Admissions

Why Mandarin Matters at BASIS Independent Manhattan

May 7, 2026 by anjalijoshi Leave a Comment

When families are introduced to our Early Learning and Primary programs, they often ask us the same question: “Why do you teach Mandarin to all your students?”

Mandarin is a required part of our curriculum from PreK through grade 4 because it helps early learners engage both sides of the brain, encourages visual and artistic thinking, and supports interdisciplinary learning. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe choosing the right school means looking beyond academics to find a place that prepares your child for an increasingly global world—and Mandarin is an important part of that preparation.

A Forward-Thinking Education

Mandarin isn’t just another subject—it’s an investment in your child’s future. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Mandarin opens doors to global opportunities in business, technology, diplomacy, and beyond. Our goal is to help students develop the skills and perspective they need to thrive in an interconnected world.

Starting Early, Building Confidence

We introduce Mandarin as early as PreK, when young learners are naturally receptive to language. Early exposure helps students develop authentic pronunciation, strong listening skills, and the confidence to communicate. Over time, they build both conversational fluency and literacy—an approach that supports long-term success.

Designed for Every Learner

Every child’s language journey is different. This is why our program offers differentiated instruction for both non-native (Tiger class) learners and heritage (Dragon class) speakers. Whether your child is brand new to Mandarin or already has experience, they will be placed in an environment where they can grow, feel challenged, and succeed.

More Than Language—A Cognitive Advantage

Learning Mandarin strengthens critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills. Its unique structure encourages students to think in new ways, helping them become more flexible and creative learners across all subjects. As a tonal language, Mandarin requires students to focus on both sound and tone to understand meaning, strengthening listening and cognitive skills. Its character-based writing system also provides rich visual and artistic stimulation. Introducing Mandarin at an early age helps students build strong analytical skills and make connections across subjects.

A Rich Cultural Experience

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, students don’t just learn Mandarin—they experience it. Through fun lessons on Chinese history, traditions, the Mid-Autumn Festival, field trips to the China Institute Gallery and neighborhood Chinese restaurant where students order in Mandarin, and hands-on activities like calligraphy, students gain a deeper appreciation for culture and global perspectives.

student holding up a moon prototype in the mandarin classroom

Integrated, Engaging Learning

Our Mandarin program connects with other areas of study, reinforcing skills in English, math, the arts, and STEM. Students see how language applies in real-world contexts—whether they’re learning numbers, performing in drama, or exploring engineering concepts.

Preparing Students for What’s Next

Mandarin proficiency gives students a meaningful edge for future academic and professional opportunities. More importantly, it helps them develop cultural competency and confidence—qualities that top universities and global employers value highly. For students who wish to continue their Mandarin studies beyond grade 4, we also offer an optional Bridge Mandarin course in grades 5 and 6. This program allows students to strengthen and expand their language skills before continuing Mandarin as their selected world language in grade 7 and beyond.

A Program Students Love

We believe that students learn best when they are engaged and inspired. Through interactive lessons, cultural celebrations, and enrichment opportunities like clubs and Project Week activities, we foster a genuine love for Mandarin that lasts far beyond the classroom.

Give Your Child the Mandarin Advantage

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, Mandarin is more than a language—it’s a pathway to opportunity, understanding, and growth. By combining academic rigor with cultural exploration, we prepare students not just for the next grade, but for a global future.

Join us to experience the fun!

Interested in learning more about how we teach Mandarin? Join us for a fun Mandarin Morning at BASIS Independent Manhattan for children ages 2–5 ! Through songs, storytelling, movement, and games, children will explore the Mandarin language and culture in a warm, engaging classroom environment led by our experienced Subject Expert Teachers. Parents will also have the opportunity to learn more about our Early Learning Program and meet with our team. Whether your child is new to Mandarin or already familiar with the language, this fun and welcoming event is designed for the whole family.

Mandarin Mornings

Ages 2-5

Tuesday, May 26 at 9:00 AM and Friday, May 29 at 9:00 AM

Small Hands, Big Impact: BASIS Independent Manhattan Students Celebrate Earth Day Through Community Action

May 4, 2026 by anjalijoshi Leave a Comment

From Central Park to Riverside Park, our Wildcats set a new cleanup record while learning the power of community action.

This year, On Earth Day, students at BASIS Independent Manhattan traded their usual routines for a meaningful day of service, stepping outside the classroom to help care for some of New York City’s most treasured green spaces.

