Celebrating Women in STEM: Bellevue’s Engineering Teacher

March 12, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

March is Women’s History month and BASIS Independent Bellevue is celebrating in a variety of ways, including donating to a local women’s shelter, making a Mae Jemison inspired craft, and a presentation from one of our science teachers about the history of women in STEM. In order to celebrate the importance of women in STEM, we collaborated with Ms. DiBattista, a Engineering Subject Expert Teacher, to share about her passion for engineering that was sparked as a child and continues to remain strong today as she inspires the next generation of engineers!

Background

When I was a small girl, my dream was to become an inventor. I can vividly remember carrying my manila folder around with me, that was filled with designs that ranged from bubble powered cars to amazing rollercoasters! If you saw me as a young child, you could bet that I would have this manila folder with me. As I let my imagination soar, little did I know I was engaging in the engineering design process long before I knew how engineering would change my life. I will never forget the day my parents gifted me my first Lego set. It was a part of the Lego Architecture collection featuring the London Bridge. My first Lego set sparked my interest in civil engineering, which continues to be an area of passion for me.

As I grew older, I decided to attend the University of Central Florida, where I got my certification in K-6 Education. I knew that I wanted to work with kids in education, but I hadn’t yet made the connection of incorporating my passion in design with teaching. Initially, I taught math and science to grade 5 students as an intern. I then continued as a permanent teacher at the same school. My Supervising Teacher, who later became my colleague, inspired me to figure out what kind of teacher I wanted to be. I often admired how she combined fun activities and problem-solving with good classroom management. I could see students thriving in this environment and knew I wanted to be the kind of teacher that created a similar environment for my future students. At that school, I was also the Club Supervisor for the Coding Club and the Chess Club, which included students in grades 2–5. Both clubs gave me experience working with students on how to solve problems. Seeing students have so much joy in creating projects to solve problems got me wondering if there was a teaching role where I could put this process into action.

Engineering at BASIS Independent Bellevue

In my search for Engineering and STEM-based teaching positions, I soon found BASIS Independent Bellevue and was instantly drawn to their curriculum, which emphasized the foundational skills of problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration through the Engineering and Design Process. Last summer I had the pleasure of teaching Girls Rock Math, a STEAM-based summer camp for girls at BASIS Independent Bellevue. Following the summer camp, when the opportunity arose to teach grade 3 and 4 students Engineering at Bellevue, I instantly jumped at the opportunity. I was eager to be in a teaching role where I could share my love of problem solving and creativity with children who could match my excitement for engineering. I felt this teaching role created the space for me to be the teacher I dreamed of being back when I was an intern. As the Engineering teacher at BASIS Independent Bellevue, I get to incorporate my passion for design that I had as a young child, along with my training in education.

Everything I do in my class centers around the Engineering and Design Process. The Engineering and Design Process consists of 7 steps: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, Improve, and Communicate. My favorite part of the Engineering and Design Process is the testing phase, because students get to see their projects come to life! Students can see whether projects are successful or need improvements in real time. The Engineering and Design process is not only helpful within our engineering class but can be applied in all aspects of life. Breaking a problem down into steps helps teach our students to form a plan when facing any issue. It also teaches them that most ideas don’t work the way we might imagine on the first try. Working through the Engineering and Design Process helps create student resilience and team communication to solve problems.

A Project in Action

Throughout the course of this year students have engaged with many projects, but my favorite project so far has been designing a paper skyscraper city with grade 3 students. This project introduced students to Urban Planning Engineering and was focused on students learning how to incorporate green spaces, sustainable engineering processes, and best practices for merging the built environment with the natural environment. The kids created a whole city block that included skyscrapers and a central greenspace. They designed the buildings with visible interiors, so everyone could see who lived inside. Students also made small versions of themselves that they placed around the buildings. The students were thrilled with the process of creating a miniature version of themselves to put in their model. I was delighted to find an alien stuck in one of the park trees, which further confirms my theory that BASIS Independent Bellevue students are out of this world!

Skyscraper City designed by grade 3 students.

Looking Ahead

As I continue to build the Engineering Program at BASIS Independent Bellevue, I want to create more opportunities for students to showcase their models and engineering work within the school community. Students take great pride in the projects they create, and I would love to find more ways to highlight their accomplishments beyond our classroom. I am also eager to be able to work with primary students next year, as we expand and have Kindergarten–grade 2 students on campus. I can’t wait to work with primary students and start nurturing their foundational skills of problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration from a young age.

