BASIS Independent Schools has earned top recognition in the 2026 Niche Best Schools Rankings and set a new record with National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists, reinforcing its place among the best private and STEM high schools in the U.S.

2026 Niche Best Schools Rankings: BASIS Independent Schools Results

Our campuses earned standout placements in both state and national rankings:

• BASIS Independent McLean (VA): Rose to #4 Best High School for STEM in America, ranked #1 Best High School for STEM in Virginia, and named #1 Best College Prep High School in Virginia.

• BASIS Independent Brooklyn (NY): Ranked #5 Best Private High School for STEM in New York and #1 Best Private High School for STEM in Brooklyn.

• BASIS Independent Silicon Valley (CA): Recognized as #3 Best High School for STEM in America, continuing its leadership in STEM education nationwide.

• BASIS Independent Fremont (CA): Recognized as #6 Best High School for STEM in California, reinforcing the Bay Area campuses’ collective strength.

These 2026 Niche Best Schools Rankings underscore BASIS Independent Schools’ commitment to excellence and reflect the consistent upward trajectory of its campuses nationwide.

2026 National Merit Scholarship Results

Students across BASIS Independent Schools have set a new record in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program:

• 67% of seniors from the Class of 2026 were named National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Scholars

• 28% of seniors from the Class of 2026 were named National Merit Semifinalists

This represents nearly one-third of the combined graduating class across our five high schools in California, New York, and Virginia — up from 25% last year!

These students now advance in the competition for approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth nearly $26 million. National Merit Finalists will be announced in spring 2026.

“We are immensely proud of our students and faculty for their continued excellence,” said Toby Walker, Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools. “Our Niche rankings and National Merit results are not just achievements — they reflect the strength of our curriculum, the dedication of our expert teachers, and the hard work of our students. These results reaffirm our mission: to educate students to the highest international levels with an advanced curriculum benchmarked to the best education systems in the world.”

Learn more about the BASIS Curriculum here.