Now in its fourth year, our annual Earth Day Park Cleanup has become a cherished school tradition—made possible through the leadership and dedication of our Subject Expert Teacher in Math, Ms. LaPierre, who organized and coordinated this impactful event. The initiative brought together two groups of students for a shared mission. Our PreK through Kindergarten students visited Central Park, while students in grades 1–5 traveled to Riverside Park. Equipped with gloves, trash bags, and a strong sense of purpose, students worked together to collect litter and restore the beauty of these parks.

While the amount of trash they encountered was surprising, it only fueled their motivation. Students approached the cleanup with enthusiasm, teamwork, and a clear understanding of why their efforts mattered. From the youngest learners to our upper elementary students, everyone played a role in making a difference.

By the end of the day, their collective impact was undeniable. As a school community, BASIS Independent Manhattan students collected an incredible 96.3 lbs of trash—surpassing our previous record of 90 lbs, and setting a new standard for future service efforts.

After their hard work, students were rewarded with time to play and enjoy the very spaces they helped improve. It was a powerful moment of connection, reinforcing the idea that caring for our environment allows everyone to benefit from it.

This Earth Day event highlights the importance of fostering civic responsibility at a young age. Across New York City, kids are stepping up to take ownership of their communities, and our students are proudly part of that movement. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe that experiences like these help shape compassionate, engaged individuals who understand the value of giving back.

With small hands and big hearts, our students showed that meaningful change can start at any age. It reminded our students that even a small action—like picking up one piece of trash—might not seem like much on its own, but when everyone does their part, it adds up to something big. And sometimes, even a single day of action can leave a lasting impact.

Join us to experience the Wildcat community

PreK – Grade 12 Virtual Information Session

Wednesday, May 6 at 12:00 PM

Spring Group Tours

PreK – Kindergarten | Thursday, May 7 at 8:30 AM

Grades 1 – 5 | Thursday, May 7 at 8:30 AM

Mandarin Mornings

Ages 2-5

Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 AM and Friday, May 29 at 9:00 AM

A Day in Kindergarten at BASIS Independent Bothell

April 24, 2026 by abisoyetaylor Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Bothell, our earliest learners set the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Recently, our Head of School spent a full day immersed in a Kindergarten classroom. His experience offers a window into how curiosity, confidence, and community take root from the very beginning.

A reflection shared by our Head of School, Mr. Robert Runyon

On a typical Monday, I’m usually haunting our hallways, popping into classrooms, and catching up with our school’s administrators and teachers. This week, I got to take on an even more important mantle: I got to be a Kindergartener for a day. Ms. Lark, Ms. Pfeiffer, and all of the students in KH welcomed me into their room to be one of them. I, along with the students, had so much fun and learned so much.

Morning Meeting and Big Ideas

Morning Meeting at BASIS Independent Bothell Kindergarten Classroom

The day started with Morning Meeting, and we all got to sing our welcome song to each other in our circle, celebrating each and every member of the class. Ms. Lark had a big question for the group: what would you do if you were Head of School for the day? They really gave me a lot of food for thought – banning all cars from the parking lot to create an even bigger playground, having students be teachers and teachers be students, and the perennial favorite of no homework ever. I was so proud of their confidence and advocacy as they shared their ideas.

Learning Through Literacy, Movement, and Mindfulness

After that, we moved into our literacy practice in pairs, where we got to use dice to help us practice using different vowel sounds in whole sentences. Nova was so nice in showing me how to roll the dice and ensuring it stayed on the table.

After that academic focus, we were able to go out to recess and climb on the giant web in the middle playground before transitioning to a Mindful Monday in Movement class. Ms. Tello had us doing paired yoga, a perfect opportunity to break out my Tree and Dancer poses. My partners weren’t impressed with my inability to do the full splits, though. I’ll keep working on it.

Kindergarten Movement Class at BASIS Indendent Bothell

Language, Culture, and Community

Then, we got to work up an appetite in our Mandarin class, where Ms. Wang introduced us to fast food vocabulary. We were thinking about hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, soda, and juice through dancing, singing, drawing, and writing. At lunch, we were able to talk about what we were eating and some of our favorite activities inside and outside of school.

Math, Engineering, and Collaboration

When we came back to class for the second half of the day, Ms. Lark had all of us practice place value through using Skittles as manipulatives. The discipline that my classmates had with dozens of Skittles in front of them throughout the room was monklike. The candy all remained uneaten throughout the activity. Patience isn’t just the name of one of their teachers, it’s something inherent to our kids.

