Administration & Staff

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

Small Hands, Big Impact: BASIS Independent Manhattan Students Celebrate Earth Day Through Community Action

May 4, 2026 by anjalijoshi Leave a Comment

From Central Park to Riverside Park, our Wildcats set a new cleanup record while learning the power of community action.

This year, On Earth Day, students at BASIS Independent Manhattan traded their usual routines for a meaningful day of service, stepping outside the classroom to help care for some of New York City’s most treasured green spaces.

Now in its fourth year, our annual Earth Day Park Cleanup has become a cherished school tradition—made possible through the leadership and dedication of our Subject Expert Teacher in Math, Ms. LaPierre, who organized and coordinated this impactful event. The initiative brought together two groups of students for a shared mission. Our PreK through Kindergarten students visited Central Park, while students in grades 1–5 traveled to Riverside Park. Equipped with gloves, trash bags, and a strong sense of purpose, students worked together to collect litter and restore the beauty of these parks.

While the amount of trash they encountered was surprising, it only fueled their motivation. Students approached the cleanup with enthusiasm, teamwork, and a clear understanding of why their efforts mattered. From the youngest learners to our upper elementary students, everyone played a role in making a difference.

By the end of the day, their collective impact was undeniable. As a school community, BASIS Independent Manhattan students collected an incredible 96.3 lbs of trash—surpassing our previous record of 90 lbs, and setting a new standard for future service efforts.

After their hard work, students were rewarded with time to play and enjoy the very spaces they helped improve. It was a powerful moment of connection, reinforcing the idea that caring for our environment allows everyone to benefit from it.

This Earth Day event highlights the importance of fostering civic responsibility at a young age. Across New York City, kids are stepping up to take ownership of their communities, and our students are proudly part of that movement. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe that experiences like these help shape compassionate, engaged individuals who understand the value of giving back.

With small hands and big hearts, our students showed that meaningful change can start at any age. It reminded our students that even a small action—like picking up one piece of trash—might not seem like much on its own, but when everyone does their part, it adds up to something big. And sometimes, even a single day of action can leave a lasting impact.

Join us to experience the Wildcat community

PreK – Grade 12 Virtual Information Session

Wednesday, May 6 at 12:00 PM

Spring Group Tours

PreK – Kindergarten | Thursday, May 7 at 8:30 AM

Grades 1 – 5 | Thursday, May 7 at 8:30 AM

Mandarin Mornings

Ages 2-5

Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 AM and Friday, May 29 at 9:00 AM

Meet our New School Counselor: Ms. Erin Buick

April 30, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Ms. Buick is a compassionate and student-centered school counselor with over 15 years of experience supporting the whole child across diverse educational and residential settings. She holds a Master’s of Science in Educational Counseling and specializes in fostering students’ social-emotional well-being as the foundation for academic and personal success. Ms. Buick utilizes trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches, incorporating practices such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and cognitive behavioral strategies. She is deeply committed to helping students develop self-awareness, resilience, and healthy relationships, while supporting them through challenges related to anxiety, peer conflict, family stress, and identity development.

Ms. Buick is grounded in the belief that students thrive when they feel safe, seen, and connected. She collaborates to create supportive, inclusive environments that honor each student’s unique background and needs. Ms. Buick is enthusiastic about building a school community that prioritizes belonging, empathy, and emotional growth. Ms. Buick’s warmth, strong relationships, and equity-driven lens fuels her work empowering students to not only succeed academically, but to grow into confident, self-aware individuals prepared to navigate life with purpose and resilience. Ms. Buick understands the importance of preparing students to successfully navigate the fast pace and high demands of rigorous academic environments by equipping them with coping strategies, stress management tools, and strong self-advocacy skills.

Ms. Buick loves the outdoors, especially hiking and paddleboarding. She also likes to travel, read, puzzle and collects keychains.

What inspired you to work in schools, and what drew you to the BASIS Independent Dublin community?
I wanted to work in schools because besides home, they are one of the most powerful places to support the whole student, not just academically, but emotionally and socially during such critical years. My own life experiences, along with my professional background, have reinforced how important it is for students to have consistent, caring adults who help them navigate challenges, build resilience, and develop a strong sense of self. Schools provide the opportunity to reach students early and often and create environments where all students feel seen, supported, and capable of success. I am especially drawn to BASIS Independent Dublin because of its commitment to both academic excellence and the belief that every student can achieve at high levels with the right support. A rigorous curriculum paired with a joyful, supportive learning culture aligns deeply with my belief that students thrive when high expectations are balanced with strong relationships and social-emotional support.

