Class of 2026 College Acceptances at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley

May 14, 2026 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

The Class of 2026 at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is celebrating an exciting milestone, with college acceptances spanning highly selective universities across the United States and around the world. This year’s seniors have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a sustained commitment to challenging themselves both inside and outside the classroom.

Their college outcomes reflect not only strong preparation, but also a thoughtful and intentional approach to the college search process—one focused on fit, growth, and long-term goals.

Class of 2026: At a Glance

This year’s college acceptances highlight the strength, ambition, and breadth of the Class of 2026:

College acceptances represent a significant milestone for students and families. Rather than focusing solely on rankings, our college counseling team works closely with students to identify institutions where they will be challenged, supported, and able to thrive both academically and personally.

Through individualized conversations, ongoing planning, and close collaboration with families, students are empowered to explore options that align with their interests, values, and aspirations.

Reflecting on the journey of this year’s seniors, Ms. McCollum, College Counselor, shared:

“One of the greatest joys of this work is watching students grow into the people they are meant to become, and the Class of 2026 has truly been a special group. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and cannot wait to see where their next chapters take them. I know they will continue to make a positive difference wherever they go.”

The Class of 2026 represents a wide range of academic interests and future pathways, from STEM and engineering to the humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. Their acceptances reflect not only individual achievement but also a shared willingness to explore new ideas, embrace challenge, and engage meaningfully with their communities.

“I am incredibly proud of the Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished throughout the college search and application journey. Their acceptances reflect not only their academic achievements, but also their resilience, curiosity, and willingness to challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom,” said Ms. Kolb, Head of School. “At BISV, we emphasize finding a college environment where students can grow, thrive, and pursue their individual goals, and this group of seniors has truly done just that. I am confident they will represent our community well wherever they go, and I look forward to seeing them join the ranks of our impressive alumni.”

As they prepare to take the next step in their academic journeys, we celebrate all they have accomplished and look forward to the impact they will make in the years ahead. Congratulations, Class of 2026!

Below is a comprehensive list of college acceptances, both within the United States and internationally.

CLASS OF 2026 UNITED STATES ACCEPTANCES

Adelphi University
American University
Amherst College
Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix)
Arizona State University (Tempe)
Barnard College
Bates College
Baylor University
Bennington College
Boston College
Boston University
California Institute of Technology
California Lutheran University
California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo)
California State Polytechnic University (Pomona)
California State University (Fullerton)
California State University (Long Beach)
California State University (Monterey Bay)
Carleton College
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Colby College
Colgate University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Drexel University
Duke University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach)
Emory University
Fordham University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia State University
Grinnell College
Harvard University
Harvey Mudd College
Indiana University (Bloomington)
Ithaca College
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola Marymount University
Marquette University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michigan State University
Middlebury College
Mount Holyoke College
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Nova Southeastern University
Oberlin College
Occidental College
Oxford College of Emory University
Penn State University (University Park)
Pepperdine University
Pitzer College
Pomona College
Pratt Institute
Princeton University
Purdue University
Reed College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
Ringling College of Art and Design
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Rutgers University (Camden)
Rutgers University (New Brunswick)
Rutgers University (Newark)
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
San Jose State University
Santa Clara University
Sarah Lawrence College
Scripps College
Smith College
St. Olaf College
Stanford University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stony Brook University
Syracuse University
Temple University
Texas A&M University
The New School
The Ohio State University
Union College
University of California (Berkeley)
University of California (Davis)
University of California (Irvine)
University of California (Los Angeles)
University of California (Merced)
University of California (Riverside)
University of California (San Diego)
University of California (Santa Barbara)
University of California (Santa Cruz)
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Florida
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Maryland (College Park)
University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota (Duluth)
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
University of Minnesota Rochester
University of Nevada (Las Vegas)
University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
University of Puget Sound
University of Rochester
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Southern California
University of Texas
University of the Pacific
University of Virginia
University of Washington (Seattle Campus)
University of Wisconsin (Madison)
Vanderbilt University
Vassar College
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wellesley College
William & Mary

CLASS OF 2026 INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCES

Duke Kunshan University
Imperial College London
King’s College London
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Warwick
University College London
University of British Columbia
University of Cambridge
University of St Andrews
University of Toronto

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.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Mr. Andrew Ryan

May 13, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Mr. Ryan brings a passion for teaching economics and mathematics that began in his own high school classroom. He has experience with a range of courses in our network from his time teaching for BASIS Independent Silicon Valley and BASIS Independent Manhattan. These include AP Macroeconomics, AP Macroeconomics, Capstone: Game Theory, and mathematics from Algebra I through Precalculus.