Thinking back on the trajectory of my career, I am extremely grateful that my path has led me to be the Engineering teacher at BASIS Independent Bellevue. When I see a young girl in my class ecstatic about her parachute design, I am instantly taken back to being the girl with the manila folder filled with my creative designs. I am humbled to now be in a position to nurture students’ sparks of creativity and empower them to explore the possibilities of Engineering in their future!

BASIS Independent Students Earn Top Honors in National AI Startup Competition

March 12, 2026 by aloracooper Leave a Comment

Students from BASIS Independent Schools recently earned top honors in Startups@Spring, a national entrepreneurship competition that challenges middle and high school students across the Spring Education Group network to develop innovative startup ideas.

Working in teams, students researched real-world problems, designed solutions using emerging technologies, and pitched their ideas to a panel of industry leaders.

Two teams from the BASIS Independent network advanced to the final round, earning first place in the High School division and third place in the Middle School division.

Startups@Spring by the Numbers

31 schools participating across Spring Education Group
10 high schools and 21 middle schools represented
Dozens of student startup teams developing innovative ideas
Industry leaders and venture investors serving as judges

The competition provides students with the opportunity to experience the full startup journey—from ideation and market research to product design and investor-style pitching.

BASIS Independent Schools Recognized in the Finals

Students from several BASIS Independent Schools participated in this year’s competition, including:

BASIS Independent Brooklyn
BASIS Independent Fremont
BASIS Independent Manhattan
BASIS Independent McLean
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley

Among the many teams participating across the network, two BASIS Independent teams advanced to the final round, earning top placements in both the middle and high school divisions.

BASIS Independent Student Winners

High School Division — 1st Place

BASIS Independent McLean

Team Name: Kymo
Presenter Name: Aaryasinh Vaghela & Rishik Puli

Students from BASIS Independent McLean earned first place in the High School division, presenting an innovative startup concept that demonstrated strong technical insight, creativity, and real-world impact.

Kymo’s physics-informed AI turns CT scans and blood data into personalized 4-D blood-flow simulations—offering surgeons a powerful new way to plan procedures with greater precision.

Their project impressed judges with its thoughtful approach to solving a meaningful problem using emerging technology.

BASIS Independent McLean 1st Place Team — *Team Kymo presented their innovative surgical planning AI solution*

Middle School Division — 3rd Place

BASIS Independent Manhattan

Team Name: Medical Consulting Technologies
Presenters: Kai Giraldo & Kaes Zernike

A team of middle school students from BASIS Independent Manhattan earned third place in the Middle School division, demonstrating remarkable creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.

Medical Consulting Technologies bridges innovation and healthcare operations—connecting biotech startups with investors and strategic partners while using workflow data to help hospitals improve patient flow, solve staffing challenges, and reduce costs.

Medical Consulting Technologies solutions to biotech startups and hospital efficiencies.

Their startup idea showcased how younger students can apply advanced problem-solving skills and innovative thinking to real-world challenges.

*Medical Consulting Technologies presented their innovative biotech and healthcare AI solution*

“We are incredibly proud of the BASIS Independent students who were recognized in this year’s Startups@Spring competition. Their work demonstrates not only creativity and innovation, but also the confidence to turn ideas into meaningful solutions.” — Toby Walker, Vice President of Schools, BASIS Independent Schools

Learning from Industry Leaders

BASIS Independent students presented their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges representing technology, venture capital, and academia.

This year’s judges included:

Craig Martell, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Lockheed Martin
Rebecca Lin, CEO, ToroBio
Amrit Saxena, Founder and CEO, SaxeCap and Silicon Valley angel investor
Ken Snyder, Executive Director, Shingo Institute, Utah State University
J Provine, CEO and Co-Founder, Aligned Carbon

Judges evaluated each team based on creativity, feasibility, market potential, and the clarity of their presentations.

For students, presenting to industry leaders provided valuable real-world experience and insight into how entrepreneurial ideas are evaluated in professional environments.

Developing the Next Generation of Innovators

Programs like Startups@Spring reflect the BASIS Independent Schools commitment to preparing students not only for academic success, but also for leadership and innovation in a rapidly changing world.

By exploring entrepreneurship early, students develop essential skills in creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking—while gaining the confidence to transform ideas into solutions.

For many participants, the competition is just the beginning—sparking new ideas, future ventures, and a deeper interest in technology and innovation.

Explore BASIS Independent Schools

At BASIS Independent Schools, students are empowered to pursue ambitious ideas, explore emerging technologies, and apply their learning in meaningful ways.

Programs like Startups@Spring demonstrate how curiosity, academic excellence, and innovation come together to help students build ideas that can shape the future.

Explore BASIS Independent Schools

BASIS Independent Schools is a premier network of PreK-12 private schools with locations in some of the most bustling and dynamic metropolitan areas in the country, including California, New York, Virginia, and Washington State.