How would you describe your approach to student support and engagement?
My approach is rooted in building strong, trusting relationships and supporting the whole child. I prioritize creating a safe and inclusive space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and asking for help. I use a combination of evidence-based strategies to help students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. I work collaboratively with teachers, families, and support teams to ensure consistency and alignment in how we support each student. I am both proactive and responsive in my work, using data and observation to identify needs early while also being available to step in during moments of crisis or heightened need. Ultimately, my goal is to empower students with the skills, confidence, and self-advocacy they need to be successful both in school and in life.

What are you most excited about in your role at a new school?
What excites me most about joining a new school is the opportunity to help build something meaningful from the ground up. Being part of a founding community allows for intentional collaboration, where systems, culture, and supports are thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of students. I am excited to contribute to creating a strong, positive school climate where students feel a sense of belonging and where social-emotional learning is integrated into the fabric of the school. I also look forward to building relationships with students, families, and staff, and helping establish a counseling program that is proactive and responsive.

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.

Meet Our New Auxiliary Program Manager: Ms. Malaya Paras

April 24, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Coach Malaya received her B.S. in Kinesiology from San Jose State University. She also holds an A.A. in Liberal Arts, focusing on Business and Computer Information Systems, from De Anza College, where she played competitively on the college’s badminton team for two years. She is dedicated to guiding students toward creative and more resilient lifestyles.

Coach Malaya began her journey with BASIS Independent Schools as a summer camp counselor at the BASIS Independent Fremont Lower School, where she quickly connected with the welcoming community. She went on to become a Subject Expert Teacher in Physical Education, working closely with elementary students. Her background in coaching badminton, along with experience in gymnastics, competitive dance, and taekwondo, fuels her belief that physical education is about more than exercise—it’s about understanding the body, building confidence, and developing mindfulness.

Now serving as Auxiliary Program Manager, Coach Malaya is excited to design a dynamic, student-centered after-school program that reflects student interests to foster innovative projects. She also looks forward to building a strong and inclusive athletics program at BASIS Independent Dublin. Her coaching experience includes leading the BASIS Independent Fremont Upper School badminton team to multiple individual and team titles placing Top 5.

Coach Malaya enjoys almost anything and everything related to sports. Outside of work you can find her hiking, taking nature walks with her dogs, spending quality time with loved ones, and staying active through Pilates, badminton, and weightlifting. Fun fact: She serves as an assistant coach for the De Anza College intercollegiate badminton team.

Are there any highlights you’d like to share about your educational philosophy or approach?

My approach is student-focused, emphasizing skill mastery and progress before gameplay so students can build a strong foundation. I believe mistakes are an essential part of learning—students grow not only from their own attempts, but also by observing and learning from their peers. Collaboration is key, as it exposes students to different perspectives and ways of thinking.

The idea “how you practice is how you play” holds a great deal of truth. Quality and intentional practice lead to skill mastery and success in games, while poor practice habits can carry over into performance. By focusing on purposeful practice, students are better prepared to participate confidently and successfully.

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 aspects is watching students grow in their athletic abilities and seeing the excitement, motivation, and confidence they gain as they master new skills. I value building relationships with students—getting to know their interests and creating an environment where they feel comfortable sharing them. BASIS Independent Schools students are especially curious and eager to learn, which makes teaching them incredibly fulfilling.

Additionally, forming friendships and collaborating with fellow faculty and leadership is very meaningful. Building strong relationships with colleagues and co-teachers creates a supportive and positive teaching environment.

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?

I am drawn to the BASIS Independent Dublin community because of the opportunity to grow the after-school and athletics programs, creating more ways for students to get involved, stay active, and build meaningful relationships. During my time at BASIS Independent Fremont, I experienced strong support from leadership—especially when launching the Upper School badminton team, where Ms. Singh and Dr. Min were incredibly encouraging and supportive.

I am excited to continue working within a community that values its staff and fosters a positive, supportive environment for both students and educators. Being part of a new campus with this shared commitment makes this opportunity especially meaningful.

“Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Kindergarten” – Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies

April 1, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

BASIS Independent Bellevue Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies

My first experience with our Early Years program took place in Bangkok and it changed my life as an educator, specifically when it came to Kindergarten. I have always valued the fact that we offer our teachers autonomy when it comes to the implementation of our curriculum. But, I don’t think that I ever truly understood the value of this process until I watched learning come to life in a plethora of engaging ways for our Kindergarten students.

Our curriculum is written in a way that allows us to build key literacy skills while also focusing on strong math foundations, making scientific discoveries, and learning about historical events. We incorporate music, art, drama, and engineering as a way to help our students have hands-on experiences and engage different learning styles. In Kindergarten our kids get to explore, play, pretend, and create in such meaningful ways. But most of all, they get to have so much fun while doing it.

What I loved the most about this was how much I learned as a school leader. I realized that the emphasis on fun in Kindergarten was only the beginning. The idea that we could create real-world and meaningful scenarios to supplement the learning process was one that needed to be shared. Kindergarten is where your child’s education journey will begin with us and what a fun adventure it can be!

As the Head of School at BASIS International School Bangkok, I loved visiting our Kindergarten classrooms and partnering with those teachers to be creative in their approach to the learning process. While studying medieval times as a part of their History unit, our Kindergarten students participated in a joust tournament. Who knew that a history lesson could include skateboards and pool noodles in such a meaningful way! Our Kindergarten students chose their own knight names, they had crests, and even celebrated victory with a family style feast afterwards. (I feel like it should be noted that no Kinder knights were harmed in the implementation of the learning)

But the learning didn’t stop there. As an additional part of this unit, our students built catapults in Engineering and tested them by working as teams to test their catapults and destroy an enemy castle. I will note that this was the first time as a Head of School that I had to dodge marbles that were being propelled as I observed a classroom! The hazard was worth the reward of watching our young learners be so actively involved in the learning process.

That same year, I got the opportunity to purchase one of my most prized possessions in the Kindergarten Market. The “streets” of our school library came to life with a variety of vendors selling everything from snacks to rare items. As a part of this market, our Kindergartners learned to put their math and language skills to work. I quickly learned not to be fooled by their sweet and smiling faces as they told me that I got a “special deal” as the Head of School. My experience left me asking the very important question, “What exactly is a fair market price for a genuine dragon egg?” I was equally concerned when several of them simply avoided my questions about if and when it would hatch. I am happy to report two things. The first is that my students did an excellent job calculating the appropriate change, applying discounts, and working on their English speaking skills. The second is that the same dragon egg still sits in my office (unhatched) as a reminder of how fun it is to be a part of the learning process alongside my students.

Being a Head of School with a full Early Years Program made me a better school leader. Getting the opportunity to work alongside creative educators and see all of the ways that learning could come to life in fun and engaging ways allowed me to coach my staff and remind them of the importance of maintaining our rigor while never losing sight of the fact that students make the strongest connections to the material they are being taught when they are immersed in an experience that brings them joy. My Kindergarten teaching team never missed an opportunity to make a connection, build learning skills, or stand out on our campus. Even their Halloween costumes were exceptional!

But, the point of this is to highlight how much I love watching students enter our program and grow as individuals and learners. This phenomenal teaching and active engagement that ensued served as a constant reminder of the importance of being creative in your approach and helping students build important character traits alongside strong foundational skills. If only every day could feel as fun and rewarding as a day of learning in a BASIS Independent School Kindergarten classroom. The lesson that I learned as a Head of School was that everything that I needed to know about building community and the learning process was being beautifully demonstrated in my Kindergarten classrooms.

I am excited about the opportunities that my experience will create when it comes to adding a Kindergarten at BASIS Independent Bellevue. One of the most exceptional things about our Kindergarten curriculum is that it gives our teachers room to explore imaginative ideas. Our goal is to combine a child’s natural curiosity with learning outcomes that inspire interest and instill a love of learning.

We want our students to be challenged so we create a learning environment that is exploratory in nature and allows students to arrive at natural conclusions on their own. Children learn in a variety of ways and, therefore, it is important to create lessons that allow them to learn and explore. I love watching my Thai students develop and grow over the course of the year and can’t wait to work with our future Kindergarten teachers to make learning just as meaningful and fun!