Mr. Ryan earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics with a Minor in History from Binghamton University in Upstate New York. During his undergraduate years, he tutored upper-level microeconomics to college students while also volunteering as a substitute teacher in a middle school. This dual experience shaped his goal of teaching his favorite subjects at a high level to motivated middle and high school students as they begin exploring specialized academic interests.

In his classroom, Mr. Ryan focuses on personal engagement through practice problems, experiments, and instructional games. He believes that students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Ryan enjoys running, listening to podcasts, and brainstorming new lesson plans, preferably all at the same time. He finds fulfillment in constantly seeking innovative and engaging ways to inspire his students.

Are there any highlights you’d like to share about your teaching philosophy or approach?
The core principles of my teaching philosophy are rooted in economics. When teaching opportunity cost, I introduce the tradeoffs inherent in the “endowment effect,” the human tendency to value something more once we own it. The endowment effect can be leveraged to the advantage of our students. We rarely overvalue the investment in our own human capital, that is, the investment in our own education. Consequently, I have consistently found that students learn best when they feel ownership over their learning. That ownership is the first meaningful step toward becoming a lifelong learner. My role is to create a healthy learning environment where that ownership is both natural and rewarding so that students continue to reinvest in themselves. That means lessons that are efficient, data-driven, and engaging. When course structures and expectations align with students’ goals, engagement rises.

What are some of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher and working with BASIS Independent School students?
One of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher is working with students who are genuinely curious and are capable of engaging with advanced material. Teaching within an accelerated curriculum allows for deeper conversations. Our students have more opportunities to push beyond procedural fluency and towards genuine conceptual understanding. I especially enjoy watching students as they begin recognizing when they are thinking ‘like economists’, questioning incentives, recognizing tradeoffs, and using marginal analytical reasoning. Watching my students develop confidence in their skills and intellectual independence has been incredibly fulfilling.

Are there any thoughts you’d like to share with families who are joining – or who are thinking of joining – the BASIS Independent Dublin community?
My aspiration is to share the confidence and excitement I have developed from joining the BASIS Independent Dublin team with our families. In my experience within the BASIS Independent network, I have been privileged to see how our strong academic framework can grow and mature over time as students and faculty work together. Being part of this flourishing institution has been deeply meaningful professionally and personally. One of the biggest draws for me to work at BASIS Independent Dublin has been the opportunity to support our school leadership in building a campus community from the ground up. I have faith in the tested success of our curriculum, our school leadership, and our amazing and growing staff.

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 5 – 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the BASIS Independent Dublin community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

BASIS Independent Schools Students Earn More Than 1,800 College Acceptances Across the Globe

May 13, 2026 by aloracooper Leave a Comment

For the Class of 2026, students across the BASIS Independent Schools network have earned more than 1,800 college acceptances from leading colleges and universities in the United States and around the world, a reflection of the network’s advanced academic program, comprehensive college counseling process, and commitment to developing curious, capable, and fearless thinkers.

BASIS Independent McLean Class of 2026
BASIS Independent Fremont Class of 2026
BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2026
BASIS Independent Brooklyn Class of 2026
BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Class of 2026

This year’s graduating class received 1,833 total acceptances spanning 205 universities, including 19 international institutions, with graduates earning admission to some of the most selective colleges and universities in the world. With this breadth of options, students have meaningful choice and the opportunity to select the college that best aligns with their goals, interests, and future plans.

Students were admitted to highly selective institutions, including Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Pennsylvania, Harvey Mudd College, Amherst College, Northwestern University, and many others.

A Global Range of Opportunities

The Class of 2026 also demonstrated the increasingly global reach of BASIS Independent students, earning acceptances to top universities, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, McGill University, University of Toronto, University of Hong Kong, and Bocconi University.

This breadth of outcomes reflects the diverse interests and ambitions of BASIS Independent students — from engineering and computer science to humanities, business, medicine, public policy, and the arts.

Beyond Rankings: Preparing Students for What’s Next

While selective college admissions are one measure of achievement, the BASIS Independent approach is rooted in something deeper: helping students develop intellectual confidence, independence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

“Our students continue to demonstrate what’s possible when academic rigor is paired with individualized support and a culture that encourages curiosity and ambition,” said Toby Walker, Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools. “These outcomes reflect not only exceptional preparation, but also students who are genuinely ready to thrive in college and beyond.”

