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From Dream to Reality: Aditya N.’s Football Journey to the University of Rochester

From Dream to Reality: Aditya N.’s Football Journey to the University of Rochester

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For many student-athletes, the idea of playing at the collegiate level begins as a dream. For BASIS Independent Silicon Valley graduate Aditya N., that dream became a reality through persistence, discipline, and a willingness to bet on himself—even when the path forward was uncertain. This fall, Aditya will continue his academic and athletic journey at the University of Rochester, where he plans to study finance while contributing to the football program.

BISV Media Day
Signing Day Celebration

Like many young athletes, Aditya’s football journey began with a dream of competing at the highest level. Over time, that dream evolved into something deeper, with football becoming a source of growth, discipline, and life lessons. “My goal now is to use football as a means to be successful in any career path that I take,” he shared.

That mindset guided him throughout the recruiting process and ultimately led him to the University of Rochester, where the program’s C.L.I.M.B. philosophy—Commitment, Little Things, Intensity, Movement, and Belief—aligned closely with his own values. Rochester’s emphasis on balancing academics and athletics also stood out, reflecting the same priorities Aditya maintained throughout his time at BISV.

His path was not without challenges. During his sophomore and junior years, Aditya continued training despite not having a team to play for, staying committed to his goal even when the opportunity ahead was uncertain. That resilience also shaped his experience at BISV, where he helped establish the school’s football program. Through that process, he learned the importance of taking initiative, embracing challenges, and believing in what is possible.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s inaugural tackle football team.

Behind his success is a strong support system that helped guide and motivate him throughout his journey. He credits his parents, coach, and close friends for shaping both his character and work ethic. From long drives to practices to demanding training sessions, their consistent support played a critical role in his development both on and off the field.

Aditya and his parents celebrate his signing to the University of Rochester.

Looking ahead, Aditya is focused on making an immediate impact at Rochester. On the field, he aims to contribute wherever the team needs him, with the goal of earning playing time early in his collegiate career. In the classroom, he is eager to take advantage of Rochester’s open curriculum to explore different academic paths while building toward a future in finance.

Reflecting on his journey, Aditya hopes others understand what it truly takes to reach this level. “Seemingly impossible things are never out of reach,” he said. “Anything remarkable is characterized as rare or unlikely—that’s what gives it value. My advice… would be to tune out the noise, throw the statistics in the trash, and bet on yourself.”

Aditya’s story is one of determination, initiative, and belief. The entire BISV community is proud to celebrate his accomplishments and looks forward to all he will achieve at the University of Rochester and beyond.

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. 

Fall 2027: What to Expect at Your In-Person Standardized Exam

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At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

This year, BASIS Independent Silicon Valley will no longer be administering the BASIS Independent Schools Entrance Exam. Instead, we will accept scores from the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT). While either score is accepted, BASIS Independent Schools will only be hosting the ISEE on their campuses.

Can families submit scores from both exams?
No, for easier tracking, workload of admissions teams, and time constraints of the admissions committees during the review period, only one set of scores can be submitted.

What is the ISEE?
The ISEE is a comprehensive admission test accepted by over 1,200 independent schools. Used for students entering Grades 2-12, the ISEE offers valuable insights to both schools and families.

Why is BASIS Independent Silicon Valley using ISEE this year instead of the internal exam?
After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to adopt the ISEE for the following reasons:

  • Consistency and Equity: The ISEE provides a standardized and widely recognized measure of academic readiness, ensuring a consistent and equitable evaluation process for applicants.
  • Comprehensive Insights: The ISEE assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement – giving us a well-rounded understanding of each student’s academic strengths.
  • Flexibility for Families: The ISEE is offered at numerous testing locations, allowing families to choose a date, time and, setting that works best for them.
  • Alignment with Peer Schools: Many of our peer institutions also use ISEE, which helps streamline the process for families applying to multiple schools.

We believe this change will enhance the admissions experience for families, while providing us with valuable insights to ensure a strong academic match for our incoming students.

What does the ISEE assess?
At the Primary level, which encompasses applicants to grades 2-4, the ISEE assesses students in two categories: reading and mathematics.

At the Lower, Middle, and Upper levels for applicants to grades 5-12, the ISEE assesses applicants on four interconnected categories: quantitative reasoning, mathematics achievement, verbal reasoning, and reading comprehension. The comprehension and achievement section measure knowledge, or what students have learned. The reasoning sections measure students’ logical thinking skills and their capacity to learn. There is also an essay component to the ISEE, which allows students to showcase their writing abilities.

