Admissions Process

Spring Open Houses – Join Us!

March 10, 2026 by thealacrosse Leave a Comment

As spring arrives in Brooklyn and the days grow a little warmer, our campuses are full of energy. Our seniors are preparing to embark on their Senior Projects, and we are getting ready for upcoming spring arts festivals that showcase the creativity of our students.

It is also an exciting time in admissions, as our Rolling Admissions Cycle is underway. That means it is time for one of our biggest events of the year: Spring Open Houses! These events are one of the best ways for families to experience our community, hear from our teachers, and see firsthand how we are redefining education across our two Brooklyn campuses.

Please join us in person for a Spring Open House: Saturday, April 18 (PreK-Grade 2) and Saturday, April 25 (Grades 3-12).

Click Here to Register!

What to Expect:

For both Open Houses, doors will open at 9:40 AM ET, and the event will last approximately until 12:00 PM ET. Students are encouraged to join us as well.

Open Houses begin with a brief introduction from our Head of School before families have the opportunity to dive into learning about our program. Families will then 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:

PreK–Grade 2: Saturday, April 18 at 10:00 AM ET

PreK & Kindergarten

Learn about our Early Learning Program, where our youngest students grow and thrive. 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 classrooms.

Grades 1-2

Visit with our Learning Expert and Subject 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 study skills and sparking a lifelong love of learning. Our Subject Expert Teachers will lead mini-lessons to help you get a feel for the engaging activities that take place in the classroom. These sessions will also help you understand the transition to our Upper School campus in Grade 3.

Grades 3-12: Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 AM ET

The Primary Program: Grades 3-5

Visit our Learning Expert and Subject Expert Teachers to learn about our unique two-teacher model (for Grades 3 and 4). In our Primary Program, students continue to strengthen their foundational knowledge in classes from math and science to humanities, Mandarin, music, and more. Find out how we support students with study skills, self-advocacy, and critical thinking. You will also have the chance to learn how these 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, 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 our many athletic and academic competition teams, clubs, international trips, and more.

The High School Program: Grades 9-12

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.

Refreshments

We will have light refreshments for the whole family at the Open House. After the Grades 3-12 Open House on April 25, we invite you to stop by our Primary School Fine Arts Festival alongside several of our current families.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see what sets BASIS Independent Brooklyn apart and how we foster a community of lifelong learners.

As you get ready for the spring and end of the school year, we hope you choose to spend some of your time with us getting to know our wonderful community.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Rolling Admission Cycle is Now Open!

February 22, 2026 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

It has been an exciting admission season at BASIS Independent McLean, and it’s not quite over. Our Rolling Admission Cycle is now open!

Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are being accepted on an ongoing basis until all remaining seats are filled. We continue to accept applications for Toddler–Grade 10.

What does this mean for you?

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

Rolling Admission Decisions: Applications submitted in the Rolling Admission Cycle will be reviewed as soon as they are complete. We will begin releasing decisions on or around March 23 and continue to provide them within 5–7 business days thereafter.

What next?

Apply! If you have not already done so, submit the online application to start the Rolling Admission Process.

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

Attend an Admissions Event! We continue to offer Campus Tours and Information Sessions for you to learn more about our dynamic community of learners.

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

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

Apply Today

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.

The Fall 2026 Rolling Admissions Cycle – Your Questions Answered!

January 23, 2026 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

We’re excited to share that the Rolling Application Cycle for BASIS Independent Bellevue has officially launched for the 2026–2027 school year!

Applications for 2026–2027 will continue to be accepted by our team until all remaining seats are filled, and a wait pool of applicants has been established. Families are welcome to apply for Kindergarten–grade 9.

What does Rolling Admissions mean for my family?

Students who applied for Regular Admissions were asked to submit their applications by January 23, 2026. Any applicant who submits an application past this deadline is considered a Rolling Applicant. Rolling applicants must complete all the same application steps from the Regular Admissions Cycle.

Regular Admissions applicants will be receiving their decisions on March 20, 2026, and are asked to finalize their commitments by March 27, 2026.

After this date, Rolling Admissions applicants will receive their decision on a rolling basis, once all application materials have been received.

If I submit all of the materials before March 20, will I receive my decision with Regular applicants?

No. Rolling Admissions applicants will be reviewed by our Admissions Committee once the Regular Admissions Cycle has concluded.

After March 27, Rolling Admissions applicants will receive their decision within 10 business days of the application being completed.

If I apply for Rolling Admissions is it still possible for my child to be offered a seat?

Yes, it is possible that we will still have seats available after the Regular Admissions Cycle has concluded. However, should our seats fill during Regular Admissions, your Rolling Application will become eligible for our wait pool.

When should I apply for Rolling Admissions?