Education Redefined

At BASIS Independent Schools, students are challenged to think critically, explore deeply, and pursue their passions with purpose. The Class of 2026’s college outcomes reflect a network of schools committed to redefining what students can achieve through an advanced, globally informed education.

The following is a comprehensive list of acceptances both within the United States and internationally.

CLASS OF 2026 UNITED STATES ACCEPTANCES

Adelphi University

American University

Amherst College

Arizona State University

Babson College

Ball State University

Barnard College

Bates College

Baylor University

Bennington College

Binghamton University

Boston College

Boston University

Brown University

Cal Poly

Cal Poly, Humboldt

Cal Poly Maritime Academy

Cal Poly, Pomona

California Institute of Technology

California Lutheran University

California State University, Chico

California State University, East Bay

California State University, Fullerton

California State University, Long Beach

California State University, Monterey Bay

California State University, Sacramento

Carleton College

Carnegie Mellon University

Case Western Reserve University

Chapman University

Colby College

Colgate University

Colorado School of Mines

Columbia University

Cornell University

CUNY

Dartmouth College

Davidson College

Denison University

Drexel University

Duke University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Emory University

Fairfield University

Fordham University

George Mason University

George Washington University

Georgetown University

Georgia State University

Georgia Tech

Grinnell College

Harvard University

Harvey Mudd College

Haverford College

Hofstra University

Howard University

Indiana University

Ithaca College

James Madison University

Johns Hopkins University

Lehigh University

Long Island University

Loyola Marymount University

Marquette University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Michigan State University

Middlebury College

Mount Holyoke College

New Jersey Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology

New York University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Nova Southeastern University

Oakwood University

Oberlin College

Occidental College

Old Dominion University

Oregon State University

Pace University

Penn State University

Pepperdine University

Pitzer College

Pomona College

Pratt Institute

Princeton University

Purdue University

Reed College

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rice University

Ringling College of Art and Design

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Rutgers University

San Diego State University

San Francisco State University

San Jose State University

Santa Clara University

Sarah Lawrence College

Scripps College

Skidmore College

Smith College

St. John’s College

St. Olaf College

Stanford University

Stevens Institute of Technology

Stony Brook University

SUNY

Sweet Briar College

Syracuse University

Temple University

Texas A&M University

The New School

The Ohio State University

Tufts University

Tulane University

Union College

University of Alabama

University of Arizona

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Davis

University of California, Irvine

University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Merced

University of California, Riverside

University of California, San Diego

University of California, Santa Barbara,

University of California, Santa Cruz,

University of Chicago

University of Colorado

University of Connecticut

University of Delaware

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Illinois

University of Iowa

University of Maryland

University of Massachusetts

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Minnesota

University of Nevada

University of North Carolina

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh

University of Puget Sound

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

University of San Diego

University of San Francisco

University of South Florida

University of Southern California

University of Texas

University of the Pacific

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of Washington

University of Wisconsin

Vanderbilt University

Vassar College

Villanova University

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Tech

Wake Forest University

Washington University in St. Louis

Wellesley College

William & Mary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Yale University

CLASS OF 2026 INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCES

Bocconi University

Duke Kunshan University

Imperial College London

King’s College London

McGill University

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Warwick

University College London

University of Bath

University of British Columbia

University of Cambridge

University of Glasgow

University of Hong Kong

University of Oxford

University of Southampton

University of St Andrews

University of Toronto

University of Waterloo

York University

The Class of 2026 represents 233 graduates across five high schools — BASIS Independent Brooklyn, Fremont, Manhattan, McLean, and Silicon Valley.

Join Our Interest List to Learn More

Senior Project Spotlight: Patrick Z. Weeks 7 – 8

May 12, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

The Senior Project is an independent, student-led culmination of our high school experience. After three years of academic preparation, our seniors are ready to spend the last trimester of their high school careers applying the skills and knowledge they have gained to develop a project that is insightful, academically rigorous, and professional in nature. This year, we are proud to showcase a senior from one of our neighboring campuses, BASIS Independent Fremont, Patrick Z.

