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Top Five Blogs of 2025!

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As we celebrate the new year, we’re excited to reflect on the stories, insights, and moments that resonated most with our community in 2025. From timely updates to thoughtful perspectives, these blogs sparked conversations and captured what mattered most to our readers.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and engaging with us throughout the year! 

#1 Campus Floor Plans Revealed!

Excitement is building as we take the next step toward opening our brand-new campus! With construction well underway, we are thrilled to share the floor plans that will shape the daily experiences of our students, teachers, and families. Every detail, from the flow of classrooms and collaboration spaces to the design of common areas and outdoor learning environments, has been carefully considered to foster curiosity, community, and a culture of joyful learning.  

Click Here to View Floor Plans!

#2 Class of 2025 College Acceptances Announced

BASIS Independent Schools continues to set the standard nationally for academic excellence. The Class of 2025 represents 206 graduates across five high schools—BASIS Independent Brooklyn, Fremont, Manhattan, McLean, and Silicon Valley. From coast to coast, our graduates have earned admission to the world’s top colleges and universities, demonstrating that they are ready to lead, excel, and contribute.

View the College Acceptances Here

#3 BASIS Curriculum Schools Exchange Program

This fall, BASIS Independent Fremont embarked on an extraordinary journey—one that brought five students from BASIS International School Bangkok to the Fremont campus and community for nearly three weeks. From October 12 to 30, Prann, Tiantian, Jiban, Panpan, and Titi became part of the BASIS Independent Fremont community, bringing with them the vibrant spirit of Thailand and a shared commitment to academic excellence that defines the BASIS Curriculum worldwide. 

Click Here to Read More!

#4 Meet the Winner of the 2025 Fellows Scholarship

To kick off a new year of Senior Projects, we are sharing a conversation with the inspiring winner of the 2025 Fellows Scholarship, a $10,000 prize awarded annually to one project. Maxim Smelyansky, a Class of 2025 graduate of BASIS Independent Brooklyn, their 2025 Valedictorian, and current Stanford University student, impressed our committee with his project titled The Future of American High-Speed Rail: Analyzing and Discovering the Most Effective High-Speed Rail Development Methods on Promising Rail Corridors in the United States.

Click Here to Read Maxim’s Interview!

#5 Introducing the BASIS Independent Dublin Mascot

A school mascot is much more than a symbol. It represents the heart and spirit of the entire community. It unites students, teachers, and families under a shared identity, creating a sense of belonging and pride that extends far beyond the classroom. The mascot helps build tradition and school spirit, inspiring students to support one another, celebrate achievements, and face challenges together. Whether it’s cheered for at games, displayed in hallways, or worn on school swag, the mascot reminds everyone that they are part of something bigger – a community that values teamwork, perseverance, and pride in who they are.

Meet Our Mascot

Our Winter Open House Has SNOW Much to Experience!

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On Saturday, January 24, BASIS Independent McLean (BIM) will open our doors and warmly welcome you to our Winter Open House! 

Open House is the best way to learn about our advanced curriculum, discover our talented subject expert teachers, and meet our dynamic students and parents. 

Please join our Open House on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Click here to register! 

Open House Structure: 

Doors open at 8:40, and our program will begin promptly at 9:00 AM. Please review the section below for your child’s grade of interest. Students are encouraged to join us as well. 
 
Toddler–Kindergarten (The Early Learning Program) 
Program Time: 9:00 AM–10:45 AM 

Visit our Early Learning Program (ELP), where our youngest students learn and grow. Hear from Early Learning Expert Teachers, administrators, and parents as you learn how BIM fosters curiosity, exploration, and creativity. ELP families are encouraged to stay for a campus tour at the conclusion of the program. 
 
Grades 1–4 (The Primary Program) 
Program Time: 9:00 AM–10:45 AM 

Visit with our Learning Expert and Subject Expect Teachers, where you will learn about our unique two-teacher model. From math and science to humanities, Mandarin, the arts, engineering, and more, hear about our focus on teaching students how to learn and how we spark a lifelong love of learning. 
 
Following the program, Primary families are encouraged to stay for a campus tour. 

Grades 5–8 (The Middle School Program) 
Program Time: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM 

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, and from our students who address questions about a day in the life of a Red-Tailed Hawk. Plus, learn about the many athletic and academic competition teams, student clubs, and international trips. Student Ambassadors will also be leading campus tours, giving visitors the opportunity to get a feel for our dynamic learning environment. 
 
