Director Alexa Bono serves as the Director of Student Affairs for the Primary Program at BASIS Independent Brooklyn Upper School. She started in the classroom at BASIS Independent Brooklyn nearly nine years ago, where she quickly distinguished herself as an exceptional, inspiring teacher. Ms. Bono is now the driving force behind many of the wonderful traditions and rites of passage for our Bears in Gr. 3-5, from the Red Gate Farm trip in Gr. 5 to the Fall Harvest Festival for all of Primary School, among many others. 

Before transitioning to administration first as the Dean then Director of Primary School nearly five years ago, Ms. Bono taught for nine years across grades, ranging from Kindergarten to grade 5. For four years, Ms. Bono taught Gr. 1 Humanities at our school, and she also served as the Subject Advisor for Gr. 1 and 2 Humanities for all of our network of BASIS Independent Schools across the country.  

Ms. Bono attended the University of South Florida, where she received her bachelor’s degree, and she continued her studies at the University of South Florida, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education. She earned her master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education. Now she resides in Red Hook with her husband. 

You have been at BASIS Independent Brooklyn for many years and in several different roles. What drew you to our school initially, and can you share what has kept you here?

After earning my master’s degree, I moved from my beautiful beach town in Florida to the big city. I spent several years working at a wonderful International Baccalaureate school, where the focus was on nurturing lifelong learners, teaching foundational skills, and helping students strive for excellence while also becoming kind, responsible people. When it was time to move on, I knew this type of educational philosophy was what I wanted to continue pursuing. After researching and interviewing at many schools in the city, I found BASIS Independent Brooklyn, and it immediately felt like home. The culture, community, and level of rigor were exactly what I had been seeking in my career. What has truly kept me here for the past nine years, however, is the incredible community of teachers, educators, and outstanding students. Nothing compares. 

How do you balance academic excellence with nurturing the whole child in the Primary Program? 

Academic excellence is always a priority, but achieving it requires nurturing the whole child. Primary students are constantly growing and changing as they learn to navigate the world, and it is our role as educators to guide and support them along the way. My goal is to create a balance between academic achievement, social-emotional learning, and overall development while also making learning fun, engaging, and fostering independence. 

We build this balance by integrating these elements into students’ daily experiences. Our social-emotional curriculum takes place weekly during Connections and Academic Enrichment classes, and these themes are also woven throughout all subject areas to support students’ growth. During our House Assemblies, we reinforce these topics by celebrating one another’s successes and practicing the traits we value as a community. Through games, shout-outs, and shared reflection, we strengthen both individual and collective development, allowing us to meet our goals while nurturing the whole child. 

Speaking of academic excellence, what part of the school’s Primary Program stands apart to you? 

There are two true standouts in our program. The first is our teachers. Each day I come to work with a smile, knowing I am surrounded by one of the most dedicated and talented teams of educators. The second is our Primary Program and its curriculum, which offers a level of accelerated learning that nurtures independence and develops strong, critical thinkers. Together, these two strengths create a learning experience that is truly unmatched. 

How do you maintain a positive school culture that supports students and teachers? 

I believe school culture is rooted in community. In the Primary Program, we have an established culture that we nurture and strengthen every day, through school events, House Assemblies, and daily interactions. Simple actions, like saying good morning in the halls or taking time to chat with students, create a sense of connection and positivity that is truly powerful. 

What is the biggest challenge facing school leaders in primary school education today, and how are you addressing it here at BASIS Independent Brooklyn? 

School leaders in education today face a wide range of challenges, and it is our commitment to students that drives us to meet them each day. One of the most significant challenges we have observed in recent years is the learning gap that has emerged in the wake of the pandemic. Our team has worked intentionally to meet students where they are by leveraging our support systems, such as Student Hours, differentiated instruction, small-group instruction, and our fifth-grade student support program. These efforts have ensured that students receive the resources they need to strengthen their foundational skills. 

What is something our families might not know about you that you want to share? 

Many of our families may not realize how long I have been an educator in our community, serving as both a teacher and an administrator. I spent multiple years teaching first-grade Humanities, served as the Subject Advisor for grades 1–2, and later transitioned into the Primary Dean role for grades 2–5. It’s exciting to see that many of my former students are now in our high school! There is something very special about teaching students in Primary School and then watching them grow up over the years. 

Thank you, Director Bono! We are excited to see the Primary Program at the Upper School flourish under your leadership! 

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.