Week 7: The Noise Sweep

And here we are with a new entry in the series, right back from my Spring Break hiatus! The looming deadline for the final exhibition of this senior project looms far closer than I would like to admit at the moment. After trying to implement my very own fancy quantum circuit right up until the spring break started, and failing miserably, I decided to take a step back and start experimenting with putting external stress on my QNN instead of tinkering with the circuit design. So far, I’ve only been running simulations where the QNN and fair classical model compete in the face of a single level of AWGN noise. While that was enough to convince me that my hypothesis was correct, the true proof would come from watching the classical system fail as the noise increases.

For this week’s simulation run, I created a noise sweep test on Amazon SageMaker that progressively adds noise multipliers to the image of my traffic lights, starting from the slightest amount of fuzz all the way up to a full-blown whiteout of static on each of the images in my dataset, and then I ran those images through both networks. And guess what? Just as I hoped, the results showed a clear superiority of the quantum model even without any additional fancy modifications. At low noise levels, the QNN performed about the same as the fair CNN. However, once the noise multiplier grew above 3 or so, the performance of the classical model tanked, as the algorithm could no longer tell apart red from green because the pixel core got so corrupted by the added noise. On the contrary, the QNN degraded gracefully thanks to the fact that, since the qubits are entangled, they seem to evaluate the connection between all four pixels within the traffic light in their classification decision.

With this great progress made, my next task will be learning how to distill all these quantum physics equations into plain text for the discussion section of my research paper. Until next time!

Week 8: Frontend Magic, Backend Data

I must say, the euphoria of finally seeing your work compile successfully is pretty amazing, but sooner or later you have to step back from the coding process and actually explain it. Welcome back to my senior project week 8! I finally hung up the coder’s hat and donned the author’s hat. After experiencing a few adrenaline rushes during last week’s noise sweep experiment runs, I found myself staring at a blinking cursor with the task of actually writing a full-fledged research paper based on my results. Even though my results’ discussion and conclusion are not ready yet as I’m still processing the final batch of data, I’ve managed to do quite a bit of writing this week. First, I outlined my document in meticulous detail. Then, I carefully formatted my bibliography according to the ACS style guidelines. Finally, I edited both the Introduction and the Methodology chapters, so now I can proceed with my paper once I receive the final set of results.

While working on my paper, I realized one thing, there is no one other than researchers within my area of expertise who will want to look at a web page of nothing but raw TensorFlow code and console output screenshots. As the date of my senior capstone exhibition comes closer, it is time to stop caring about the process of creating models and start thinking hard about their audience reception. I need some sort of tangible way of presenting my theory to my potential readers. I decided I need an application which would allow me to show people first-hand the discrepancy in resistance of my models against static.

I have begun sketching the design of the website which would be used for my final demonstration. The main goal is to create an interface which would feature a slider where the audience would have to increase the Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN). As the level of static increases, graphs depicting my classical and quantum models’ behavior against the same exact static level would appear on my website screen. The viewer would experience firsthand the moment when the classical architecture fails while the quantum one stays stable and accurate. Besides this interactive website, I have been pondering over the layout of my physical exhibition poster, considering ways of including the architectural diagram of my quantum gates and the underlying logic behind them.

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the BASIS Independent Dublin community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Senior Project Spotlight: Aarohi G. Weeks 7 – 8

May 12, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

Week 7: No Updates

No updates for this week!

Week 8: Education is Everything

This week, I wanted to share an update on the next steps of my research and Week 8 featured a pivot and a new plan.

Public Comment & Petition

First, I had planned to study the age groups submitting public comments or signing petitions. Public commenting is an action citizens can take where they respond to new legislation detailed by their state governments, pointing out improvements or concerns that can lead to real action. Petition-signing was something I was looking to measure from sources like online websites like Change.org, more than official government forums.

Unfortunately, most of this data hides the writers’ ages, and in the case of location/state data, petition websites may be more hidden than public commenting sites. These two variables were my ways of measuring “interest.” Therefore, I’ll first still draw the insights I can on petition-signing per state or county to get a sense of civically-active states. Then, for public commenting, one website used often by these agencies called Public Input seems to have more readily available demographic data. In addition to my plans of measuring civics education requirements and youth advisory councils (a future blog post!), this pivot can still reveal the insights I need.

Civics Education

To generate interest early, historical and political knowledge becomes a huge factor, which can be taught at any point in the K-12 curriculum. At school, apart from home or any limits of social media and local news, students often learn the basics of their political system and where they fit. While a course is one way to teach, some states will give a civics test.

This test can be unique or the USCIS test, the citizenship test that immigrants take in order to naturalize as American citizens. When researchers raised doubts that the average American student could pass it, it became an easy benchmark for civic awareness.