Grades 9 and Above (The High School Program) 
Program Time: 9:00 AM–11:00 AM 

Educating tomorrow’s great innovators, pioneers, and thought leaders requires a well-rounded curriculum—one with breadth and depth across academic disciplines. The High School Program is designed to allow you the opportunity to meet students, faculty, and administrators as you and your child learn about high school at BIM, including our unique Senior Year. The High School Program will conclude with a Networking Mixer with our Student Ambassadors, teachers, and school leadership.  Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour our campus, led by our Student Ambassadors, for a first-hand look at our labs and learning spaces. 

Don’t miss this interactive experience! Click here to register for our Winter Open House. We hope you will enjoy this special opportunity to get to know our Red-Tailed Hawk community. We look forward to meeting you soon! 

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.

Step Inside Grade 8 at BASIS Independent Bellevue with Megna P.!

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Meet Megna P., a beloved grade 8 student at BASIS Independent Bellevue! Megna is a brand new student to our campus, having just joined BLV in fall 2025 and we couldn’t be more excited to have her as a part of our Mountaineer Community!

Although it is just her first year at BASIS Independent Bellevue, Megna was eager to get involved on campus and is already a part of National Junior Honor Society and our Student Ambassador program. Outside of school Megna loves music. She enjoys playing the flute, violin, and singing! Megna was kind enough to let us follow her around for a day, so we could highlight all of the wonderful aspects of being a grade 8 student at BASIS Independent Bellevue.

Period 1: Algebra and Geometry II

Megna begins each day in Algebra and Geometry II with Ms. Illiescu. When students join BASIS Independent Bellevue in grade 5–9 they are all invited to take an optional math placement exam, which allows us to asses their skills and appropriately determine their math level. Algebra and Geometry II build upon the concepts introduced in Algebra and Geometry I, such as solving equations and inequalities with absolute value quadratic and logarithmic equations, and working with complex numbers and trigonometric functions of right triangles. Students will also be introduced to proofs in geometry with similar and congruent figures, circles and their parts, lines, and planes. With this knowledge, next year Megna will be ready to take on a Pre-Calc course in grade 9!

Period 2: Biology

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, students take Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as separate classes for all three years of middle school. This prepares the students to be ready to take honors and AP level science classes when they enter high school!

On this day, Megna is headed to Biology for period 2. Biology is her favorite subject. She loves how Dr. Dornhoffer encouragers her to ask questions and creates engaging labs that amplifying her knowledge and interest in the subject even further. In this course students study and apply the scientific method, describe the chemistry of life, analyze cell structure and function, and explain the drivers of cellular transport. Students also describe the processes of living organisms like photosynthesis and cellular respiration. To demonstrate her learning of the cell cycle, Megna got to design and create a board game based on the cell cycle.

Period 3: Chemistry

After Biology Megna is headed off to Chemistry with Ms. Abele. This course includes more advanced principles of atomic structure, elements, compounds, molar quantities, and the periodic table. Students are also introduced to high level concepts such as gas laws, stoichiometry, and types of reactions. Megna’s favorite lab so far this year has been the density lab. In the density lab, Megna measured the mass and volume of an aluminum foil shape and calculated the density based on the ratio of mass to volume. The class then compiled their data to test if they were accurate and precise with their measurements and calculations.

Period 4: U.S. History

Megna is then headed to U.S. History with Mr. Tyler! Megna enjoys having Mr. Tyler as a teacher for his keen ability to bring history to life through stories and his well timed jokes. This course is specifically focused on the history of the United States from the Pre-Columbian Era through the turn of the 20th century. In grade 6-8 our history department prepares students to be ready to take AP level history courses beginning in grade 9. Megna shared that this year she enjoyed creating a trifold for their Founding Father’s Project. Megna chose to research and create the trifold about Robert R. Livingston.

After a busy morning Megna is off to a well-deserved lunch and recess break. All students at BLV get a recess break after their lunch. This is a chance for students to connect with their friends outside of class and enjoy a break from their studies.

Period 5: Physics

Megna’s next period of the day is Physics with Ms. Englert-Erickson. In this course students will learn topics such as kinematics, forces, energy, gravitation, momentum, electrostatics, electricity, and light waves throughout the course of the year. Using the concepts learned, students will develop the ability to pose a scientific argument and present scientific evidence to support a claim.

