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Hello Autumn – Join Us For An Open House!

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Autumn days are here again! Hints of fall are starting to peek out from around the corner here in Brooklyn. I grew up in New Hampshire, and fall has always been my favorite time of year – cool breezes, apple picking, Halloween decorations, and auburn leaves all appearing once again.  
 
The other special part of the fall is that school admissions events are in full swing. This means one thing for BASIS Independent Brooklyn – our Fall Open Houses! Fall Open Houses are considered the greatest way for your family to get to know our BASIS Independent Brooklyn community, making them some of the best events of our year. 

Please join us in-person at one of our Open Houses on Saturday, October 19 (PreK-Grade 2) or Saturday, October 26 (Grades 3-12). Click here to register!
 

General Open House Structure: 
For both Open Houses, doors will open at 9:40 AM, and the event will last approximately until 12:00 PM. We welcome you to register and attend even if you are not able to participate in the entire event. Students are encouraged to join us, as well. 

Open Houses begin with an Introduction and an Open House Overview. They include a Parent Panel where you will be able to hear from current BASIS Independent Brooklyn families. Families will also be able to tour the campus while visiting classrooms. 

Please review the details below for additional information regarding the structure of each Open House: 

PREK–Grade 2: Saturday, October 19 at 10:00 AM 

PreK & Kindergarten  
Saturday, October 19  
Learn about our Early Learning Program, where our youngest students grow. 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 rooms. 
 
Grades 1-2: 
Saturday, October 19 
Visit with our Learning Expert and Subject Expect 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 spark 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 classrooms. These sessions will also help you understand the transition to our Upper School campus in Grade 3.  

Parent and Student Panel 

Our Lower School Open House will conclude with a Q&A panel that consists of BASIS Independent Brooklyn parents and school leadership.   

Activities and Refreshments 

A Fun Zone will be hosted in one of our classrooms. You are welcome to bring your student(s) and have them play with our team and their peers while you explore our school. We will have light refreshments for the whole family at the Open House. After the Open House, we invite you to enjoy our Back to School Bash alongside our whole school community. There will be food trucks, face painting, a magician, games, and other treats!  

GRADES 3-12: Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 AM 

The Primary Program: Grades 3-5 
Saturday, October 26 
Visit with our Learning Expert and Subject Expect Teachers to learn about our unique two-teacher model (for grades 3 & 4). From math and science to humanities, Mandarin, music and more, find out how we support students in developing study skills and spark a lifelong love of learning. You will also have the chance to learn about how these bridge years encourage autonomy, creativity, and confidence to help prepare your student for Middle School.  

The Middle School Program: Grades 6-8  
Saturday, October 26 
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
Saturday, October 26 
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. 

Parent and Student Panel 

Our Upper School Open House will conclude with a Q&A panel that consists of BASIS Independent Brooklyn parents, students, and school leadership.   

Refreshments 

We will have light refreshments for the whole family at the Open House. After the Open House, we invite you to stop by our Primary School Fall Harvest Festival alongside our Grades 3-5 students and families.

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Don’t miss this interactive experience! Click here to register for our Fall Open Houses. As you get ready for the fall season, we hope you choose to spend some of your time with us, getting to know our wonderful community.  

I look forward to meeting you soon!

Warmly,
Ms. Thea LaCrosse
Director of Admissions | BASIS Independent Brooklyn
thea.lacrosse@basisindependent.com

School Counseling and Self-Care

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BASIS Independent Bellevue is committed to nurturing our hard-working students using our internationally benchmarked curriculum. While academic success is a cornerstone of our institution, students also need to gain a sense of wellness that is crucial to their current and future success. With holistic wellness in mind, self-care practices are essential for scholastic excellence. 

BASIS Independent Bellevue’s new counselor places a strong emphasis on self-care as vital for the well-being of students. Our School Counselor, Ms. Olivia Bryant, is a useful resource for students and can help them on their self-care journey. She states, “Learning how to cultivate resilience and manage the bumps in the road of life is one of the most foundational gifts we can give young people. That is why self-care is so important.” 

But what does self-care look like for today’s students?  

Our new School Counselor, Ms. Olivia, is a valuable asset to the students and our overall learning community.