Will families have access to the results of the exam?
Yes, families will receive a scored report from ISEE. To view a sample of a score report and to learn more about how to understand the report, click here.  

How is the writing sample of the ISEE scored? 
Local Admissions Teams score the writing sample. Teams will assess the student’s ability to express their ideas clearly, their mastery of English grammar and spelling, their vocabulary/word choice, voice, sentence fluency, and usage of conventions.

Will families have access to the results of the writing sample?
No.

How often can my child take the ISEE?
ERB allows your child to take the ISEE once per testing season, up to three times per school year. The seasons include Fall (August-November), Winter (December-March) and Spring/Summer (April-July).

How many sets of scores can I submit to BASIS Independent Silicon Valley?
Students can submit one set of scores from an ISEE taken between August 2026 and February 2026. No scores from before August 2026 will be accepted.

Additionally, BASIS Independent Silicon Valley will only accept and consider one set of admission test scores per applicant. If we receive more than one set of test scores, we will only review the test scores from the chronologically earliest test date.

How much does it cost to take the ISEE?
The cost to take the ISEE varies based on both the testing method, and your student’s grade level. Review full pricing details here. BASIS Independent Schools has no control or influence over the pricing of the ISEE.

Does BASIS Independent Silicon Valley offer fee waivers?
No. 

How long is the ISEE?
For Primary level applicants (grades 2-4), the total test times are 53, 54, and 60 minutes respectively with one short break.

For Lower level applicants (grades 5 and 6) the exam lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes with two breaks.

For Middle and Upper level applicants (grades 7 and 8, and grades 9-12), the exam duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes, also with two breaks.

What materials should my child bring to the test site on exam day?
Students are allowed to bring a small snack and drink (not in a glass bottle) to have during their break.

They are required to bring four #2 or HB pencils, four erasers, and two black or blue ballpoint pens. Testing sites do not provide students with writing materials.

What forms of identification should my child bring to the test site on exam day?

All students will be required to present their Verification Letter from ISEE to confirm the student’s name and ISEE ID Number in addition to one of the approved forms of student identification below.

Applicants to Grades 2-8

  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • School Report Card
  • Health Insurance Card

Applicants to Grades 9-12

  • School ID
  • Passport or Green Card
  • State-issued ID
  • Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit
  • Military Dependent ID
  • Visa
  • Global Entry Card
  • National Identity Card
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Tribal Card

Are there any items my child is not allowed to bring?

Items not allowed include books, rulers, calculators, scratch papers, electronic games, smartwatches, smart eyeglasses, and mobile devices. Non-compliance may lead to test invalidation without a refund.

How can my child prepare for the ISEE?

ERB provides free online sample tests to help students familiarize themselves with the exam portal and question types.

When and where can I access my child’s ISEE scores?

Your child’s ISEE scores will be available at iseeonline.erblearn.org. You will receive an email notification when the Individual Student Report (score report) is posted to your account.

How does BASIS Independent Silicon Valley receive my child’s ISEE score report?

Parents will elect to share the score report with BASIS Independent Silicon Valley through their ERB Parent Portal.

Will BASIS Independent Silicon Valley accept a digital or printed version of my child’s ISEE score report?

No, only documents sent directly through the ERB Parent Portal will be accepted.

Does BASIS Independent Silicon Valley prefer one exam over the other?

No. The ISEE and SSAT are equally acceptable. Admissions committees will consider scores from either assessment as just one component of our holistic admissions review.

Can students take the ISEE at a different location and share the results of the exam with BASIS Independent Silicon Valley?

Yes, if more convenient, students can take the exam at another testing site and parents can share the results of their exam directly with us in their ERB Parent Portal.

When are the In-Person ISEE dates at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley?

Grades 2–5 ISEE Exam: November 14, 2026

Grades 2–9 ISEE Exam: January 23, 2027

Grades 2–9 ISEE Exam: February 27, 2027


Students applying for Grades 2 – 5 will take their exam at the BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Lower Campus located at 1500 Partridge Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087.

Students applying for Grades 6 – 9 will take their exams at the BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Upper Campus located at 1290 Parkmoor Ave, San Jose, CA 95126.