But across the nation, there’s a lot of variety in state requirements. 10 states require neither a course nor test of any kind, 13 states opt for a half or full year course instead of a test, and some states offer the test but don’t require students to pass.

This week, I compiled the data on civics education requirements in different states and charted it. I compared it to the states with the highest to lowest average voter turnout from 2014 to 2024, hoping to point out a correlationary relationship.

BASIS Independent Manhattan: Class of 2026 College Results

May 8, 2026 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

In the world of New York City private schools, success is often measured by numbers—test scores, GPAs, and matriculation lists. We are proud of our nine seniors whose collective impact resulted in monumental success.

Our Class of 2026 finalized their plans for the fall, and the results tell a story of intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the power of a personalized education. From the historic campuses of the Ivy League to the nation’s premier research hubs, our seniors are headed to institutions that reflect their unique passions and the high-rigor college-prep they received at BASIS Independent Manhattan.

Redefining Elite Results in NYC

two male senior students hold up college flags to show where they are enrolled -- one says Carnegie Mellon University and the other one says Yale.

When looking at the landscape of a private school in Manhattan, it is rare to see such a high density of elite placements within a single graduating cohort. While larger institutions may celebrate dozens of acceptances, the statistical acceptance rate for our nine seniors is extraordinary. Among this year’s Class of 2026:

100% gained acceptance and enrolled in schools ranked in the Top 50.
33% secured spots at Top 15 universities (as ranked by U.S. News & World Report).
56% received offers from institutions within the Top 25 nationally, including prestigious names like Yale University, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan.

This is a testament to the BASIS Curriculum, our scaffolded college prep that starts in grade 9, and the dedicated teachers who know each student so they can excel no matter the competitive landscape.

The Privilege of Options and the Right Fit

While our seniors ultimately chose eight world-class institutions for their next chapter, their collective List of Acceptances (found at the end of this post) afforded them the comfort of selecting the “perfect fit” for their next ambitious pursuits.

The Ivy League: Students will be heading to Yale University and Columbia University, continuing our legacy of placement in the world’s most storied academic environments.
The Public Ivies: The University of Michigan and the University of Virginia—two of the most selective public institutions in the world—will welcome our graduates this fall.
Specialized Excellence: With enrollments at Carnegie Mellon University, Northeastern University (two students), George Washington University, and American University, our students are pursuing careers in everything from cutting-edge tech and engineering to global policy and international relations.

*See the full list of College Acceptances for the Class of 2026 at the bottom of this blog.

four students walk through Yale University on a college tour.

Senior went face-to-face with our faculty on Pi Day.

The BASIS Curriculum: Prepared for Any Path

What makes a BASIS Independent Manhattan student stand out in a sea of thousands of applications? It begins long before the college essay. From the Middle School Program through our specialized High School offerings, students are asked to take ownership of their learning. By the time they reach their senior year, they have already mastered collegiate-level discourse and advanced STEM concepts.

This preparation allows our seniors to approach the admissions process with a level of confidence and agency. Whether they are discussing social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives or presenting their Senior Projects, they attract admissions officers because of their high achievement and because they are ready to contribute meaningfully to a campus community.

juniors and seniors smile in a group standing on the gym floor at Chelsea Piers while their parents are in front of them taking pictures

Looking Ahead

As the Class of 2026 prepares to walk across the stage and head to New Haven, Ann Arbor, Charlottesville, and beyond, they leave behind a legacy of excellence. They have proven that a PreK-12 education in New York City doesn’t have to be a “one-size-fits-all” journey. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we remain committed to ensuring that every student who walks through our doors is given the tools to find their own version of a Top 50 success story. We look forward to seeing how these nine individuals change the world. After all, if they could achieve this much in a class of nine, there is no limit to what they will do on the global stage.

Curious about how our High School program prepares students for the Ivy League and beyond? Visit our school to experience BASIS Independent Manhattan firsthand or explore our academics page to learn more about the BASIS Curriculum.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2026 College Acceptances

American University

Amherst College

Babson College

Binghamton University

Bocconi University

Carnegie Mellon University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Denison University

Drexel University

Fordham University

George Mason University

George Washington University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Indiana University-Bloomington

Ithaca College

James Madison University

Northeastern University

Purdue University (Main Campus)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rice University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Skidmore College

Stony Brook University

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

The Ohio State University

The University of Warwick

Tulane University of Louisiana

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Davis

University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Maryland-College Park

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Southern California

University of St Andrews

University of Toronto

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Vassar College

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Yale University

Celebrating BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Class of 2026 College Acceptances

May 8, 2026 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

We are incredibly proud to share news of college acceptances of BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Class of 2026! Our seniors have spent the past weeks deciding among the top schools in the country, and they had many wonderful options to explore. Students took time to research and fully assess programs and universities offering resources that will build on their interests they explored in high school, both in classes and activities outside of school, for years to come.