In our Engineering class, we got to expand on our aerodynamics knowledge by not just making paper airplanes, but also making circular gliders. I was grateful to Mihir for showing me how to be a good collaborator at my table and how to make sure we kept supplies organized for our friends to use them later on.

Science, Creativity, and Wonder

Back in the KH classroom, Ms. Pfeiffer led us through a lesson about the characteristics and biomes of dinosaurs. As we were talking, one of my classmates explained how the colors of dinosaurs can contribute to them being able to survive longer in different environments and not go extinct. It took me a second to get my jaw off the ground before I started drawing my own green stegosaurus. After a few pointers from Miya, I think I made something special.

After that, we closed out the day with Enrichment, where I got to work in our play kitchen. I was surprised when the kids told me spaghetti and meatballs isn’t a good sandwich topping.

Why Kindergarten Matters

Being part of Kindergarten for the day reminded me of another reason why I love being a Head of School: I get to contribute to the incredible journey these students are on. I remember their first day and how uncertain they were and how tentative they were both with their new friendships and with their academics. Now I see them praising and supporting each other as they read out sentences and paragraphs.

I strongly believe that while graduation rates and college placements are the evidence of success of school, the key to the long-term health of a school starts right in Kindergarten. If you are supporting and enabling the curiosity of these students and giving them the skills to flourish as people early on, there’s no limit to what they can accomplish. As I write this days later, I feel like my day as a Kindergartener helped me grow, too.

Experience Kindergarten at BASIS Independent Bothell

Curious to see what Kindergarten looks like in action? We invite prospective families to join us for Kindergarten Preview Week, a series of opportunities designed to help you explore our program, meet our educators, and experience our campus community.

Kindergarten Preview Week Events:

Virtual Information Session | Tuesday, April 28 at 12:00 PM PT
A convenient way to learn about our program from home.

Head of School Kindergarten Campus Tour | Wednesday, April 29 at 12:15 PM PT
Get an inside look at our classrooms and meet school leadership.

After‑School Clubs Campus Tour | Thursday, April 30 at 4:00 PM PT
Explore the enrichment opportunities that extend beyond the school day.

Free Play & Meet the Teachers | Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 AM PT
A family‑friendly favorite! Your child can explore, play, and connect with our Kindergarten team.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus and sharing more about how learning begins in Kindergarten at BASIS Independent Bothell.

Gaining the Parent Perspective

April 23, 2026 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

On April 18^th, current parents at BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Lower School campus sat down with prospective families to share what life at the school is really like. Their message was clear and consistent: strong academics paired with personalized academic support, a genuine love of learning, meaningful school-family partnership, and a rich cultural and artistic environment are what define the experience here.

Read on for a recap of the conversation.

Strong Academics

For the families on the panel, academic strength was the top reason they chose BASIS Independent Brooklyn. Parents described an environment that raises the bar and trusts students to rise to the challenge given the proper support to do so, with one parent saying that the school treats children like “sponges” rather than underestimating what they are capable of doing in the classroom.

Parents cited examples from history and STEM classes, in particular a project where their PreK student learned about the body by constructing a whole “suit” of organs that they wore with things like plastic bags representing lungs and a paper towel roll for the esophagus. Several contrasted their experience here with prior schools that felt less challenging or lacked clear academic standards. One parent noted that BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s commitment to curriculum stood out even during remote learning. She described our school as one of the only schools that maintained a clear academic focus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the board, parents felt confident that their children were receiving meaningful, high-quality instruction.

Academic Growth Supported

Academic growth is supported through a culture of individualized help, anchored by the school’s Student Hours system. Teachers offer after-school sessions where students can review assignments or classwork with teachers in a low-pressure setting. One parent commented that Student Hours are not seen as negative at all, as was the case when she was growing up. It is a great system for getting students caught up or for those who need more review. One parent’s child progressed rapidly in writing through these sessions combined with home practice.

The panel reinforced how the culture around Student Hours is normal and inclusive, with most kids participating at some point. This approach helps students address gaps quickly and builds confidence in their learning.

It is also worth noting that in PreK through Grade 4, BASIS Independent Brooklyn classes have a unique two-teacher model, with two teachers in the classroom with deep knowledge of effective pedagogical techniques and expertise. These two teachers work together to guide students in making vital connections inside and outside the classroom, delivering lessons to elicit student engagement and inspire a joy of learning.