Sooner rather than later! We will begin reviewing rolling applications as soon as the Regular Admissions Cycle has ended on a first come, first served basis. The sooner your apply, the sooner we can evaluate your child’s application.

If we apply and make it on the wait pool, will my child be last on the list?

No! Students in our wait pool are not ranked. This is why we do not consider it a wait list but a wait pool. Whenever a seat becomes available, we evaluate all students in the pool and offer the seat to the applicant that seems to be the best fit, considering all aspects of their application. Applying for the wait pool as a rolling applicant does not hinder your chances of being offered a seat, should one become available.

Can I still come visit the school?

Yes! We will continue to offer one-on-one tours for the duration of the spring. If you would like to attend a Campus Tour, submit this form on our website and our Admissions Team will contact you.

If my child makes it on to the wait pool but is not offered a seat this year, will they be guaranteed a seat next year?

No, applicants are not held for the next admissions cycle. If you wish for your child to be considered for the following year, you will need to reapply.

How should I apply?

We accept applications through Ravenna. Click this link to begin your application!

If you require any additional support during this process, please feel free to reach out to the admissions team at blv.admissions@basisindependent.com

Rolling Admissions for Fall 2026: Everything Families Need to Know

January 22, 2026 by abisoyetaylor Leave a Comment

Rolling Admissions for Fall 2026 Opens January 24, 2026

Our Rolling Admissions cycle for Fall 2026 opens on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Families interested in joining our vibrant, academically focused community can begin submitting applications on that date. Below, you’ll find everything you need to navigate our admissions process successfully.

Rolling Admissions Timeline

Application Opens — January 24, 2026

Applications for all grade levels open on this date.

Application Deadline

Applications remain open until a grade reaches capacity. Once a grade closes, qualified applicants will be placed into a wait pool and reviewed as space becomes available.

Decision Notification

Families receive an admissions decision within 10 business days of completing their application. This provides a fast, transparent experience for families seeking timely enrollment options.

Commitment Deadline & Enrollment Details

Applying during Rolling Admissions is not immediately binding. To officially secure a seat, families must:

Submit a signed Enrollment Agreement
Pay a non‑refundable $1,750 deposit by the Commitment Deadline listed in their offer

How to Apply for Rolling Admissions

Starting your application is simple. Families can begin their Rolling Admissions process here. Our Admissions Team is available to support you at every step of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Rolling Admissions?

Rolling Admissions is an ongoing application process in which applications are reviewed as they are completed. Decisions are released on a rolling basis, typically within 10 business days.

Are all grade levels open during Rolling Admissions?

Yes. All grade levels remain open until they reach capacity. After that point, applicants are moved into a wait pool.

What counts as a “completed application”?

A completed application includes the online application form, and all required supplemental materials. Your admissions portal will display outstanding items.

How soon will we receive an admissions decision?

You will receive a decision within 10 business days after the application is complete.

Is applying during Rolling Admissions binding?

No. Applying is not binding. Only those who sign the Enrollment Agreement and pay the $1,750 deposit secure a seat.

What if a grade is already full when we apply?

Your student will be placed into a wait pool and considered if space becomes available.

Can current families apply for siblings?

Yes. Sibling applications are welcome and follow the same Rolling Admissions process. Space is not guaranteed, so early submission is recommended.

How long do families have to accept an offer?

Families must review their offer letter for the Commitment Deadline, then sign the Enrollment Agreement and submit the deposit by that date.

APPLY NOW

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

Half-Day Pre-Kindergarten FAQ

January 14, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

We are delighted to share that for the 2026 – 2027 school year, BASIS Independent Bothell will be expanding its program offerings to include a half-day Pre-Kindergarten program!

BASIS Independent Bothell will offer a thematic, hands-on, comprehensive, and content-rich curriculum that builds skills in an environment designed for students who are not yet ready for our kindergarten class. This half-day model allows students to build confidence, curiosity, and foundational skills while easing into the rhythm of a school day.

The addition of PreK reflects our ongoing commitment to meeting families where they are and thoughtfully growing our community. We are excited to welcome new families and support students as they take their very first steps in their educational journey.

More details about the curriculum, schedule, and enrollment process can be found below. We look forward to this exciting new chapter and all the learning it will bring!

What PreK program will you offer?
At other BASIS Independent Schools, we offer a PreK–1 program for three-year-olds. At this time, BASIS Independent Bothell offers a PreK–2 program specifically designed for four-year-olds.

What is the age cut-off?
PreK-2 students must turn 4 by August 31.

What is the tuition?
Tuition for the 2026-2027 school year is $15,825. Families may submit tuition in three different ways: (1) One payment, (2) Two half-payments, or (3) 10 monthly payments.