Spring Open Houses – Join Us!

March 10, 2026 by thealacrosse Leave a Comment

As spring arrives in Brooklyn and the days grow a little warmer, our campuses are full of energy. Our seniors are preparing to embark on their Senior Projects, and we are getting ready for upcoming spring arts festivals that showcase the creativity of our students.

It is also an exciting time in admissions, as our Rolling Admissions Cycle is underway. That means it is time for one of our biggest events of the year: Spring Open Houses! These events are one of the best ways for families to experience our community, hear from our teachers, and see firsthand how we are redefining education across our two Brooklyn campuses.

Please join us in person for a Spring Open House: Saturday, April 18 (PreK-Grade 2) and Saturday, April 25 (Grades 3-12).

Click Here to Register!

What to Expect:

For both Open Houses, doors will open at 9:40 AM ET, and the event will last approximately until 12:00 PM ET. Students are encouraged to join us as well.

Open Houses begin with a brief introduction from our Head of School before families have the opportunity to dive into learning about our program. Families will then enter our classrooms to meet our Learning Expert and Subject Expert Teachers. Open Houses also include a Parent and Student Panel, where you will be able to hear from current BASIS Independent Brooklyn families.

Please review the details below for additional information regarding the structure of each Open House:

PreK–Grade 2: Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 AM ET

PreK & Kindergarten

Learn about our Early Learning Program, where our youngest students grow and thrive. Hear from teachers, administrators, and parents about how BASIS Independent Brooklyn Lower School fosters curiosity, exploration, and creativity. Our passionate Subject Expert Teachers will show you what a day in the life looks like as they lead mini-lessons in their vibrant classrooms.

Grades 1-2

Visit with our Learning Expert and Subject Expert Teachers to learn about our unique two-teacher model. From math and science to humanities, Mandarin, music, and more, find out how we support students in developing study skills and sparking a lifelong love of learning. Our Subject Expert Teachers will lead mini-lessons to help you get a feel for the engaging activities that take place in the classroom. These sessions will also help you understand the transition to our Upper School campus in Grade 3.

Grades 3-12: Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 AM ET

The Primary Program: Grades 3-5

Visit our Learning Expert and Subject Expert Teachers to learn about our unique two-teacher model (for Grades 3 and 4). In our Primary Program, students continue to strengthen their foundational knowledge in classes from math and science to humanities, Mandarin, music, and more. Find out how we support students with study skills, self-advocacy, and critical thinking. You will also have the chance to learn how these bridge years encourage autonomy, creativity, and confidence to help prepare your student for Middle School.

The Middle School Program: Grades 6-8

In the Middle School Program, we focus on developing the academic, executive functioning, and self-advocacy skills needed for success in the high school years. Hear from our Subject Expert Teachers about how they inspire excellence inside and outside of the classroom. Plus, learn about our many athletic and academic competition teams, clubs, international trips, and more.

The High School Program: Grades 9-12

Educating tomorrow’s great innovators, pioneers, and leaders requires a well-rounded curriculum–one with breadth and depth across academic disciplines. Meet students, faculty, and administrators as you and your child learn about high school at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, including our unique Senior Year program.

Refreshments

We will have light refreshments for the whole family at the Open House. After the Grades 3-12 Open House on April 25, we invite you to stop by our Primary School Fine Arts Festival alongside several of our current families.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see what sets BASIS Independent Brooklyn apart and how we foster a community of lifelong learners.

As you get ready for the spring and end of the school year, we hope you choose to spend some of your time with us getting to know our wonderful community.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Step Into Our Spring Open Houses at BASIS Independent McLean!

March 10, 2026 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes a season of growth and new beginnings. As our Rolling Admissions Cycle has just begun, we invite you to experience our vibrant learning community firsthand at one of our Spring Open House events this March and April, listed below.

With each event focused on different age groups, you will have the opportunity to get a comprehensive picture of what the learning and student experience will look like for your child as a BASIS Independent McLean Red-Tailed Hawk!

Spring Open Houses

Programs	Date and Time
PreK-K (ages 3–5)	Friday, March 20, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Grades 1–3	Friday, April 10, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Grades 4–5	Monday, March 23, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Grades 6–8	Thursday, March 26, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Grade 9	Friday, April 17, 9:00 – 10:30 AM

In just one morning, you will get to know our PreK–K, Grades 1–3, Grades 4–5, Grades 6–8, or Grade 9 programs. Meet the teachers who will guide your child’s learning journey, connect with current parents who can share their experience in our welcoming community, and tour our campus while school is in session—all alongside our Head of School and Associate Head of School.

