reading books on literary theory, consuming two to three novels a week, and taking classroom assignments to the next level. “Like one time,” she recalls, “we had an assignment to do a basic outline. I asked if I could use the windows and create this project where I would illustrate each scene and then break it down and annotate it.’” For the rest of the semester, the classroom windows were covered with Alina’s beautifully illustrated annotations.

Alina’s love of literature and art extended outside the classroom. She has entered numerous poetry competitions, mentored young writers, and tutored others in writing. She has also spent years creating an art portfolio filled with works inspired by literature. In short, she’s done what every college Dean of Admissions advises students to do: find what you enjoy and lean into it.

The mixing of her two passions culminated in her creation of the senior mural, signed by each of the graduating seniors and inspired by a Margaret Atwood quote that she loved: “In the end, we are all stories.”

Alina presenting the completed mural.

When it came time to apply to college, Alina’s clear love of learning earned her admission to many top universities, including Cornell, Emory, William & Mary, St. John’s, and Oxford. Alina recalls that the application process was often stressful, but the Oxford application was actually fun. She had two hour-long interviews with Oxford professors and was delighted to talk about poetry and books with people who loved them just as much as she did. That mutual love of literature is why she chose Oxford, and it is no doubt a huge part of why they chose her.

Now, the girl with the book is off to read at the Bodleian! All the best to you, Alina!

Alina proudly showing her graduation cap, which she decorated with the phrase, “Read my way to the Bodleian.”

BASIS Independent McLean is an Age 2–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Red-Tailed Hawks community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Student Ambassadors: Creating Community at BASIS Independent Manhattan

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Welcoming Students and Families from Day One

The Student Ambassador Program is a key component of how BASIS Independent Manhattan helps welcome new students and families who are looking to find the best private school on the Upper West Side. 

  • Welcoming prospective families: Greeting visitors during school tours and helping them feel comfortable and informed.
  • Answering questions: Sharing firsthand experiences and insights with families at admissions events and school programs.
  • Supporting new students: Helping classmates navigate their first weeks and settle into the school community.
  • Building connections: Creating opportunities for new students to meet peers and feel included.

Leaving a Lasting First Impression

After interacting with our student ambassadors, families share their positive experiences with us. One prospective parent described them as:

“Kind, caring, thoughtful, and genuinely enthusiastic about their school.”

One family reflected on the genuine pride students had in our community sharing they:

“Could not believe so many students volunteered their time to help their school on a Saturday.”

For new students, having a peer connection can make all the difference during a transition. Through our Link Family Program, new families are paired with a current family and student who can answer questions, share experiences, and provide support before and during the first weeks of school. This connection gives parents a trusted resource and helps students begin their journey with confidence and a sense of belonging.

Their positivity helps prospective and new students feel comfortable, confident, and excited about joining BASIS Independent Manhattan, offering a firsthand glimpse into the welcoming culture of our community.

Why Students Love Being Ambassadors

What makes the Student Ambassador Program especially meaningful is the authenticity of the students involved.

“I like bringing new families and students into the community.”

Ambassadors enthusiastically share why they love representing their school, it is a chance to:

  • Build friendships and meaningful connections within the school community.
  • Grow academically through the opportunities and challenges they encounter.
  • Develop leadership and communication skills through their ambassador responsibilities.
  • Help new families feel welcome and connected from the very beginning.

Their passion shines through in their own words:

“Being a student ambassador has given me the freedom to present what I love about my school alongside my peers.”

“I love meeting new people and making new friends.”

A Reflection of the BASIS Independent Manhattan Community

The Student Ambassador Program is more than just a leadership opportunity; it is a reflection of the values that make BASIS Independent Manhattan such a special place. Through compassion, positivity, and courage, these students help ensure that every new family and student feels welcomed into a community that truly cares.

State of the School 2026: A Thriving Community at BASIS Independent Bothell

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A Transformational Year at BASIS Independent Bothell

The 2025–2026 school year marked a defining moment for BASIS Independent Bothell, as our campus continued its rapid evolution into one of the most dynamic private school communities in the region.