Understanding Self-Care 

Self-care encompasses various aspects of a student’s life, including physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Nurturing oneself in these areas takes time but helps young people achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 

Physical Self-Care 

Physical self-care involves maintaining health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.  

  • Exercise Regularly: Engage in physical activities like sports, yoga, or even a brisk walk. Staying physically active helps reduce stress and improve mood. Make sure to check out the sports and other Enrichment Opportunities we are offering this year. 
  • Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to avoid excessive caffeine and sugary snacks.   
  • Sleep: Ensure you get 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule to help your body regulate its internal clock.  

Emotional Self-Care

Managing emotions is crucial for overall well-being. Ms. Olivia recommends: 

  • Stress Management: Practice stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or listening to music. 
Ms. Olivia having fun with students at our recent celebration of Hispanic/LatinX Heritage Month. Getting outside, enjoying arts and crafts, and having fun with friends are all great ways to manage stress and practice self-care.
  • Emotional Awareness: Recognize and express your emotions. We want our students to know it is okay to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 
  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness exercises or meditation into your daily routine to stay grounded and present. 
  • Practicing Gratitude: One strategy to improve happiness and combat stress is through consistently highlighting the things that bring us gratitude each day. Daily gratitude journaling is proven to improve well-being. 

Caring for Mental Health

Ms. Olivia wants to remind our learning community that “Mental health is health. Just as we prioritize going to the doctor for check-ups and physicals, it’s important to tend to our mental well-being too.” She encourages seeking mental health support in both the large and small stressors of life because it can be transformative to simply have a supportive person to talk to. It is a sign of strength to be able to ask for help, and Ms. Olivia encourages our families to reach out to her if your student is struggling. Together, she hopes that our students receive the support they need at school and at home to manage feelings of stress.   

Parents also play a crucial role in supporting their children’s holistic well-being: 

  • Supportive Environment: Create a supportive home environment where self-care is encouraged and practiced. Allow your student time to take brain breaks and find ways to help your student live a balanced life.  
  • Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your children about their feelings and challenges. Taking the time to simply listen to their perspective and validate their feelings can make all the difference.  

Practical Resources at School

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we offer various resources to support our students’ well-being: 

  • Counseling Services: Our school counselor is available to provide guidance to students through individual school counseling meetings. During this time, Mountaineers are provided a safe and supportive space to express feelings, problem-solve, and work towards individualized goals.  
  • Small Groups: In addition, Ms. Olivia offers small group meetings with students aimed at fostering a sense of belonging in our community while learning practical skills to enhance their overall social and emotional well-being. 
  • Character Themes of the Month: As a school community, we are also focusing on investing in students through monthly character education lessons. Each month, students will have opportunities to discuss and reflect on topics related to growth mindset, respect, gratitude, empathy, and more. Every Mountaineer Monday, students build these skills through classroom discussion and reflection. Additionally, our school counselor will be offering cookies and guided activities related to each theme of the month in her monthly event, Cookies with the Counselor.  

Self-care is essential for students to thrive both academically and personally. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we are dedicated to supporting our students’ well-being. We encourage students to prioritize their self-care and reach out for support when needed. Our school counselor, Ms. Olivia, is here to partner with parents to provide students with support when facing both successes and challenges. Our school community wants to make sure students connect with our counselor and engage with topics like self-care during their educational journey. Ultimately, directing energy toward self-care as a school community helps our Mountaineers find balance, strength, and acceptance in their daily lives. 

Fall 2025 Admissions Guide: Frequently Asked Questions During Admissions Season

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We are excited to meet the many wonderful families considering a BASIS Independent Brooklyn experience for their family!  

During each admissions season we field a wide range of questions about our curriculum and various programs, student life, electives, extracurriculars, and so much more. We have observed topics that are commonly brought up and want to provide you with answers to frequently asked questions raised each year. 

What is the difference between your two Brooklyn campuses? 

BASIS Independent Brooklyn was established in 2014. We are one school with two campuses. The Lower School in Downtown Brooklyn supports approximately 150 students in PreK–Grade 2 while the Upper School in Red Hook supports about 530 students in Grades 3–12.  
  

