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Admissions Process

What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

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At BASIS Independent McLean, we seek applicants who are interested in learning at an international level, eager to contribute, willing to work hard, and ambitious to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers and Learning and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! To both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process. 

What is the Family Meeting? 

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

While we are happy to answer questions about our program, the Family Meeting is not the best time to learn about our offerings. We strongly encourage families to visit our website and blog, attend an Admissions Event, or speak with a member of the Admissions Team before their Family Meetings.

When are the meetings held? 

Family Meetings are held virtually Monday–Friday at various times throughout the day and can be booked through your application portal after you apply.  

Who is required to attend the Family Meeting? 

The prospective student and at least one parent or guardian are required to attend the Family Meeting. If your child is unable to attend the Family Meeting, you will be asked to reschedule.  

What if we are applying for more than one student? 

Please register for a separate Family Meeting for each child who is applying for admission.  

When does the meeting have to take place? 

Those applying through Early Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline on Monday, December 1, 2025. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Wednesday, February 11, 2026. 

How do we register for a Family Meeting? 

Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Family Meeting.  

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, fewer meeting times are available. We would suggest scheduling one as soon as you are able. If you wait and are unable to schedule a Family Meeting for one of our offered times, your application will be incomplete, and you will be moved to the next application cycle.  

How long is the Family Meeting? 

Family Meetings are generally 30 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Family Meeting will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to extend the meeting beyond 30 minutes.  

Who will we be meeting with? 

Our Family Meetings are hosted by members of the School Administration and Student Affairs team! You never know who will be hosting, but you’ll always get to speak with a member of the BIM Family!  

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 BIM, 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 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 the Zoom meeting.

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) at your Virtual Family Meeting soon! 

The Admissions Team is looking forward to connecting with you! If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions team by e-mail, or speak with an admissions representative at 703.854.1253 

BASIS Independent McLean is an Age 2–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Red-Tailed Hawks community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

What to Know About the ISEE

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At BASIS Independent McLean, we seek applicants who are interested in learning at an international level, eager to contribute, willing to work hard, and ambitious to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers and Learning and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! To ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process. 

What is the Entrance Exam? 

BASIS Independent Schools utilizes the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) as the standardized admissions assessment for students applying to grades 2-10 for Fall 2026. Its results show us concepts understood and concepts not yet understood for the grade level they are applying to.  

We do not have minimum ISEE score requirements, and the exam is just one component of the overall admissions committee review. 

How will your Entrance Exam be conducted this year? 

BASIS Independent McLean will offer an in-person ISEE administration on Saturday, February 7.  Applicants may also take the ISEE at another testing location (they will still need to request that their scores be sent to BASIS Independent McLean), or applicants may take the ISEE at home using an online format under the supervision of a virtual proctor.  

What is a passing score on the Entrance Exam? 

The ISEE is not pass or fail. Given that the exam is designed to provide us with insight into a rising grade 2-4 student’s reading and mathematics abilities, and a rising grade 5-10 student’s abilities in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics achievement, and writing  for the grade level they are applying for, the results are just one part of our comprehensive admissions process, along with all the other application requirements.  

How will I learn the results of the Entrance Exam? 

Applicants will be able to view their ISEE score reports online on the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) website within several days of taking the exam. Families should elect to have scores sent directly to BASIS Independent McLean when they register for the ISEE exam. 

Do you require students to take the SSAT or other similar outside exams? Do you accept these scores?  

We do not require the SSAT, HSPT, or PSAT, nor will the Admissions Team accept or review these scores for the admissions process.  

What material is tested on the Entrance Exam? 

For students applying to grades 2-4, the exam consists of two subtests, Reading and Math, while students applying to grades 5-10 are assessed in the domains of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, which measure a student’s capability for learning, as well as reading comprehension and mathematics achievement, and writing which provide specific information about a student’s strengths and weaknesses in these areas.  Students in grades 5-12 also complete a 30-minute timed essay that assesses their writing skills. 