Check our Admissions Page for more details on how to apply for our inaugural Kindergarten year in Fall 2026!

Founding Subject Expert Teacher Spotlight – Mr. Tyler

March 27, 2026 by jaydahsherman Leave a Comment

In Fall of 2022 our school opened it’s doors for the very first time at the direction of our wonderful Head of School, Dr. Thies. What was just a vision grew quickly into a vibrant learning community. In the first year we welcomed students in grades 2–7, as well as a group of dedicated founding Subject Expert Teachers. They turned empty classrooms into spaces filled with curiosity and growth. What began that year was not only just a school, but a community that these educators would build from the ground up. Let’s take a walk down memory lane with one of our founding Subject Expert Teachers, Mr. Tyler!

Introducing Mr. Tyler

Mr. Tyler is one of our incredible Subject Expert History Teachers here at BASIS Independent Bellevue. He currently teaches all AP Courses in our History Department. When he moved to the greater Seattle area, he had just finished up his fifth year of teaching and was halfway through a Master’s program in gifted education. He became familiar with BASIS Curriculum Schools during his time as a teacher in Arizona. At this time in his career, he was at a place where he knew where he wanted to be in education. When he learned that BASIS Independent Schools was opening its first school in Washington, he knew instantly that he wanted to apply and felt the timing was perfect. He had always felt that the philosophy behind BASIS Independent Schools aligned with his beliefs and goals as an educator. When the opportunity presented itself, he took the position without hesitation. He was bound to be a Mountaineer!

The Founding Year

Mr. Tyler described the first day as dynamic. There was an opening assembly where the students met their teachers and were given an introduction to their new school. He candidly stated that when he looked into the crowd of students and parents, he was imagining all the names he’d have to remember. It was an overwhelming feeling, but he knew this year was going to be greatly rewarding. While the students were eager to meet their teachers, their teachers were just as eager to meet them. The giddiness remained for some time over the next couple weeks, as everyone got their footing.

Mr. Tyler described his first cohort of students as surprising. Their ability to think deeper and persevere through challenges shocked him. A distinct memory he recalls from his first year was during a unit on the Americans’ involvement in the Philippines after the Spanish War. He assigned his grade 7 class a college-level article with some quite advanced questions. He shared how they were able to not only keep up with the content, but also added new perspectives and deep inquiry. Throughout the year he often spent a lot of time trying to make his content more challenging. The students had a great ability to complete and conquer work that was beyond what most would expect. He began to realize that these students were different, their affinity for learning was evident. The complex perspectives and nuance of history was welcomed by the students.

Along with new students coming in that year, came a passionate group of educators. Although they’d met weeks before school began, adding all the moving parts really brought them together. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, the Subject Expert Teachers were set up for success from the beginning. Mr. Tyler described the founding group of Subject Expert Teachers as a “Truly great team committed to excellence and creating a environment where everyone would succeed”. That first year fortified the strong connections that make this school great. Mr. Tyler expressed how he not only gained new coworkers that year but also lifelong friends.

Life In The History Department

The History Department at BASIS Independent Bellevue is one we take pride and joy in. The history curriculum is spiraled, from Kindergarten through grade 12, every skill taught before is relevant and crucial to the year following. Our History Department is always asking how does each skill build into the next? There is a clear continuum of skills that are developed as students progress through the BASIS Curriculum. This methodology is intentional to ensure our students success in challenging AP courses and beyond. They are able to think critically because of practice and support from previous lessons years in advance.

Now, of course, none of this would be possible without a strong team behind it, which Mr. Tyler has expressed is his favorite part of the History Department – his colleagues. He works alongside our other wonderful Subject Expert History Teachers, Ms. Rieger and Mr. De Monnin. He feels that they are a great team with similar beliefs and goals. They align in intention and the outcomes of their courses. They meet formally once a trimester, but also have many informal meetings and general day to day discourse. Those meetings include looking at current student successes, lesson planning and talking about their experiences with each different cohort. A short-term aspiration the History Department wants to meet is creating a clearly aligned framework of a students first to last history class and a roadmap to what success looks like along the way. Beyond working together, they are also great friends.