What is the teacher model at your school?   

Beginning in grade 1, our students have one Subject Expert Teacher (SET) for each discipline. SETs either hold advanced degrees or are experts in their discipline. SETs use their subject-area passion to inspire students while teaching them at a higher level than what is typically expected of students in their age group.  

Learning Expert Teachers (LETs) work in tandem with SETs to co-teach in all grade 1–4 classrooms. LETs accompany their students all day, from class-to-class, and are masters of the learning process and social-emotional growth in children. They are instrumental in ensuring that students are appropriately supported and challenged in each subject. In grade 4, the LET shifts their focus to promoting independence, autonomy, and teaching students how to use their resources. This shift prepares students for grade 5 and beyond where students have just one teacher, their SET, for each subject.   

Unlike the Primary, Middle, and High School programs, the Early Learning Program is primarily self-enclosed. Students remain in their vibrant classroom for most of the day, rotating classes only for their daily special (Art, Music, Drama, Engineering, Mandarin, or PE/Movement). Early Learning Teachers lead our PreK and Kindergarten classrooms and are responsible for delivering most of the content to students by bringing their own pedagogical expertise to the classroom, with the consistent support from an Early Learning Teaching Fellow.

What are your elective offerings?  

In the Early Learning and Primary programs, students will take Art, Music, Drama, Engineering, and PE/Movement. In the Middle and High School programs, students can continue to take those courses or elect to take Band/Orchestra, Computer Science, Choir, Creative Writing, Introduction to Philosophy, Digital Photography, Introduction to Film Production, Sustainable Fashion, Topics in Economics, or a number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  

What are your athletic offerings?

We have competitive and league sports for students to play. Offerings for our Middle and High School students include basketball, tennis, flag football, track (cross country, indoor and outdoor), soccer, volleyball, baseball, ultimate frisbee, and competitive cheer and dance. Next year we are planning on adding a squash and fencing team. Every year our club and athletic offerings grow in number and vary based on student interest.  

What are your club offerings?   

We offer over 60 clubs at our Lower School and Upper School campuses! Our students can participate in AI for Kids, Chess Team, Leadership Club, Math Team, Science Bowl, Student Newspaper, Black Student Union, LatinX Affinity, and more. 

Do you offer early or late care for students?  

At both campuses, we offer supervised early and late care. Early care, called Early Bird, is offered beginning at 7:00 AM at our Lower School and 7:15 AM at our Upper School. We offer two types of late care. The first is called Late Bird, which runs until around 4:00 PM. The second is called Cub Care (PreK-Grade 2)/Bear Care (Grades 3-8), and these begin following dismissal. Cub Care/Bear Care is more structured and involves a range of activities from sciences to sports to arts. After-school programs for High School students take place in the form of athletics and clubs. 

Why do you teach your students Mandarin? 

The co-founders of the BASIS Curriculum intentionally designed our Early Learning and Primary programs to include Mandarin. Mandarin is a global language, and researchers found that learning the language develops new pathways in the brain and uses both the left and right temporal lobes simultaneously. Studies also show that Mandarin helps students grow their mathematical abilities due to the emphasis on ordering, grouping, and distinguishing between similarities and differences in character writing and intonation. While Mandarin is required in PreK-Grade 4, Latin is required in grades 5 and 6. Beginning in grade 7, students will select a world language from French, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish, which they will continue throughout High School. 

Do your campuses have any outdoor spaces?   

Our Lower School has direct access to a new, beautiful, big park and playground right across our street! Our Upper School has three outdoor spaces. This includes one fully covered space, one partially covered space, and an uncovered playground. 

What is your student-to-teacher ratio?   

From PreK to grade 4, there are two teachers in each classroom. Beginning in grade 1, students will have one teacher for each subject as they rotate from classroom-to-classroom and teacher-to-teacher during the school day. Generally, our PreK classrooms average around 15 students with two teachers in the classroom and Kindergarten averages around 12 students per classroom with two teachers in the classroom. Grades 1-12 average around 21 students in each classroom. 

What is the diversity of your student population?   

Brooklyn is wonderfully diverse, and our student population reflects this. 53% of students identify as a person of color and 41 languages are spoken throughout our community. 

