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Upcoming Summer Admissions Events!

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Join us this summer and learn more about BASIS Independent Manhattan!

As we prepare for the first day of school, we are excited to invite you to meet us throughout the summer at various events! This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your student to participate in fun activities and learn more about our community at BASIS Independent Manhattan, a PreK – Grade 12 Top Private School with locations on the UWS and Chelsea.

FREE SUMMER EVENTS – You Won’t Want to Miss!

Waterfront Wonders: Science and STEM with Ms. Delaney and Ms. Amy (ages 3-10)

STEM with Ms. Delaney: Students will explore foundational coding and computational thinking skills by programming Ozobots using color-coded paths and simple logic sequences. Through hands-on challenges, they’ll learn how to debug, sequence commands, and think like engineers while watching their robots respond in real time!


  • Tuesday, August 5 at 10:00 AM | LIC Waterfront (Long Island City) | RSVP HERE


Science with Ms. Amy: Kids will explore the world of science by creating their own lava lamps and magnetic paintings. We will discuss how science is a part of the world around us everywhere we go!

  • Tuesday, August 12 at 10:00 AM | LIC Waterfront (Long Island City) | RSVP HERE

Paint in the Park:  Art Class with Ms. Carmen (ages 5-16)

Join us for an evening of watercolor painting by the LIC waterfront! Our BASIS Independent Manhattan Lower School Art teacher will be leading two workshops on watercolor techniques: ages 5-11 at 5:30 PM and ages 12-16 at 6:15 PM. Participants will get to take home an original watercolor painting

  • Thursday, August 7 at 5:30 PM | LIC Waterfront (Long Island City) | RSVP HERE

TABLING EVENTS

FlyNYC: Stop by our table for a fun activity and meet our admissions team.

  • Saturday, August 16 at 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Pier I at W 70th St


Launch Math + Science Camp: Tabling Event: Come stop by our table and meet our admissions team!

  • Thursday, July 24 at 8:30 AM | 3 W 65th St
  • Thursday, July 31 at 8:30 AM | 3 W 65th St


West Side County Fair: While you are partaking in games and rides, don’t forget to stop by our table and say hi!

  • Sunday, September 7 at 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Pier I at W 70th St

UPCOMING ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Virtual Information Sessions

  • Tuesday, July 29 (12:00 PM)
  • Tuesday, August 26 (12:00 PM)

Virtual Admissions Q&A

  • Thursday, August 14 (12:00 PM) | PreK – Grade 1
  • Thursday, August 14 (1:00 PM) | Grades 2 – 10

Join us for a campus tour and learn more about our wonderful community. Interested in applying for the 2026-2027 school year? Our applications go live on August 1! Be sure to sign up for our newsletters to stay informed.

Register Below for Our Upcoming Admissions Events

Click HERE

Beyond the Classroom: BASIS Independent Manhattan’s Project Week in NYC

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At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe that education extends beyond advanced academics. Our commitment to fostering well-rounded, engaged, and globally-minded individuals is exemplified through unique and impactful initiatives like Project Week, which range from domestic and international trips to immersive experiences at school and around NYC.

What is Project Week?

A BASIS Curriculum Schools tradition, this fun week of learning takes place the last week of school. Students have the opportunity to engage in an exciting and new activity, working together with faculty members from various grade levels. Teachers also have the opportunity to show off their skills and interests outside of their normal classroom expertise. The goal of the projects is to challenge students to be cooperative learners and function as a team to work towards an end product. 

This year’s Upper School Project Week for students in grades 6–11, led by our Dean of Students, Ms. Friederike Williams, focused on the vital theme of community service, where their collective work would make a tangible difference across four of New York City’s iconic islands.

“Project Week is a cornerstone of our curriculum,” says Ms. Williams. “It’s where our students actively apply their learning in real-world contexts and have an opportunity to collaborate across grade levels toward a mutual goal.”

After a successful week of hands-on activities, we are pleased to share the details of how these students connected with their city, transformed some of nature’s spaces, and had fun while exploring the beauty and significance of our local environment.