How long does the Entrance Exam take? 

The length of the exam differs according to the grade level at which a student is applying: 

The Primary Exam (Grades 2-4) 

  • Reading: 18-24 questions, 20-30 minutes 
  • Mathematics: 24-28 questions, 26-30 minutes  
  • Break and instructions: ~20 min 

Lower Level (Grades 5-6) 

  • Verbal Reasoning: 34 questions, 20 minutes 
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 38 questions, 35 minutes 
  • Break (5-10 minutes)
  • Reading Comprehension: 25 questions, 25 minutes 
  • Mathematics Achievement: 30 questions, 30 minutes 
  • Break (5-10 minutes) 
  • Essay: 1 prompt, 30 minutes 

Middle Level (Grades 7-8) 

  • Verbal Reasoning: 40 questions, 20 minutes 
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 37 questions, 35 minutes 
  • Break & instructions (5-10 minutes) 
  • Reading Comprehension: 36 questions, 35 minutes 
  • Mathematics Achievement: 47 questions, 40 minutes 
  • Break & instructions (5-10 minutes) 
  • Essay: 1 prompt, 30 minutes 

Upper Level (Grades 9-10) 

  • Verbal Reasoning: 40 questions, 20 minutes 
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 37 questions, 35 minutes 
  • Break & instructions (5-10 minutes) 
  • Reading Comprehension: 36 questions, 35 minutes 
  • Mathematics Achievement: 47 questions, 40 minutes 
  • Break & instructions (5-10 minutes) 
  • Essay: 1 prompt, 30 minutes 

Can my student prepare for the ISEE? 

While preparation is not necessary, ERB does provide preparatory materials and practice exams on their website. 

The exam is used by the Admissions Team and Head of School to assess where your student is, academically speaking. 

What should my student bring to the exam? 

Please bring a copy of the Verification Letter that is emailed to families after they register for a test, along with an approved form of identification for the student who is testing (a list of acceptable identification documents may be found here). Students taking the Upper Level Exam (grades 9-10) must provide a photo ID.   

Students are required to bring their own pencils and erasers. Admissions will have extra pencils and erasers if needed, but students should not depend on using them. Students are also welcome to bring a water bottle, but it cannot be a glass bottle. We do not allow food in our classrooms. 

Cell phones, calculators, rulers, and smartwatches are not allowed. 

When should we arrive on campus for the exam? 

The campus will open 30 minutes before the exam starts at 8:00 AM. All exams will begin promptly at 8:30 AM. We will have a closed campus once the exam begins, and will not allow late students to join. If students arrive after 8:25 AM, they will not be able to participate in the exam and will have to reschedule. 
 
Families are encouraged to arrive by 7:45 AM at the latest to allow enough time to park, check in, and have their students led to their assigned classroom.  

How do I sign up for an exam? 

The campus will open 30 minutes before the exam starts at 8:00 AM. All exams will begin promptly at 8:30 AM. We will have a closed campus once the exam begins, and will not allow late students to join. If students arrive after 8:25 AM, they will not be able to participate in the exam and will have to reschedule. 
 
Families are encouraged to arrive by 7:45 AM at the latest to allow enough time to park, check in, and have their students led to their assigned classroom.  

Once you submit your child’s application in Ravenna, you will be provided with instructions on how to register for the ISEE. If you plan to test at BASIS Independent McLean during one of our in-person administrations, you will need our event code to register.  This is provided after you submit your admission application through Ravenna. If you opt to take the ISEE at home or in person at another test site, you can register directly on the ERB website. 

When is the next In-Person Entrance Exam date? 

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8:30 AM 

*Please note that we have a limited number of seats available for this test administration, and registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For in-person tests, ERB requires families to register for the ISEE three weeks in advance. Families may still register up to two weeks in advance, but must pay a late fee. Walk-ins will not be accepted at the door. 

We look forward to meeting your student(s) soon at your Entrance Exam! 