“Many of the students in this year’s class have been with our school since its founding,” said College Counselor Matt Brauch. “Watching them grow through our High School Program has been a privilege. These are students who arrived with curiosity and left with conviction. They actively leaned into coursework, clubs, and extracurricular activities to help them discover who they are and how they want to contribute and create change in this world. They pursued those passions intentionally, both within our walls and beyond them, helping those not only in our Red Hook community but in other communities across New York City as well.”

“The seniors leaving us this year have set a standard that will echo through our halls long after they have gone,” commented Head of School Josh Harmon. “This class, in particular, has brought a rare combination of dedication and compassion to everything they have done here, and I have no doubt they will carry that same spirit into the university communities they will join next year.”

This year was one of the most selective yet in college admissions. Many colleges that were highly selective last year were even more selective this year. We are proud to share the university and college acceptances received by our 24 students who applied to colleges this year:

33% of seniors were accepted to at least one school ranked in the top 12 in the country for National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Nearly 2/3 of our seniors were accepted to schools in the Top 30 National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges including Stanford University, Cornell University (5), University of California (Berkeley), University of California (Los Angeles), Vanderbilt University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Michigan (3), Washington University at St. Louis, Georgetown University, the University of Virginia (2) and also top liberal arts colleges including Colgate University and Haverford College.
Nearly every senior gained acceptance from a school ranked in the Top 75 National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges.

“While I am thrilled that our students have fantastic college options,” shared Mr. Brauch, “I am most proud of this class of seniors for applying to schools that fit what they want out of a college environment and experience. All of our seniors chose the path that fit them best at and outside of our school. They have driven this process, and the results show the effort and time spent focusing on fit for their unique interests and talents. That has served them well at our school and will help tremendously as they take their next steps towards college and beyond.”

Our Class of 2026 with Head of School Josh Harmon (far left) and College Counselor Mr. Brauch (far right)

CLASS OF 2026 ACCEPTANCES

Adelphi University

American University

Arizona State University (Tempe)

Binghamton University

Boston College

Boston University

Carnegie Mellon University

Case Western Reserve University

Colgate University

Colorado School of Mines

Cornell University

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

CUNY Brooklyn College

CUNY City College

Drexel University

Fairfield University

Fordham University

Georgetown University

Haverford College

Hofstra University

Howard University

Indiana University (Bloomington)/Kelly School of Business

Long Island University (Post)

McGill University

Michigan State University

New York Institute of Technology

Northeastern University

Oakwood University

Pace University (New York City)

Penn State University (Altoona)

Penn State University (University Park)

Purdue University (Main Campus)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University Honors College

Rutgers University (Camden)

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

Rutgers University (Newark)

Stanford University

Stony Brook University

SUNY College at Oswego

SUNY Geneseo

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

Temple University

The Ohio State University

The University of Edinburgh

Tufts University

Union College

University at Albany

University College London

University of California (Berkeley)

University of California (Davis)

University of California (Irvine)

University of California (Los Angeles)

University of California (Riverside)

University of California (San Diego)

University of California (Santa Barbara)

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Connecticut

University of Delaware

University of Glasgow

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Maryland (College Park)

University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

University of Southampton

University of St Andrews (UK)

University of Vermont

University of Virginia (Main Campus)

University of Waterloo (Canada)

University of Wisconsin (Madison)

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Wake Forest University

Washington University in St. Louis

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Congratulations to our Bears! Our soon-to-be graduates have shaped our culture and community in their many years at our school, and we have great hope for the future, knowing that they will become the leaders our world needs in the years to come.

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.

Why Mandarin Matters at BASIS Independent Manhattan

May 7, 2026 by anjalijoshi Leave a Comment

When families are introduced to our Early Learning and Primary programs, they often ask us the same question: “Why do you teach Mandarin to all your students?”

Mandarin is a required part of our curriculum from PreK through grade 4 because it helps early learners engage both sides of the brain, encourages visual and artistic thinking, and supports interdisciplinary learning. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe choosing the right school means looking beyond academics to find a place that prepares your child for an increasingly global world—and Mandarin is an important part of that preparation.

