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Fall Open Houses: Learn How BASIS Independent Brooklyn Cultivates Fearless Thinkers

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At BASIS Independent Brooklyn, autumn means more than just the reintroduction of pumpkin spice and the return of sweaters. It is the season we open the doors to our school to prospective families.

Open House events are among the most meaningful opportunities for future families to experience our school. It is the closest a family can come to a real day in the life here. Sit in on classroom discussions, meet our teachers and school leadership, hear from current students and parents, and see firsthand how we inspire students to see that they are capable of so much more than they imagine.

Please join us in person at one of our Open Houses on Saturday, October 17:

  • Lower School Open House (PreK-Grade 2) in Downtown Brooklyn starts at 9:00 a.m. ET.
  • Upper School Open House (Grades 3-12) in Red Hook begins at noon ET.
Register now to reserve your seat!

Open House Overview 
For both Open House events, programming will last approximately two hours. We welcome you to register and attend, even if you cannot stay for the entire event. At the Upper School, prospective students are encouraged to join us. For our Lower School, to gain the most from the event, parents/guardians may want to consider attending without children or limiting attendance at the event only to prospective students.

Each Open House includes an introduction from our Head of School on our school’s approach to spark curiosity, guide students to think independently, and inspire them to pursue excellence. Then, families will be organized by grade level and guided to classrooms to meet our expert teachers. Open Houses also include a panel of current parents and our student ambassadors who will speak from firsthand experience about the program.

We have some more details below about the structure of each Open House: 

Lower School Campus (PreK–Grade 2)
Saturday, October 17 at 9:00 a.m. ET 
405 Gold Street, Downtown Brooklyn 

PreK & Kindergarten  
Learn about our Early Learning Program, where our youngest students grow, and we nurture a love of learning. Hear from teachers, administrators, and parents about how BASIS Independent Brooklyn Lower School fosters curiosity, exploration, and creativity. Our passionate, 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:  
Visit with our expert 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 agency and spark a lifelong love of learning. Our 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. Nobody knows our school community better!

Upper School Campus (Grades 3-12)
Saturday, October 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET 
556 Columbia Street, Red Hook 

The Primary Program: Grades 3-5 
Visit with our expert teachers to learn about our unique two-teacher model (for grades 3— 4). From math and science to humanities, engineering, performing arts, and more, find out how we support students in developing student agency and spark a lifelong joy in learning. You will also have the chance to learn about how the bridge years encourage autonomy, creativity, and confidence to help prepare your student for Middle School.  

The Middle School Program: Grades 6-8  
In the Middle School Program, we focus on developing the academic skills and student agency that develop fearless and confident thinkers prepared to explore and question in the high school years. Hear from our expert teachers about how they inspire excellence inside and outside of the classroom. Plus, learn about the many athletic and academic teams, clubs, international trips, and more. 
 
The High School Program: Grades 9-12  
Educating tomorrow’s great innovators, pioneers, and leaders requires a globally recognized, spiraled curriculum that builds knowledge, mastery, and confidence over time. Meet students, faculty, and administrators as you and your child learn about high school at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, including our unique Senior Year consisting of college-level seminar Capstone classes and daily college counseling class. Our Senior Year culminates in a three-month Senior Project.

Parent and Student Panel 

Our Upper School Open House will also include panel discussions with BASIS Independent Brooklyn parents alongside student ambassadors, who are the best champions of our program.

Refreshments 

We will serve light refreshments at the events.

———- 

Click here to register for our fall Open Houses. We hope to see you soon and introduce you to our wonderful school community.  

Fall 2026 Admissions Guide: Frequently Asked Questions During Admissions Season 

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At the start of August, we opened applications for the 2027-28 school year. Similar to many private schools, our admissions process is selective. We seek applicants who have an interest in a thoughtfully designed curriculum, a desire to make a contribution, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers and expert teachers. We are excited to meet the many wonderful families considering a BASIS Independent Brooklyn experience for their family!   

During each admissions season, we field a wide range of questions about our curriculum and various programs, student life, electives, extracurriculars, and so much more. We have observed topics that are commonly brought up and want to provide you with answers to frequently asked questions raised each year.  

What is the difference between your two Brooklyn campuses?  

BASIS Independent Brooklyn opened in the fall of 2014. We are one school with two campuses. The Lower School in Downtown Brooklyn educates approximately 165 students in PreK–Grade 2, while the Upper School in Red Hook supports about 510 students in Grades 3–12.     

What is the teacher model at your school?   