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

BASIS Independent McLean is an Age 2–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Red-Tailed Hawks community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Demystifying Admissions: What to Expect at Your Family Meeting 

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At BASIS Independent Brooklyn, we embrace students and families 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 inspiring community. We work hard to cultivate a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students find joy both in class and in our community!  

What is the Family Meeting? 

The Family Meeting is our opportunity to understand each student and family beyond the traditional admissions metrics. That is why Family Meetings are usually led by a member of our Admissions team and last at least 30 minutes.  

In these meetings, we focus on personal interests, problem-solving examples, and social experiences to gauge the student’s character and fit for our school community. Families also share their reasons for choosing BASIS Independent Brooklyn as well as their goals for their student(s).  

These meetings are also a dedicated space for parents and guardians to ask more detailed questions about tuition, electives, transportation, and extracurricular options as they begin to think about joining our community. 

Prior to the Family Meeting, we strongly encourage families to visit our website and blog, attend an Admissions Event, or speak with a member of our Admissions Team. 

Who is required to attend the Family Meeting? 

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend the Family Meeting. Students applying to Grades 2 and above are also required to attend. Students applying for PreK– Grade 1 do not attend the Family Meeting.  

If your child is required to attend the Family Meeting and does not, you will be asked to reschedule.  

What do you recommend parents do to prepare their student(s) for the Family Meeting? 

Preparation is not needed since students get to talk about themselves. One of the things we recommend parents and guardians do is proactively frame this meeting as a friendly conversation with people who work at a school rather than a formal interview.  

Our goal is to have a genuine conversation with a family, and a relaxed environment will better support this.  

What if we are applying for more than one student? 

Only register for one Family Meeting, and bring both students, if required to attend, to the same meeting. 

Primary Program Art Class – Photo by Mark Opirhory

When does the meeting have to take place? 

Families applying during our Early Admissions cycle (siblings of current students and alumni only) must complete their Family Meeting by Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Those applying for Regular Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by Thursday, January 8, 2026. 

How do we register for a Family Meeting? 

Once you have submitted your application on Ravenna, you will be prompted to schedule your Family Meeting directly on the application platform.  

If you’re not ready to choose a date and time, you can always log back in at a later date and register for one. Please note: As we get closer to the application deadline, there are fewer meeting times available. We would suggest scheduling one as soon as you are able. If you wait and are unable to schedule a Family Meeting for one of our offered times, your application will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for admission.  

How long is the Family Meeting? 

Family Meetings are generally 30 minutes long for PreK-Grade 1 applicants and 30-45 minutes long for Grades 2-10 applicants. Oftentimes, those hosting the Family Meeting will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to go beyond the 30 or 45-minute mark.  

How will the Family Meeting be held? 

Family Meetings can be held on campus or on Zoom. Please note, Family Meetings default to in-person. You must reach out by phone or email to request a virtual meeting. 

Can we ask questions during the meeting?  

Yes! This meeting is just as much an opportunity for you to learn about us as it is for us to learn about you. Please note that some Family Meetings will be led by administrative team members other than the Admissions Team. If their role is not in relation to your question(s), they will let you know and encourage you to reach out to the appropriate person for an answer.  

What happens after the Family Meeting? 

The Family Meeting also serves to prepare families for the next stages of the admissions process, especially for students in grade 5 and above, who may participate in a Shadow Day after applying. Shadow Days offer a deeper immersion and a first-hand experience of our school. 

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

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

You can contact our Admissions Team at brooklyn-admissions@basisindependent.com. 

PreK Class Morning Meeting – Photo by Troy House

The Future is Now in Session—Attend our Fall Open Houses!

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If you are in the process of looking for an exceptional education for your child, we would like to help you cut through the clutter and hone in on what is important to you – finding a place that balances world-class academics in a supportive and joyful learning environment. Welcome to BASIS Independent Manhattan, a top ranked PreK-grade 12 private school in NYC, that offers students a blend of liberal arts and STEM in an internationally inspired program.