Registration is required, and seats are limited, so register today!

As sunshine returns and birds fill our playgrounds once again, we look forward to welcoming you to experience the energy, warmth, and academic excellence that define our community!

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.

Exceptional Achievement: 62 BASIS Independent Seniors Named National Merit Finalists

March 5, 2026 by aloracooper Leave a Comment

At many high schools, naming a single National Merit Finalist is headline-worthy.

This year at BASIS Independent Schools, it’s 62.

Out of 234 seniors in the Class of 2026, more than one in four students (26%) earned National Merit Finalist distinction — the highest number in our network’s history and a level of achievement rarely seen at this scale.

Academic Excellence, By Design

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students who score among the top performers in the nation on the PSAT/NMSQT. Advancing to Finalist status requires exceptional academic performance, rigorous coursework, and sustained excellence.

62 National Merit Finalists
65 Semifinalists
92 Commended Students
Over 67% of seniors earned national academic recognition

These outcomes reflect a deliberately structured academic program built around subject mastery, early acceleration, and intellectual independence.

Recognition Across Campuses

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley

38 Finalists
40 Semifinalists
51 Commended Students

BASIS Independent Fremont

13 Finalists
13 Semifinalists
16 Commended Students

BASIS Independent McLean

8 Finalists
9 Semifinalists
15 Commended Students

BASIS Independent Brooklyn

3 Finalists
3 Semifinalists
6 Commended Students

BASIS Independent Manhattan

4 Commended Students

Across five campuses and three states, students continue to demonstrate that high-level academic distinction can be both consistent and scalable.

“We are incredibly proud of the graduating Class of 2026. These acceptances are a result of years of sustained academic commitment from our students, as well as incredible contributions to their schools and communities. Congratulations to them!” says Toby Walker, Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools. “Consistently excellent and impressive results like these speak to the strength of our curriculum and philosophy across all BASIS Independent School campuses.”

A Clear Upward Trajectory

This year marks a 41% increase in National Merit Finalists over last year — and the largest cohort in network history.

When excellence compounds year after year, it signals something deeper than a strong class. It reflects a durable academic culture.

Looking Ahead

As the Class of 2026 prepares for selective college admissions this fall, these distinctions serve as both recognition and runway.

We celebrate our National Merit Finalists, Semifinalists, and Commended Students for their remarkable achievements — and the educators and families who support them.

Excellence, when intentional, becomes tradition.

Discover what’s possible at BASIS Independent Schools.

Explore Our Academic Program

Mountaineer Winter Athletics 2025 Recap: Building Momentum on the Court

February 27, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

The winter season brought exciting progress for BASIS Independent Bellevue Athletics as our Mountaineers took to the basketball court with determination, discipline, and heart. Across both Division 1 and Division 2, our student-athletes continued to build on the strong foundation of our program, showing growth in skill, teamwork, and confidence. Under the leadership of Coach D, the Mountaineers made this winter, a season to remember.

Division 2 Basketball

Our Division 2 team wrapped up the season with a 5–4 record, highlighted by steady improvement and a growing sense of cohesion. With a roster of younger players, Coach D focused this season on teaching defensive formations, offensive plays, and proper positioning. These concepts take time to develop, but as the season progressed, buy-in increased and the team began to play with greater unity and purpose. Eshan A. was a key player on this years Division 2 team. When asked what he enjoyed most about this season, he shared, “I had a lot of fun with my teammates. My most memorable game was when I scored 13 points against Open Window.”

In reflecting on the season and what defines this team, Coach D shared, “The moment that best defines this Division 2 team is how they competed in every single game, regardless of the score or opponent. They played with relentless effort and never backed down. One memory that stands out is hearing an opposing player say, ‘They are everywhere.’ That perfectly captured this group; high energy, high motor, and a willingness to outwork anyone on the court. Their effort and teamwork defined who they were more than any single win or loss.”

With over 15 dedicated athletes learning the game and growing together, Division 2 laid important groundwork for the future of the program. The progress made this winter reflects a group that is committed to improvement and ready to take the next step in the years ahead.

Division 1 Basketball

Division 1 delivered a remarkable season, finishing 9–0 and completing a perfect run. Along the way, the Mountaineers earned impressive wins over Open Window, French American, Billings, Providence, and more. After winning about half of their games last season, this year marked a major leap forward. The foundation Coach D established last year, combined with offseason training and consistent effort from the players, clearly paid off.