Since the first cohort of grade 9 students joined us, Mr. Tyler has worked diligently to curate an AP program that our students greatly enjoy. He shared that the AP History Program is the thing he is most proud of building. He claims to be a “nerd” for anything and everything AP. Our students share his passion in the AP Program. One of our students, who Mr. Tyler has had since the founding year, describes him as:

“Mr. Tyler is a dedicated and passionate teacher. As a student I find him very knowledgeable. I have really enjoyed being in his class. He immerses his students into the history and creates a great experience.” – Lucas F. Grade 10

Mr. Tyler’s favorite class to teach is AP Government and Politics, particularly the topic of political socialization. He shared how students fall into different parts of the political spectrum, but often don’t think about where those beliefs derive from. When teaching this topic it opens up a lot of conversation and introspection for students. He feels it is very formative for them in discovering who they are and how they have developed their own beliefs. This unit is often the first time students question, “What am I absorbing? What life experiences have shaped my world?” Students get to pause, reflect, and look back. He loves this subject because he gets to watch students have eye-opening moments. He feels it is important to have a solid “Why” behind your belief system.

Thank You, Mr. Tyler

Joining a school in it’s founding year presents it’s own unique challenges. We appreciate our founding Subject Expert Teachers and their confidence in creating the school we know today. Mr. Tyler has been a vital part of that. We look forward to seeing all the amazing things that will surely follow as our school continues to grow!

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

Celebrating Women in STEM: Bellevue’s Subject Expert Engineering Teacher

March 12, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

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

Background

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

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

Engineering at BASIS Independent Bellevue

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

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

A Project in Action

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

Skyscraper City designed by grade 3 students.

Looking Ahead

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

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

Top 3 Reasons Families Visit Our Spring Open House

February 26, 2026 by anjalijoshi Leave a Comment

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

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

Here are the top 3 reasons to join us!

Educational Excellence – Where Curious Minds Succeed

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

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

Meet Our Teachers Who Inspire Students Every Day

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

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

Experience Our Community & Wildcat Spirit

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

April Open Houses

Lower School: PreK–Grade 5
Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 AM
795 Columbus Avenue (UWS)

Upper School: Grades 6–12
Sunday, April 26 at 10:00 AM
556 W 22 Street (Chelsea)

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

We look forward to seeing you on campus soon.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Teacher Danae

February 20, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

Teacher Danae earned an Honors B.A. in English from the University of South Florida, where some of their favorite courses included Early Childhood Literature, Comics, and Short Fiction. Their passion for education grew while working as an Instructional Aide supporting students with autism who communicate using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). This experience deepened their understanding of the diverse ways students learn and how to meet individual needs to support student success.

Teacher Danae first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert Art Teacher at the Fremont campus. During the COVID-19 distance learning period, they successfully navigated the challenges of remote instruction while maintaining student engagement, creativity, and meaningful artistic expression without traditional in-person interaction.

Teacher Danae later transitioned into the role of Dean of Students for TK – grade 5, where they supported students’ social-emotional development, test anxiety, and executive functioning skills. In this role, Teacher Danae provided individualized tools, accommodations, and a nurturing environment to help students grow both academically and personally. They eventually returned to the classroom as the Middle and High School Subject Expert Art Teacher.

Through these diverse experiences, Teacher Danae has developed a deep understanding that while self-expression and communication take many forms, the desire to be seen, heard, and understood is a universal and powerful driver of learning.

“I teach art to give students the skills and confidence to use all the tools in their toolbelts to share their thoughts and feelings with the world. Learning new techniques and mediums of self-expression is a catalyst that guides students as they hone lifelong skills like risk-taking, problem-solving, accountability, dedication, and self-confidence. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to teach students these skills at BASIS Independent Dublin, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to build strong foundations for these students to become well-rounded, thoughtful, and compassionate life-long learners in our dynamic and ever-changing world.” Teacher Danae is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

Are there any highlights you’d like to share about your teaching philosophy or approach?

My approach to teaching is student-centered and interest-driven. This looks like aligning the content of time-periods, regions, artists, and mediums with concepts students are learning in their English, history, and science classes. This cross-curricular lens fosters a deeper understanding across all subjects and the connections they are able to organically make. Once we cover the art movements, key artists, techniques, and mediums relevant to our lesson, students engage in thoughtful planning and conceptualization in a written and illustrated pre-assessment, allowing us to discuss and fine-tune their visions before they bring them to life.