Making a Difference, One Island at a Time

Roosevelt Island: Cultivating Green Spaces & Community

Our Wildcats kicked off the week by partnering with the non-profit organization iDig2Learn at Coler Hospital. They painted benches, prepared arboretum plaques, and revitalized gardens by removing invasive species and planting new flowers. Beyond the physical transformation, students gained a powerful understanding of how local organizations like iDig2Learn empower communities and the lasting impact of nurturing urban green spaces.

Manhattan: Local Stewardship in Chelsea

Back in our own neighborhood, students felt as a sense of ownership and pride by cleaning up litter in the local area of Chelsea. Their dedication quickly caught the attention of local residents, who offered words of encouragement and appreciation, underscoring the students’ emerging role as active and responsible citizens within their own community. This hands-on service was balanced with opportunities for connection and recreation in nearby parks, reinforcing the vital link between community service and enjoying one’s community.

Governors Island: Unearthing History & Protecting Nature

Even under typical New York skies, our students enthusiastically explored Governors Island, unlocking layers of the city’s rich past. With energy and curiosity, they began with an insightful historical tour of significant landmarks like Fort Jay and Castle Williams. In the afternoon, students engaged in environmental stewardship by collecting litter and then enjoyed some well-deserved free time, showcasing their camaraderie and teamwork through spontaneous games and exploration. A visit to the Urban Farm, guided by Earth Matter experts, provided practical insights into composting and its crucial role in fostering sustainable environmental practices.

Coney Island: Ocean Conservation & Coastal Cleanup

Our students enjoyed more than just a day at the beach! A highlight was the unique opportunity to meet with a curator from the New York Aquarium, learning about the importance of ocean conservation and the impact of pollution on our local beaches. This engaging presentation reinforced their understanding of critical environmental issues.

Following the talk, they participated in a brief beach cleanup and then enjoyed classic Coney Island activities, from volleyball to simply enjoying the ocean breeze. This final day perfectly blended environmental awareness, community engagement, and the joy of shared experiences.

The Transformative Impact of Project Week

Project Week at BASIS Independent Manhattan is more than just a series of activities; it’s an embodiment of our commitment to providing a transformative educational experience. It’s about fostering critical thinking, promoting collaboration, and nurturing a deep sense of civic responsibility in our students from PreK through grade 12. By actively engaging with their community, our students learn valuable lessons about empathy, leadership, and the power of making a positive impact.

Does an education that extends beyond traditional academics, fostering real-world impact and deep community connection, resonate with your family’s vision? We invite you to explore how BASIS Independent Manhattan‘s unique curriculum empowers students to become thoughtful, knowledgeable, and engaged citizens, ready to make a positive difference in the world.

BASIS Independent Manhattan (PreK–12)

Learn more about our well-rounded curriculum and programs.

Contact Admissions

Class of 2025: Graduation Reflections

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On June 18th, family, faculty, and students of BASIS Independent Brooklyn gathered together at the Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to celebrate the accomplishments of our Class of 2025. Our twenty-four graduates are now poised to continue their academic careers in top colleges and universities across the country.

During the ceremony, Valedictorian Maxim S. expertly captured their time together as a class and inspired his fellow graduates to look ahead to all that is in store for them. We wanted to share his speech with our community since his words reflected the joy and honor at the heart of the celebration.

Address by Class of 2025 Valedictorian Maxim S.

Hello everyone, and thank you all for coming to celebrate this long-awaited achievement. It is an honor to stand on this stage as valedictorian—an honor I couldn’t have achieved without the unwavering support of my teachers, administrators, and, of course, my family.

Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt—thank you for not only giving me the opportunities to succeed, but for being there through all my highs and lows. And a special thank you to my brother as well—although he’s not here today, I truly cannot imagine how dull life would have been without your company, snarky humor, and competitiveness.

For most of us, today marks the long-awaited moment of liberation. The words AP, College Board, and Advisory are finally behind us. No more watching AP Classroom videos at 2x speed, hiding from Advisory teachers in the Senior Lounge, or complaining to our teachers about unnecessary post-AP assignments. I’ll admit, I certainly felt that sense of freedom at Senior Send-Off—more excited about what’s to come than nostalgic for what had passed.

But over the course of this last trimester—with more free time and fewer deadlines—I’ve had space to reflect and genuinely appreciate what BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] as given us.