Several athletes made notable strides this season. Andrew W. moved up from a Division 2 and Division 1 fringe player to a solidified Division 1 player, and quickly became a key contributor, bringing high-pressure defense and fast-paced offense to the court. His consistent hard work in and out of season has proven to pay off and has made an obvious impact on the success of the team. When asked what advice Andrew would give to a younger player he said, “Show up every day and don’t give up. Work hard every day and don’t compare yourself to others.”

Yan X. led the team in scoring, averaging over 20 points per game and thriving as a dynamic driver to the basket. He took on a voice of leadership this season, helping call plays on offense and unifying the defense. In response to being asked what the most memorable part of his season was Yan shared, “When we finished the last game and were undefeated it was a lot of emotions. During the game I tried to give my teammates lots of opportunities. Going undefeated meant a lot to the team and to me.”

This season also marked a meaningful milestone for Benjamin J., Gavin H., and Linda J., who were part of the very first BLV basketball team formed by Coach Shelp just three years ago. Now, they close out their middle school careers on top, helping leave the program in strong hands with Coach D and an impressive group of grade 7 and grade 6 players ready to carry the torch forward. Gavin was asked what lesson he will take with him from his middle school basketball career and he shared, “Basketball is a time to make memories with the people you play with. It goes by fast, so cherish the time with teammates and don’t take any of it for granted.”

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful grade 8 players. Your leadership and dedication have helped shape this program, and we look forward to cheering you on at the high school level in the years to come.

Looking Ahead

This winter season showcased what Mountaineer Athletics is all about: growth, commitment, and teamwork. Across both divisions, players embraced learning, supported one another, and competed with pride. Each practice and game contributed to building a program centered on character, strategy, and skill development.

When asked what his hopes were for the future of BLV Basketball Program Coach D shared, “My hope is that we continue building a strong, sustainable program rooted in fundamentals, teamwork, and character. I want players to feel excited to join, develop their skills over multiple years, and take pride in representing the school. If we continue to emphasize hard work, discipline, and a positive team culture, the success on the court will follow. More importantly, I hope the program continues to shape confident, resilient young people who carry these lessons with them long after their playing days are over. I am also really looking forward to the possibility of having a high school team in the future, coaching them and seeing the long-term growth that can come from developing players from middle school all the way through high school. Watching that progression, both as athletes and as people, would be incredibly rewarding.”

The Mountaineers are gaining momentum, and the future of BASIS Independent Bellevue Basketball has never looked brighter.

Go Mountaineers! Onward and upward!

Top 3 Reasons Families Visit Our Spring Open House

February 26, 2026 by anjalijoshi Leave a Comment

Are you seeking an exceptional educational experience for your child in Manhattan?

Whether you are searching for an innovative liberal arts and STEM curriculum, hoping to meet our passionate educators, or eager to connect with current students and parents, our Spring Open Houses offer the perfect introduction to our distinctive PreK—Grade 12 program.

Here are the top 3 reasons to join us!

Educational Excellence – Where Curious Minds Succeed

Each Open House begins with a dynamic presentation sharing our visionary founding story and the transformative BASIS Curriculum. Families will gain insight into our supportive culture and the enriching student experience that defines the BASIS Independent Manhattan Wildcats.

From advanced academics to meaningful relationships and personal growth, you will learn how our approach builds strong foundations, confidence, and the skills students need to thrive in college and beyond—without losing sight of curiosity or joy in learning.

Meet Our Teachers Who Inspire Students Every Day

A highlight of this event is the opportunity to explore our campuses alongside the educators who bring learning to life every day. As you tour classrooms and learning spaces, you will meet our dedicated Learning Expert Teachers and Subject Expert Teachers and hear firsthand how they inspire curiosity, elevate critical thinking, and nurture each student’s potential.

From the joyful discovery of Lower School through the advanced scholarship of Upper School, our hands-on approach fosters both confidence and a genuine love of learning—preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Experience Our Community & Wildcat Spirit

Beyond academics, BASIS Independent Manhattan is a community. During our Open Houses, you can connect with current students and parents to hear their authentic perspectives about daily life, opportunities, and traditions. Their stories offer a genuine glimpse into what it means to be a Wildcat—engaged, ambitious, and supported.

March Open Houses

Lower School: PreK–Grade 5
Saturday, March 7 at 10:00 AM
795 Columbus Avenue (UWS)

Upper School: Grades 6–12
Sunday, March 8 at 10:00 AM
556 W 22 St (Chelsea)

If you have any questions, reach out to our Admissions team at manhattan-admissions@basisindependent.com.

We look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

BASIS Independent McLean Student Earns Silver at International Skating Union Edge Cup

February 26, 2026 by aloracooper Leave a Comment

We are proud to celebrate Evelyn Z., a student at BASIS Independent McLean, who recently earned a silver medal at the 2026 International Skating Union Edge Cup in Poland.