What are some of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher and working with BASIS Independent Schools students?

For me, one of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher and working with BASIS Independent students is the freedom I am given in content development, allowing me to tailor the BASIS Curriculum to serve student needs and interests. The sense of community that is fostered from the top down, starting with our incredibly caring and devoted leadership team, makes it easy to carry out my vision in the classroom. Working alongside passionate teachers who are experts in their field, and students who are driven by their curiosity and eagerness to learn and solve challenges head-on, is another significant part of what keeps me invested and excited about working at BASIS Independent Schools. The bridge between school staff members and families is always open, and something that I feel is a major stand-out from all of the other schools I have worked at.

Are there any thoughts that you’d like to share with families who are joining – or who are thinking of joining – the BASIS Independent Dublin community?

If you are looking to join a community shaped by educators driven to support students to strive to be the very best they can be, while providing them with all the tools, supports, and genuine care they need to achieve their potential, then you’ve come to the right place. The founding Subject Expert Teachers and administrators I have had the pleasure of working with for years are eager to bring our expertise and the heart of what has made our programs so successful at other schools in our network. I look forward to building upon our legacy and writing the next chapter at BASIS Independent Dublin with you all!

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.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Ms. Ilona Covert

February 19, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

Ms. Covert holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from UC Davis and a Master’s Degree in Bioanalytical and Physical Chemistry from the University of the Pacific. She spent nearly a decade in the industry as a leader in her field, serving as a senior scientist and laboratory manager in Global Agriculture, before returning to academia.

As an educator with experience teaching at the university level, Ms. Covert has seen many bright students struggle with college-level materials, unprepared for the rigors of undergraduate education, and strive to live up to their full potential. This experience set her on the path to improve the education of our younger generations, to help better prepare them for college. According to Ms. Covert, the best way to minimize this gap is to intercede with our learners during their pivotal years. Combining her experiences in both universities and as an industry leader allows Ms. Covert to drive these students to succeed in their future goals as the “movers and shakers of their generation.” Ms. Covert first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert Chemistry Teacher at Fremont Upper School.

“Paul Brandt once said, ‘don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.’ Our students are incredibly bright and curious. They deserve the opportunity to excel, but they cannot do it alone.” Says Ms. Covert on her teaching philosophy. “It is on us, as educators, to help propel those young minds on a course of knowledge, curiosity, and success. If we can provide the tools and help them connect their real-life experiences to what they are learning, there is no stopping them.” Ms. Covert is proud to be a founding member of BASIS Independent Dublin.

Ms. Covert loves to read, play video games, and spend quality time with her husband and daughter.

What excites you most about helping build a brand-new school from the ground up?

I am very excited for the opportunity to join the BASIS Independent Dublin founding faculty. I look forward to contributing to the development of the school’s academic vision and culture from its very beginning. Being part of the creation of a brand-new school is incredibly exciting and will be deeply rewarding.

How does your background in the industry influence the way you teach and connect with students?

In addition to my teaching career, I spent more than seven years as a senior scientist and laboratory manager with Kraft Heinz’s Heinz Seed division.

My time in industry has a huge impact on how I teach and how I connect with students. Working as a senior scientist and laboratory manager showed me what science looks like outside of a classroom – how experiments are designed to solve real problems, how teamwork matters, and how persistence is just as important as intelligence. I bring those experiences into my lessons by sharing real-world examples, explaining how the concepts we study are actually used, and helping students see that what they’re learning has purpose beyond a test or a grade.

Because I’ve worked both in industry and in schools, I can relate to students who are still figuring out what they want to do. I talk openly about different career paths, the skills that matter most, like communication, problem-solving, and curiosity, and how mistakes are part of the process. My goal is to make science feel relevant, approachable, and exciting, and to help students see themselves as capable thinkers who could one day be the scientists, engineers, or innovators solving real-world challenges.

What lessons from BASIS Independent Fremont will you carry into this new role?

While I am enthusiastic about this new chapter, I acknowledge that leaving BASIS Independent Fremont was a very difficult decision. I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional group of colleagues and teaching truly remarkable students. Change is really hard, but it can also be an opportunity. That’s what I’m taking into this new role – change is hard but good. Change allows us to grow.