Our students in grades 1–4 benefit from our unique Co-Teaching Model. These students have one Subject Expert Teacher (SET) for each discipline. SETs either hold advanced degrees or are experts in their discipline. SETs use their subject-area passion to inspire students while purposefully challenging them to instill deep understanding, mastery, and confidence over time.   

Learning Expert Teachers (LETs) work with SETs to co-teach in all grades 1–4 classrooms. LETs accompany their students all day, from class to class, and are masters of the learning process and social-emotional growth in children. They are instrumental in ensuring that students are appropriately supported and challenged through differentiated learning. In grade 4, the LET shifts their focus to promoting student agency through independence, autonomy, and teaching them how to use their resources. This shift prepares students for grade 5 and beyond, where students have just one teacher, their SET, for each subject.    

Students in PreK-1, PreK-2, and Kindergarten are part of our Early Learning Program. These students also benefit from a two-teacher model for instruction throughout their day. Early Learning Teachers lead our PreK and Kindergarten classrooms and are responsible for delivering most of the content to students by bringing their own pedagogical expertise to the classroom, with the consistent support of an Early Learning Teaching Fellow. In contrast to the Primary, Middle, and High School programs, the Early Learning Program largely operates as a self-contained unit. Students remain in their vibrant classroom for most of the day, rotating classes only for their daily special (Art, Music, Drama, Engineering, Mandarin, or PE/Movement) in addition to engaging in multiple recess periods per day.

What are your elective offerings?   
 
In the Early Learning and Primary programs, students will take Art, Music, Drama, Engineering, and PE/Movement. In the Middle and High School programs, students can continue to take those courses or elect to take Band/Orchestra, Computer Science, Choir, Creative Writing, Introduction to Philosophy, Digital Photography, Introduction to Film Production, Sustainable Fashion, Topics in Economics, or many Advanced Placement (AP) courses.   

What are your athletic offerings? 

We have 29 teams across ten sports. Offerings for our Middle and High School students include competitive basketball, baseball, cheer & dance, cross country, flag football, golf, soccer, tennis, track, and volleyball. For our Primary School students, we offer clinics for each competitive team we offer. 

Through our extracurricular club programming, we offer additional athletics, including ballet, jiu-jitsu, and pickleball. 

What are your club offerings?    

We offer more than 75 clubs at our Lower School and Upper School campuses! At our Lower School, we have wonderful offerings from Comic Book Club to Gardening Club, then sports like soccer and jiu-jItsu to musical instruction and dance club. Our Upper School students can participate in competition teams including: chess, debate, DECA, math, Quiz Bowl, and robotics. We offer affinity spaces such as our Black Student Union, East Asian Student Society, Jewish Affinity Group, Latino Affinity Group, and LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group. In High School, our students are able to create and join student-led clubs which range from Book Club to Golf Club and Digital Photography Club to Investing Club. They can also participate in school-wide projects such as The Grizzly, our digital school newspaper, and Yearbook. From arts programming such as Clayworld, Knitting, and the Spring Musical to STEM offerings like 3D printing, Coding, and Aeronautics Design and Engineering, we have it all! 

Do you offer early or late care for students?   

At both campuses, we offer supervised early and late care. Early care, called Early Bird, is offered beginning at 7:00 a.m. at both campuses. We offer two types of late care. The first is a free service called Late Bird, which runs until around 4:00 p.m. at the Upper School, and sibling care at the Lower School for students to wait for older siblings to finish with classes. The second is a paid service called Cub Care (PreK-Grade 2)/Bear Care (Grades 3-8), and these begin following dismissal. Cub Care/Bear Care is more structured and involves a range of activities from science to sports to arts. After-school programs for High School students take place in the form of athletics and clubs.  

Why do you teach your students Mandarin? 

The BASIS Curriculum was intentionally designed in our Early Learning and Primary programs to include the tonal language Mandarin, since younger children are easily attuned to tonal differences. Mandarin is a global language, and researchers found that learning the language develops new pathways in the brain and uses both the left and right temporal lobes simultaneously. Studies also show that Mandarin helps students grow their mathematical abilities due to the emphasis on ordering, grouping, and distinguishing between similarities and differences in character writing and intonation. While Mandarin is required in PreK-Grade 4, Latin is required in grades 5 and 6. Beginning in grade 7, students will select a world language from French, Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish, which they will continue throughout High School. 

Do your campuses have any outdoor spaces?    

Our Lower School has direct access to a beautiful, big park and playground right across our street, in addition to a large indoor play space we call the Bear’s Den, since our mascot is the bear.  