*Please note, once an exam date fills, we will close registration for that date and families will have to sign-up for the next available exam.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can contact our Lower School (TK – Grade 5) at svl.admissions@basisindependent.com  and our Upper School (Grades 6 – 9) at sv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2027: Top 5 Questions Asked Every Admissions Season

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Every admissions season, prospective families ask thoughtful questions about our academic program, student experience, admissions process, and what it means to become part of the BASIS Independent Silicon Valley community.

We know choosing the right school is an important decision, and we are here to provide families with the information and support they need along the way. While every family’s journey is unique, we hear many of the same questions year after year.

Keep reading to explore the top five questions we hear most often and learn more about the BISV experience.

1. How many students are admitted in each grade?

This is our most frequently asked question!

The number of available seats varies each year based on current family reenrollment, graduating classes, and overall enrollment needs. We typically finalize seat availability after reenrollment concludes in February, which is why most admissions decisions are released during Regular Admissions in March.

While we can’t provide an exact number of openings in each grade, we welcome new students every year and encourage interested families to apply.

2. What’s the difference between Early Admissions and Regular Admissions?

We offer two admissions cycles to provide flexibility for families.

Early Admissions is available for TK–Kindergarten and is ideal for families who are ready to make an early commitment, including current families applying for siblings or those who already know BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is their first choice.

Regular Admissions is available for TK–Grade 9 and follows the same admissions process with later deadlines, giving families additional time to explore their options and make the decision that’s right for them.

No matter when you apply, our admissions team is here to guide families through each step of the process.

3. How do you support new students as they transition to BASIS Independent Silicon Valley?

Joining a new school is an exciting milestone, and we want every student to feel confident, supported, and connected from their first day.

Our subject expert teachers, Deans, and Student Affairs Team work closely with students to help them build strong study habits, confidence, and time management skills. We believe students can achieve more than they can imagine, and we are committed to helping each student reach their full potential.

Every year, students join our community from a variety of educational backgrounds, and we are committed to helping every Bobcat succeed.

4. How do you support students‘ social-emotional development?

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, we believe that a strong partnership between school and home helps students thrive. From cyber-awareness seminars, wellness week, and organizational lessons, our Student Affairs Department hosts a variety of student and parent workshops aimed at providing families with the necessary tools for success.

Students will explore themes of self-advocacy, peer dynamics, as well as other Social/Emotional Learning topics. By participating in class discussions and connecting with friends in the hallways, students are learning these lessons through their daily interactions with their teachers and peers.

5. Will my student still have time for clubs, athletics, and other activities?

Yes! Learning extends far beyond the classroom.

Majority of our students participate in at least one extracurricular activity each year, from athletics and robotics to performing arts, student leadership, and clubs.

We encourage students to explore their interests, discover new passions, and find opportunities to grow beyond academics. Every student’s journey is unique, and we support them in finding the right balance between challenge, connection, and the activities they enjoy.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can contact our Lower School (TK – Grade 5) at svl.admissions@basisindependent.com  and our Upper School (Grades 6 – 9) at sv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2027: The BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Admissions Process

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At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

We are excited to know you are considering BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, a TK – Grade 12 private school with both a Lower and Upper school campus!

TK – Grade 5: 1500 Partridge Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Grades 6 – 12: 1290 Parkmoor Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126

When applying, each family will work with members of the Admissions Team whose role is to welcome new families to our program and educate them on the benefits of a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley education. They are the guides through the application and admissions process. Read below to learn more about the admissions process. 

Step 1: Attend an Admissions Event (Optional)

Though not required, we strongly recommend you attend one of our Admissions Events to learn about our program before applying. Our events are held from September – January traditionally.

To view our upcoming Admissions Events, click here. 

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

You will submit an application with general student information. This will officially start the application process! In your application, you will be able to request Teacher Recommendation Forms, send the Transcript Request Form, and schedule your student’s Play Date or Entrance Exam and Family Meeting. We also keep families up to date on their application through a dashboard in their account. 

Please note: Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be done in any order but must be completed after the application is submitted and before the Deadline to Complete an Application.  

Step 3: Teacher Recommendations (TK – Grade 9 Required*)

Students applying for TK – Grade 1 will have their current teacher fill out the Early Learning Program Teacher Recommendation. For Grades 2 – 9, your child’s current teacher will fill out the English Teacher Recommendation and the Math Teacher Recommendation.