Period 6: AE (Academic Enrichment)

Following Physics, Megna has her Academic Enrichment or AE course with Mr. Ballantyne. AE is a daily twenty-minute period that students have for studying and homework completion. Additionally, every Monday during AE time is Mountaineer Monday, a dedicated time for students to engage in social-emotional learning with their AE teacher, using our wellness curriculum CharacterStrong.

Period 7: English

Megna then heads to Period 7, English, with Ms. Forrest. In this course, students broaden their exposure to a variety of literary genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, while learning to produce thoughtful, well-argued analyses. This year, students read the novel Frankenstein, and Megna especially enjoyed creating a castle-shaped trifold project that highlighted the novel’s gothic themes.

Period 8: Creative Writing

Megna then ends each day in her Creative Writing course with Ms. Fischer. In grade 8, students get to choose one elective course that they would like to take for the year. This year our grade 8 students could choose Creative Writing, Art Studio 2D, or Band. Megna chose Creative Writing as her elective because she has always had a passion for writing her own stories. This year she is most proud of her creation myth about how the sun and moon came to be.

Mandarin

Another important part of Megna’s school day is her Mandarin class that she has three times a week. Starting in grade 7 students get to choose a world language they would like to study. Currently at BLV we offer Mandarin, Latin, Spanish or French for student to choose from. Megna has been taking Mandarin with a teacher outside of school for a few years before she chose it as her world language this year.

When asked why she chose to study Mandarin as her world language, Megna shared, “I felt that as a non-native Mandarin speaker, taking Mandarin would allow me to explore a new language. Mandarin has two components to it, characters and Pinyin, which makes it challenging, especially for non-native speakers. It has been rewarding to see my progress.” Reflecting on her first year of Mandarin at BLV, Megna added, “Ms. Zhang, my Mandarin teacher, has also been very supportive and encouraging since my first day here, and the small class size provides each student with a lot of individual attention. A special memory that comes to mind is that all my classmates in my Mandarin class came up with a Chinese name for me, which made me connect with my peers.”

As students join BLV in different grade levels our World Language teachers are experts in differentiation and supporting students at their various levels in the language they are learning.

After school Megna is headed home to practice her flute or violin. Megna is a fabulous representative of what it means to be a BASIS Independent Bellevue Mountaineer. Megna exemplifies our community values of PACE which stand for, perseverance, active, community and empathy. Megna has shown her perseverance in all of her classes by working hard to excel in the rigorous curriculum at BLV. You can always count on Megna for a warm smile and hello when you see her around campus. We are so grateful to Megna and her family for allowing her to partner with us on creating this blog!

Top 5 FAQs About BASIS Independent Bothell and Why You Should Join Our January Open House

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Choosing the right private school in Bothell for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At BASIS Independent Bothell, we know families want clarity on daily routines, academics, student life, and what sets our program apart from other Seattle private schools.

Below are answers to the top five most frequently asked questions from prospective parents, plus why our January Open House is the best way to experience our school firsthand.

1. What are the school drop-off and dismissal times?

Our campus opens at 7:00 AM with a free Early Bird Program before classes. Dismissal runs from 3:20–4:20 PM, and Late Bird after-school care is available until 6:00 PM.

2. What activities and clubs do you offer?

Learning at BASIS Independent Bothell doesn’t end when the school day does. Students can participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including robotics, chess, speech & debate, art & music, coding, and athletics. Whether your child is passionate about STEM, performing arts, athletics, or discovering new interests, our programs provide meaningful opportunities to grow, explore, and connect.

3. Do you have a preschool program?

At this time, BASIS Independent Bothell serves Kindergarten through Grade 12. Students entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old by September 30 of the year they enroll.

4. What is the student-teacher ratio?

Kindergarten classes have about 20 students with an Early Learning Teacher and an Early Learning Teaching Fellow. Grades 1–4 average 25 students with a Learning Expert Teacher (LET) and Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) for each subject. Grades 5–12 also average 25 students per class with a Subject Expert Teacher. This structure allows students to build relationships with teachers while benefiting from experts in every subject area.

5. How do you support new student transitions?

Transitioning to a new school, especially one with a rigorous academic program, can feel overwhelming. We provide support every step of the way through daily guidance from Learning Expert Teachers, advisory programs for older grades, academic support during Student Hours, and family communication through Parent Hours. Our Dean, Student Affairs Director, and School Counselor provide emotional and social support to ensure every student feels confident and prepared.