Our Upper School has three outdoor spaces. This includes one fully covered space, one partially covered space, and an uncovered playground. The Upper School campus is also located directly across the street from Red Hook Ball Fields, which include eight large fields for baseball, soccer, and football that are utilized for athletics and physical education classes as well as school events. 

Do you offer financial aid?    

At this time, financial aid is not available. We offer families three types of tuition payment plans: one payment, two payments, or ten monthly payments. We award scholarships based on merit to a highly selective group of students entering Kindergarten, Grade 6, and Grade 9. 

What is parent involvement like at your school?  

Parents have many opportunities to get involved! First, through School Committees, including Class Communicators (at least one per class), the Community Outreach Committee, and the Teacher and Staff Appreciation Committee. We also have a wonderful group called our Parent Ambassadors. These leaders work closely with our Admissions Team on events and connecting with new families through our Bear Buddies and Cub Connections program.

One of our favorite programs is the Future-Ready Mentor Program, where our parent community helps to share experiences with our oldest high school students through Interesting Careers events to mentorship. The focus is on opening doors and opportunities for students while raising awareness of how fields and industries are changing with AI.

Our school offers events for parents to get to know administration and spend time with other parents, including:

  • Monthly Coffee with Admin Meetings
  • Cultural Sharing Opportunities, particularly our annual, beloved World Fest
  • Parenting Workshops, including network-wide sessions as well as local events featuring our regular “Counselor’s Corner” lunch sessions via Zoom with Ms. Molly House
  • Art and Athletic Events
  • Fall and Spring Parent/Guardian Mixers
  • Fall Carnival, Sports Banquet, Grade Level Celebrations
  • Classroom Volunteering, including chaperoning for field trips and reading to students in our Lower School

What community opportunities will my student have if they join your program?   

We have very active National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society chapters at our school leading regular service initiatives. Moreover, our student leadership society, Leadership Club, has prioritized building both a culture of service and sustainability at the school. The students lead annual drives and regularly promote ways to volunteer with inspiring Red Hook and Downtown Brooklyn non-profit organizations throughout the school year. Our High School students participate in an Annual Day of Service before Thanksgiving Break.  

Our school community has worked to develop partnerships with impactful non-profits making a difference in the community. One great example is the Red Hook Art Project (RHAP), which provides tutoring and mentoring for underserved children and youth. The organization offers free classes and tutoring in visual art, music, and homework help. Our students have volunteered for the homework help program and are teaching guitar classes.  

How can I visit your school?   

This admissions season, we are hosting a variety of events including Information Sessions, Campus Tours, Open Houses, and Shadow Days. Please click here to register for an upcoming event!  

Please feel free to reach out to our Admissions Team by calling (718) 643-6302 or emailing brooklyn-admissions@basisindependent.com.   

Fall 2027: What to Expect at Your BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Campus Tour

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Choosing a school is about more than reading about a curriculum or looking at photos online. A campus tour gives families the opportunity to experience BASIS Independent Silicon Valley firsthand, explore our learning environment, and get a feel for what daily life is like for our students.

A Small-Group Experience

Our campus tours are designed as a small-group experience, creating a more personal and conversational visit. Families have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and connect with our Admissions team throughout the tour. Prospective students are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Explore Our Campus

During your visit, you’ll explore the spaces where students learn, collaborate, and spend their school day. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may also see classes in action and get a glimpse of daily life on campus.

Along the way, our Admissions team will share more about our curriculum, school culture, facilities, and what makes the BISV experience unique.

Questions Families Often Ask

What is the academic experience like at BISV?
Families often ask about our curriculum, academic expectations, class sizes, and how the academic experience evolves across grade levels.

What is student life like?
Our team can share more about extracurricular activities, athletics, clubs, events, and the many ways students can get involved in our community.

What does the admissions process look like?
We can answer questions about application requirements, important dates, grade-level availability, and next steps.

Can my student attend the tour?
Absolutely! We encourage prospective students to join their families. Seeing the campus firsthand can be a valuable part of the school-search experience.

Can I ask questions during the tour?
Of course! We encourage families to ask questions throughout the visit. Come prepared with what matters most to your family, or simply let the conversation guide you.

A campus tour is an opportunity to explore our community, ask questions, and begin imagining your student’s journey at BISV. We look forward to welcoming your family to campus!

Ready to experience BASIS Independent Silicon Valley firsthand? Schedule your campus tour today and discover what makes our Bobcat community unique.