The perfect way to optimize your time searching is to step inside our school, interact with our incredible teachers, and have your questions answered by current parents and students.

This can all be accomplished in under a couple of hours on one weekend morning at the BASIS Independent Manhattan Fall Open Houses:

Lower School (PreK – Grade 5) Open House
Sunday, November 16 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
795 Columbus Ave., New York (Upper West Side)

Upper School (Grades 6 – 12) Open House
Saturday, November 15 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
556 West 22nd St., New York (Chelsea)

Our November Open Houses are the perfect opportunity to discover our campuses in person, learn about our world-class, advanced BASIS Curriculum, and participate in live mini-classroom demonstrations with our talented and dedicated Learning and Subject Expert Teachers. Your students will have plenty of fun to enjoy, too! As always, students are welcome and encouraged to attend our Open Houses.

In addition, the best way to learn about a school is through the unfiltered perspectives of current parents and students. We provide a panel of student and parent ambassadors for you to hear from directly about their BASIS Independent Manhattan experience. Bring your top questions.

We invite you to join our Open Houses –  Register today!

What will a BASIS Independent Manhattan Open House look like?

Doors will open at 9:30 AM, and we encourage families to arrive as close to this time as possible. There will be light refreshments and an opportunity to mingle with our Wildcat Student Ambassadors, Parent Ambassadors, and staff. The event will begin promptly at 10:00 AM (but if you have to arrive later, that is totally fine. We would rather you join us!).

Following a welcome from our leadership, all attendees will receive a schedule tailored to the grade level of interest. Then you will head off to see mini and interactive demonstrations led by our teachers. You will step inside the classrooms to see them come alive. Simultaneously, there will be rooms where you can ask questions and hear about the student experience directly from current families. This portion of the program will continue until 12:00 PM, and we hope that you can stay for the entirety of the event to take full advantage of the experience and leave with a complete understanding of our school, the curriculum, culture, and community.

We look forward to welcoming families and introducing you to a school designed for 21st Century Learning

Register for our Fall Open Houses today! 

Join us for an Open House at BASIS Independent Bothell

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As the leaves turn and cool, and the crisp air settles over Bothell, we’re excited to invite you and your family to our Fall Open Houses. This is your opportunity to get a true feel for our school community—right here in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. We welcome prospective families to visit our beautiful Bothell campus, meet our dedicated teachers and staff, and learn more about the Orca spirit that drives our school culture. 

Whether you’re exploring options for early learning, elementary, middle, or high school, our open houses offer a relaxed and informative way to discover what makes our approach to education unique. Enjoy our beverage cart afterwards. 

What to Expect 
At the Open House, you’ll be greeted by school leaders and members of our teaching team who are eager to share what makes our classrooms dynamic and our community strong. You’ll have the chance to explore our advanced academic programs across grade levels, experience short, engaging sample lessons with our expert teachers, chat with Parent Ambassadors about their experiences firsthand, and tour the school grounds while taking in the beauty of full autumn colors. 

Meet the Team 
Our teachers can’t wait to meet you! Each is an expert in their subject area and brings both passion and real-world experience to the classroom. They’ll be on hand to talk about their teaching philosophy, classroom culture, and how they help students grow into confident, curious learners. Expect a number of demonstrations and Q and A sessions. 

Come see what it’s like to be part of a school that values academic excellence, student well-being, and a strong sense of community—all under one roof. We can’t wait to meet you and share more about what it means to be an Orca!

FALL OPEN HOUSES

Kindergarten – Grade 5

Saturday, November 15 at 10:00 AM

Grades 6 – 12

Saturday, October 25 at 10:00 AM

Register Today

Register for an upcoming event or Campus Tour and discover BASIS Independent Bothell, a K-grade 12 private school. Visit our school.

Join Us for a Fall Open House!

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The Admissions Team at BASIS Independent Bellevue is delighted to share that we will be hosting two Open Houses this fall!

These events will each be an opportunity to learn about our internationally benchmarked advanced curriculum, hear directly from our Subject Expert Teachers about their impressive classroom techniques, and even meet current students. You’re invited to come and see what makes BASIS Independent Bellevue an exceptional school community. 

For families interested in our Early Learning and Primary Program, we invite you to join us for our Kindergarten–Grade 4 Open House on Sunday, October 26, 2025. 

For families interested in our Middle and High School Program, we invite you to join us for our Grades 5–9 Open House on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Click here to register! 

Open House Schedule 

For each event, doors will open at 9:30 AM and we encourage families to arrive as close to this time as possible. The event will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. We will be providing refreshments during this time, and our Student Ambassadors will be circulating to answer questions and discuss their experience with our program.  

This will be a structured event with specific demonstrations and offerings tailored to the grade levels of interested families. Programs will begin at 10:00 AM and will continue until 12:00 PM. Families should expect to stay for the duration of the event, though it is not required. Please keep in mind there will be no re-entry (for families with young children, there will be designated break areas, should you need it).

Please see below for what to expect at each of our Open House Programs. 

Kindergarten–Grade 4 Open House Structured Program

Kindergarten–Grade 1

  1. Introduction with our Admissions Team
  2. Demonstration lesson of our Subject Expert/Learning Expert Teacher Model
  3. Demonstration lessons in core academic subjects such as Math, Science, and Humanities
  4. Activities presented from our Specials teachers, including Engineering, Music and Mandarin
  5. And more!

Grade 2–4  

  1. Mini Information Session with the Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools, Mr. Toby Walker
  2. Demonstration lesson of our Subject Expert/Learning Expert Teacher Model 
  3. Demonstrations lessons in core academic subjects such as Math, Science and Humanities
  4. Presentations from our Specials teachers, including Engineering and Mandarin 
  5. And more! 

Grades 5–9 Open House Structured Program

Grade 5–6 

  1. Mini Information Session with our Admissions Team and Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies 
  2. Teacher Panel with core Subject Expert Teachers who will discuss our internationally benchmarked curriculum
  3. Demonstration lessons in core academic subjects such as Science, English, and Math 
  4. Presentations from our Elective and World Language teachers  
  5. And more! 

Grade 7–9 

  1. Mini Information Session with our Admissions Team and Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies
  2. Teacher Panel with core Subject Expert Teachers who will discuss our internationally benchmarked curriculum
  3. Presentation from our College Counselor who will discuss how we set students up for success beyond high school
  4. Demonstration lessons in core academic subjects such as Science, English, and Math
  5. Presentations from our Elective and World Language teachers  
  6. And more! 


See You There!

Don’t miss this exciting chance to see BASIS Independent Bellevue in action. We hope you will consider joining us and getting to know our Mountaineer Community.

Click here to register for Open House!

Connect with the Admissions Team

blv.admissions@basisindependent.com

Fall 2026: What to Expect at Your In-Person Entrance Exam

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At BASIS Independent Fremont, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, with an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers 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 Entrance Exam?

The BASIS Independent Schools Entrance Exam is part of the admissions process for students applying for grades 2–9 for Fall 2026. Its results show us concepts understood and concepts not yet understood for the grade level they are applying for. All applicants will take this Entrance Exam.

How will your Entrance Exam be conducted this year?

Entrance Exams will be conducted in person on our upper school campus this admissions season. 

What is a passing score on the Entrance Exam?

This exam is not a pass or fail. Given that the exam is diagnostic in nature, we consider it to be just one part of our comprehensive admissions process, along with all the other application requirements. 

How will I learn the results of the Entrance Exam?

We do not share exam results with applicants or parents. 

Do you require students to take the ISEE or other similar outside exams? Do you accept these scores? 

We do not require the ISEE, HSPT, or SSAT, nor will the Admissions Team accept or review these scores. 

All grade 2–9 applicants are required to take the BASIS Independent Schools Entrance Exam. 

What is on the Entrance Exam?

Our Entrance Exam covers three topics: math, English/language arts, and writing. The content of these exams is based on the foundational material needed for the grade students are applying for.

  • Math: Students will be presented with a set of open-ended math questions based on their incoming grade level and the BASIS Curriculum Schools program. Exam length: 30 minutes. 
  • English/Language Arts: Students will be presented with reading comprehension and grammar multiple-choice questions. Students will read short passages and then answer questions to test their comprehension, as well as their knowledge of words in context, literary devices, etc. Students will also be presented with grammar questions that will ask them to correct sentences or identify parts of speech. Exam length: 30 minutes. 
  • Writing: Students will be presented with an essay prompt and asked to write a response. Exam length: 30 minutes. 

How long does the Entrance Exam take?

In total, we ask for families to allow two hours. The exam is self-paced, but students have up to 30 minutes for each topic. These two hours will allow enough time for the proctor to take attendance, read the instructions, and for all students to complete all three parts of the exam. 

We commonly find middle and high school applicants take the full two hours, but for grades 5 and below, it can vary from 45 minutes to an hour and a half.

How should my student prepare academically for the exam?

Preparation is not necessary. We want students to focus on their current academics at their current school and not study for or stress over an exam they will never know the results of.

The exam is used by the Admissions Team and Head of School to find out where your student is, academically speaking. As BASIS Independent Schools offers an advanced curriculum, it is completely normal for your child to encounter some challenging or unknown concepts on our exam. 

What should my student bring to the exam?

Students are required to bring their own pencils and erasers. Admissions will have extra pencils and erasers if needed, but students should not depend on using them. Students are also welcome to bring a water bottle, but it can not be a glass bottle. We do not allow food in our classrooms.

Cell phones, calculators, rulers, and smartwatches are not allowed.

When should we arrive on campus for the exam?

The campus will open 20 minutes before the exam start time, 9:40 AM (or 10:10 AM for the November and January exams only). All exams will begin promptly at 10:00 AM (or 10:30 AM for the November and January exams only) . We will have a closed campus once the exam begins and will not allow late students to join. If students arrive after 9:55 AM (or 10:25 AM for the November or January exams only), they will not be able to participate in the exam and will have to reschedule.

Families are encouraged to arrive by 9:45 AM (or 10:15 AM for the November and January exams only) at the latest to allow enough time to park, check-in, and have their students led to their assigned classroom. 

How do I sign up for an exam?

Once you submit an application, you will be guided in the application portal to schedule your exam date. While there is an application fee, there is no additional fee for the exam. The application fee covers all requirements of the application process.

When are the In-Person Entrance Exam dates?

Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM* 
Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM* 
Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 10:30 AM* 
Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM*

*Please note once an exam date fills, we will close registration for that date, and families will have to sign up for the next available exam.  

We look forward to meeting your student(s) soon at your Entrance Exam!

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

Fall Open Houses – Join Us!

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Autumn is approaching in Brooklyn, bringing with it cooler breezes, colorful leaves, and the energy of a new school year. For many, fall is a season of traditions and new beginnings, and here at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, it is no different. 

Autumn signals the start of one of the most exciting times on our school calendar—admissions events. At the heart of this season are our Open Houses. These events are among the most meaningful opportunities of the year for future families to experience our classrooms, meet our teachers and leaders, hear from current students and parents, and see firsthand what makes our program so unique. 

Please join us in person at one of our Open Houses on Saturday, September 27 (Grades 3-12) and Saturday, October 4 (PreK-Grade 2). 

General Open House Structure: 
For both Open Houses, doors will open at 9:30 a.m., and the event will last approximately until 12:00 p.m. ET. We welcome you to register and attend, even if you cannot stay for the entire event. Students are encouraged to join us, as well. 

Open Houses begin with an introduction from our Head of School and an Open House overview. Then, families will be split up by grade level and enter our classrooms to meet our Learning Expert and Subject Expert Teachers. Open Houses also include a Parent and Student Panel, where you will be able to hear from current BASIS Independent Brooklyn families.  

Please review the details below for additional information regarding the structure of each Open House: 

GRADES 3-12:
Saturday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m. ET 
556 Columbia Street, Red Hook 

The Primary Program: Grades 3-5 
Saturday, September 27 
 
Visit with our Learning Expert and Subject Expect Teachers to learn about our unique two-teacher model (for grades 3—4). From math and science to humanities, Mandarin, music, and more, find out how we support students in developing study skills and spark a lifelong love for learning. You will also have the chance to learn about how these Bridge Years encourage autonomy, creativity, and confidence to help prepare your student for Middle School.  

The Middle School Program: Grades 6-8  
Saturday, September 27 

In the Middle School Program, we focus on developing the academic, executive functioning, and self-advocacy skills needed for success in the high school years. Hear from our Subject Expert Teachers about how they inspire excellence inside and outside of the classroom. Plus, learn about the many athletic and academic competition teams, clubs, international trips, and more. 
 
The High School Program: Grades 9-12 
Saturday, September 27 
 
Educating tomorrow’s great innovators, pioneers, and leaders requires a well-rounded curriculum – one with breadth and depth across academic disciplines. Meet students, faculty, and administrators as you and your child learn about high school at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, including our unique Senior Year program. 

Parent and Student Panel 

Our Upper School Open House will also include a Q&A panel that consists of BASIS Independent Brooklyn parents, students, and school leadership.   

Refreshments 

We will have light refreshments for the whole family. 

PreK–GRADE 2:
Saturday, October 4 at 10:00 a.m. ET 
405 Gold Street, Downtown Brooklyn 

PreK & Kindergarten  
Saturday, October 4 


Learn about our Early Learning Program, where our youngest students grow. Hear from teachers, administrators, and parents about how BASIS Independent Brooklyn Lower School fosters curiosity, exploration, and creativity. Our passionate Subject Expert Teachers will show you what a day in the life looks like as they lead mini lessons in their vibrant rooms. 
 
Grades 1-2: 
Saturday, October 4 
 
Visit with our Learning Expert and Subject Expect Teachers to learn about our unique two-teacher model. From math and science to humanities, Mandarin, music and more, find out how we support students in developing study skills and spark a lifelong love for learning. Our Subject Expert Teachers will lead mini lessons to help you get a feel for the engaging activities that take place in the classrooms. These sessions will also help you understand the transition to our Upper School campus in Grade 3.  
 
Parent and Student Panel 

Our Lower School Open House will also include a Q&A panel that consists of BASIS Independent Brooklyn parents, students, and school leadership.   

Refreshments 

We will have light refreshments for the whole family. 

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Don’t miss this interactive experience! Click here to register for our Fall Open House. As you get ready for the fall season, we hope you choose to spend some of your time with us, getting to know our wonderful community.  

Fall 2026: What to Expect at your In-Person Play Date

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At BASIS Independent Fremont, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, with an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers 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 Play Date?

Our Play Date is a play-based assessment that provides our teachers, administrators, and admissions staff the opportunity to get to know your child. While observing your child’s social-emotional and academic development in a one-on-one setting.

The assessment will take place at our Lower School Campus which is located at 3300 Kearney Street, Fremont, California 94538.

Play Dates generally last  up to 30 minutes and is a time for our teacher or administrator to get to know your child, by an age-appropriate lesson or activity. 

What materials should be brought to the Play Date?
There are no materials needed at the Play Date. However, your child should feel free to being their favorite book or toy with them.

When are the Play Dates held?
Play Dates are held Monday – Friday at various times throughout the day and can be booked through your application portal after you submit an application. Please select a time that you believe your child will be at their best! We want to highlight your child at their best ability.