See It All in Action at Our January Open House!

Reading about a school is helpful, but truly understanding our program, culture, and teachers happens best in person. Join us for our January Open House, where you’ll see why BASIS Independent Bothell is becoming one of the most sought-after private schools in the Seattle area.


Why Attend?

If you’re searching for a private school in Bothell, WA, or exploring Seattle-area private schools known for academic excellence, this event is your chance to see what makes BASIS Independent Bothell unique.

Sign up here

Join a community built on Curiosity, Ownership, Respect, Advocacy, and Loyalty!

What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

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

What is the Family Meeting? 

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

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

When are the meetings held? 

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

Who is required to attend the Family Meeting? 

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

What if we are applying for more than one student? 

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

When does the meeting have to take place? 

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

How do we register for a Family Meeting? 

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

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

How long is the Family Meeting? 

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

Who will we be meeting with? 

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

What questions will we be asked? 

The meeting is our chance to get to know you and your child more in a one-on-one setting. We may ask you questions about why you’re interested in BIM, your child’s academic and non-academic interests, and even what they like to do with their free time.  

We discourage any formal interview prep, as it tends to make students more nervous when we are just trying to get to know them. We want all students to feel comfortable and be themselves. 

How will the Family Meeting be held? 

You will receive a reminder email 24 hours before your meeting time with a Zoom link to your virtual meeting. When your meeting time arrives, please log in to the Zoom meeting.

Can we ask questions at the end?  

If there is time, yes! But always note who you are speaking to. Whoever hosts your meeting will always introduce themselves and let you know their role at the school. If their role is not in relation to your question, they will let you know and encourage you to reach out to the Admissions Team for an answer.  

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

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

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

What to Know About the ISEE

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

What is the Entrance Exam? 

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

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

How will your Entrance Exam be conducted this year? 

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

What is a passing score on the Entrance Exam? 

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

How will I learn the results of the Entrance Exam? 

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

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

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

What material is tested on the Entrance Exam? 

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

How long does the Entrance Exam take? 

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

The Primary Exam (Grades 2-4) 

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

Lower Level (Grades 5-6) 

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

Middle Level (Grades 7-8) 

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

Upper Level (Grades 9-10) 

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

Can my student prepare for the ISEE? 

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

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

What should my student bring to the exam? 

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

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

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

When should we arrive on campus for the exam? 

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

How do I sign up for an exam? 

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

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

When is the next In-Person Entrance Exam date? 

Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8:30 AM 

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

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

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

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

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

Get to Know Our Alumni: Join Us at Our Upcoming Panels

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At BASIS Independent Fremont, we believe that one of the best ways to understand our school is to hear directly from those who have walked our hallways—from students who recently moved up to our Middle School Program to graduates now navigating college life.

On Saturday, November 15, we invite prospective families to connect with two unique panels of alumni:

TK–Grade 5 Alumni Panel: 10:00 AM

Current grade 6 students will share their early journey through the Lower School—how curiosity, creativity, and confidence were nurtured here.

Grades 6–12 Alumni Panel (Class of 2025): 11:30 AM

A conversation with recent graduates who will reflect on how their Upper School experience at BASIS Independent Fremont prepared them for college and beyond.

These sessions offer an authentic glimpse into the day-to-day life at BASIS Independent Fremont—from classroom moments to extracurricular adventures to the independence of senior year. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions about curriculum, student life, clubs, and how the community supports students’ growth both academically and personally.

Whether you’re exploring for the first time or comparing schools, this is a chance to hear how BASIS Independent Fremont students think, reflect, and thrive—at every stage of their journey. You’ll walk away with deeper insight into our culture, our approach, and what makes our community distinctly supportive and challenging in all the right ways.

Ready to join us? Register here for the panel that fits your focus—or attend both and experience the full spectrum of the BASIS Independent Fremont journey.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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

Demystifying Admissions: What to Expect at Your Family Meeting 

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At BASIS Independent Brooklyn, we embrace students and families who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and inspiring community. We work hard to cultivate a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students find joy both in class and in our community!  

What is the Family Meeting? 

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

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

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

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

Who is required to attend the Family Meeting? 

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

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

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

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

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

What if we are applying for more than one student? 

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

Primary Program Art Class – Photo by Mark Opirhory

When does the meeting have to take place? 

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

How do we register for a Family Meeting? 

