Admissions

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

July 24, 2024 by ezekielbracamonte

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.

Fall 2025: What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

July 24, 2024 by ezekielbracamonte

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

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

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

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

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

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

When does the meeting have to take place?
Those applying in Early Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Friday, November 8, 2024. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Friday, February 14, 2025.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fall 2025: What to Expect at Your Virtual Play Date

July 24, 2024 by ezekielbracamonte

What is the Virtual Play Date?
The play-based assessment provides our teachers, 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 teacher or administrator to get to know your child, followed by an age-appropriate lesson or activity.

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)
A favorite book
A favorite toy

When are the Play Dates held?
Play Dates are held virtually Monday – Friday, as early as 8:30 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.

When does the Play Date have to take place?
Those applying in Early Admissions must complete their Play Date by their Completion Deadline, Friday, November 8, 2024. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Play Date by their Completion Deadline, Friday, February 14, 2025.

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. If you wait and are unable to schedule a Play Date for one of our offered times, your application will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for admission.

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, members of our Administration, and even some of our Subject Expert Teachers! 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 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 sv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2025: What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

July 9, 2024 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

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 held Monday – Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM every 30 minutes.

Who is required to attend the Virtual Family Meeting?
At least one parent or guardian is required to attend along with the student.

If your child does not attend, you will be asked to reschedule.

What if we are applying for more than one student?
Only register for one Virtual Family Meeting, and have both students attend the same 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.

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.

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, members of our Administration, and even some of our Subject Expert Teachers! You never know who will be hosting, but you’ll always get to speak with a member of the Bellevue community.

What questions will we be asked?
The meeting is our chance to get to know you and your child more in a one-on-one setting. We may ask you questions about why you’re interested in 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.

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.co m.

Fall 2025: What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

July 1, 2024 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

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

While we are happy to answer questions about our program, the Virtual 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 held Monday – Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM every 30 minutes.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Fall 2025: What to Expect at Your Virtual Play Date

July 1, 2024 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Bothell, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

What is the Virtual Play Date?
The play-based assessment provides our teachers, 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 can last up to 30 minutes and feature time for our teacher or administrator to get to know your child, followed by an age-appropriate lesson or activity.

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)
A favorite book
A favorite toy

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.

When does the Play Date have to take place?
Families must first apply before scheduling their Virtual Play Date. The Play Date must be completed, along with any other required meetings before receiving an admissions decision.

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.

How long is the Play Date?
Play Dates are generally 15-20 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.

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.

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.

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 bothell.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Why Mandarin?

June 12, 2024 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

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.

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 Silicon Valley 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 Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Grads Head to Top Universities: Class of 2024 College Acceptances

May 7, 2024 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

We are thrilled to announce the college acceptances of our inaugural graduating class at BASIS Independent Manhattan! These outstanding results reflect their hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence. We are inspired by their achievements and proud to see them succeed.

A Pioneering Spirit Sets the Stage
As Ms. LaNette Hodge, Head of School, reflects, “This is a truly significant milestone for BASIS Independent Manhattan. Many of these students joined us in the very first year we opened our doors. Witnessing their development and evolution throughout their 6th-12th grade experience has been truly rewarding. They are pioneers, setting a high standard for future BASIS Independent Manhattan graduates.”

College Enrollment Reflects Exceptional Achievements
Here’s a glimpse into the impressive colleges our Class of 2024 will be calling home this fall (listed in order of commitment date):

Wesleyan University
Yale University
Duke University
University of Virginia (2 students)
Cornell University
Stanford University
University of California San Diego (UCSD)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Lafayette College
Carnegie Mellon University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
University of Colorado Boulder

(Full list of college acceptances will be included below.)

The statistics speak volumes about the caliber of this graduating class:

23% of students secured spots at top-10 ranked universities.
Over 62% received offers from institutions within the top 25 nationally and internationally, including prestigious names like Stanford, Yale, Duke, and the University of Virginia (three graduates this year!).
An impressive 92% gained acceptance to schools ranked in the top 50.
Remarkably, 100% were accepted to colleges within the top 75.

These statistics are reflected across the BASIS Independent Schools Network! Check out our blog highlighting the acceptances from our fellow campuses in Brooklyn, McLean, Silicon Valley, and Fremont. Read the blog: The Class of 2024 – Achieving New Heights and Redefining Success

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Opportunity
Ms. Andie Abrams, College Counselor, shares her experience, “While we weren’t quite sure what to expect from our first graduating class, we are absolutely thrilled with their achievements. The students embraced the college application process early, focusing on self-discovery and finding schools that truly aligned with their goals. They celebrated every milestone, big and small, and I have no doubt that they are all well on their way to incredible success.”

We at BASIS Independent Manhattan are beyond proud of our Class of 2024 and their remarkable accomplishments. They are a testament to the power of a nurturing and rigorous academic environment, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them all! We can’t wait to see the amazing things they achieve in the years to come.