School Community and Partnership

Parents spoke warmly about the strength of the school-family partnership. Weekly Parent Fridays invite families into the classrooms, giving children the chance to show their grown-ups what they have been working on and their classroom. This boosts excitement and connection.

Outside of school, the community extends into social life. Birthday parties, informal gatherings, and school-organized events outside of school foster close relationships among parents.

Parents noted that the school is great about organizing special events outside of school, such as the Community Art event happening after the Open House. These events create a relaxed, less structured way for lasting friendships to form among both children and their parents and guardians.

Cultural and Artistic Programming

Parents were enthusiastic about the school’s hands-on cultural and artistic programming, describing it as both enriching and developmentally appropriate. Regular cultural celebrations encourage students to learn about different heritages through food, movement, music, and art.

One parent gave the example that this year’s music classes included Latin American styles taught by Mr. Peebles, who has a master’s degree in music as well as a degree in Hispanic Studies, adding unique value. Students performed Winter Concerts showcasing their new cultural dance skills, and that was wonderful.

Art classes introduce students to a range of techniques and foundational principles, and drama programs and music education contribute to a well-rounded school experience beyond core academics. Specials including Mandarin, early STEM, art, music, movement, and drama create a comprehensive enrichment environment.

Thank you to all our parent panelists for a wonderful conversation. Your candor and insights made for a truly enriching conversation, and the families in attendance were so glad to hear your perspectives.

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BASIS Independent Brooklyn 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 Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

“Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Kindergarten” – Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies

April 1, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

BASIS Independent Bellevue Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies

My first experience with our Early Years program took place in Bangkok and it changed my life as an educator, specifically when it came to Kindergarten. I have always valued the fact that we offer our teachers autonomy when it comes to the implementation of our curriculum. But, I don’t think that I ever truly understood the value of this process until I watched learning come to life in a plethora of engaging ways for our Kindergarten students.

Our curriculum is written in a way that allows us to build key literacy skills while also focusing on strong math foundations, making scientific discoveries, and learning about historical events. We incorporate music, art, drama, and engineering as a way to help our students have hands-on experiences and engage different learning styles. In Kindergarten our kids get to explore, play, pretend, and create in such meaningful ways. But most of all, they get to have so much fun while doing it.

What I loved the most about this was how much I learned as a school leader. I realized that the emphasis on fun in Kindergarten was only the beginning. The idea that we could create real-world and meaningful scenarios to supplement the learning process was one that needed to be shared. Kindergarten is where your child’s education journey will begin with us and what a fun adventure it can be!

As the Head of School at BASIS International School Bangkok, I loved visiting our Kindergarten classrooms and partnering with those teachers to be creative in their approach to the learning process. While studying medieval times as a part of their History unit, our Kindergarten students participated in a joust tournament. Who knew that a history lesson could include skateboards and pool noodles in such a meaningful way! Our Kindergarten students chose their own knight names, they had crests, and even celebrated victory with a family style feast afterwards. (I feel like it should be noted that no Kinder knights were harmed in the implementation of the learning)

But the learning didn’t stop there. As an additional part of this unit, our students built catapults in Engineering and tested them by working as teams to test their catapults and destroy an enemy castle. I will note that this was the first time as a Head of School that I had to dodge marbles that were being propelled as I observed a classroom! The hazard was worth the reward of watching our young learners be so actively involved in the learning process.

That same year, I got the opportunity to purchase one of my most prized possessions in the Kindergarten Market. The “streets” of our school library came to life with a variety of vendors selling everything from snacks to rare items. As a part of this market, our Kindergartners learned to put their math and language skills to work. I quickly learned not to be fooled by their sweet and smiling faces as they told me that I got a “special deal” as the Head of School. My experience left me asking the very important question, “What exactly is a fair market price for a genuine dragon egg?” I was equally concerned when several of them simply avoided my questions about if and when it would hatch. I am happy to report two things. The first is that my students did an excellent job calculating the appropriate change, applying discounts, and working on their English speaking skills. The second is that the same dragon egg still sits in my office (unhatched) as a reminder of how fun it is to be a part of the learning process alongside my students.

Being a Head of School with a full Early Years Program made me a better school leader. Getting the opportunity to work alongside creative educators and see all of the ways that learning could come to life in fun and engaging ways allowed me to coach my staff and remind them of the importance of maintaining our rigor while never losing sight of the fact that students make the strongest connections to the material they are being taught when they are immersed in an experience that brings them joy. My Kindergarten teaching team never missed an opportunity to make a connection, build learning skills, or stand out on our campus. Even their Halloween costumes were exceptional!