Competing against nearly 40 skaters representing more than 16 countries, Evelyn placed second in an impressive international field — a remarkable accomplishment that reflects years of discipline, perseverance, and dedication both on and off the ice.

Evelyn began skating at just three years old and eventually chose to pursue figure skating over other athletic passions, including floor dance, gymnastics, swimming, and karate. Her commitment includes daily 60–90-minute training sessions, with even more intensive work during summer breaks.

Balancing elite athletics with the rigorous academic program at BASIS Independent McLean is no small feat. Evelyn credits her teachers and school community for their support:

“It is hard to balance school and athletics… I am very thankful to my school and teachers’ support at BASIS Independent.”

Beyond the medal, Evelyn says the experience reinforced an important lesson:

“This experience taught me that hard work really does pay off… If you work hard and do well, you get the experience and confidence you need.”

We congratulate Evelyn on this extraordinary international achievement. Her success reflects the resilience, independence, and pursuit of excellence that define our students.

We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.

See how BASIS Independent McLean supports students in pursuing excellence — in the classroom and beyond. Schedule a campus tour or connect with our Admissions team today.

Visit Our Campus

Student-Athlete Success Story: NCAA Signing Day & the Power of Academic Balance

February 25, 2026 by aloracooper Leave a Comment

How Student-Athletes Excel in Academics and Competitive Athletics

Across the BASIS Independent Schools network, student success is defined by a balance of advanced academics paired with meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom.

Each year, our students demonstrate that academic excellence and athletic achievement are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they strengthen one another.

A recent NCAA Signing Day celebration at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley highlighted this powerful combination, underscoring a broader network truth: BASIS Independent student-athletes are prepared to compete and excel at the collegiate level.

A Model Supporting Scholar-Athletes

Student-athletes are supported by an intentionally designed program that cultivates discipline, time management, and resilience. These same skills that drive success in advanced coursework translate naturally to competitive athletics in the form of focus, persistence, and strategic thinking.

Whether training after school, competing on weekends, or balancing schedules with demanding classes, BASIS Independent students consistently rise to the challenge. Faculty, coaches, and families work collaboratively to ensure students are supported holistically, enabling them to pursue ambitious academic goals while continuing to grow as athletes.

NCAA Signing Day: A Network Moment

The NCAA Signing Day celebration at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley marked an important milestone not only for one student, but for the entire network.

Senior Michelle G.’s commitment to compete in women’s tennis at Massachusetts Institute of Technology reflects a pattern seen across BASIS Independent Schools: students earning opportunities at institutions that value both intellectual rigor and athletic excellence.

Events like this offer the community a chance to pause and celebrate what these accomplishments represent; years of dedication, consistency, and support from families, educators, and coaches working together.

Building a Culture of Athletic Excellence

Across the network, athletics programs emphasize growth, leadership, and sportsmanship. Students compete in basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and more with many often serving as team leaders while maintaining demanding academic schedules. This culture reinforces a powerful message:

Students do not need to choose between excelling academically and pursuing athletics seriously. Instead, they learn how to integrate both — a skill that serves them well in college and beyond.

Looking Ahead: A Growing Legacy

As more BASIS Independent student-athletes move on to collegiate athletics, including programs governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, these milestones continue to build momentum across the network. Younger students see what’s possible, programs grow stronger, and the definition of success expands.

Each signing day, championship season, and personal best achieved by a BASIS Independent student represents a network win and a reflection of a school community committed to developing well-rounded, motivated, and high-achieving young adults.

Interested in learning more about our programs and community?

Inquire Today

Going Deeper: Inside the Senior Capstone Experience

February 25, 2026 by sarahpeterson Leave a Comment

Every year, our seniors reach a remarkable milestone. By the time they arrive at their final year at BASIS Independent Fremont, most have already completed their Advanced Placement® (AP®) requirements and are ready for something different—something more. That’s where Capstone courses come in.

On February 5, 2026, families, faculty, and fellow students gathered for the 2026 Senior Capstone Symposium, a showcase of the original research, engineering projects, financial analyses, and literary explorations that our Class of 2026 has been working on all year. It was, in a word, exceptional.

But to fully appreciate what made that day so special, it helps to understand what Capstone courses are—and why they represent one of the most distinctive elements of a BASIS Independent Fremont education.

What Are Capstone Courses?

The senior year at BASIS Independent Fremont is designed to be a bridge from traditional high school learning to the kind of independent, applied thinking students will encounter in college and beyond. At the heart of that experience are Capstone courses.