Full List of College Acceptances:

American University
Babson College
Boston University
Carnegie Mellon University
Cornell University
Denison University
Duke University
Elon University
Emory University (2)
Fordham University (2)
George Mason University
George Washington University (2)
James Madison University
Lafayette College
Lehigh University (2)
McGill University (2)
New York University
Northeastern University
Ohio State University, The
Pomona College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2)
Rochester Institute of Technology (2)
Rutgers University
SUNY Albany
SUNY Binghamton
SUNY Stony Brook
Stanford University
University of California – Berkeley
University of California – Davis (2)
University of California – Irvine
University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of California – San Diego (3)
University of California – Santa Barbara
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware
University of Indiana at Bloomington
University of Maryland, College Park
University of Massachusetts Amherst (2)
University of Rochester
University of Virginia
Washington University in St Louis
Wesleyan University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2)

Interested in learning more about our program and the Senior Year? We invite you to explore our website, visit our school, or contact our Admissions team to see if BASIS Independent Manhattan is the right fit for you.

BASIS Independent Manhattan, a private school offering PreK through Grade 12, is based in Manhattan, New York. Students thrive alongside Subject Expert Teachers as they engage in a liberal arts program with STEM offerings.

Fall 2024: Top Ten Questions Asked Every Admissions Season

November 3, 2023 by msnyder

We are excited to meet many wonderful families considering a BASIS Independent Brooklyn education for their family.

During each admissions season we field a wide range of questions about the admissions process, our program, the transition, student life, electives, extracurriculars, and so much more!

While we are delighted to speak to every one of our families, we have observed certain questions that are commonly asked.

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

How many students are at each campus?

Our Upper School campus is home to almost 600 students, while our Lower School campus is just under 200.

What is the teacher model at your school?

Present in all grades 1 and above, Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) are the shepherds of academic content and are focused on high-level mastery. SETs use their passion for their subjects to inspire students while teaching them at a higher level than what is expected of students at any given age. SETs almost always hold advanced degrees in or have a great deal of experience in their discipline.

Present in most Grade 1 – 4 classrooms, Learning Expert Teachers (LETs) are masters of the learning process and of social-emotional growth in students. They accompany their students all day, from class to class, and ensure that the SETs are reaching each and every child in the class. LETs also play a lead role in literacy and Connections classes. The partnership of one LET and SET in each classroom and for each subject forms the Symbiotic Classroom of our primary program.

Unlike the Primary, Middle, and High School Programs, the Early Learning Program is primarily self-enclosed. Students don’t move classrooms for each subject and remain engaged in their vibrant, specialized classrooms throughout the school day. ELTs lead our Kindergarten and PreK 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 of an Early Learning Teaching Fellow.

What special classes do students have the opportunity to take?

For the Early Learning and Primary Program, students will take Performing Arts, Music, Visual Art, and Engineering. For the Middle and High School Programs, students will continue to have access to these courses as electives as well as Band/Orchestra and Computer Science.

Do you offer any Clubs or Athletics?

Our Clubs include AI for Kids, Chess, Leadership Club, Math Team, Science Bowl, Student Newspaper, Black Student Union, LatinX Affinity, Chess Team, and many more. We also have competitive and league sports for students to play. Offerings include basketball, flag football, running, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Every year our club and athletic offerings grow in number and vary based on student interest. Learn more about our athletic and club offerings.

Do your campuses have any outdoor space?

Our Upper School campus located in Red Hook has three different outdoor spaces. Our Lower School campus at City Point will have direct access to a new park right across our street!

What is your student-to-teacher ratio?

It depends on the grade! Our classes are capped at the below student-to-teacher ratios. We have between two to five sections of each grade.

PreK-1:14:2
PreK-2:16:2
Kindergarten: 20:2
Grades 1 – 4: There are two teachers in every classroom, with one Subject Expert Teacher per each discipline. Our average class size is around 21 students.
Grades 5 – 12: Our average class size is around 20 students, with one Subject Expert Teacher per each discipline.

What is the diversity of your student population?

Brooklyn is home to such a wonderful, diverse community and our student community reflects this! 48% of our student population are students of color and 41 different languages are spoken.

Do you offer financial aid?

At this time we do not offer any financial aid. We do offer tuition payment plans in one, two, or ten installations.

We do award a select number of scholarships based on academic merit to a highly selective group of current BASIS Independent Brooklyn students in grade 8, planning to stay for high school. Qualification for the scholarship is determined by the student’s academic record, teacher recommendations, and demonstration of leadership.

At most private and independent schools, financial aid and scholarships are funded through school fundraising, whether from parents, outside donors, alumni, or employees. BASIS Independent Brooklyn does not do any fundraising and does not expect or accept any monetary donations from our community.

