Admissions

At BASIS Independent Dublin, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! 

In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

What is the Entrance Exam?
The Entrance Exam is part of the admissions process for students applying for Grades 6 – 10 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 BASIS Independent Schools Entrance Exam.

How will your Entrance Exam be conducted this year?
As our future campus is still under construction, Entrance Exams will be conducted in person at our temporary administrative office in Dublin this admissions season.  

What is a passing score on the Entrance Exam?
This exam is not a pass or fail. Because 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. 

Each applicant is allowed to take the exam once. 

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 Grades 6 – 10 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. 

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 exam rooms.

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

When should we arrive on campus for the exam?
The temporary administrative office will open 15 minutes before the exam start time. All exams will begin promptly when advertised. We will have a closed exam room once the exam begins and will not allow late students to join. If students arrive after the exam has begun, they will not be able to participate in the exam and will have to reschedule.

Families are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before the exam start time to allow enough time to park, check-in, and have their students led to their assigned exam room. 

What should parents do while their child takes the exam?
Parents will be able to wait in the parking lot for the duration of the exam but will not be permitted to wait inside the temporary administrative office.

The exam is self-paced but an exam room will not be dismissed until all students have completed all three sections of the exam, or their allotted time has run out. 

We commonly find Middle and High School applicants take the full two hours. As such, we would not advise parents to leave the parking lot for more than one hour to grab a coffee or run a quick errand. 

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.

At BASIS Independent Bothell, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, 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 Family Meeting?

The Family Meeting is an essential part of the admissions process at BASIS Independent Bothell and is part of our final admissions decision. This 20-30 minute meeting is the school’s opportunity to learn more about your child and your family’s interest in our school. 

While we are happy to answer questions about our program, the Family Meeting is not intended to be the first time families learn about our offerings. Prior to the Virtual Family Meeting, we strongly encourage families to visit our website and blog, attend an Admissions Event, or speak with a member of the Admissions Team. 

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q: When are the meetings held?

Family Meetings are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM as well as Friday at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Exact availabilities are subject to change.

Q: Who is required to attend the family meeting?

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend. Students applying for Kindergarten – Grade 1 are not required to attend. Students applying to Grades 2 – 9 are required to attend. 

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

Q: What if we are applying for more than one student?

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

Q: When does the meeting have to take place?

Families must first apply before scheduling their Family Meeting. The Family Meeting must be completed before receiving an admissions decision.

Q: How do we register for a family meeting?

Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Family Meeting. These meetings are conducted virtually.  

If you’re not ready to choose a date and time when you apply, you can always log back in at a later date and choose one that is convenient. 

Q: How long is the family meeting?

Virtual Family Meetings are generally 20-30 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Virtual Family Meeting will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to go over the 30-minute mark. 

Q: Who will we be meeting with?

Our Family Meetings are hosted by members of the Admissions Team, members of our Administration, and even some of our Subject Expert Teachers! You never know who will be hosting, but you’ll always get to speak with a member of the Bothell community.  

Q: What questions will 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 our program, 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.  

Q: How will the family meeting be held?

Family meetings are typically conducted virtually. 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 your meeting via Zoom. If you sign up for an available in-person slot, this will be designated on the sign up.

Q: 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) soon at your Virtual Family Meeting! 

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

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, 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 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 BASIS Independent Schools Entrance Exam.

How will your Entrance Exam be conducted this year?
Entrance Exams will be conducted in person and on our campuses this admissions season. 

What is a passing score on the Entrance Exam?
This exam is not a pass or fail. Because 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. 

Each applicant is allowed to take the exam once. 

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 Grade 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 30 minutes before the exam start time, 9:30 AM. All exams will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. 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, they will not be able to participate in the exam and will have to reschedule.

Families are encouraged to arrive by 9:45 AM at the latest to allow enough time to park, check-in, and have their students led to their assigned classrooms. 

Where is the entrance exam?
Students applying for Grades 2 – 5 will take their exam at the BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Lower Campus located at 1500 Partridge Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087. Students applying for Grades 6 – 9 will take their exams at the BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Upper Campus located at 1290 Parkmoor Ave, San Jose, CA 95126.

What should parents do while their child takes the exam?
Parents will be able to wait in the campus parking lots for the duration of the exam but will not be permitted to wait inside the campus lobby (San Jose) or outside the classrooms (Sunnyvale). 

The exam is self-paced but a classroom will not be dismissed until all students have completed all three sections of the exam, or their allotted time has run out. 

We commonly find Middle and High School applicants take the full two hours, but for Grade 5 and below it can vary from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. As such, we would not advise parents leaving campus for more than 30 minutes to grab a coffee or run a quick errand. 

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?
Saturday, January 24 at 10:00 AM* (Regular Admissions)
Saturday, February 7 at 10:00 AM* (Regular Admissions)

*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.

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

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

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, 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 Family Meeting?
The Family Meeting is an essential part of the admissions process at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley (BISV) 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 BISV.

While we are happy to answer questions about our program, the Family Meeting is not intended to be the first time families learn about our offerings. Prior to the Family Meeting, we strongly encourage families to visit our website and blog, attend an Admissions Event, or speak with a member of the Upper School Admission Team or our Lower School Admission Team.

When are the meetings held?
Family Meetings are held virtually Monday – Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM every 30 minutes. 

Who is required to attend the Family Meeting?
At least one parent or guardian is required to attend. Students applying for TK – Grade 1 are not required to attend. Students applying to Grades 2 – 9 are required to attend.

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

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

When does the meeting have to take place?
Those applying in Early Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Friday, November 21, 2025. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Friday, February 13, 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, 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. Oftentimes, those hosting the Family Meeting will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to go over the 30-minute mark. 

Who will we be meeting with?
Our Family Meetings are hosted by members of the Admissions Team, members of our Administration, and even some of our Subject Expert Teachers! You never know who will be hosting, but you’ll always get to speak with a member of the Bobcat community.  

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 BISV, 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 your meeting via Zoom. 

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) soon at your Virtual Family Meeting!

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

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