Just two years ago, this building represented possibility. Today, it is filled with energy, purpose, and connection; a place where students are known, challenged, and inspired every day.

That transformation has been guided by three core commitments: a culture of belonging, academic excellence, and meaningful partnership with families. These pillars define not only who we are, but why families choose BASIS Independent Bothell.

A School Where Students Truly Belong

At BASIS Independent Bothell, belonging is not just a value. It is an experience students feel every day.

In classrooms, students who began the year as strangers are now collaborating, performing, and supporting one another with growing confidence. Across campus, shared experiences from seasonal performances to schoolwide celebrations bring our community together in meaningful ways.

Just as important are the quieter moments of growth. With the support of dedicated teachers and student support staff, students are building resilience, confidence, and a stronger sense of self. Whether through individualized support or peer connection, every student is learning that they have a place here.

Programs like cross-grade buddy initiatives and student recognition through the Outstanding Orca Program reinforce a culture where character, kindness, and perseverance matter.

The result is a school where students are not only learning but thriving socially, emotionally, and academically.

Academic Excellence That Inspires Growth

A hallmark of a BASIS Independent School’s education is the balance of rigor and joy. This year, that balance was on full display. Students engaged in hands-on, meaningful learning experiences that brought subjects to life:

  • Creative science projects that encourage curiosity and experimentation
  • Language learning that extends beyond the classroom into real-world application
  • Collaborative humanities projects that develop critical thinking
  • Data-driven exploration in math and computer science

This approach fosters not just strong academic outcomes, but a genuine love of learning.

Progress is also measured through nationally benchmarked assessments, including the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP), which compares student performance against independent schools across the country.
This ensures that BASIS Independent Bothell students are meeting and often exceeding high academic standards.

Beyond the classroom, students continue to shine in competitions, earning recognition in areas like math and chess, demonstrating both skill and perseverance.

Equally important is the strength of our faculty. Through ongoing collaboration, mentorship, and professional development, our teachers continuously refine their craft creating classrooms where students feel both supported and challenged.

A True Partnership with Families

One of the most powerful drivers of our success is the partnership we share with families.

At BASIS Independent Bothell, education is a shared endeavor. Families actively engage in school life supporting programs, contributing to community events, and collaborating with faculty to enhance the student experience.

Signature events like WorldFest, which brought together more than 35 cultures and hundreds of attendees, highlight the strength, diversity, and connection within our community.

This partnership extends beyond events. Families consistently approach the school with a solutions-oriented mindset, helping us grow and improve together. In fact, the majority of new families discover our school through word-of-mouth referrals: a testament to the trust and satisfaction within our community.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for BASIS Independent Bothell

As we look toward the 2026–2027 school year, our focus remains clear: continuing to build a school where every student feels a sense of belonging, achieves at a high level, and is supported by a strong community.

We will continue strengthening student support systems and investing in social-emotional learning, ensuring every child feels confident, connected, and supported.

Students will benefit from continued growth in academic programming, extracurricular offerings, and opportunities to explore their interests both inside and outside the classroom.

We are committed to expanding opportunities for family engagement, reinforcing the collaborative partnerships that make our school so special.

Join the BASIS Independent Bothell Community

BASIS Independent Bothell is more than a private school. It is a place where students develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning within a supportive and ambitious community.

Ready to explore what’s possible for your child?

  • Schedule a campus tour
  • Connect with our admissions team
  • Learn more about our academic program

Start Your Admissions Journey Today!

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Taste the Creativity at Our Grade 3 Food Truck Fair!

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As a PreK–Grade 5 school on the UWS, BASIS Independent Manhattan provides authentic learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. Learning comes to life through engaging, hands-on experiences that inspire students to think creatively, collaborate with their peers, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. One of the most anticipated highlights of the grade 3 curriculum is the annual Food Truck Project, an interdisciplinary unit that transforms students into young entrepreneurs and culminates in a vibrant Food Truck Fair.