Do you offer transportation?

We encourage families at both campuses to make use of nearby public transportation options; we offer free or reduced MetroCards for students who plan to use public subways or buses. The BASIS Independent Brooklyn Upper School campus in Red Hook is conveniently located near stops for the B61 and B57, as well as the F and G trains at Smith & 9th Street Station. BASIS Independent Brooklyn 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 many MTA bus lines, including the B25, B26, B38, B52, B54, B57, B61, B62, and B67.

Families are also welcome to use CitiBikes, bikes, strollers, skateboards, and scooters. We have storage at both campuses for these modes of transportation. For those families with students at both our Upper and Lower School campuses, BASIS Independent Brooklyn offers a “Connector” bus. Our fee-based transportation program at the Red Hook campus includes morning and afternoon bus services throughout New York City. Our bus routes attempt to accommodate the majority of students who sign up, and they are carefully planned with each school year. Please inquire directly for more details on our current routes.

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. That means students lead annual drives and regularly promote ways to volunteer with Red Hook and Downtown Brooklyn organizations throughout the school year. Our Student Affairs team started an Annual Day of Service for our entire high school before Thanksgiving Break three years ago which has become an anticipated tradition.

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, 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 just started teaching guitar classes. They also work to ensure our leftover school lunches are transported to RHAP and given to students and their families.

The level of community involvement differs by grade. Many of our students start service work in middle or high school that continues through to their Senior Project. In our younger grades, teachers often lead service projects as part of their Connections class. This year we are excited that many of our high school students will teach a class on the importance of service to our Lower School Cubs that involves a service project.

We want to ensure that our students not only feel the comfort and sense of belonging that comes with their own community but also recognize the ways to give back to society.

We invite you to attend an upcoming informational event or campus tour to learn more about our program, difference, teachers, and approach to helping students discover their potential.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Admissions Team at (718) 643-6302 or email us at brooklyn-admissions@basisindependent.com.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK – Grade 12 private school, providing students an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings.

Early Admissions: Complete Your Child’s Application in the Next 15 Days

November 1, 2023 by ekugler

As we start this season of gratitude, I am thankful to be part of a such a dynamic learning community – a community that appreciates advanced academics and a spirit of teamwork and collaboration. Here, at BASIS Independent McLean (BIM), each student, faculty member, and administrator strives to be an EPIC Hawk.

EPIC stands for empathy, perseverance, integrity and curiosity. And, I am thankful to be part of a community that values these character traits.

I also want to thank you for taking the time to learn more about BIM. I hope that our stories of learning and fun have inspired your family to join us. And, with only 15 days until the Early Admissions application deadline, now is the time to take that first step towards joining us next year.

The Early Admissions application deadline of November 15 is quickly approaching! Remember that this is just the deadline for submitting the application. You still have until December 1 to complete the application and receive your child’s decision on December 7. However, with the holidays right around the corner, we know that your to-do list is growing. With just a little planning ahead, you can submit your child’s application today and make the Early Admissions deadline!

Here are some tips for chipping away on your child’s application checklist:

Don’t wait! Request your child’s transcripts and teacher recommendations:
- December 1 is the deadline for completing your child’s application, but it’s best to submit your requests for these items early. Giving your child’s current school and teachers extra time to submit these items will make the entire process less stressful.
- Note: For grades 1 and above, we need teacher recommendations from the Math and English teacher(s) and transcripts for this year and the previous two years (if applicable).

Don’t try to do it all at once! Break down the application into manageable parts:
- Log in and start the application. You can complete just a bit and save as you go. That 10-minute window before your next Zoom call could get you halfway through the application.
- Submit your child’s application early! Submitting your application early gives us time to help with questions prior to the deadline. Plus, it allows you to start scheduling any remaining application pieces through our application portal.
- Select a date and time for your child’s Family Meeting/Interview. This is an important part of the application. Here, we learn about your child’s interests and hobbies, as well as your family’s educational philosophy and goals.
- Schedule your child’s Entrance Exam. If your child is applying to grades 2 and above, they need to complete a BIM Entrance Exam.
  - Students in grades 2 and 3 take a one-on-one exam with a member of team via Zoom. Once you submit your application, a member of our team will contact you to help set-up a date and time.
  - For students applying to grades 4 and above, we offer the exam virtually once a week. We are also offering the Entrance Exam in-person on Saturday, November 18. Space is limited for this on-campus exam date.

Once you’re done, it is time to take a few days to relax and recharge! Please remember that our team is here to help you throughout the process. We look forward to receiving your application, and we hope that your family finds many ways to celebrate this season of gratitude!

P.S. Haven’t attended an informational event yet? Join us virtually on Friday, November 17 or in-person on Saturday, November 18 for an Information Session to learn more about BIM!