Do you offer financial aid?   

At this time, financial aid is not available. We offer families three types of tuition payment plans: one payment, two payments, or ten monthly payments. We award scholarships based on academic merit to a highly selective group of current BASIS Independent Brooklyn students in grade 8 who are planning to stay for high school. 

Do you offer transportation?   

We encourage families at both campuses to make use of nearby public transportation options. We offer free or reduced fare MetroCards for students who plan to use public subways or buses. The Lower School is located centrally in Downtown Brooklyn near stops for the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, D, F, G, N, Q, and R trains; the LIRR at Atlantic Terminal; and the B25, B26, B38, B52, B54, B57, B61, B62, and B67 MTA bus lines. The Upper School campus in Red Hook is conveniently located near stops for the B61 and B57 buses, and accessible from the F and G trains at Smith & 9th Street Station. Families are welcome to use bikes, strollers, skateboards, and scooters. We have storage at both campuses for these modes of transportation.   

Our fee-based transportation program at the Red Hook campus includes morning and afternoon bus services throughout Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. We carefully plan our bus routes each school year to try to accommodate student demand and the requested stops. However, bus stops are not guaranteed and are subject to change. For families with students at both our Upper and Lower School campuses, BASIS Independent Brooklyn offers a free “Connector” bus. Please inquire directly for more details on our current routes.  

What is parent involvement like at your school?  

Parents have many opportunities to get involved! The first way is through BIB Committees. These committees include the Teacher Appreciation Committee, Social Committee, World Fest Committee, and Community Outreach Committee. We also have a wonderful group called our Parent Ambassadors. These leaders work closely with our Admissions Team on events and connecting with new families.  

What community opportunities will my student have if they join your program?  

We have very active National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society chapters at our school leading regular service initiatives. Moreover, our student leadership society, Leadership Club, has prioritized building both a culture of service and sustainability at the school. The students lead annual drives and regularly promote ways to volunteer with Red Hook and Downtown Brooklyn organizations throughout the school year. Our High School students participate in an Annual Day of Service before Thanksgiving Break. 

Our school community has worked to develop partnerships with impactful non-profits making a difference in the community. One great example is the Red Hook Art Project (RHAP), which provides tutoring and mentoring for under-served children and youth. The organization offers free classes and tutoring in visual art, music, and homework help. Our students have volunteered for the homework help program and are teaching guitar classes. They also work to ensure our leftover school lunches are transported to RHAP and given to students and their families.  

How can I visit your school?  

This admissions season, we are hosting a variety of events including Information Sessions, Campus Tours, Open Houses, and Shadow Days. Please click here to register for an upcoming event! 

Please feel free to reach out to our Admissions Team by calling (718) 643-6302 or emailing brooklyn-admissions@basisindependent.com  

Ms. LaCrosse (Right) – Director of Admissions and Ms. Valerio (Left) – Associate Director of Admissions Grades 3-12

Prepare to Soar: The 2025-26 Application is Open

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School is back in session and the halls are alive once again as students make their way to classes where our subject expert teachers bring content to life with their engaging and dynamic approach to teaching. We are eager to see what incredible achievements our amazing Red-Tailed Hawks will accomplish this year.

The start of school also means the beginning of the 2025–2026 admissions process. Your child’s BASIS Independent McLean (BIM) journey begins here. As you explore our curriculum and community, it is our goal to show you how BIM can prepare your child to soar!

2025–2026 Application Live

The 2025–2026 application is now is now live for students age 2–grade 10! Start your application today. If you are interested in admissions for the 2024–2025 school year, we have limited space available in select grades, and encourage you to contact our Admissions team today.

We invite you to join our interest list where you will receive important admissions information on application deadlines, upcoming events, and community traditions and achievements. Please continue to use our website, blogs, and social media to research and learn more about our school and community.

Key Admissions Dates & Deadlines

We have two admission cycles: Early Admissions and Regular Admissions. The applications for both cycles are now open, and the requirements for both cycles are the same. The main differences are the application deadlines, notification, and response timelines. If you know that BIM is your top choice, we encourage you to apply during Early Admissions to secure your child’s place as quickly as possible.