Families researching private schools often seek opportunities that combine rigorous academics with hands-on learning experiences. The Food Truck Project is a signature component of the grade 3 curriculum NYC families appreciate for its blend of academics, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

How Grade 3 Students Become Entrepreneurs

The Food Truck Project exemplifies the dynamic learning experiences that make grade 3 such an exciting year. Working in teams, students take ownership of creating and launching their own food truck businesses from the ground up. From brainstorming concepts and conducting market research to designing branding materials and developing menus, students experience the many steps involved in building a successful business.

As they bring their ideas to life, students develop valuable entrepreneurial skills including financial literacy, branding and design, persuasive writing, public speaking, collaboration, and problem-solving. They learn how to evaluate customer interests, make strategic business decisions, communicate ideas effectively, and work as a team toward a shared goal. These authentic experiences help students understand how the skills they learn in the classroom can be applied in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Bringing Learning to Life

Students apply concepts from multiple subject areas:

Mathematics

  • Create budgets
  • Calculate expenses and profits
  • Make financial decisions

Geometry & Engineering

  • Design scale models
  • Calculate area, perimeter, and volume

Research & Writing

  • Investigate global cuisines
  • Analyze information
  • Create persuasive marketing materials

Branding & Design

  • Develop logos
  • Design menus
  • Create advertisements

Public Speaking & Collaboration

  • Present ideas
  • Pitch concepts
  • Work toward shared goals

A Showcase of Imagination and Innovation

This year’s Food Truck Fair featured a wide variety of imaginative concepts, each reflecting the creativity and unique interests of its student team.

  • Breakfast Bank invited visitors to explore breakfast favorites from around the world, offering a menu inspired by global morning traditions.
  • Slurping Ramen celebrated the comforting flavors of noodle dishes while introducing customers to different styles of ramen and Asian cuisine.
  • Fry-Days embraced everyone’s love of crispy treats, serving up a creative menu dedicated to all things fried.
  • Europe from East to West took guests on a culinary journey across the continent, showcasing foods and flavors from a variety of European countries.

Each food truck demonstrated not only creativity but also thoughtful planning, teamwork, and attention to detail. Students proudly shared their concepts, explained their business strategies, and presented the hard work they had invested throughout the project.

Building Confidence Through Experience

Beyond academics, the Food Truck Project helps students build confidence in their abilities. By navigating challenges, making decisions as a team, and presenting their work to an audience, students gain meaningful experience in leadership, collaboration, and public speaking. They learn how to advocate for their ideas, respond to feedback, and adapt when plans change—skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.

The project also fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate both individual and team accomplishments. These experiences help students develop resilience and independence while cultivating a lifelong love of learning.

A Project That Evolves Every Year

One of the strengths of the Food Truck Project is that it continues to grow and evolve each year through the creativity and dedication of our teachers. Guided by their Learning Expert Teacher (LET), Ms. Arlinda, and the Grade 3 Subject Expert Teachers (SETs), the project regularly introduces new opportunities for creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation, ensuring that each year’s experience is fresh and engaging.

In recent years, students have explored modern marketing concepts by creating mock social media content for their businesses, including developing Instagram profiles that reflect their brand identity and target audience. Other additions have included designing branded merchandise featuring their logos, helping students further explore the connections between marketing, design, and entrepreneurship. These enhancements ensure that each year’s Food Truck Project builds on previous successes while providing new opportunities for creativity and innovation.

A Memorable Grade 3 Tradition

The Food Truck Project is more than a classroom activity—it celebrates creativity, curiosity, and interdisciplinary learning at BASIS Independent Manhattan. At this year’s fair, Grade 3 students proudly showcased their food truck businesses, demonstrating the skills, knowledge, and confidence they built throughout the year. A beloved tradition, the project creates lasting memories while inspiring deeper learning and engagement.

Ready to Experience the Magic of Grade 3 at
BASIS Independent Manhattan?

Our Rolling Admissions application cycle is now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications for the 2027–2028 school year open August 1. We invite prospective families to connect with our Admissions team and discover how our engaging, interdisciplinary curriculum helps students grow as confident learners, fearless thinkers, and future leaders.