Where will the PreK class be held?
The BASIS Independent Bothell campus was thoughtfully designed with four Early Learning Program classrooms, each featuring a private, in-class restroom. These classrooms are located together in a dedicated wing on the first floor of the campus. The PreK-2 class will be housed in the fourth classroom within this wing, alongside our three existing Kindergarten classrooms, fostering a cohesive early learning environment.

What curriculum will be used?
Consistent with our other campuses that have established PreK-2 programs, BASIS Independent Bothell will implement the BASIS Curriculum. Our curriculum offers an impressive array of foundational courses that foster early numeracy, literacy, and awareness of the many ideas and topics to explore. Students learn through developmentally appropriate play, music, and hands-on activities to help make high-level material more accessible.

What is the daily schedule?
The full program time will be from 8:35 AM – 12:35 PM. Class will be held from 8:50 AM – 12:30 PM. Students may arrive as early as 8:35 AM, with dismissal being held until 12:35 PM. You can view a sample schedule here.

Will you offer Early Bird (before school) or Late Bird (after school) care?
No, due to licensing restrictions in the state of Washington, we are unable to offer a PreK-2 program for more than four hours a day.

Will you offer after-school clubs?
No, after-school clubs will not be available for PreK-2 students.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio?
1:10 with a maximum group size of 20 students.

When is the application due?
PreK-2 applicants will follow our Rolling Admissions process. Applications open on January 24, 2026, and will be accepted on an ongoing basis until all remaining spaces are filled.

What are the application requirements?

Attend an Admissions Event (Optional)

Complete and Submit the Online Application

Provide the Early Learning Program Teacher Recommendation form to your Child’s Current Teacher (if applicable)

Is there a sibling priority?
While we value the importance of keeping families together and recognize the many benefits of sibling enrollment, BASIS Independent Schools does not offer sibling priority for new applicants.

All applicants, including siblings of current students, are thoughtfully and holistically considered as part of the admissions process. This approach ensures that each enrolled student is individually evaluated and is a strong match for the academic program and school community, allowing us to maintain the integrity of our educational mission while building a well-balanced and successful learning environment for all students.

Rolling Admissions: Secure Your Seat for Fall 2026 Today!

January 9, 2026 by thealacrosse Leave a Comment

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

This means that applications for the 2026 – 2027 school year are now being accepted on an ongoing basis until all remaining spaces are filled. We continue to accept applications for PreK – Grade 10.

What does this mean for you?

Winter and Spring Admissions Decisions: As soon as your application is complete and after Regular Admissions applicants receive their admissions decision, our Admissions Team will begin notifying you of our admissions decision within 10 business days. Rolling Admissions applicants will be considered for any openings after March 16.
Secure Your Spot: Early Rolling Admissions applicants have a greater chance of securing a place in our program, as spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying earlier makes a difference!

Next Steps

Apply! If you have not already done so, submit your application to start the Rolling Admissions Process.
Review the Rolling Admissions Application Checklist to ensure you are prepared to submit the required materials and attend the required meetings.
Attend an Admissions Event! We continue to offer Campus Tours and other in-person and virtual admissions events for our prospective families to be able to meet with us, and members of our school administration, and see our program in action.

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

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

Rolling Admissions for 2026–2027 Is Now Open at BASIS Independent Manhattan!

January 9, 2026 by anjalijoshi Leave a Comment

We are excited to share that the Rolling Admissions Application Cycle for BASIS Independent Manhattan, a PreK-12 private school in NYC, is officially open for the 2026-2027 school year.

As the Home of the Wildcats, our community is eager to welcome new families who are ready to join a school environment where intellectual curiosity builds subject mastery.

Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now being accepted on an ongoing basis until all remaining seats are filled. Families may continue to apply for PreK through Grade 10.

What Rolling Admissions Means for Your Family

Admissions Decisions this Winter and Spring
After Regular Admissions Notifications are released in February, completed Rolling Admissions applications will receive an admissions decision within five business days. This allows families to plan ahead with clarity and confidence for the upcoming school year.

A Greater Chance to Secure a Seat
Rolling Admissions operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which means early applicants have the best opportunity to secure a spot in our program. If you are considering joining the Wildcat community, applying early truly matters!

How to Get Started

1. Submit Your Application
Submit your application on Ravenna to begin the admissions process.

2. Review the Rolling Admissions Application Checklist
Review our Rolling Admissions application process here to prepare you and your family for the application steps and requirements.

3. Join Us for an Admissions Event
We continue to offer Campus Tours and a variety of in-person and virtual admissions events. These experiences give families the opportunity to meet members of our school leadership, explore our campus, and see our world-class program in action. We invite you to register for an upcoming event!

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

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

What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

November 30, 2025 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

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

What to Know About the ISEE

November 26, 2025 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

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?

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

Demystifying Admissions: What to Expect at Your Family Meeting

November 7, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

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.