But, the point of this is to highlight how much I love watching students enter our program and grow as individuals and learners. This phenomenal teaching and active engagement that ensued served as a constant reminder of the importance of being creative in your approach and helping students build important character traits alongside strong foundational skills. If only every day could feel as fun and rewarding as a day of learning in a BASIS Independent School Kindergarten classroom. The lesson that I learned as a Head of School was that everything that I needed to know about building community and the learning process was being beautifully demonstrated in my Kindergarten classrooms.

I am excited about the opportunities that my experience will create when it comes to adding a Kindergarten at BASIS Independent Bellevue. One of the most exceptional things about our Kindergarten curriculum is that it gives our teachers room to explore imaginative ideas. Our goal is to combine a child’s natural curiosity with learning outcomes that inspire interest and instill a love of learning.

We want our students to be challenged so we create a learning environment that is exploratory in nature and allows students to arrive at natural conclusions on their own. Children learn in a variety of ways and, therefore, it is important to create lessons that allow them to learn and explore. I love watching my Thai students develop and grow over the course of the year and can’t wait to work with our future Kindergarten teachers to make learning just as meaningful and fun!

Check our Admissions Page for more details on how to apply for our inaugural Kindergarten year in Fall 2026!

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!

Step Into Our Spring Open Houses at BASIS Independent McLean!

March 10, 2026 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes a season of growth and new beginnings. As our Rolling Admissions Cycle has just begun, we invite you to experience our vibrant learning community firsthand at one of our Spring Open House events this March and April, listed below.

With each event focused on different age groups, you will have the opportunity to get a comprehensive picture of what the learning and student experience will look like for your child as a BASIS Independent McLean Red-Tailed Hawk!

Spring Open Houses

Programs	Date and Time
PreK-K (ages 3–5)	Friday, March 20, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Grades 1–3	Friday, April 10, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Grades 4–5	Monday, March 23, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Grades 6–8	Thursday, March 26, 9:00 – 10:30 AM
Grade 9	Friday, April 17, 9:00 – 10:30 AM

In just one morning, you will get to know our PreK–K, Grades 1–3, Grades 4–5, Grades 6–8, or Grade 9 programs. Meet the teachers who will guide your child’s learning journey, connect with current parents who can share their experience in our welcoming community, and tour our campus while school is in session—all alongside our Head of School and Associate Head of School.

Registration is required, and seats are limited, so register today!

As sunshine returns and birds fill our playgrounds once again, we look forward to welcoming you to experience the energy, warmth, and academic excellence that define our community!

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.

Top 3 Reasons Families Visit Our Spring Open House

February 26, 2026 by anjalijoshi Leave a Comment

Are you seeking an exceptional educational experience for your child in Manhattan?

Whether you are searching for an innovative liberal arts and STEM curriculum, hoping to meet our passionate educators, or eager to connect with current students and parents, our Spring Open Houses offer the perfect introduction to our distinctive PreK—Grade 12 program.

Here are the top 3 reasons to join us!

Educational Excellence – Where Curious Minds Succeed

Each Open House begins with a dynamic presentation sharing our visionary founding story and the transformative BASIS Curriculum. Families will gain insight into our supportive culture and the enriching student experience that defines the BASIS Independent Manhattan Wildcats.

From advanced academics to meaningful relationships and personal growth, you will learn how our approach builds strong foundations, confidence, and the skills students need to thrive in college and beyond—without losing sight of curiosity or joy in learning.

Meet Our Teachers Who Inspire Students Every Day

A highlight of this event is the opportunity to explore our campuses alongside the educators who bring learning to life every day. As you tour classrooms and learning spaces, you will meet our dedicated Learning Expert Teachers and Subject Expert Teachers and hear firsthand how they inspire curiosity, elevate critical thinking, and nurture each student’s potential.

From the joyful discovery of Lower School through the advanced scholarship of Upper School, our hands-on approach fosters both confidence and a genuine love of learning—preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Experience Our Community & Wildcat Spirit

Beyond academics, BASIS Independent Manhattan is a community. During our Open Houses, you can connect with current students and parents to hear their authentic perspectives about daily life, opportunities, and traditions. Their stories offer a genuine glimpse into what it means to be a Wildcat—engaged, ambitious, and supported.