You will be able to email the recommendations directly to your child’s current teacher. We do not accept recommendations from past teachers, only current ones. As listed in the instructions of the recommendations, we do not accept documents from parents. All recommendations must be sent from the teacher to the Admissions Office directly. 

*We understand some schools do not allow their teachers to write recommendations for students that are leaving their program. In these circumstances, the requirement can be waived. 

Step 4: Transcripts (Grades 2 – 9 Required*)

You will be able to send a Transcript Request Form in your application. This form requests your child’s current school to send us a current year report, along with the last two years. As listed in the instructions of the request form, we do not accept documents from parents. All transcripts must be sent from the school to the Admissions Office directly. 

Step 5: Student Evaluation (TK – Grade 9 Required*)

Students applying for TK – Grade 1 will register for a one-on-one Virtual Play Date. Students applying for Grades 2 – 9 will register for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or submit SSAT scores. The ISEE exam will be conducted in-person at our BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Upper and Lower Campuses. These evaluations allow us to meet and interact with your child and determine if they are ready to join our program academically, socially, and emotionally in the grade they are applying for.

*Given the number of applicants for our Early Learning Program, Play Dates are only offered virtually.

Step 6: Virtual Family Meeting (TK – Grade 9 Required*)

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend this 30-minute Virtual Family Meeting. Students applying for TK – Grade 1 are not required to attend. Students applying to Grades 2 – 9 are required to attend. For families applying for multiple students, only one family meeting is required to be scheduled. This meeting is a chance for us to meet your family, ask your student(s) questions about their specific interests in school, and get to know them a bit more in a one-on-one setting.

Once all supplementary materials are received and required meetings are attended, your application is complete! If you complete your application by the completion deadline, you will receive an admissions decision on the notification day. See below for more details. 

Early Admissions (TK – K)

Deadline to submit an application: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Deadline to complete an application: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Notification date: Friday, December 4, 2026
Commitment deadline: Monday, December 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM PST

Regular Admissions (TK – Grade 9)

Deadline to submit an application: Wednesday, January 27, 2027
Deadline to complete an application: Friday, February 12, 2027
Notification date: Wednesday, March 17, 2027
Commitment deadline: Friday, March 26, 2027, at 12:00 PM PST


If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can contact our Lower School (TK – Grade 5) at svl.admissions@basisindependent.com  and our Upper School (Grades 6 – 9) at sv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2027: What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

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At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

What is the Family Meeting?
The Family Meeting is an essential part of the admissions process at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley (BISV) and is part of our final admissions decision. This 30-minute meeting is the school’s opportunity to learn more about your child and your family’s interest in BISV.

While we are happy to answer questions about our program, the Family Meeting is not intended to be the first time families learn about our offerings. Prior to the Family Meeting, we strongly encourage families to visit our website and blog, attend an Admissions Event, or speak with a member of the Upper School Admission Team or our Lower School Admission Team.

When are the meetings held?
Family Meetings are held virtually Monday – Friday from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM every 30 minutes. 

Who is required to attend the Family Meeting?
At least one parent or guardian is required to attend. Students applying for TK – Grade 1 are not required to attend. Students applying to Grades 2 – 9 are required to attend.

If your child is required to attend the Family Meeting and does not, you will be asked to reschedule. 

What if we are applying for more than one student?
Only register for one Family Meeting, and bring both students, if required to attend, to the same meeting. 

When does the meeting have to take place?
Those applying in Early Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Friday, February 12, 2027. 

How do we register for a Family Meeting?
Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Family Meeting. 

If you’re not ready to choose a date and time, you can always log back in at a later date and choose one that is convenient. Please note: As we get closer to the Completion Deadline, there are fewer meeting times available. We would suggest scheduling one as soon as you are able. If you wait and are unable to schedule a Family Meeting for one of our offered times, your application will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for admission. 

How long is the Family Meeting?
Family Meetings are generally 30 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Family Meeting will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to go over the 30-minute mark. 

Who will we be meeting with?
Our Family Meetings are hosted by members of the Admissions Team, members of our Administration, and even some of our Subject Expert Teachers! You never know who will be hosting, but you’ll always get to speak with a member of the Bobcat community.  

What questions will we be asked?
The meeting is our chance to get to know you and your child more in a one-on-one setting. We may ask you questions about why you’re interested in BISV, your child’s academic and non-academic interests, and even what they like to do with their free time. 