A Forward-Thinking Education

Mandarin isn’t just another subject—it’s an investment in your child’s future. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Mandarin opens doors to global opportunities in business, technology, diplomacy, and beyond. Our goal is to help students develop the skills and perspective they need to thrive in an interconnected world.

Starting Early, Building Confidence

We introduce Mandarin as early as PreK, when young learners are naturally receptive to language. Early exposure helps students develop authentic pronunciation, strong listening skills, and the confidence to communicate. Over time, they build both conversational fluency and literacy—an approach that supports long-term success.

Designed for Every Learner

Every child’s language journey is different. This is why our program offers differentiated instruction for both non-native (Tiger class) learners and heritage (Dragon class) speakers. Whether your child is brand new to Mandarin or already has experience, they will be placed in an environment where they can grow, feel challenged, and succeed.

More Than Language—A Cognitive Advantage

Learning Mandarin strengthens critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills. Its unique structure encourages students to think in new ways, helping them become more flexible and creative learners across all subjects. As a tonal language, Mandarin requires students to focus on both sound and tone to understand meaning, strengthening listening and cognitive skills. Its character-based writing system also provides rich visual and artistic stimulation. Introducing Mandarin at an early age helps students build strong analytical skills and make connections across subjects.

A Rich Cultural Experience

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, students don’t just learn Mandarin—they experience it. Through fun lessons on Chinese history, traditions, the Mid-Autumn Festival, field trips to the China Institute Gallery and neighborhood Chinese restaurant where students order in Mandarin, and hands-on activities like calligraphy, students gain a deeper appreciation for culture and global perspectives.

student holding up a moon prototype in the mandarin classroom

Integrated, Engaging Learning

Our Mandarin program connects with other areas of study, reinforcing skills in English, math, the arts, and STEM. Students see how language applies in real-world contexts—whether they’re learning numbers, performing in drama, or exploring engineering concepts.

Preparing Students for What’s Next

Mandarin proficiency gives students a meaningful edge for future academic and professional opportunities. More importantly, it helps them develop cultural competency and confidence—qualities that top universities and global employers value highly. For students who wish to continue their Mandarin studies beyond grade 4, we also offer an optional Bridge Mandarin course in grades 5 and 6. This program allows students to strengthen and expand their language skills before continuing Mandarin as their selected world language in grade 7 and beyond.

A Program Students Love

We believe that students learn best when they are engaged and inspired. Through interactive lessons, cultural celebrations, and enrichment opportunities like clubs and Project Week activities, we foster a genuine love for Mandarin that lasts far beyond the classroom.

Give Your Child the Mandarin Advantage

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, Mandarin is more than a language—it’s a pathway to opportunity, understanding, and growth. By combining academic rigor with cultural exploration, we prepare students not just for the next grade, but for a global future.

Join us to experience the fun!

Interested in learning more about how we teach Mandarin? Join us for a fun Mandarin Morning at BASIS Independent Manhattan for children ages 2–5 ! Through songs, storytelling, movement, and games, children will explore the Mandarin language and culture in a warm, engaging classroom environment led by our experienced Subject Expert Teachers. Parents will also have the opportunity to learn more about our Early Learning Program and meet with our team. Whether your child is new to Mandarin or already familiar with the language, this fun and welcoming event is designed for the whole family.

Mandarin Mornings

Ages 2-5

Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 AM and Friday, May 29 at 9:00 AM

Grade 5 Students Take on the National Latin Exam

May 7, 2026 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

This March, our Grade 5 Latin students reached an exciting milestone as they participated in the National Latin Exam (NLE) for the very first time.

The National Latin Exam is a nationally recognized academic competition that invites students to demonstrate their knowledge of Latin language and culture. Covering areas such as vocabulary, grammar, mythology, history, and Roman life, the exam offers students a chance to apply what they have learned in the classroom while also seeing how they compare with peers across the country.

The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions, with awards granted based on the number of correct answers. Students can earn distinctions ranging from Cum Laude to the prestigious Gold Medal and Summa Cum Laude recognition.

We would like to congratulate all of our Grade 5 participants for taking on this challenge and representing our school so thoughtfully. We are especially proud to recognize the following students who earned top honors:

Gold Medalists (Summa Cum Laude, 37+ correct):
Sid M.
Lucas Z.
Anya G.
Joyce L.
Ethan W.
Jasper S.