April Open Houses

Lower School: PreK–Grade 5
Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 AM
795 Columbus Avenue (UWS)

Upper School: Grades 6–12
Sunday, April 26 at 10:00 AM
556 W 22 Street (Chelsea)

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

We look forward to seeing you on campus 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

Who Is a BASIS Independent Bothell Student? Understanding Our Community Through Our CORAL Values

February 11, 2026 by abisoyetaylor Leave a Comment

Every admissions season brings wonderful conversations with families as they discover our program and school. This year, one question stands out above the rest which is, “Who is a BASIS Independent Bothell Student?”

As a founding school in our first year, this question comes up often and it’s an important one. While our admissions process is comprehensive and considers every part of a student’s application, what truly helps families understand our environment is getting to know the qualities and values that define our students. When we speak with our Learning and Subject Expert Teachers, and administrators across our campus, the same themes surface. Our community is grounded in the CORAL values that shape the BASIS Independent Bothell experience: Curiosity, Ownership, Respect, Advocacy, and Loyalty.

These values are not admissions requirements. Instead, they reflect the environment students thrive in and the traits that naturally develop as they grow within our classrooms. Understanding CORAL gives families a meaningful picture of the kind of learning community we are building. One centered on exploration, responsibility, character, and connection.

Curiosity at BASIS Independent Bothell: The Spark That Drives Learning

Curiosity is foundational to a BASIS Independent Bothell student. It fuels engagement, inspires creativity, and drives students to ask thoughtful questions.

Our Dean of Students, Ms. Cales, describes our students as “ambitious, hardworking, and curious.” That curiosity shows up in science investigations, literature discussions, math problem-solving, and each moment where students lean into learning with enthusiasm.

Mr. Sturm, a Primary Math and Science Subject Expert Teacher, echoed this, calling his students “curious, tenacious, and joyful.” These qualities reflect our learners’ determination to explore new ideas and the joy they find in discovery.

In our Kindergarten Early Learning Teacher, Ms. Gray shared similar observations, describing her young scholars as “kind, curious, and collaborative,” adding that “these are skills that will benefit our students throughout their lives.” Curiosity starts early and only grows as students advance through our program.

Ownership: Building Responsibility and Confidence

Ownership emerges when students take responsibility for their learning, reflect on progress, and take pride in their growth.

Primary and Middle School Math Subject Expert Teacher Ms. Perleberg describes her students as “ambitious, mature, and compassionate.” That maturity often shows up in the way students manage their time, set goals, ask for help when needed, and take initiative. Ownership is a skill that supports long-term academic success and personal development.

Respect: Creating a Positive and Inclusive School Culture

Respect is one of the first values families notice when visiting our campus. It is reflected in the way students speak to their Learning and Subject Expert Teachers, collaborate with peers, and care for their learning environment.

A culture of respect helps students feel safe sharing ideas, making mistakes, and taking academic risks. This foundation supports meaningful collaboration and helps students build strong social emotional skills.

Advocacy: Empowering Students to Use Their Voice

Advocacy helps students learn how to communicate confidently and respectfully. It emerges when a student asks a question, seeks clarity, requests help, or stands up for a peer.

As students grow, advocacy becomes a key part of their learning journey. It builds independence, leadership, and emotional resilience which are all essential for long-term success.

Loyalty: Strengthening Our School Community

Loyalty develops naturally within a supportive school community. In our founding year, this value has been especially strong. Students, families, and faculty are building traditions, shaping culture, and creating a sense of belonging together.

Loyalty inspires our students to support one another, take pride in their work, and invest in the community they are helping to build.

The Bigger Picture: What Defines a BASIS Independent Bothell Student?

When we asked teachers across multiple grade levels to describe the kind of student who thrives here, a consistent picture emerged:

These qualities shared by Ms. Perleberg, Ms. Cales, Mr. Sturm, and Ms. Gray reflect who our students become when they are immersed in a learning environment shaped by these CORAL values.

They are not criteria for enrollment. They are the characteristics that naturally develop within a community that values curiosity, ownership, respect, advocacy, and loyalty.

Ready to Learn More About BASIS Independent Bothell?

If these values resonate with your family and you’d like to explore whether our school is the right fit for your child, we would love to connect.

Schedule a campus tour

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We look forward to partnering with families who share our belief in a community built on curiosity, integrity, and lifelong learning.