Admissions Events

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

What is the Virtual Family Meeting?
The Virtual Family Meeting is an essential part of the admissions process at BASIS Independent Bellevue and is part of our final admissions decision. This 20-30 minute meeting is the school’s opportunity to learn more about your child and your family’s interest in our school.

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

When are the meetings held?
Virtual Family Meetings are typically Tuesday – Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM every 30 minutes. 

Who is required to attend the Virtual Family Meeting?
For families applying to Kindergarten through Grade 1, at least one parent or guardian is required to attend the meeting, while the child is not required to attend.

For families applying to Grade 2 through Grade 9, at least one parent or guardian is required to attend the meeting with your child. If your child does not attend, you will be asked to reschedule. 

What if we are applying for more than one student?
If you have more than one child applying for admission, your family will only need to attend one Family Meeting. All applicants (grade 2-9) should be in attendance for the meeting.

When does the meeting have to take place?
Families must first apply before scheduling their Virtual Family Meeting. The Virtual Family Meeting must be completed before receiving an admissions decision.

How do we register for a Virtual Family Meeting?
Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Virtual Family Meeting in your application portal. We recommend signing up early to ensure you are able to secure your slot – they tend to fill up as the cycle progresses!

If you’re not ready to choose a date and time when you apply, you can always log back in at a later date and choose one that is convenient. We recommend signing up early to ensure you are able to secure your spot.

How long is the Virtual Family Meeting?
Virtual Family Meetings are generally 20 – 30 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Virtual Family Meeting will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to go over the 30-minute mark. 

Who will we be meeting with?
Our Virtual Family Meetings are hosted by members of the Admissions Team or a member of our school Administration.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This year, BASIS Independent Bellevue will no longer be administering our school’s internal Entrance Exam. Instead, we will require students to submit scores from the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many sets of scores can I submit to BASIS Independent Bellevue?
For Early Admissions (current siblings only), students can submit one set of scores from an ISEE taken between Augusts 2025 and November 2025. For Regular Admissions, students can submit one set of scores from an ISEE taken between August 2025 and February 2026. Noe scores from before August 2025 will be accepted.

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

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

Does BASIS Independent Bellevue offer fee waivers?
No. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Applicants to Grades 2-8

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

Applicants to Grades 9-12

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

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

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

How can my child prepare for the ISEE?

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

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

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

How does BASIS Independent Bellevue recieve my child’s ISEE score report?

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

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

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

Will BASIS Independent Schools accept the SSAT instead of the ISEE?

No, only the results of the ISEE will be accepted.

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

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

When are the In-Person ISEE dates at BASIS Independent Bellevue?
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Sunday, February 1, 2026

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

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

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

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

Play Dates generally last 30 minutes and feature time for our administrator to get to know your child and conduct age-appropriate activities. 

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

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

When are the Play Dates held?
Play Dates are held virtually Tuesday – Thursday, as early as 9:00 AM and as late as 2:00 PM, for 30-minute periods. 

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

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

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

If you’re not ready to choose a date and time, you can always log back in at a later date and choose one that is convenient. Please note: As we get closer to the Completion Deadline, there are fewer meeting times available. We would suggest scheduling one as soon as you are able. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! 

We are excited to know you are considering BASIS Independent Bellevue as the next step in your child’s journey. For the 2026–2027 school year, we are accepting applications for Kindergarten through Grade 9. In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

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

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Key Admissions Dates

Regular Admissions: Kindergarten-Grade 8

Deadline to submit an application: Friday, January 23, 2026

Deadline to submit required materials: Friday, February 13, 2026

Notification date: Friday, March 20, 2026

Commitment Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Regular Admissions: High School

Deadline to submit an application: Friday, January 23, 2026

Deadline to submit required materials: Friday, February 13, 2026

Notification date: Monday, February 23, 2026

Commitment deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM

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Admissions Process

Step 1: Attend an Admissions Event (Optional)

Though not required, we strongly recommend you attend one of our Admissions Events to learn about our program before applying. We offer both in-person Open House events and Virtual Information Sessions.

To view our upcoming Admissions Events, click here. 

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

You will submit an application with general student information through the online platform Ravenna. This will officially start the application process! After your application is processed, you will be able to send Teacher Recommendation Forms, Transcript Request Forms, and schedule your Student Evaluation and Family Meeting.

Please note: Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be done in any order, but must be completed after the application is submitted and before a family is issued an admissions decision.  

Step 3: Teacher Recommendations (Kindergarten-Grade 1 optional, Grade 2-9 required)*

You will be able to provide the recommendations directly to your child’s current teacher. We do not accept recommendations from past teachers, only current ones. As listed in the instructions of the recommendations, we do not accept documents from parents. All recommendations must be sent from the teacher to the Admissions Office directly. This process is best done directly through our application tool, as parents can easily request a link sent directly to their child’s current teacher through Ravenna.

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

Step 4: Transcripts

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

*If your child has been enrolled in more than one school district, you may need to submit this form more than once.

Step 5: Student Evaluation

Students will register for a BASIS Independent Schools Virtual Play Date (Kindergarten-grade 1) or Independent School Entrance Exam (grades 2 – 9). These evaluations allows us to meet and interact with your child and determine if they are ready – academically, socially, and emotionally – to join our program in the grade for which they are applying. 