Let’s review the deadlines and timelines associated with each cycle.

Early Admissions

Application Submission Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024
Application Completion Deadline: Sunday, December 1, 2024
Decision Released: Friday, December 6, 2024
Response Deadline: Friday, January 10, 2025

Regular Admissions

Application Submission Deadline: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Application Completion Deadline: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Decision Released: Friday, February 28, 2025
Response Deadline: Thursday, March 20, 2025

Regardless of which cycle you choose, the Admissions team recommends that you start your child’s application today and avoid missing any deadlines.

Visit with Us

Our Admissions team has created a variety of virtual and in-person opportunities found on the  Admissions Event section of our website for you to learn more about BIM. From Information Sessions to Open Houses and tours to Shadow Days, we are planning informative and fun experiences for everyone!

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at sharon.brown@basisindependent.com or 703.854.1253. As always, we look forward to getting to know your family and your child.

Why Mandarin?

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When families begin learning about 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 Transitional Kindergarten to Grade 4 because Mandarin provides our early learners with the opportunity to engage both sides of their brains, provides students with visual and artistic stimulation, and promotes the development of interdisciplinary thought and analysis.

Mandarin is a tonal language. This means that the same word can have multiple different meanings depending on the tone. Students of the language must attend to both the basic sound as well as the tone in order to understand a word.

The difference in brain activity between Mandarin and English speakers is well documented in scientific research. Most recently, The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America published a study that outlined the specific differences in brain activity between speakers of tonal and non-tonal languages.

The results demonstrated that while speech processing is largely carried out in the “common left hemisphere,” Mandarin speakers activate an additional sector of their brain called the “right anterior temporal cortex,” which is crucial in recognizing differences in tone. Learning to speak a tonal language means that one must exercise this connection between the left and right hemispheres of the brain in order to improve their tonal comprehension abilities.

Additionally, Mandarin’s use of written characters for each word rather than an alphabet provides students with visual and artistic stimulation. Introducing Mandarin at an early age promotes the development of interdisciplinary thought and analysis, enabling the students to draw connections between their lessons from different subjects. 

We have two tracts for our Mandarin program: heritage and non-heritage. This is the only subject in which the class is split into two. The heritage class is for students who may speak Mandarin at home and is taught entirely in Mandarin. The non-heritage class is for students who have had little to no exposure to Mandarin and begins each year with beginner Mandarin, slowly becoming more advanced over the course of the year.

Mandarin instruction at BASIS Curriculum Schools employs a variety of teaching techniques for accessing different styles of learning. For example, because tone is so important when speaking Mandarin, students often use music and song to practice their speaking skills. Through a variety of teaching methods and instructional media, students rapidly improve their conversational Mandarin abilities.

Though Mandarin is the required World Language from TK – Grade 4, a student’s exposure to another language doesn’t end there. Beginning in Grade 5, students will study Latin as their World Language. Then, from Grade 7 and onwards, students will choose between French, Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish as their World Language.

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. 

Fall 2025: The Admissions Process

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At BASIS Independent Bellevue, 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! 

We are excited to know you are considering BASIS Independent Bellevue, a Grades 3 – 9 (expanding through Grade 12 over the next several years) private school. In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

When applying, each family will work with members of the Admissions Team whose role is to welcome new families to our program and educate them on the benefits of a BASIS Independent Schools education. They are the guides through the application and admissions process.

Read below to learn more about the admissions process. 


Step 1: Attend an Admissions Event (Optional)

Though not required, we strongly recommend you attend one of our Admissions Events to learn about our program before applying.

To view our upcoming Admissions Events, click here. 

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

You will submit an application on our website with general student information. This will officially start the application process! After your application is processed, you will be able to access the Teacher Recommendation Forms, and Transcript Request Form, and schedule your student’s Entrance Exam and Family Meeting.

Please note: Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be done in any order, but must be completed after the application is submitted and before a family is issued an admissions decision.  

Step 3: Teacher Recommendations*

You will be able to provide the recommendations directly to your child’s current teacher. We do not accept recommendations from past teachers, only current ones. As listed in the instructions of the recommendations, we do not accept documents from parents. All recommendations must be sent from the teacher to the Admissions Office directly. 

