Admissions Process

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.

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.

Rolling Admissions: Secure Your Seat for Fall 2026 Today!

January 9, 2026 by binseditor 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

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

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.

PreK Class Morning Meeting – Photo by Troy House

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

October 3, 2025 by alexlevin Leave a Comment

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

Join us for an Open House at BASIS Independent Bothell

September 30, 2025 by mallorykilbreath Leave a Comment

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!

September 19, 2025 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

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

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

Grade 2–4

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

Grades 5–9 Open House Structured Program

Grade 5–6

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

Grade 7–9

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

September 19, 2025 by michaelmertes

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.