Capstone courses are teacher-created, college-level classes that go beyond the breadth of a typical AP course. Where AP courses are built to cover essential content across a wide field, Capstone courses are designed to go deep. They are original courses tied to our teachers’ own academic passions and expertise, and they shift the style of learning itself—from traditional classroom instruction toward the seminar-based and lab-based formats students will encounter in college.

This year, BASIS Independent Fremont offered an impressive range of 14 Capstone courses:

Art Portfolio	Author’s Study
Corporate Finance	Data Structures and Algorithms
Drug Discovery & Development	Engineered Systems
Linear Algebra	Linguistics
Literary Animals	Microbiology
Multivariable & Vector Calculus	Neuroscience
Optics and Biophysics	Storytelling Through Sound

Inside the Courses: Teacher Spotlights

What makes Capstone courses so distinctive? We spoke with three of the faculty members behind this year’s courses to find out.

Corporate Finance

In many ways, Corporate Finance is a natural Capstone to the business pathway at BASIS Independent Fremont. Mr. Ong already teaches AP Economics and courses in entrepreneurship, but he saw a gap: students needed exposure to the decision-making tools and frameworks actually used by financial professionals.

“There is significant interest in business and entrepreneurship at BIF, and I proposed this Capstone as a necessary foundational course for students who are interested in pursuing careers in business management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. I also feel strongly that all students should be financially literate and have a basic understanding of the workings of corporations, the economy, and the financial system in order to effectively function in our modern world.”
— Mr. Ong, Corporate Finance

The course is deliberately practical. Students don’t just learn theory—they apply strategic financial frameworks to real-world scenarios. This year, the class even took a field trip to the San Francisco Financial District, giving students a ground-level look at the institutions and organizations they’d been studying.

Data Structures & Algorithms

For students who have completed AP Computer Science, Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) is the natural next frontier. Ms. Shahin describes it as equivalent to a college-level introductory DSA course—the kind of material students at top universities encounter in their first or second year.

“DSA is a cornerstone for computer science education. By learning how data can be organized in different ways, students learn to tackle various problem-solving scenarios—from linked lists to arrays, from search engines to AI. It’s an important stepping stone for all computer science fields.”
— Ms. Shahin, Data Structures & Algorithms

What makes this course particularly exciting, Ms. Shahin notes, is the rapid pace of change in the field—and her students’ readiness to meet it. “With rapidly changing technology these days, helping them understand the actual process better, and sometimes also learning from their discoveries, is fun.” Alumni from the course have gone on to study computer science at MIT, CMU, Caltech, Cambridge, UC San Diego, and UC Berkeley.

Multivariable & Vector Calculus

Dr. Chaudhri’s Multivariable & Vector Calculus course pushes students well past the limits of AP Calculus into content typically covered in a university freshman or sophomore year. It’s one of several advanced math and science courses he has developed over the years, each reflecting a different dimension of higher-level mathematics and science.

“The Capstone classes cater to knowledge beyond what is covered in an AP class. They offer more depth and more breadth in a specific field of study at an undergraduate freshman/sophomore level—these serve as introductory bridges to a more advanced curriculum at college.”
— Dr. Chaudhri, Multivariable & Vector Calculus

The courses aren’t just academically advanced—they’re experiential. Past classes have included field trips to venues like the Exploratorium in San Francisco, where students engaged hands-on with scientific experiments that brought the course’s big questions down to earth.

Dr. Chaudhri’s courses also reflect a collaborative spirit—some have even come directly from student requests, a reminder that at BASIS Independent Fremont, the curriculum is a living thing, shaped by the curiosity of the students who inhabit it.

The 2026 Senior Capstone Symposium

On the morning of February 5, the BASIS Independent Fremont campus transformed into a showcase of some of the most ambitious student work we’ve seen. Eight of this year’s Capstone courses were represented—Neuroscience, Data Structures & Algorithms, Corporate Finance, Engineered Systems, Linguistics, Art Portfolio, Microbiology, and Author’s Study—and the range of work on display was a testament to the ambition and intellectual range of our seniors.

Project Highlights

The breadth of projects on display made it clear that there is no single mold for a Capstone experience. Here is just a sampling of what was showcased:

Neuroscience – One group of students investigated how chronic hypoxic exposure (low-oxygen conditions) impacts cerebellar basket cell structure and function—and what that means for broader neurological outcomes. The depth of this research mirrors the kind of questions asked in university neuroscience labs.

Data Structures & Algorithms – Students built fully functional applications using the data structures they studied. Highlights included MealCraft, a smart grocery organizer that intelligently categorizes and tracks pantry items; HAPify, a data-driven application with real-world use cases; and QuickPark, a parking management system designed to solve a genuine everyday problem.