*We understand some schools do not allow their teachers to write recommendations for students that are leaving their program. In these circumstances, the requirement can be waived. 

Step 4: Transcripts

You will be able to download a Transcript Request Form after submitting your application. This form requests your child’s current school send us a current-year report, along with the last two years. As listed in the instructions of the request form, we do not accept documents from parents. All transcripts must be sent from the school to the Admissions Office directly. 

Step 5: Student Evaluation

Students will register for a BASIS Independent Schools In-Person Entrance Exam. This evaluation allows us to meet and interact with your child and determine if they are ready – academically, socially, and emotionally – to join our program in the grade for which they are applying. 

Step 6: Virtual Family Meeting

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend this 20-30 minute Virtual Family Meeting. Students are required to attend. This meeting is a chance for us to meet your family, and your student, and learn a bit more about them in a one-on-one setting. 

Once all supplementary materials are received and required meetings are attended, your application is complete!

If you have any questions, please contact us at blv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2025: The Admissions Process

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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! 

We are excited to know you are considering BASIS Independent Bothell, a Kindergarten – Grade 12 private school opening in Fall 2025! In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

When applying, each family will work with members of the Admissions Team whose role is to welcome new families to our program and educate them on the benefits of a BASIS Independent Schools education. They are the guides through the application and admissions process.

Read below to learn more about the admissions process. 


Step 1: Attend an Admissions Event (Optional)

Though not required, we strongly recommend you attend one of our Admissions Events to learn about our program before applying.

To view our upcoming Admissions Events, click here. 

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

You will submit an application on our website with general student information. This will officially start the application process! After your application is processed, you will be able to access the Teacher Recommendation Forms, and Transcript Request Form, and schedule your student’s Play Date or Entrance Exam and Family Meeting.

Please note: Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be done in any order, but must be completed after the application is submitted and before a family is issued an admissions decision.  

Step 3: Teacher Recommendations (Kindergarten – Grade 1 Not Required, Grades 2 – 9 Required*)

You will be able to provide the recommendations directly to your child’s current teacher. We do not accept recommendations from past teachers, only current ones. As listed in the instructions of the recommendations, we do not accept documents from parents. All recommendations must be sent from the teacher to the Admissions Office directly. 

*We understand some schools do not allow their teachers to write recommendations for students that are leaving their program. In these circumstances, the requirement can be waived. 

Step 4: Transcripts (Kindergarten – Grade 1 Not Required, Grades 2 – 9 Required*)

You will be able to download a Transcript Request Form after submitting your application. This form requests your child’s current school send us a current-year report, along with the last two years. As listed in the instructions of the request form, we do not accept documents from parents. All transcripts must be sent from the school to the Admissions Office directly. 

*Depending on an applicant’s prior school attendance, we understand a Grade 2 applicant may only be able to provide transcripts for years they attended school. In these circumstances, the requirement of three years of transcripts can be waived. 

Step 5: Student Evaluation

Students applying for Kindergarten – Grade 1 will register for a one-on-one Virtual Play Date. Students applying for Grades 2 – 9 will register for a BASIS Independent Schools In-Person Entrance Exam. Both of these evaluations allow us to meet and interact with your child and determine if they are ready – academically, socially, and emotionally – to join our program in the grade for which they are applying. 

Step 6: Virtual Family Meeting

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend this 20-30 minute Virtual Family Meeting. Students applying for Kindergarten – Grade 1 are not required to attend. Students applying to Grades 2 – 9 are required to attend. This meeting is a chance for us to meet your family, and your student, and learn a bit more about them in a one-on-one setting. 

Once all supplementary materials are received and required meetings are attended, your application is complete!

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

Fall 2025: The Admissions Process

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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.

We are excited to know you are considering BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, a TK – Grade 12 private school with both a Lower and Upper school campus!

TK – Grade 5: 1500 Partridge Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Grades 6 – 12: 1290 Parkmoor Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126

When applying, each family will work with members of the Admissions Team whose role is to welcome new families to our program and educate them on the benefits of a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley education. They are the guides through the application and admissions process. Read below to learn more about the admissions process. 

Step 1: Attend an Admissions Event (Optional)

Though not required, we strongly recommend you attend one of our Admissions Events to learn about our program before applying. Our events are held from September – January traditionally.

To view our upcoming Admissions Events, click here. 

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

You will submit an application on our website with general student information. This will officially start the application process! In your application, you will be able to email Teacher Recommendation Forms, download the Transcript Request Form, and schedule your student’s Play Date or Entrance Exam and Family Meeting. We also keep families up to date on their application through a dashboard in their account. 

Please note: Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be done in any order, but must be completed after the application is submitted and before the Deadline to Complete an Application.  

Step 3: Teacher Recommendations (TK – Grade 1 Not Required, Grades 2 – 9 Required*)

You will be able to email the recommendations directly to your child’s current teacher. We do not accept recommendations from past teachers, only current ones. You can also download fillable PDFs of both the math and English Teacher Recommendations. As listed in the instructions of the recommendations, we do not accept documents from parents. All recommendations must be sent from the teacher to the Admissions Office directly. 

*We understand some schools do not allow their teachers to write recommendations for students that are leaving their program. In these circumstances, the requirement can be waived. 

Step 4: Transcripts (Grades 2 – 9 Required*)

You will be able to download a Transcript Request Form in your application. This form requests your child’s current school send us a current year report, along with the last two years. As listed in the instructions of the request form, we do not accept documents from parents. All transcripts must be sent from the school to the Admissions Office directly. 

*Depending on an applicant’s prior school attendance, we understand a TK – Grade 3 applicant may only be able to provide transcripts for years they attended school. In these circumstances, the requirement of three years of transcripts can be waived. 

Step 5: Student Evaluation

Students applying for TK – Grade 1 will register for a one-on-one Virtual Play Date. Students applying for Grades 2 – 9 will register for a BASIS Independent Schools In-Person Entrance Exam. Both of these evaluations allow us to meet and interact with your child and determine if they are ready – academically, socially, and emotionally – to join our program in the grade for which they are applying. 

*Given the number of applicants for our Early Learning Program Play Dates are only offered virtually.

Step 6: Virtual Family Meeting

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend this 30-minute Virtual Family Meeting. Students applying for TK – Grade 1 are not required to attend. Students applying to Grade 2 – 9 are required to attend. This meeting is a chance for us to get to meet your family, your student, and learn a bit more about them in a one-on-one setting. 

Once all supplementary materials are received and required meetings are attended, your application is complete! If you complete your application by the completion deadline, you will receive an admissions decision on the notification day. See below for more details. 

Early Admissions (TK – K, Grade 6)

Deadline to submit an application: Monday, October 21, 2024
Deadline to complete an application: Friday, November 8, 2024
Notification date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, by 5:00 PM PST
Commitment deadline: Friday, December 13, 2024, at 12:00 PM PST

Regular Admissions (TK – Grade 9)

Deadline to submit an application: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Deadline to complete an application: Friday, February 14, 2025
Notification date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, by 5:00 PM PST
Commitment deadline: Friday, March 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM PST


If you have any questions, at sv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2025: Top 10 Questions Asked Every Admissions Season

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Every admissions season we field hundreds of questions about the admissions process, our program, the transition, student life, electives, extracurriculars, and so much more! 

While we are happy to speak to every one of our families, we notice the same questions being asked consistently. 

Keep reading below to learn more about the top ten questions asked every admissions season. 

#1 – How many students will be admitted in each grade? 

Our most commonly asked question! Seat capacity changes from year to year depending on the reenrollment of our current families and our graduating class. We also have the ability to shift how many sections of classes we offer based on the total enrollment of the school. As this is an ever-changing number, we aren’t able to determine seat capacity until around February, after the reenrollment deadline of our current families, which is why we make the majority of our admissions offers (Regular Admissions) in March. So, though we cannot provide you specifics of exactly how many seats are available “this year” and in “this grade”, we encourage you to apply as we will have available seats in all grades every year.

If you are interested in a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley education, apply!

#2 – What is the difference between Early Admissions and Regular Admissions? 

We offer two application cycles during our core season. Early Admissions will require families to complete their application, receive an admissions decision, and accept their seat earlier. Regular Admissions will have all the same requirements but at a later date.

For current families with siblings or families whose first choice is BISV, we encourage them to apply in Early Admissions. For families who are looking at other schools or are unable to commit early, we encourage them to apply in Regular Admissions.


#3 – How do you help students transition into the program? 

From their very first day, all new students are placed on an academic support plan. At the start of the new school year, your student meets with his or her dean once a week to ensure a smooth transition. Sometimes this is an individual meeting, and sometimes it is all new students together. Teachers provide office hours throughout the school week for students and parents and are available to talk through concerns or questions. Depending on the grade we offer a student-led Peer Tutoring program, which operates after school and is there to help expand their networks and become comfortable asking for help. We also offer Summer School along with JumpStart Packets before the start of the school year. 

We enroll new students every year. For students to achieve the results that they do in our program, they must have the necessary support along their academic journey, from both the school and at home. While we encourage families to join our program sooner rather than later, students can still join in later grades and be incredibly successful.

#4 – Can a student successfully transition from a public school to your program? 

Every year, we have students join us from multiple public schools. Any motivated student can excel in our program. We have a strong support network to ensure a student has the toolkit to succeed. In the beginning, there is always some adjustment for students from both public and private schools. Workloads may be higher than the averages in the beginning as students adjust to the structure and practices of our day-to-day program and classroom experience. However, we see time and again, that students adjust and learn how to utilize their resources to thrive in their school life.

School administration, faculty, and staff are always present to participate in supporting and guiding students, as well as helping develop good work and study habits, along with time management skills.

#5 – How much homework should students expect in middle school 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 45 minutes to an hour of homework every night, but that depends on the day and the student. Grade 6 students will have one to one and a half hours of homework. Grade 7 students will have one to two hours of homework. Grade 8 students, as they prepare for our high school program, could have two to three hours 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 ethic, and their schedules can vary, it is hard to say an exact time for each grade.

#6 – With such high academics, 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. But our answer to this is, “it always depends on the student.” We have Upper School students taking two to three AP courses and they participate in one to two clubs or more, but we also have Lower School students that 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 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 Heads of School assemble classes of our students, and candidates are given the opportunity to teach a lesson, challenge students, show their subject expertise, 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 in 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?

TK and Kindergarten will have around 20 students to two teachers per classroom. Grades 1 – 4 will have around 25 students per class with a Learning Expert Teacher (LET) that stays with them throughout the day and an individual Subject Expert Teacher (SET) that joins their class for each subject. Grade 5 and above will also have around 25 students but have an individual Subject Expert Teacher for each subject. 

#9 – How do you teach soft skills such as confidence, self-control, and self-awareness?

Obviously, these skills are taught in conjunction with the home and parents. On the school side, students are a part of a learning community, one that gives the opportunity for young adults to better themselves, take risks, have achievements, have failures, learn lessons, etc. Through the natural course of a school day, students are partaking in that community and are not only learning these life skills, and respecting themselves, but also others.

Whether it be their behavior in the hallways, participating in class discussions, or connecting with friends during lunchtime or after school, they 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 require, and the respect we require them to show other people. This is where their relationships with their teachers, fellow students, and Dean of Students really come into play.

#10 – How does the school work with families in helping push their students to achieve more? 

It’s all about striking the right balance, which is different for every student, even students in the same household. At home, we hope parents and students are having a constant dialogue on 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. Having “too much on your plate” is a good life lesson in balancing personal life, social life, responsibilities, school, work, etc. but also being able to acknowledge when you need to take a step back and reevaluate what you can and cannot do, is just as worthy.

We don’t believe changing course means failure, you’ve just learned a different lesson than you thought you would. At school, we help students feel supported and encouraged to pursue something, whether it be starting a club, taking two electives, or planning a Senior Project. If they succeed, we are celebrating with them. But far more is probably 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. Even in those times, in partnership with their home, we are there to help them learn those important lessons as well.

Fall 2025: What to Expect at Your In-Person Entrance Exam

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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 2025. 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. 

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, October 26 at 10:00 AM* (Early Admissions Only)
Saturday, January 25 at 10:00 AM* (Regular Admissions)
Saturday, February 8 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, email us at sv.admissions@basisindependent.com.