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

You can contact our Lower School (TK – Grade 5) at svl.admissions@basisindependent.com  and our Upper School (Grades 6 – 9) at sv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Early vs. Regular Admissions: Which Is Right for Your Family?

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If you are considering BASIS Independent McLean for the 2027–28 school year and beyond, you have two opportunities to apply now: Early Admissions and Regular Admissions.

Both Early Admissions and Regular Admissions are open to applicants for Age 2–Grade 10. The application requirements are the same for both cycles, but the timelines are different. So, which one is right for your family?

Early Admissions: Ready to Get Started?

Early Admissions is a great option for families who have already explored BASIS Independent McLean and feel this is their top private school choice.

By completing the admissions process by November 15, families receive an admissions decision earlier in the school year, providing more time to plan and prepare for the year ahead.

Consider Early Admissions if:

  • BASIS Independent McLean is your top choice.
  • You have visited us or are ready to learn more.
  • You are prepared to complete the application requirements this fall.
  • An earlier admissions decision would help with your family’s planning.
  • You are applying to a high-demand grade. Early Admissions gives you the advantage of securing your seat earlier in the private school admissions process.

Regular Admissions: More Time to Explore

Still exploring your options? That’s okay! Regular Admissions gives families additional time to learn about our school, attend an Admissions Event, and complete the application process.

The core admissions requirements remain the same, but the application and notification dates are later.

Consider Regular Admissions if:

  • You are earlier in your school search.
  • You would like more time to visit and explore our program.
  • You need additional time to complete your application.

Early vs. Regular Admissions At-A-Glance

Early AdmissionsRegular Admissions
Best forFamilies ready to move forwardFamilies wanting more time to explore
Application DeadlineSunday, November 15, 2026Friday, January 29, 2027
Completion DeadlineTuesday, December 1, 2026Thursday, February 11, 2027
Decision NotificationTuesday, December 8, 2026 Friday, February 26, 2027
Commitment DeadlineFriday, January 8, 2027Monday, March 15, 2027

Still Not Sure? Visit Us!

One of the best ways to decide when—and whether—to apply is to experience our school for yourself.

At BASIS Independent McLean, we believe students are capable of more than they can imagine. Through extraordinary teachers, thoughtfully designed academics, and a warm and welcoming community, we develop fearless, independent thinkers with the confidence to explore, question, and shape the world.

Join us for a Campus Tour, Information Session, or Open House to discover our Red-Tailed Hawk community and find the admissions path that’s right for your family.

View Upcoming Admissions Events
  • Thursday, September 3, Virtual Information Session, Age 2–Grade 4 | From 12:00 PM
  • Friday, September 4, Virtual Information Session, G5–12 | From 12:00 PM
  • Saturday, October 24, Open House, Age 2–G12 | From 10:00 AM, Details to come soon
Start Your Fall 2027 Application

Questions? Contact our Admissions Team at BIM.Admissions@basisindependent.com or 703.854.1253

Choosing a School That Develops Fearless, Independent Thinkers

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When families begin their school search, one question often rises above all others:

How do I know if a school is the right fit for my child?

With so many options available, it can be tempting to compare schools based on rankings, facilities, or convenience alone. While those factors may play a role in your decision, the most important considerations often go deeper.

The right school should challenge students academically, nurture their confidence, and prepare them to navigate an increasingly complex world with curiosity, integrity, and independence.

As you begin evaluating independent schools, here are five qualities worth looking for.

1. A Curriculum Designed for Long-Term Success

A strong education is more than a collection of individual courses. The best schools intentionally build knowledge and skills year after year, helping students develop both depth of understanding and confidence in their abilities.

When researching schools, consider asking:

  • How does the curriculum evolve as students grow?
  • Are students encouraged to think critically and solve complex problems?
  • Does learning build progressively from one grade level to the next?

Students benefit most from an educational experience that develops strong foundations while continually challenging them to reach new levels of achievement.

2. Teachers Who Inspire Curiosity

Exceptional teachers do more than deliver lessons. They spark questions, encourage exploration, and help students discover a genuine love of learning.

As you tour schools and attend admissions events, pay attention to the people who will guide your child’s educational journey.

Ask yourself:

  • Do teachers demonstrate expertise in their subjects?
  • Are students actively engaged in classroom discussions?
  • Do educators encourage independent thinking?

The most memorable teachers often inspire students to see learning not as a requirement, but as an opportunity.

3. Opportunities for Students to Build Independence

One of the most valuable outcomes of a great education is confidence.

Students should gradually develop the ability to take ownership of their learning, manage responsibilities, advocate for themselves, and approach challenges with resilience.