Corporate Finance – The Corporate Finance Gallery Showcase turned into a miniature pitch event, with students presenting capital budgeting analyses and product launch proposals spanning everything from eco-performance running shoes to EV chargers to next-generation Apple hardware.

Engineered Systems – The engineering students showcased a remarkable range of physical and software-based systems. Projects included Security Jewelry—wearable tech designed to help users signal distress discreetly; Atmosys, an environmental monitoring system; an Automatic Planter that uses sensors to automate plant care; and a Wheelchair Rehabilitation Program designed to improve accessibility and patient outcomes.

Microbiology – The Microbiology presentations were perhaps the most research-intensive of the day, with students tackling graduate-level questions on topics ranging from bacterial flagellar motor evolution to the therapeutic potential of fecal microbiota transplantation for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Author’s Study – In a fitting contrast to the lab-and-data presentations elsewhere, the Author’s Study class closed out the day with a student-facilitated roundtable discussion—modeling the kind of Socratic seminar that defines great humanities education at the college level.

In Their Own Words

Josh P. approached his Capstone courses as an opportunity to test his interests before college—and came away with more than he expected.

“Capstone courses are a great chance for exploration—in-depth exploration into often niche topics. From the Neuroscience course, I got the basis to learn about more detailed parts of topics I was interested in, which I was then able to practically implement with the Capstone project. The whole process of developing your knowledge in the course and then finding a concrete, applicable way to use your exploration—Capstones are really amazing for that.”

That spirit of exploration carried into his other courses too, including Storytelling Through Sound: “I realized that I’m interested in applying literature outside of the standard means, and I’ve kind of taken that concept with my other Capstone courses as well.”

And looking ahead to college, Josh sees the Capstone experience as groundwork for what’s next: “I think the Capstones are kind of your gateway to enter that mindset—going deeper into topics you’re interested in, and also just niche topics in general.”

— Josh P. (Class of 2026), Drug Discovery & Development, Linear Algebra, Neuroscience, Storytelling Through Sound

Richa C. also took four Capstone courses and found that the flexibility of the Capstone curriculum was exactly what set them apart.

“For APs, I wouldn’t put too much effort in because I would always depend on that final AP exam bringing everything up for me. In Capstones, I actually have to work for it. There’s no set curriculum—the teachers make the curriculum, so they’ll just take you on a rollercoaster ride some days. I really like how flexible the curriculum is.”

That flexibility showed up in unexpected ways. In Neuroscience, it meant hands-on lab work that went well beyond a typical classroom experience: “It’s like holding an actual brain in your hands and cutting into it and seeing all the little things in there.”

And at the Symposium itself, seeing the full scope of what her classmates had been working on all year left an impression: “I just really liked seeing everyone else’s hard work and all their projects. They were really cool.”

— Richa C. (Class of 2026), Linguistics, Literary Animals, Multivariable & Vector Calculus, Neuroscience

Kriti L. chose her Capstone courses — Neuroscience, Author’s Study, Microbiology, and Linear Algebra — based on subjects she already loved. But it was the energy in the classroom that made them memorable.

In Author’s Study, she found herself caught up in her teacher, Mr. Betcher’s, enthusiasm: “I think it definitely excited me too. I was excited to see what was the topic that made my teacher so interested in this.”

That excitement extended to how the courses felt day to day: “It felt almost like a college course. There was no really structured curriculum — if we wanted to touch on a side subject, we could do that. We didn’t have to only study topics for the AP test. And it’s a lot more formal — you have to write whole papers that are 20 pages. But it’s also preparing me for college.”

— Kriti L. (Class of 2026), Author’s Study, Linear Algebra, Microbiology, Neuroscience

A Different Kind of Senior Year

What makes the Capstone experience so valuable isn’t just the content—it’s the mode of learning. By the time BASIS Independent Fremont seniors step into these courses, they’ve earned the academic credentials to take on something more. Capstone courses give them a glimpse of what college-level intellectual life actually looks like: seminar discussions, independent research, open-ended problem solving, and the deep satisfaction that comes from pursuing questions you genuinely care about.

The 2026 Senior Capstone Symposium was a celebration of exactly that. Watching our seniors present—confidently explaining their methodologies, fielding questions, and connecting their work to the broader world—it was clear that BASIS Independent Fremont’s promise had been fulfilled: these students are not just ready for college. They are ready for what comes after.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026.

Curious what senior year could look like for your student? Contact our Admissions team to schedule a tour and explore our Upper School curriculum.

BASIS Independent Fremont 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 BASIS Independent Fremont community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.