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

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

How long is the Family Meeting? 

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

How will the Family Meeting be held? 

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

Can we ask questions during the meeting?  

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

What happens after the Family Meeting? 

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

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

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

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

PreK Class Morning Meeting – Photo by Troy House

Top 10 Questions Asked Every Admissions Season: Part Two

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The Early Admissions deadline is only two weeks away! Every admissions season, we field hundreds of questions about the admissions process, our program, the transition, student life, electives, extracurriculars, and much more! We are always happy to hear from and speak with every one of our families, and we have found that many of the same questions tend to come up often.

Keep reading below to learn more about the second half of the top ten questions asked every admissions season. Click here to read Part One.

5. How much homework should students expect in Middle and High School?

This depends on the student, their core classes, electives, after-school activities, and even what time of year it is, especially in High School. Grade 5 students will typically see an hour to an hour and a half of homework every night, but that will depend on the day and the student. Grade 6 -7 students will have 60 to 90 minutes of homework. Grade 8 students, as they prepare for our High School program, could have 90 to 120 minutes of homework each night, but that once again depends on the student and their schedule.

Our Student Affairs Team assists in monitoring homework, but since each student, their work habits, and their personal schedules can vary, it is hard to say an exact time for each grade.

6. With such a demanding course load, do students even have time for clubs and sports?

Absolutely! Over 80% of our student body participates in at least one extracurricular activity at our school every year, including clubs, competitive teams, and interscholastic athletics, but our answer to this is, “it always depends on the student.” We have High School students taking 6 AP classes and participating in 2 to 3 extracurricular activities, but we also have Lower School students who take their required coursework and only have time to participate in one club.

Students are given the tools to learn and practice organization, time management, and work and study habits, but no two students are alike. It is more important to us that our students learn to take on only what they can handle, challenge themselves when appropriate, and learn when and if they need to turn their focus elsewhere. Many students may play a sport or participate in a club on campus ,but also engage in an activity outside of school, such as ballet or martial arts.

Our students learn to manage their time while exploring and enjoying their extracurricular interests and passions.

7. What is your teacher hiring process?

We believe academic degrees or experience in the disciplines taught, and a passion for that subject, are the most important tools for inspiring deep content understanding in students. Our selective hiring process screens for candidates who are committed to sharing their expertise and helping students become the best versions of themselves. All final candidates are invited to conduct a Teacher Demo, where the Head of School assembles a classroom of our students to observe.

Candidates are given the opportunity to teach a lesson, challenge students, showcase their passion for their subject area, as well as show their ability to communicate high-level subject matter to young students. Our students take these sessions seriously; they know their feedback weighs heavily on our hiring decisions. Some new faculty members have been teaching for years in college preparatory or university settings. Others are leaving a research lab or corporate job to leap into a new career and share their experience and applied knowledge with BASIS Independent students.

8. What is your student-to-teacher ratio in the classroom?

Our overall student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1, but class sizes vary according to division and course content. Our Early Learning Program (Toddler-Kindergarten) will have around 20 students to two teachers (3 teachers for Toddlers) per classroom. Grades 1–4 will have around 25 students per class with a Learning Expert Teacher (LETs) who stays with them throughout the day, and will travel to classrooms with different Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) for each subject. Class sizes in Middle and High School are around 25 students and are taught by Subject Expert Teachers.

9. How do you teach soft skills, such as time management, self-control, and self-awareness?

At BASIS Independent McLean, we incorporate social-emotional learning (SEL) across all divisions. In Toddlers – Grade 4, we use a research-based program to guide our SEL instruction. Topics include problem-solving, friendship skills, and emotional literacy. LETs, as well as Deans and the Director, supplement by focusing on specific SEL topics as well as our EPIC Character Traits: Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, and Curiosity. Middle School students have an advisory class each day and participate in a weekly advisory lesson that focuses on social-emotional support and executive functioning. Topics of discussion have included compassion, test anxiety, interpersonal conflict, collaboration, time management, effective study habits, organization, and homework planning. Grade 9 students have a block each week called EQ, which stands for Emotional Quotient, focusing on emotional intelligence. Students participate in activities and learning engagements focused on leadership, self-awareness, conflict resolution, and general social interactions.