Silver Medalists (Maxima Cum Laude, 35–36 correct):
Niam S.
Alex W.
Lily W.
Yuxin X.
Avery X.
Derek L.
Yuchen H.
Olivia C.

In total, more than half of our participating students received awards, an impressive accomplishment. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that our Grade 5 students are competing above the typical level. At many schools, students take this introductory exam in Grades 6 through 8, meaning our students are engaging with the material several years earlier. In fact, Grade 5 is not even a standard option for the exam, and had to be entered as “other.”

Reflecting on the experience, Latin teacher Mr. Salehzai shared, “The NLE is something very near and dear to my heart because it was the one time each year when I felt I could be proud of my own interests and skillset. And now, it feels like déjà vu seeing the same spark in our students that once shined in me when I myself took the NLE in high school. I’m extremely proud of our students not just for how well they performed, but also for how excited and supportive they were of each other during the whole process.”

This experience not only highlights the strength of our Latin program, but also reflects the curiosity, dedication, and enthusiasm of our students. By taking on this challenge early, they are building a strong foundation that will support continued success in the years ahead.

We look forward to seeing these students continue their Latin journey and take on the National Latin Exam again at the Upper School campus, striving for even greater accomplishments.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK–Grade 12 private school, offering 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.

A Culture of Service and Leadership – National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society at BASIS Independent Bellevue

May 5, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, leadership and service are embedded into the student experience. Through the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), students take on meaningful roles that extend beyond the classroom, contributing to both their school community and the world around them.

A Selective Path to Membership

Membership in NHS and NJHS reflects more than strong academics; students must also demonstrate consistent commitment to the five core pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

Applicants complete written reflections, provide evidence of their involvement, and submit character recommendations from faculty in addition to demonstrating scholarship through maintaining high grades. A committee of teachers and administrators carefully reviews each application before making final decisions. Because students reapply each year, membership represents an ongoing commitment, not a one-time achievement. 

Students formally join their chapters during an annual induction ceremony, where they reflect on the organization’s values, take their membership oath, receive their membership pin from our Head of School Dr. Thies, and are recognized for their accomplishments. Returning members are also celebrated for their continued contributions and growth. 

NJHS: Building Foundations for Service

This year, the NJHS chapter has 27 students from grades 7–9, each working diligently to stay committed to upholding NJHS’ principles and continually engaging in their own personal growth and community impact. In addition to maintaining strong academic standing, students attend the monthly planning meetings, contribute a minimum of 15 volunteer hours, organize and produce a student-led project, and volunteer for at least one school-sponsored event. 

So far in the 2025–2026 year, members have completed a variety of creative projects, ranging from assisting in their favorite classes, joining the stage crew for our school’s productions, leading a school-wide Kindness Week mural activity, and planting flowers to beautify our campus. Outside of school, students are judging debate tournaments, leading skiing lessons, and so much more.

Sophia T., Grade 9 with her Kindness Mural Project

NHS: Expanding Leadership and Impact

Beginning in grade 10, students can apply to NHS, where expectations and opportunities grow. In addition to continuing their service work, members can run for leadership roles such as President, Vice President, and Secretary.

The Executive Board leads monthly meetings using Parliamentary Procedure, manages chapter operations, and coordinates large-scale service initiatives. Recent projects include partnerships with the Bellevue Urban Garden and collaboration with Student Affairs to help plan Student Appreciation Week, which gives students real experience working with community organizations and campus leadership.

NHS members complete at least 30 service hours annually, with a balance of on-campus and community-based work. They also support school events each trimester and lead at least one initiative, managing a team and coordinating with staff.

Their contributions are visible across campus life: from organizing events like Homecoming, Spirit Week, and the Color Run, to leading middle school clubs. In the broader community, students volunteer in dance studios, tutor peers online, assist with local events like Bellevue’s Holidays on the Hill, and support public institutions like libraries, all while balancing a rigorous academic workload.

This year’s inaugural NHS cohort of 11 students has already made a strong impact, setting a high standard for future members!

A Culture of Excellence and Empathy

From middle school through high school, BLV students are developing not only as scholars, but as leaders and community members. NHS and NJHS provide a structured pathway for students to grow in responsibility, initiative, and service, which are skills that will extend far beyond their time on campus.

The result is a student culture that values both achievement and empathy, where leadership is defined not just by what students accomplish, but by how they contribute to others. We are so proud of our student leaders, and we are excited to see what future impact they will have!