Look for schools that encourage students to:

  • Ask thoughtful questions
  • Pursue their interests
  • Take initiative in projects and activities
  • Develop strong organizational and problem-solving skills

These habits help students become self-directed learners who are prepared for future academic and personal success.

4. A Community Where Families Feel They Belong

Academic excellence and a supportive culture should go hand in hand.

The best school communities create an environment where students feel known, valued, and encouraged to be themselves. Families should also feel welcomed as important partners in their children’s educational experience.

As you visit schools, consider:

  • How are prospective families welcomed?
  • Do students appear engaged and happy?
  • Is the culture warm, respectful, and inclusive?

A strong community creates the foundation that allows students to take risks, develop confidence, and thrive.

5. A Commitment to Character and Global Citizenship

Success is about more than academic achievement.

Today’s students need opportunities to develop integrity, empathy, and an understanding of the broader world around them. Schools play an important role in helping students become thoughtful individuals who contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Look for programs and experiences that encourage students to:

  • Demonstrate leadership
  • Build strong character
  • Respect diverse perspectives
  • Engage with global issues
  • Serve others with purpose and compassion

These experiences help prepare students not only for college, but for life.

What Sets BASIS Independent Bothell Apart?

At BASIS Independent Bothell, these qualities are woven into every aspect of the student experience.

Our mission is to develop fearless, independent thinkers with the confidence to explore, question, and shape the world. Through a challenging, thoughtfully designed curriculum, expert teachers passionate about their fields, opportunities for growing independence, and a warm, welcoming community, students are empowered to reach their full potential.

We believe an exceptional education should inspire students to meet challenges with curiosity, confidence, integrity, and joy while preparing them for success in college and beyond.

Experience BASIS Independent Bothell for Yourself

The best way to determine whether a school is the right fit is to experience it firsthand.

As you continue your school search, we invite you to attend an upcoming Information Session, schedule a campus tour, or connect with our Admissions Team to learn more about our programs and community. Fall 2027 admissions are now open, with information sessions and admissions events taking place throughout the school year.

Ready to learn more?

  • Register for an Information Session
  • Schedule a Campus Tour
  • Explore Fall 2027 Admissions
  • Connect with an Admissions Team Member
Visit Our School

Fall 2027: What to Expect at your In-Person Play Date

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At BASIS Independent Fremont, we seek students who are curious, eager to learn, willing to work hard, and excited to contribute to a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers and expert teachers. Our students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, take on meaningful challenges, and grow in confidence and independence along the way. Learning is celebrated, academic curiosity is embraced, and students have plenty of opportunities to have fun while discovering what they are capable of.

To help ensure that students are well positioned to thrive in our program, our admissions process is selective and designed to thoughtfully assess each applicant’s readiness and fit.

What is the Play Date?

Our Play Date is a play-based assessment that gives our teachers, administrators, and Admissions Team an opportunity to get to know your child and learn more about their social-emotional and academic development.

Play Dates are held at our Lower School Campus, located at 3300 Kearney Street, Fremont, California 94538, and generally last up to 30 minutes.

During the Play Date, your child will participate in age-appropriate activities designed to help us understand how they approach learning, communicate, interact, and engage with new experiences. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where your child can feel comfortable being themselves.

What materials should be brought to the Play Date?

No materials are required. However, your child is welcome to bring a favorite book or small toy if it helps them feel more comfortable when arriving on campus.

When are Play Dates held?

Play Dates are offered Monday through Friday at various times throughout the day and can be scheduled through your application portal after you submit an application.

We recommend selecting a time when you feel your child will be at their best—well-rested, comfortable, and ready to engage.

Who is required to attend the Play Date?

One adult—a parent, guardian, caregiver, or family member—should accompany your child to campus and will wait in our reception area during the assessment.

A member of our Admissions Team will escort your child to the Play Date. Parents and guardians do not accompany children during the assessment, as we want to give your child an opportunity to interact independently with members of our school community.

What if we are applying for more than one child?

All students applying to TK–Grade 1 are required to complete a Play Date.

If you are applying for more than one child in a single grade, you can register both of them for the same Play Date.

When does the Play Date have to take place?

The Play Date must be completed by the applicable Application Completion Deadline.

Those applying in Early Admissions (TK only) must complete their Play Date by their Completion Deadline, November 18, 2026. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Play Date by their Completion Deadline, February 12, 2027. 

How do we register for a Play Date?

After submitting your application, you will be prompted to schedule a Play Date through your application portal.