Step 6: Virtual Family Meeting

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend this 20-30 minute Virtual Family Meeting. Students applying for grades 2-9 are required to attend. This meeting is a chance for us to meet your family, and your student, and learn a bit more about them in a personalized setting. 

Once all supplementary materials are received and required meetings are attended, your application is complete!

If you have any questions, please contact us at blv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

It has been an exciting 2025–2026 admission season at BASIS Independent McLean, and it’s not quite over. Our Rolling Admissions Cycle is open.  

Applications for the 2025–2026 school year are being accepted on an ongoing basis until all remaining seats are filled. We continue to accept applications for Toddler–Grade 10.  

What does this mean for you? 

• There’s Still Time: Submitting an application early in the Rolling Admission Cycle improves the likelihood of securing a spot in our program as spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Rolling Admissions Decisions: Applications submitted in the rolling admission cycle will be reviewed as soon as they are complete. We will begin releasing decisions on or around March 20, and we will continue to provide decisions within 5–7 business days thereafter.

What next?

• Apply! If you have not already done so, submit the online application to start the Rolling Admissions Process.
• Review the Admissions Application Checklist to ensure you are prepared to submit the required materials and attend the required meetings.
• Attend an Admissions Event! We continue to offer Campus Tours and other Information Sessions for you to learn more about our dynamic community of learners.

We are excited to begin this process with you and look forward to introducing you to our Red-Tailed Hawk community!  

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

 

We are excited to announce that our Rolling Admissions Application Cycle for BASIS Independent Manhattan is officially open! 

This means that applications for the 2025 – 2026 school year are now being accepted on an ongoing basis until all remaining spaces are filled. We continue to accept applications for PreK – Grade 10.  

What does this mean for you? 

• Winter and Spring Admissions Decisions: As soon as your application is complete and after Regular Admissions Notifications in February, our Admissions Team will begin notifying you of our admissions decision within five business days.  

• Secure Your Spot: Early Rolling Applicants have a greater chance of securing a place in our program, as spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying earlier makes a difference! 

Next Steps 

• Apply! If you have not already done so, submit your application to start the Rolling Admissions Process.

• Review the Rolling Admissions Application Checklist to ensure you are prepared to submit the required materials and attend the required meetings.

• Attend an Admissions Event! We continue to offer Campus Tours and other in-person and virtual admissions events for our prospective families to be able to meet with us, and members of our school administration, and see our program in action.
  

We are excited to begin this process with you and look forward to introducing you to the Wildcat Community!  

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

We are excited to announce that our Rolling Admissions Application Cycle for BASIS Independent Brooklyn is officially open! 

This means that applications for the 2025 – 2026 school year are now being accepted on an ongoing basis until all remaining spaces are filled. We continue to accept applications for PreK – Grade 10.  

What does this mean for you? 

• Winter and Spring Admissions Decisions: As soon as your application is complete and after Regular Admissions Notifications in February, our Admissions Team will begin notifying you of our admissions decision within five business days.  

• Secure Your Spot: Early Rolling Applicants have a greater chance of securing a place in our program, as spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying earlier makes a difference! 

Next Steps 

• Apply! If you have not already done so, submit your application to start the Rolling Admissions Process.

• Review the Rolling Admissions Application Checklist to ensure you are prepared to submit the required materials and attend the required meetings.

• Attend an Admissions Event! We continue to offer Campus Tours and other in-person and virtual admissions events for our prospective families to be able to meet with us, and members of our school administration, and see our program in action.
  

We are excited to begin this process with you and look forward to introducing you to the Bear Community!  

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

We are overjoyed to welcome you to our campuses for our final in-person Open Houses this January! This event is a great way to learn more about our program before or after submitting your application! At this time we are accepting applications for TK – Grade 9 for Fall 2025.

For a comprehensive breakdown of our admissions process, consult the 2025 Admissions Guide also posted to our blog. The Regular Admissions deadline for TK-Grade 9 is fast approaching on January 22, 2025!

We have two Open Houses for families on Sunday, January 12, 2025. This includes an Lower school open house at 10:00 AM and an Upper school open house at 1:30 PM. 

Continue reading for more details.

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Attending an Open House is the best way for prospective families to learn more about our liberal arts and sciences curriculum with advanced STEM offerings, meet our Learning and Subject Expert Teachers, hear from parents of currently enrolled students, and meet current Bumblebees and Yellow Jackets! 

We are so excited to speak with you and share everything our school and community has to offer! 

In-person Open House Details:

• Our TK – Grade 5 Open House is on Sunday, January 12 at 10:00 AM.
• >> Click here to learn more and register for the event.

• Our Middle and High School Open House  (Grades 6-12) is on Sunday, January 12 at 1:30 PM.
• >> Click here to learn more and register for the event.

Students are welcome and encouraged to attend!

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Referral Program

As a token of our appreciation for helping to build our community, your family will receive tuition credit for each new family referred to and enrolled at BASIS Independent Fremont. 

Click here to learn more!

Have questions? Please email the Admissions Team or call 510.775.5822.

BASIS Independent Fremont is a grades TK-12 private school based in Fremont, California, providing students an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum.