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What to Expect at your In-Person Play Date: Fall 2026 Admissions

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At BASIS Independent Bothell, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to contribute, 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. Our Kindergarten and Grade 1 applicants will participate in an in-person playdate with our renowned Early Learning Expert Teachers as an integral part of the application process.  

What is the in-Person Play Date?

The play-based assessment provides our teachers, administrators, and admissions staff with the opportunity to get to know your child and observe your child’s social-emotional and academic development in a classroom setting. 

The Play Date will take place at our brand-new campus in Bothell.   

Play Dates last approximately 30 minutes and feature time for our teacher or administrator to get to know your child in a small group with a few age-appropriate lessons and activities. 

Who is required to attend the Play Date?

Every applying Kindergarten and Grade 1 student will be required to attend a Play Date. The adult (a parent, guardian, caregiver, or family member) with the student will NOT be authorized to participate in the Play Date with the student. Adults may wait in our waiting area on campus with our admissions team for the duration of the event. Our playground will be open to use for those with additional children not partaking in the Play Date. 

When does the Play Date have to take place?

We are offering Play Dates on November 8, 2025, at 10 AM and 11 AM, December 2, 2025, at 5 PM and 6 PM, and January 24, 2026, at 10 AM and 11 AM. We strongly recommend arriving 15 minutes early to check-in. The Play Dates will start promptly at the start time. Late entries will not be admitted and will have to be rescheduled.   

How do we register for a Play Date?

Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Play Date.  

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. 

What if my child doesn’t know all the answers?

That’s ok! We are meeting with them to gauge where they are socially, emotionally, and academically. We know and understand that not all students are in the same place.

What if my child doesn’t speak English?

While we understand not all students will be proficient in English, we are looking for more than a beginner level of English fluency. Students should be able to answer questions from the host about themselves, numbers, colors, a book or toy, etc. in English. The host should not have to speak slowly or repeat themselves for the child to understand. 

What if my child doesn’t do well due to unforeseen circumstances?

We know children don’t always have good days, a good night’s sleep, their tummy hurts, they are overly shy – we understand all these things.  

It is the right of the Admissions Office to reschedule if we feel it is necessary. However, we will not offer to reschedule if the adult feels the child did not do well or their best. As this is an assessment, only one opportunity for the assessment is allowed.   

Will we know the results of the Play Date?

No, we do not share assessment results with applicants or parents.  

We look forward to meeting your student(s) at their Play Date! 

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

Fall 2026: What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

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

What is the Virtual Family Meeting?
The Virtual Family Meeting is an essential part of the admissions process at BASIS Independent Bellevue 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.

When are the meetings held?
Virtual Family Meetings are typically Tuesday – Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM every 30 minutes. 

Who is required to attend the Virtual Family Meeting?
For families applying to Kindergarten through Grade 1, at least one parent or guardian is required to attend the meeting, while the child is not required to attend.

For families applying to Grade 2 through Grade 9, at least one parent or guardian is required to attend the meeting with your child. If your child does not attend, you will be asked to reschedule. 

What if we are applying for more than one student?
If you have more than one child applying for admission, your family will only need to attend one Family Meeting. All applicants (grade 2-9) should be in attendance for the meeting.

When does the meeting have to take place?
Families must first apply before scheduling their Virtual Family Meeting. The Virtual Family Meeting must be completed before receiving an admissions decision.

How do we register for a Virtual Family Meeting?
Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Virtual Family Meeting in your application portal. We recommend signing up early to ensure you are able to secure your slot – they tend to fill up as the cycle progresses!

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. We recommend signing up early to ensure you are able to secure your spot.

How long is the Virtual 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. 

Who will we be meeting with?
Our Virtual Family Meetings are hosted by members of the Admissions Team or a member of our school Administration.

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 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. 

How will the Virtual 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, email us at blv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2026: What to Expect at Your In-Person Entrance Exam

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

This year, BASIS Independent Bellevue will no longer be administering our school’s internal Entrance Exam. Instead, we will require students to submit scores from the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).

What is the ISEE?
The ISEE is a comprehensive admission test accepted by over 1,200 independent schools. Used for students entering grades 2-12, the ISEE offers valuable insights to both schools and families.

Why is BASIS Independent Bellevue using ISEE this year instead of the internal exam?
After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to adopt the ISEE for the following reasons:

  • Consistency and Equity: The ISEE provides a standardized and widely recognized measure of academic readiness, ensuring a consistent and equitable evaluation process for applicants.
  • Comprehensive Insights: The ISEE assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement – giving us a well-rounded understanding of each student’s academic strengths.
  • Flexibility for Families: The ISEE is offered at numerous testing locations, allowing families to choose a date, time and, setting that works best for them.
  • Alignment with Peer Schools: Many of our peer institutions also use ISEE, which helps streamline the process for families applying to multiple schools.

We believe this change will enhance the admissions experience for families, while providing us with valuable insights to ensure a strong academic match for our incoming students.

What does the ISEE assess?
At the Primary level, which encompasses applicants to grades 2-4, the ISEE assesses students in two categories: reading and mathematics.

At the Lower, Middle, and Upper levels for applicants to grades 5-12, the ISEE assesses applicants on four interconnected categories: quantitative reasoning, mathematics achievement, verbal reasoning, and reading comprehension. The comprehension and achievement section measure knowledge, or what students have learned. The reasoning sections measure students’ logical thinking skills and their capacity to learn. There is also an essay component to the ISEE, which allows students to showcase their writing abilities.

Will families have access to the results of the exam?
Yes, families will receive a scored report from ISEE. To view a sample of a score report and to learn more about how to understand the report, click here.  

How is the writing sample of the ISEE scored? 
Local Admissions Teams score the writing sample. Teams will assess the student’s ability to express their ideas clearly, their mastery of English grammar and spelling, their vocabulary/word choice, voice, sentence fluency, and usage of conventions.

Will families have access to the results of the writing sample?
No.

How often can my child take the ISEE?
ERB allows your child to take the ISEE once per testing season, up to three times per school year. The seasons include Fall (August-November), Winter (December-March) and Spring/Summer (April-July).

How many sets of scores can I submit to BASIS Independent Bellevue?
For Early Admissions (current siblings only), students can submit one set of scores from an ISEE taken between Augusts 2025 and November 2025. For Regular Admissions, students can submit one set of scores from an ISEE taken between August 2025 and February 2026. Noe scores from before August 2025 will be accepted.

Additionally, BASIS Independent Bellevue will only accept and consider one set of admission test scores per applicant. If we receive more than one set of test scores, we will only review the test scores from the chronologically earliest test date.

How much does it cost to take the ISEE?
The cost to take the ISEE varies based on both the testing method, and your student’s grade level. Review full pricing details here. BASIS Independent Schools has no control or influence over the pricing of the ISEE.

Does BASIS Independent Bellevue offer fee waivers?
No. 

How long is the ISEE?
For Primary level applicants (grades 2-4), the total test times are 53, 54, and 60 minutes respectively with one short break.

For Lower level applicants (grades 5 and 6) the exam lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes with two breaks.

For Middle and Upper level applicants (grades 7 and 8, and grades 9-12), the exam duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes, also with two breaks.

What materials should my child bring to the test site on exam day?
Students are allowed to bring a small snack and drink (not in a glass bottle) to have during their break.

They are required to bring four #2 or HB pencils, four erasers, and two black or blue ballpoint pens. Testing sites do not provide students with writing materials.

What forms of identification should my child bring to the test site on exam day?

All students will be required to present their Verification Letter from ISEE to confirm the student’s name and ISEE ID Number in addition to one of the approved forms of student identification below.

Applicants to Grades 2-8

  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • School Report Card
  • Health Insurance Card

Applicants to Grades 9-12

  • School ID
  • Passport or Green Card
  • State-issued ID
  • Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit
  • Military Dependent ID
  • Visa
  • Global Entry Card
  • National Identity Card
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Tribal Card

Are there any items my child is not allowed to bring?

Items not allowed include books, rulers, calculators, scratch papers, electronic games, smartwatches, smart eyeglasses, and mobile devices. Non-compliance may lead to test invalidation without a refund.

How can my child prepare for the ISEE?

ERB provides free online sample tests to help students familiarize themselves with the exam portal and question types.

When and where can I access my child’s ISEE scores?

Your child’s ISEE scores will be available at iseeonline.erblearn.org. You will receive an email notification when the Individual Student Report (score report) is posted to your account.

How does BASIS Independent Bellevue recieve my child’s ISEE score report?

Parents will elect to share the score report with BASIS Independent Bellevue through their ERB Parent Portal.

Will BASIS Independent Bellevue accept a digital or printed version of my child’s ISEE score report?

No, only documents sent directly through the ERB Parent Portal will be accepted.

Will BASIS Independent Schools accept the SSAT instead of the ISEE?

No, only the results of the ISEE will be accepted.

Can students take the ISEE at at different location and share the results of the exam with BASIS Independent Bellevue?

Yes, if more convenient, students can take the exam at another testing site and parents can share the results of their exam directly with us in their ERB Parent Portla.

When are the In-Person ISEE dates at BASIS Independent Bellevue?
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Sunday, February 1, 2026

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

Fall 2026: What to Expect at Your Virtual Play Date

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


What is the Virtual Play Date?
The play-based assessment provides our administrators and admissions staff the opportunity to get to know your child and observe your child’s social-emotional and academic development in a one-on-one setting.

The virtual assessment will take place in the comfort of your own home and we request that you have a few materials available for your child to use during the duration of the Play Date.  

Play Dates generally last 30 minutes and feature time for our administrator to get to know your child and conduct age-appropriate activities. 

What materials should be brought to the Play Date?
Your child should be comfortable and sitting in a chair at a table. Please have these materials ready for your child:

  • A recently created piece of artwork
  • Several sheets of paper
  • Writing or drawing utensils (crayons / color pencils / markers / pencil)

When are the Play Dates held?
Play Dates are held virtually Tuesday – Thursday, as early as 9:00 AM and as late as 2:00 PM, for 30-minute periods. 

Who is required to attend the Play Date?
One adult (a parent, guardian, caregiver, or family member) is required to be present, but this person is expected to only provide technical support as needed. We hope to interact with your child independently of the adult.

We ask that the adult in the room sit behind and to the side of the child so that our teacher or administrator may be able to effectively conduct this assessment without adult interference. 

How do we register for a Play Date?
Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Play Date. 

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. 

How long is the Play Date?
Play Dates are generally 30 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Play Date will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to go over the 30-minute mark. 

Whom will we be meeting with?
Our Play Dates are hosted by members of the Admissions Team and members of our Administration. You never know who will be hosting, but your child will always get to meet with a member of our community. 

What if my child doesn’t know all the answers?
That’s ok! We are meeting with them to gauge where they are socially, emotionally, and academically. We know and understand not all students are in the same place. 

What if my child doesn’t speak English?
While we understand not all students will be proficient in English, we are looking for more than a beginner level of English fluency. Students should be able to answer questions from the host about themselves, numbers, colors, a book or toy, etc. in English. The host should not have to speak slowly or repeat themselves for the child to understand. The adult attending the Play Date should also not offer any assistance or translation for the child.

How will the Play Date be held?
You will receive a reminder email 24 hours before your meeting time with a Zoom link to your Virtual Play Date. When your meeting time arrives, please log in to your meeting via Zoom. 

What if my child doesn’t do well due to unforeseen circumstances?
We know children don’t always have good days, a good night’s sleep, their tummy hurts, they are overly shy – we understand all these things. 

It is the right of the Admissions Office to reschedule if we feel it is necessary, however, we will not offer to reschedule if the adult feels the child did not do well or their best. As this is an assessment, only one opportunity for the assessment is allowed.  

Will we know the results of the Play Date?
No, we do not share assessment results with applicants or parents.  

We look forward to meeting your student(s) at their Virtual Play Date!

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

Fall 2026: The BASIS Independent Bellevue 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 as the next step in your child’s journey. For the 2026–2027 school year, we are accepting applications for Kindergarten through Grade 9. 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.

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Key Admissions Dates

Regular Admissions: Kindergarten-Grade 8

Deadline to submit an application: Friday, January 23, 2026

Deadline to submit required materials: Friday, February 13, 2026

Notification date: Friday, March 20, 2026

Commitment Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Regular Admissions: High School

Deadline to submit an application: Friday, January 23, 2026

Deadline to submit required materials: Friday, February 13, 2026

Notification date: Monday, February 23, 2026

Commitment deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM

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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. We offer both in-person Open House events and Virtual Information Sessions.

To view our upcoming Admissions Events, click here. 

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

You will submit an application with general student information through the online platform Ravenna. This will officially start the application process! After your application is processed, you will be able to send Teacher Recommendation Forms, Transcript Request Forms, and schedule your Student Evaluation 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 optional, Grade 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. This process is best done directly through our application tool, as parents can easily request a link sent directly to their child’s current teacher through Ravenna.

*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 submit a Transcript Request Form directly to your child’s school* 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. 

*If your child has been enrolled in more than one school district, you may need to submit this form more than once.

Step 5: Student Evaluation

Students will register for a BASIS Independent Schools Virtual Play Date (Kindergarten-grade 1) or Independent School Entrance Exam (grades 2 – 9). These evaluations 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 applying for 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 personalized 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.

Your top FAQs: BASIS Independent Bothell (K–12 Private School)

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From application details to curriculum and campus life, this FAQ post covers the most common inquiries we receive from families exploring BASIS Independent Bothell, home of the Orcas. Whether you are just beginning your search or preparing to apply, we are here to make the process as smooth and informative as possible.

Are you still accepting applications for this fall?

Yes! We continue to accept applications in Rolling Admissions for Kindergarten through Grade 7 for the 2025-2026 school year and have seats available. You may apply online through Ravenna. We will add grades 8-12 over the next few years.

Be a part of our founding class and community!

What is the application process?

Kindergarten–Grade 1:

Grade 1 Applicants: Current school year and Kindergarten transcript
Virtual Family Meeting
Virtual Play Date Assessment

Grades 2–7:

Virtual Family Meeting
In-person BASIS Independent Schools Entrance Exam
Math and English Teacher Recommendation Letters
Transcripts for the current school year and prior two school years

What time will school start and end? 

For the 2025-2026 school year, we have three different start and dismissal times from Kindergarten through Grade 7. Additionally, during the school year, our campus is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We also provide families Early Care (Early Bird) and After Care (Late Bird). While Early Bird is free, Late Brid is fee based.

Start and Dismissal Times

School starts around 8:00 AM and dismisses around 3:45 PM.

View the 2025-2026 School Calendar

What curriculum do you use?

Our students will follow the BASIS Curriculum, which has been continuously developed over the last 25 years. This internationally-inspired program offers a balanced approach to both liberal arts and STEM. While the curriculum is academically advanced, student success is driven by the strong support system in place—one that empowers students to reach and apply their full potential.

Are clubs and sports offered?

Yes! There will be an enrichment guide that will be released in August and an all-campus enrichment fair at the start of the school year for families to preview offerings and sign up. Extracurricular offerings are fee based, which varies by club and sport/athletic. Our brand-new field and gym will be regulation size for WIAA competition, providing us many opportunities to host a variety of sporting events!

View our renderings including our gym, field, and playground.

How many students will be enrolled?

We will have 20-25 students enrolled per section, with a maximum of three sections per grade. In the 2025-2026 school year, we are enrolling Kindergarten through Grade 7 and will have more than 200 students enrolled.

What will transportation be like for getting to and from school? 

Our operations team is currently investigating bus transportation options for the current school year and/or future school years. We have a carpool survey that goes out every summer as we have students who hail from many areas in the Seattle metro area including Bothell, Mill Creek, Kenmore, Seattle, Bellevue, Snohomish, Redmond, Woodinville, and Kirkland.

What is your student and teacher ratio in every class?

Kindergarten

One class can accommodate around 20 students, with two teachers in each classroom, and a different Subject Expert Teacher for Music, Performance Arts, Visual Arts, Engineering, and Mandarin.

Grades 1-4

One class can accommodate around 25 students, with two teachers in the classroom—one Subject Expert Teacher for each discipline and then one Learning Expert Teacher who is with students throughout the day and as they move from subject to subject. Students rotate from classroom to classroom and teacher to teacher.

Grades 5-12

One class can accommodate around 25 students and one Subject Expert Teacher in each classroom. Students will take seven courses each school day, each with their own subject expert teacher.

What are the school lunch options? 

While bringing lunch from home is always an option, hot lunch will also be provided by our food service vendor, Green Sprouts!

In Kindergarten, there is snack time in the morning and we recommend families pack snacks from home for their child(ren).

Have you hired all your teachers?

We launched our teacher recruitment efforts this past fall, and we are excited to share that our staffing for the upcoming school year is now complete. We look forward to welcoming a full team of talented educators and dedicated staff as we look ahead to a great year.

Do you offer scholarships or tuition assistance?

We do not currently offer tuition assistance. However, families can submit tuition through three different payment plans including: 1) One payment, 2) Two payments, and 3) 10 monthly payments. At BASIS Independent Bothell we do not fundraise from our families, allowing our Head of School and school administration to focus solely on delivering exceptional learning in our classrooms and an enriching after school program.

BASIS Independent Bothell is a K-12 private school located in the Canyon Park area. Submit an inquiry to join our interest list to learn about upcoming events, admissions process, and more.

We’re Growing: Introducing Kindergarten & Primary Grades in Fall 2026

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We are pleased to share an exciting new chapter in the growth of BASIS Independent Bellevue. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, we will expand our academic offerings to include Kindergarten through Grade 2 — making our school a comprehensive Kindergarten through Grade 12 community!

This expansion is in response to continued demand for our Kindergarten and Primary Program, inspiring us to open enrollment and welcome even more young learners into our vibrant, growing school community.

Why Expand Now?
Two key factors make this possible: space and demand.

Originally, our long-term plan was to transition our primary grades (K–4) out of the current building, ultimately making this a grades 5–12 campus once our second campus opened. However, instead of gradually removing the Primary Program, we are excited to announce that we will now reintroduce Kindergarten through Grade 2 to our current campus beginning in 2026–2027.

In two years, BASIS Independent Bellevue will have full use of our existing campus, giving us the space needed to accommodate additional grades. Rather than wait for the construction of our new second campus next door, this strategy allows us to meet the strong interest in our program sooner — without compromising the quality or experience for our current students.

This decision supports our school’s overall growth plan and does not delay the timeline for the new campus. In fact, by building the Kindergarten and Primary Programs now, we ensure a smoother transition when the time arrives to move our younger students.

“This expansion is not just about growing in size; it’s about strengthening our community, building important connections between students of all ages, and ensuring that when we move into our new campus, we do so with an experienced, cohesive team ready to support every learner.” — Dr. Elizabeth Thies, Head of School

Building a Stronger Community
One of the most exciting parts of this expansion is the opportunity to further enrich our Mountaineer community. Our new Kindergarten and Primary students will bring fresh energy to our outdoor halls, while our experienced Middle and High School students will have new leadership opportunities. Programs such as Reading Buddies, Mentorships, and Classroom Assistants have had a remarkable impact at other BASIS Independent Schools campuses, and we are eager to bring these traditions to BASIS Independent Bellevue.

Our incoming Kindergarten and Primary teachers will collaborate closely with our existing faculty, gaining valuable experience and building strong professional relationships before our younger students transition to the new campus. This continuity ensures that when we open the doors to our new, second campus, we will do so as a unified, Mountaineer community — ready to grow together.

Looking Ahead
We are energized by the incredible momentum at BASIS Independent Bellevue and grateful for the trust and support of our families. Applications for Kindergarten along with our Primary, Middle, and High School Grades for the 2026–2027 school year will be available on August 1, 2025.

With more young learners joining our school, and with plans for our future lower school campus moving forward, the future continues to look bright for our Mountaineers.

We are excited about what’s ahead and look forward to continuing this journey together. Explore our Kindergarten and Primary Programs on our website to learn more.

Beyond the Classroom: Exciting New Outdoor Space Rendering Revealed

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In addition to providing students with a rich academic experience, we recognize that academics and school enrichment activities are integrally connected to one another and are mutually beneficial. Enrichment opportunities not only help meet students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical needs but they also offer a balanced learning experience that provides numerous opportunities for students to develop into whole, responsible, and enthusiastic learners.

Our approach to sports promotes healthy competition and empowers students with the discipline, grit, and persistence to become leaders on and off the court. It is mastery of these skills that has led many of our student athletes to victory in a variety of competitions, large and small.

Students will have access to not only the gymnasium, but also a multi-use outdoor space between the academic building and the gym.

The Rolling Admissions Cycle – Your Questions Answered!

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Our Regular Admissions Cycle wrapped on March 14, 2025, which means that we have now entered Rolling Admissions . Due to increased demand and the competitive nature of the application cycle, we’re excited to say that our seats for the 2025 – 2026 school year have filled in grades 3 – 8. This means that students who apply for Rolling Admissions in these grades will be applying to join our wait pool.

However, each year there is always movement in our seats from the spring to fall, which means that we reach out to applicants in our wait pool to offer seats as they become available. Applicants on our wait pool often have the chance to secure a spot before the school year begins!

What does this mean for Rolling Admissions for grade 9 students?

We currently have seats available for grades 9! If you would like to apply for the 2025 – 2026 school year for this grade, we encourage you to do so sooner rather than later to secure your child’s seat.

What does this mean for Rolling Admissions for grade 3 – 8?

While we have some applicants in our wait pool, we are continuing to accepting rolling applicants across ALL these grade levels to add to this pool. As we have added an additional section of grade 5 this year, we expect even more seat availability is likely to come up in grade 5.

If we apply and make it on the wait pool, will my child be last on the list?

No! Students in our wait pool are not ranked. This is why we do not consider it a wait list but a wait pool. Whenever a seat becomes available, we evaluate all students in the pool and offer the seat to the applicant that seems to be the best fit, considering all aspects of their application. Applying for the wait pool as a rolling applicant does not hinder your chances of being offered a seat, should one become available.

How are the Rolling Application requirements different than Regular Application requirements?

The requirements to be considered for Rolling Admissions are the same as Regular Admissions. The only difference is that the Admissions Team will reach out to you to schedule the Entrance Exam and Family Meeting after we have received all the required materials. Review our application checklist to ensure you are aware of all the materials needed to complete your application.

When should I apply for Rolling Admissions?

Sooner rather than later! There is no way to guarantee when a seat will become available before next school year. The sooner your child is able to join the wait pool, the more likely their application will be considered when a seat opens.

Can I still come visit the school?

Yes! We will continue to offer one-on-one tours for the duration of the spring. If you would like to attend a campus tour, submit this form on our website and our Admissions Team will contact you.

How will I be contacted if a seat becomes available?

Our Admissions Team will call you immediately if we have a seat to offer your child and follow up this call with an email. We will provide all the details necessary to proceed with accepting the seat from there.

If my child makes it on to the wait pool but is not offered a seat this year, will they be guaranteed a seat next year?

No, applicants are not held for the next admissions cycle. If you wish for your child to be considered for the following year, you will need to reapply.

How should I apply?

Click this link to begin your application!

If you require any additional support during this process, please feel free to reach out to the admissions team at blv.admissions@basisindependent.com

April Open Houses – Top Ranked PreK-12 Private School in Brooklyn

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Now that the weather is getting warmer, we are sending our seniors off to conduct their Senior Projects and planning for upcoming spring arts festivals. The other special part of spring is that our Rolling Admissions Cycle is in full swing. This means one thing for BASIS Independent Brooklyn – our Spring Open Houses! 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. Come see for yourself how we are redefining education at BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s two campuses!

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

What to Expect:

For both Open Houses, doors will open at 9:40 AM ET, and the event will last approximately until 12:00 PM ET. 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 and student 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: 

Grades 3-12: Saturday, April 12 at 10:00 AM ET

The Primary Program: Grades 3-5

Visit our Learning Expert and Subject Expect Teachers to learn about our unique two-teacher model (for Grades 3 and 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 

In the Middle School Program, we focus on developing the academic, executive functioning, and self-advocacy skills needed for success in the high school years. Hear from our Subject Expert Teachers about how they inspire excellence inside and outside of the classroom. Plus, learn about our many athletic and academic competition teams, clubs, international trips, and more.

The High School Program: Grades 9-12

Educating tomorrow’s great innovators, pioneers, and leaders requires a well-rounded curriculum–one with breadth and depth across academic disciplines. Meet students, faculty, and administrators as you and your child learn about high school at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, including our unique Senior Year program.

Refreshments

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

PreK–Grade 2: Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 AM ET

PreK & Kindergarten

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 

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.  

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

I look forward to meeting you soon!

Warmly,

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