If you are not ready to select a date and time immediately, you can return to your application portal later to schedule one.

Please note: Appointment availability becomes more limited as the Application Completion Deadline approaches, so we recommend scheduling your Play Date as early as possible.

How long is the Play Date?

Play Dates generally last up to 30 minutes. Because our team may have appointments scheduled consecutively, we ask families to arrive on time so your child can take advantage of the full assessment period.

Whom will my child meet with?

Play Dates may be hosted by a member of our Student Affairs Team or one of our Expert Teachers. Regardless of who hosts your child’s Play Date, they will have an opportunity to meet and interact with a member of our BASIS Independent Fremont community.

What if my child doesn’t know all the answers?

That’s okay! We do not expect every child to know every answer.

The Play Date helps us learn more about where your child is socially, emotionally, and academically. We understand that children develop at different rates and may approach unfamiliar activities in different ways.

Where will the Play Date take place?

The Play Date will take place at our Lower School Campus, located at 3300 Kearney Street, Fremont, California 94538.

You will receive a reminder email approximately 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Please plan to arrive 5–10 minutes before your appointment time.

What if my child doesn’t do well due to unforeseen circumstances?

We understand that young children can have unpredictable days. They may be tired, shy, nervous, not feeling their best, or simply need some time to warm up to a new environment.

Because the Play Date is an admissions assessment, families generally receive one assessment opportunity. If our Admissions Team determines that circumstances prevented us from getting an appropriate understanding of your child, we may choose to offer another assessment at our discretion.

Will we know the results of the Play Date?

We do not provide individual assessment results or scores to applicants or families. The Play Date is one component of the overall admissions process and is reviewed alongside the other materials in your child’s application.

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.

Fall 2027 applications are now open at BASIS Independent McLean! 

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At BASIS Independent McLean, we believe students are capable of more than they can imagine. Our advanced, thoughtfully designed PreK–12 education inspires students to think independently, embrace challenge, and find joy in learning. With expert teachers, a globally recognized, spiraled curriculum, and a warm, welcoming community, students develop the knowledge, confidence, and independence to become fearless thinkers prepared to explore, question, and shape the world.

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision. Understanding the admissions process should be the easy part.

Whether your family is just beginning to explore BASIS Independent McLean or already taking the next step and applying, our Admissions Team is here to guide you along the way. We are now accepting applications for the 2027-28 school year for families considering Age 2 through Grade 10. Below is your roadmap to fall 2027 admissions.

Step 1: Explore — Visit with Us

The best way to begin your admissions journey is to experience BASIS Independent McLean for yourself.

Our Admissions Team has created a variety of virtual and in-person opportunities for families to learn more about our school. From Information Sessions and campus tours to Open Houses and Shadow Days, each experience offers a different way to explore our thoughtfully designed curriculum, meet members of our community, and discover what makes BASIS Independent McLean unique.

To explore all visit options and find the experience that is right for your family, visit the Admissions Events section of our website.

View and Register for Upcoming Admissions Events

Upcoming Events

  • Virtual Information Session — Thursday, September 3 at 12:00 PM | Age 2–Grade 4
  • Virtual Information Session — Friday, September 4 at 12:00 PM | Grades 5–12
  • In-Person Fall Open House — Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 AM | Age 2–Grade 12
Save the date! Registration for our Fall Open House will be available soon.

Step 2: Apply — Submit Your Online Application

Once you are ready to take the next step, begin your fall 2027 application through our online application portal, Ravenna.

The initial application collects basic information about your student and family. Depending on the grade to which your child is applying, additional questionnaires or materials may also be required.

Once the application is submitted, your admissions journey officially begins! Your Ravenna dashboard will help you keep track of the remaining requirements and important next steps.

Start Your Fall 2027 Application Today

Please note: The remaining application steps may be completed in any order but must be finished by the applicable completion deadline.

Step 3: Complete — Submit Supporting Materials

Depending on the grade level, your child’s application may require teacher recommendations and school records.

Teacher Recommendations

For applicable grades, families will delegate recommendation forms through the application portal to their child’s current teacher(s). Recommendations must be submitted directly by the teacher to the Admissions Office and cannot be submitted by parents or guardians.

Transcripts and School Records

Families applying to applicable grades will also request school records through the application portal. Current and, when required, previous schools should submit these records directly to our Admissions Office.

We understand that younger applicants, especially for families applying to our Early Learning Program, may not have the same formal academic records as older students. Our Admissions Team is always happy to help families understand the specific requirements for their child’s grade level.