We discourage any formal interview prep, as it tends to make students more nervous when we are just trying to get to know them. We want all students to feel comfortable and be themselves. 

How will the Family Meeting be held?
You will receive a reminder email 24 hours before your meeting time with a Zoom link to your virtual meeting. When your meeting time arrives, please log in to your meeting via Zoom. 

Can we ask questions at the end? 
If there is time, yes! But always note who you are speaking to. Whoever hosts your meeting will always introduce themselves and let you know their role at the school. If their role is not in relation to your question, they will let you know, and encourage you to reach out to the Admissions Team for an answer. 

We look forward to meeting you and your student(s) soon at your Virtual Family Meeting!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

You can contact our Lower School (TK – Grade 5) at svl.admissions@basisindependent.com  and our Upper School (Grades 6 – 9) at sv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2027: What to Expect at Your Virtual Play Date

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At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.


What is the Virtual Play Date?
The play-based assessment provides our teachers, administrators, and admissions staff the opportunity to get to know your child and observe your child’s social-emotional and academic development in a one-on-one setting.

The virtual assessment will take place in the comfort of your own home and we request that you have a few materials available for your child to use during the duration of the Play Date.  

Play Dates generally last 30 minutes and feature time for our teacher or administrator to get to know your child, followed by an age-appropriate lesson or activity. 

What materials should be brought to the Play Date?
Your child should be comfortable and sitting in a chair at a table. Please have these materials ready for your child:

  • A recently created piece of artwork
  • Several sheets of paper
  • Writing or drawing utensils (crayons / color pencils / markers / pencil)
  • A favorite book
  • A favorite toy

When are the Play Dates held?
Play Dates are held virtually Tuesday – Friday, as early as 8:30 AM and as late as 12:00 PM, for 30-minute periods. 

Who is required to attend the Play Date?
One adult (a parent, guardian, caregiver, or family member) is required to be present, but this person is expected to only provide technical support as needed. We hope to interact with your child independently of the adult.

We ask that the adult in the room sit behind and to the side of the child so that our teacher or administrator may be able to effectively conduct this assessment without adult interference. 

When does the Play Date have to take place?
Those applying in Early Admissions must complete their Play Date by their Completion Deadline, Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Play Date by their Completion Deadline, Friday, February 12, 2027. 

How do we register for a Play Date?
Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Play Date. 

If you’re not ready to choose a date and time, you can always log back in at a later date and choose one that is convenient. Please note: As we get closer to the Completion Deadline, there are fewer meeting times available. We would suggest scheduling one as soon as you are able. If you wait and are unable to schedule a Play Date for one of our offered times, your application will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for admission. 

How long is the Play Date?
Play Dates are generally 30 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Play Date will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to go over the 30-minute mark. 

Whom will we be meeting with?
Our Play Dates are hosted by members of the Admissions Team! You never know who will be hosting, but your child will always get to meet with a member of our community. 

What if my child doesn’t know all the answers?
That’s ok! We are meeting with them to gauge where they are socially, emotionally, and academically. We know and understand not all students are in the same place. 

What if my child doesn’t speak English?
While we understand not all students will be proficient in English, we are looking for more than a beginner level of English fluency. Students should be able to answer questions from the host about themselves, numbers, colors, a book or toy, etc. in English. The host should not have to speak slowly or repeat themselves for the child to understand. The adult attending the Play Date should also not offer any assistance or translation for the child.

How will the Play Date be held?
You will receive a reminder email 24 hours before your meeting time with a Zoom link to your Virtual Play Date. When your meeting time arrives, please log in to your meeting via Zoom. 

What if my child doesn’t do well due to unforeseen circumstances?
We know children don’t always have good days, a good night’s sleep, their tummy hurts, they are overly shy – we understand all these things. 

It is the right of the Admissions Office to reschedule if we feel it is necessary, however, we will not offer to reschedule if the adult feels the child did not do well or their best. As this is an assessment, only one opportunity for the assessment is allowed.  

Will we know the results of the Play Date?
No, we do not share assessment results with applicants or parents.  

We look forward to meeting your student(s) at their Virtual Play Date!

If you have any questions, email us at svl.admissions@basisindependent.com.

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.

Want to Learn More About BASIS Independent Manhattan?
Hear More at an Upcoming Event!

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.