Additionally, all BASIS Independent McLean students are part of a learning community—one that provides opportunities for young people to better themselves, take risks, achieve, experience failures, learn lessons, and more. Whether it be their behavior in the hallways, participating in class discussions, or connecting with friends during lunchtime or after school, students are learning these lessons through their relationships with their teachers and fellow students. It’s a daily journey, and one that sometimes requires students to be reminded of the community they are a part of, the respect they deserve, and the respect they are expected to show to others. This is where their relationships with their teachers, fellow students, and the Student Affairs Department really come into play.

10. How does the school work with families to help students discover their full potential?

It’s all about striking the right balance, which is different for every student, even students in the same household. At home, we encourage parents and students to have an open and honest dialogue about how they are doing, handling stress, what new passions and interests they want to pursue, how they want to challenge themselves, and even what they need to cut back on.

We take pride in highlighting our students’ skills in self-advocacy. This is why we believe that having “too much on your plate” is just as valuable a lesson as having a fully optimized schedule. At BASIS Independent McLean, we believe that a thorough and well-rounded education is one that embraces failure as a natural part of the learning process. Through failure, students are able to engage in critical skills, such as self-analysis and flexible thinking. Finding the balance in your personal life, social life, responsibilities, school, work, etc., is a journey that our students will take for their entire lives. We believe it is critical to encourage their enthusiastic exploration of these areas through their education.

We don’t see failure as a negative but rather as an opportunity to learn a different lesson than the one you intended. At school, we help students feel supported and encouraged to pursue something, whether it be starting a club or planning a Senior Project. If they succeed, we celebrate with them. However, far more is learned in those times when a student realizes they pushed themselves too hard, stretched themselves too thin, and did not accomplish what they initially intended to. Especially in those times, in partnership with their home, we are there to help them learn those important lessons, develop resilience and grit, and come back better than before.

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.

You’re Invited: Explore BASIS Independent McLean at Our Fall Open House

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It’s Fall, Y’all! We are excited to open our doors once again and welcome you in for our first Open House of the school year.

Our Open House is the best way to learn about our advanced curriculum, discover our talented Learning Expert and Subject Expert teachers, meet our dynamic students and parents, and learn about the student experience.

Please join our Open House on Saturday, October 25. Click here to register!

Open House Structure:  

Participants are welcome to join us on campus beginning at 8:40 AM, and the length of the event and start time of your program will vary based on your program of interest. Please review the section below for your child’s grade of interest. Students are encouraged to join us as well.


Toddler–Kindergarten (The Early Learning Program)

Program Time: 9:00 AM–10:00 AM

Visit our Early Learning Program, where our youngest students learn and grow. Hear from Learning Expert Teachers, administrators, and parents as you learn how BIM fosters curiosity, exploration, and creativity.

Following the program, you are invited to visit with our Parent Community Association (PCA) at the PCA Meet-and-Greet.

Grades 1–4 (The Primary Program)

Program Time: 9:00 AM–10:00 AM

Visit with our Learning Expert and Subject Expect Teachers, where you will learn about our unique two-teacher model. From math and science to humanities, Mandarin, music, and more, hear about our focus on teaching students how to learn and how we spark a lifelong love of learning.

Following the program, you are invited to visit with our Parent Community Association (PCA) at the PCA Meet-and-Greet.

Grades 5–8 (The Middle School Program)                           

Program Time: 10:00 AM–11:30 AM

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 and from our students who address questions about the day in the life of a Red-Tailed Hawk. Plus, learn about the many athletic and academic competition teams, student clubs, international trips, and more.

If you arrive early, please join the Parent Community Association (PCA) for the PCA Meet-and-Greet and/or join our Student Ambassadors for a campus tour between 9:00 AM-10:00 AM. The last tour will depart at 9:40 AM.

Grades 9-12 (The High School Program)             

Program Time: 10:00 AM–11:30 AM

Educating tomorrow’s great innovators, pioneers, and thought 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 BIM, including our unique Senior Year. The High School Program will conclude with a Networking Mixer with our Student Ambassadors, teachers, and school leadership.

If you arrive early, please join the Parent Community Association (PCA) for the PCA Meet-and-Greet and/or join our Student Ambassadors for a campus tour between 9:00 AM–10:00 AM. The last tour will depart at 9:40 AM.

Don’t miss this interactive experience! Click here to register for our Fall Open House. As you get ready for a fun winter season, we hope you will choose to spend time with us and get to know our Red-Tailed Hawk community.

We look forward to seeing you and welcoming you to our Red-Tailed Hawk 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.