Step 4: Get to Know Your Student — Student Evaluation

The student evaluation is an opportunity for us to get to know your child beyond the information included in the application.

The evaluation format varies by grade level. Younger applicants may participate in an age-appropriate, in-person Play Date experience, while older applicants complete the required admissions assessment, including the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test).

These experiences help us learn more about each applicant and their readiness for the academic and classroom experience at BASIS Independent McLean.

Specific evaluation requirements and scheduling information will be available through your application portal.

Step 5: Connect — Family Meeting

The Family Meeting is one of the most personal parts of our admissions process.

At least one parent or guardian attends along with the applicant. During the conversation, we want to learn more about your child’s interests, experiences, and approach to learning, as well as what your family is looking for in a school community.

It is also an opportunity for you to get to know us. We welcome your questions and want families to leave the conversation with an even clearer understanding of our program and community.

For families applying for more than one child, only one Family Meeting is required. Meetings may be conducted virtually or in person on campus.

Fall 2027 Admissions Timeline

We have two admission cycles: Early Admissions and Regular Admissions. The applications for both cycles are now open, and the requirements for both cycles are the same. The main differences are the application deadlines and notification and response timelines. If you know that BASIS Independent McLean is your top choice, we encourage you to apply during Early Admissions to secure your child’s place as quickly as possible.

Early Admissions

  • Deadline to Submit an Application: Sunday, November 15, 2026
  • Application Completion Deadline: Tuesday, December 1, 2026
  • Decision Notification Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2026
  • Commitment Deadline: Friday, January 8, 2027

Regular Admissions

  • Deadline to Submit an Application: Friday, January 29, 2027
  • Application Completion Deadline: Thursday, February 11, 2027
  • Decision Notification Date: Friday, February 26, 2027
  • Commitment Deadline: Monday, March 15, 2027

We encourage families to begin the process early so there is plenty of time to explore our school, attend an event, ask questions, and complete each part of the application.

Your Journey Starts with a Visit

At BASIS Independent McLean, admissions is more than completing a checklist. It is an opportunity for your family and our school to get to know one another.

Our Admissions Team is committed to making that experience clear, welcoming, and personal. Whether you are wondering which event is right for your family, have a question about an application requirement, or simply want to learn more about life at BASIS Independent McLean, we are here to help.

We believe students are capable of more than they can imagine. We invite you to visit our campus, meet our community, and discover what your child’s educational journey could look like at BASIS Independent McLean.

Start Your Fall 2027 Application
Explore Upcoming Admissions Events

Questions? Contact the BASIS Independent McLean Admissions Team at BIM.Admissions@basisindependent.com or 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.

Fall 2027: The Admissions Process

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At BASIS Independent Dublin, 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, 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.

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. Read below to learn more about the admissions process. 

How can I learn more about BASIS Independent Dublin?
There are several opportunities, both virtual and in-person, to learn more about BASIS Independent Dublin throughout the year.  This admissions season, we will offer virtual information sessions, in-person Open Houses, and campus tours.  Additionally, we are always happy to schedule a phone call or Zoom meeting with interested families.

Admissions Cycles
This year, we have two admissions cycles: Early and Regular Admissions.  Early Admissions is for Grades 5 – 9 applicants, while Regular Admissions is for Grades 5 – 10.

What’s the difference between Early and Regular Admissions?
Early Admissions: If BASIS Independent Dublin is your top choice, we recommend applying in Early Admissions.  You will receive an admissions decision in December, and you will have an earlier commitment date if your child(ren) is accepted and you choose to enroll.  Your private school search will be complete by December instead of March!

Regular Admissions: Families of students applying in Regular Admissions are notified of an admissions decision in March, which aligns with the admissions notification timeline from other Bay Area private schools.

What are the key admissions dates?

Early Admissions (Grades 5 – 9)
Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Application Completion Deadline: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Notification: Friday, December 4, 2026
Commitment Deadline: Monday, December 14, 2026

Regular Admissions (Grades 5 – 10) 
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 27, 2027
Application Completion Deadline: Friday, February 12, 2027
Notification: Wednesday, March 17, 2027
Commitment Deadline: Friday, March 26, 2027

What are the admissions requirements?

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.

To view our upcoming Admissions Events, click here. 

2) Submit an Application
You will submit an application with general student information. This will officially start the application process! In your application, you will be able to request Teacher Recommendation Forms, send the Transcript Request Form, and schedule your student’s Entrance Exam and Family Meeting. We also keep families up to date on their application through a dashboard in their account. 