Who is required to attend the Play Date?
One adult (a parent, guardian, caregiver, family member) will wait at our reception while your child will be escorted into the school with a member of our admissions team. Parent or guardians are not permitted to accompany children to the actual assessment as we hope to interact with your child independent of the adult. This is for us to learn more about your child on their own.

What if we are applying for more than one child?
Students applying for TK – Grade 1 are required to attend a Play Date. If you are applying for more than one student in that grade band, both students can attend the same Play Date. 

When does the Play Date have to take place?
Those applying in Early Admissions (TK only) must complete their Play Date by their Completion Deadline, November 21, 2025. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Play Date by their Completion Deadline, February 13, 2026. 

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 our Student Affairs Team, members of our Administration, and even some of our Subject Expert Teachers! 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 is 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. 

How will the Play Date be held?
The assessment will take place at our Lower School Campus which is located at 3300 Kearney Street, Fremont, California 94538. You will receive a reminder email 24 hours before your meeting time. Please arrive at campus at least 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time.

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) soon at your Play Date!

If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions team by e-mail, or speak with an admissions representative at 510.775.5822.

What to Know: Fall 2026 Admissions Process 

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BASIS Independent Bothell is a Kindergarten – Grade 12 private school nestled in the Canyon Park neighborhood of Bothell. As a part of the renowned BASIS Independent Schools Network, students thrive with our nationally ranked BASIS Independent curriculum, leading them to high levels of success as learners and as people.    

Admissions at BASIS Independent Bothell is a selective process. We seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to contribute, 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. Throughout the application process, the admissions team will be a guide to support new families interested in entering the program and ensure the process is fair and accessible.  

The application process differs amongst applicants for Kindergarten – Grade 1 and applicants for Grades 2 and above. See below for details on the application steps for Fall 2026 entry. 

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. Campus tours for our brand-new building will begin on October 1, 2025. Open houses will take place in October, November, and January.  

To view our upcoming Admissions Events, click here. Check back frequently for updates. 

Step 2: Submit an Online Application 

You will submit an application through our application portal, Ravenna with general student information. This will officially start the application process! After your application is processed, you will be able to access the Teacher Recommendation Forms, and Transcript Request Form, and schedule your student’s Play Date or Entrance Exam 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.  

Step 3: Teacher Recommendations  

Through Ravenna, we 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 uploaded directly to the application portal. 

*We understand some Kindergarten applicants may not have a current schoolteacher to write a recommendation. In this case, the requirement will be waived.  

Step 4: Transcripts (Kindergarten not required, Grades 1 – 9 Required*) 

You will be able to submit a Transcript Request Form through Ravenna 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 uploaded directly to the application portal.   

*Depending on an applicant’s prior school attendance, we understand Grades 1 and 2 applicants may only be able to provide transcripts for years they attended school. In these circumstances, the requirement of three years of transcripts can be waived.  

Step 5: Student Evaluation 

Students applying for Kindergarten – Grade 1 will register for an In-Person Play Date. Students applying for Grades 2 – 9 will register for a BASIS Independent Schools In-Person Entrance Exam. Both of these evaluations allow us to meet and interact with your child and get a sense of where they are at academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Step 6: Family Meeting 

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend the 20 – 30 minute Virtual Family Meeting. Students applying for Kindergarten – Grade 1 are not required to attend while students applying to Grades 2 – 9 are required to attend. This meeting is an opportunity for us to meet your family and your student, and learn a bit more about them in a one-on-one setting. This will also be a chance to ask our team any questions you may have about our program and how we may be a good fit for your student.  

Once all supplementary materials are received and required meetings are attended, your application is complete! The application completion deadline is February 13, 2026.  

Step 7: Notification 

Grade 9 applying families will receive their notifications in Ravenna on Monday, February 23, 2026. Kindergarten through Grade 8 families will receive their Notifications in Ravenna on Friday, March 20, 2026. Those students who receive an offer of acceptance will have until Monday, March 23rd to commit for the 2026-2027 school year. 

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact us at bothell.admissions@basisindependent.com.