PLEASE NOTE: Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 may be completed in any order, but must be completed after the application is submitted, and before the Deadline to Complete the Application.

3) Teacher Recommendations
Your student’s CURRENT English and Math teachers must fill out Teacher Recommendation Forms.  If your student has the same teacher for both subjects, which is not uncommon for grade 5 applicants, please have that teacher fill out both forms.

4) Transcripts
You will be able to send a Transcript Request Form in your application. This form requests your child’s current school to 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. 

5) Register for a Standardized Entrance Exam
New for the Fall 2027 application cycle, we accept scores from the ISEE or SSAT.  You can learn more about this change and what to expect at your standardized exam here.

6) Family Meeting
At least one parent or guardian is required to attend this 30-minute Family Meeting. Students applying are required to attend. For families applying for multiple students, only one family meeting is required to be scheduled. This meeting is a chance for us to meet your family, ask your student(s) questions about their specific interests in school, and get to know them a bit more in a one-on-one setting.

Once all supplementary materials are received and required meetings are attended, your application is complete! If you complete your application by the completion deadline, you will receive an admissions decision on the notification day.

Fall 2027 Applications Are Now Open at BASIS Independent Bothell

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Applications for Fall 2027 are now open at BASIS Independent Bothell

At BASIS Independent Bothell, we believe students are capable of more than they can imagine and that the most powerful education inspires them to think for themselves. Through our distinctive curriculum, expert teachers, and warm, welcoming community, students grow into fearless, independent thinkers prepared to explore, question, and contribute with purpose.

We are excited to welcome applicants for Fall 2027 across our Early Learning, Primary, Middle School, and High School programs. We encourage interested families to begin the application process early and attend one of our upcoming admissions events to learn more about the opportunities available to students at BASIS Independent Bothell.

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is watching students discover confidence in themselves and excitement for learning. As both the Director of Admissions and a BASIS Independent Bothell parent whose child will be entering Kindergarten this fall, I am especially excited to welcome new families and help them explore whether our school is the right fit for their child’s educational journey.

– Abisoye Taylor, Director of Admissions

An Education Designed for More

Families choose BASIS Independent Bothell because they want an education that challenges students academically while helping them build resilience, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our globally informed curriculum encourages students to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and engage deeply with their studies. Supported by expert teachers who serve as both instructors and mentors, students develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in school and beyond.

Developing Independent Thinkers

From their earliest years through high school, students are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their learning.

It may begin with a Kindergarten student proudly sharing a new discovery, a middle school student tackling a complex challenge, or a high school student presenting original research. Along the way, students develop confidence in their abilities, take ownership of their learning, and discover what they are capable of achieving.

Within our supportive community, students are challenged to grow academically while developing character, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

Experience BASIS Independent Bothell for Yourself

The best way to understand our community is to experience it firsthand.

We invite prospective families to attend an upcoming admissions event, visit our campus, meet our faculty and leadership team, and learn more about how BASIS Independent Bothell helps students become confident learners and engaged members of their community.

Fall 2027 Applications Are Now Open!

We encourage families to begin their admissions journey today. Whether you choose to apply, attend an admissions event, or connect with our Admissions Team, we invite you to explore what makes BASIS Independent Bothell unique.

If you are seeking a private school in Bothell that combines academic excellence, expert teaching, and a supportive community, we encourage you to take the next step. We look forward to partnering with your family and helping your child develop the knowledge, character, and confidence to thrive.

Apply Now
Register for An Admissions Event
Contact the Admissions Team

Fall 2027: What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

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The Family Meeting is an essential part of the admissions process at BASIS Independent Dublin 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 our program.

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

During the Family Meeting, we will ask about your student’s academic trajectory, interests, and motivation, as well as your family’s educational philosophy and goals. Our purpose is to understand how and why BASIS Independent Dublin fits in with your family’s educational objectives.  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!

Below are some commonly asked questions about the Family Meeting:

Who is required to attend the Family Meeting?
At least one parent or guardian is required to attend along with the student who is applying. If your child is not present for the Family Meeting, you will be asked to reschedule. 

What if we are applying for more than one student?
Only register for one Family Meeting, and bring both students to the same meeting. 

By when does the meeting have to take place?
Those applying in Early Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Wednesday, November 18, 2026. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Friday, February 12, 2027. 

How do we register for a Family Meeting?
Once you submit an application, you will be guided in the application portal to schedule your Family Meeting.  You will receive a reminder email 24 hours before your meeting time with a Zoom link to your virtual 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, there are fewer meeting times available. We would suggest scheduling one as soon as you are able.