Like many of you, I joined this school in its early days. When my family moved to the United States in the middle of my 2nd-grade year, I was nervous. I didn’t know how I’d fit in, or whether my differences would set me apart. But BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] did something remarkable—it welcomed me with open arms. It embraced the things that made me unique and gave me the space to grow into who I am today.

This small community—quirky, intense, tight-knit—has encouraged us to be ourselves. Class presentations and projects gave us the creative liberty to explore our topics of interest deeper. And because our class was so small, we had no choice but to listen to each other—to hear perspectives we might have tuned out in a more traditional high school. That closeness made us not just classmates, but collaborators, confidants, and, in many cases, lifelong friends.

We felt this school was small enough to create the changes we wanted—and so we did. We argued our case for better grades after tests we thought were unfair, started clubs where we saw gaps in the extracurricular catalog, and pitched in to support both the BASIS [Independent] and Red Hook communities. Sure, some of our efforts didn’t succeed—like the infamous Puerto Rico trip—but every attempt taught us how to advocate for ourselves, speak up, and shape the environment around us.

Through these four years, there were obviously moments when I wasn’t always the most prideful about our school. I sometimes compared our experience to the more “traditional” high schools we see in movies, and wondered what we were missing. But now, I see just how special our journey has been. We weren’t just students here. We were contributors to something still being built, persevering through academic rigor to help leave a mark on the expanding BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] community. And because of that, we didn’t just grow—we helped shape the school that shaped us.

So to the Class of 2025: As we turn the page and begin the next chapter, let’s not forget the laughter, the lessons, and the late nights that brought us to this stage. Let’s carry forward the values BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] has instilled in us—the courage to be ourselves, the willingness to listen, and the strength to grow. So let’s not wait for the world to change—let us be the ones who change it.

Congratulations, Class of 2025.  And in the words of Fabrizio Romano: Here we go!

Thank you to Maxim and our entire Class of 2025 for leaving their mark on our school community! We will be cheering you on these next few months during the transition to college.

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

The New Works Arts Festival and Spring Showcase: A Celebration of our Fine Arts Department

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This week BASIS Independent Bellevue hosted the annual New Works Arts Festival and Spring Showcase! This event is meant to celebrate our Fine Arts Department and creativity of our students in grades 2 – 8 through dramatic works, musical performances, and the visual arts. The event was four evenings of planned artistic showcases, allowing students to explore their own creative voices and present their perspectives to our community.

Our Fine Arts Subject Expert Teacher, Ms. Carter, teaches grades 2 – 4 in Performance Arts, Music and Visual Art, giving her the unique ability to work with these students across several artistic disciplines. Since the beginning of the school year, Ms. Carter has been working with our primary students on body percussion and control. This skill has allowed students to develop more focus and mindfulness in the classroom, and has been especially helpful in preparing for their Spring Showcase performance. In January, students began using their body percussion skills to rehearsal the musical they would perform in March. Students in grades 2 and 3 were ensemble cast members, singing and dancing during the show, while students in grade 4 were assigned lines and learned blocking techniques on the stage. It came together beautifully!

“Giving the students the opportunity to blend theater, music, and the visual arts created a flow for me to be able to recognize their individual strengths, help direct their energies, and learn what each grade level was truly capable of. Working with these kids brings me such joy because I get to see them set aside their inhibition and come to life. They’re not afraid to be goofy, but and even the ones that are, learn quickly to break down those walls. I love the way they work together. We are a family in that classroom and I think the performance showed that.” – Ms. Carter

In grades 5 – 8, preparation for the New Works Festival began all the way back in August when students in drama classes learned that they would be asked to craft and perform their very own script, adapted from a piece of literature. This required students to look at themes of text, character and story development, and even write their own scripts. This cross-curricular method allows students to rely on skills learned from classes like Classics, English, and Literature and Composition.

Our Drama Subject Expert Teacher, Mr. Mullens, agrees that the integration of Humanities in our curriculum is crucial to the ongoing holistic growth of our students:

“Our students are highly academically motivated, which can mean that they are often very focused in their learning of academic content. In the drama room, I have the pleasure of seeing students truly enjoy the learning process in a non-traditional way. While we incorporate valuable skills, it is also a time for them to laugh, be silly, and bring levity into their day. It’s so important for our students to have these moments of ownership over their creativity, while having a lot of fun.” – Mr. Mullens

Each night kicked off with a visual arts showcase, highlighting art made by students in grades 2 – 8 throughout the course of this year in their classes with Subject Expert Teachers Ms. Carter and Ms. Dreskin. Families were able to enjoy refreshments and begin the evening by appreciating the work of our students.

The gallery of student artwork was on display for all four days of the festival!

Night One – The Spring Showcase

Students in grades 2 – 4 came together to present a musical performance. In grades 2 and 3, students were mice and princesses, while our grade 4 students each dressed up as a fairy tale character of their choice. The theme of the musical focused on building character and kindness.

Night Two – The New Works Festival

On Night Two, Grade 5 Oxygen students performed three adaptations from their chosen works with musical accompaniments, highlighting the flute, piano and vocals!  Student performers stayed in their performance spaces, while the audience was rotated throughout the campus to see each of the shows in the theater room, amphitheater and music room.

Night Three – The New Works Festival

On Night Three, the Chamber Music Club hosted a pre-show while families enjoyed refreshments and viewed the gallery of art that surrounded them. Then, Grade 5 Nitrogen students performed their three adaptations while the audience rotated through each show in the theater room, amphitheater and music room.

Night Four – The New Works Festival

On the final night of the event, our grade 6 – 8 students enrolled in the drama elective courses performed their adaptations of literary works. These students collaborated with the grade 8 Creative Writing class for peer mentorship and support in their writing. The results were resounding. They even had a special guest appearance by our Social Studies SET and basketball coach, Mr. De Monnin! The middle school students performed their three adaptations while the audience rotated through the theater room, amphitheater and music room.

From start to finish, this event was almost completely student-led, from the writing of the productions, to acting and performing their words. Even our stage crew each night were student volunteers from the National Junior Honor Society!

“I love that the adults are standing back and letting this be as student-led as possible. It’s a pleasure to watch them taking agency over their work and see the months of effort finally coming to fruition. “– Mr. Mullens

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of those involved in making this even a success, specifically our Operations Team, Ms. Dreskin, Mr. Mullens, and Ms. Carter. The work that was required to pull off this event was immense and it is greatly appreciated by our students and community!

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.

Spring Visual Art Exhibit: Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Art, Robotics, and Music

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At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, innovation and exploration are at the heart of student learning, encouraging creativity across disciplines. This year, the Spring Visual Art Exhibit highlights an exciting collaboration between the Visual Arts, Music, and Robotics programs, showcasing how technology and artistic expression can intersect in meaningful ways.

The theme for this year’s exhibit, Carnival of the Animals, is inspired by the compositions of Saint-Saëns. Subject Expert Art Teachers Ms. Nichols and Ms. Shi selected the music first before assigning each grade level two pieces as inspiration for their artwork. This theme provided students with an opportunity to explore both the musical and visual aspects of the animals, blending their creativity with themes of nature and sound.

The new Robotics program, introduced this year by Subject Expert Engineering Teacher Ms. Bhatnagar, played a key role in this interdisciplinary effort. It is the first robotics program at any BASIS Independent campus in the Bay Area to be integrated into the curriculum rather than offered solely as an after-school program. Through this program, students in Grades 1-4 have been introduced to the fundamentals of robotics and computer science. Using the Finch Robot by BirdBrain Technologies, students developed computational thinking skills and applied coding concepts in tangible ways. With features such as a micro:bit, sensors, LEDs, motors, and a pen holder, the Finch Robot became an invaluable tool for incorporating robotics into various subjects, including art.

Once the exhibit theme was established, Grade 4 Engineering students collaborated with the Art department, using robots to create animal-themed artwork for the show. They first learned how the robots functioned, explored new coding environments, and applied mathematical concepts such as angles, shapes, and coordinates to program them. As a final challenge, they coded the robots to create circular patterns—an advanced function that required precise speed adjustments. Through this process, students reinforced their understanding of geometry and coding and discovered how technology can enhance creative expression.

Music was also an integral part of the learning experience. Students listened to the musical movements corresponding to the animals in their artwork. For example, students who worked on lions studied “The Royal March of the Lion” from Carnival of the Animals. They followed a listening map to identify which instruments were featured, answered questions about the composition, and learned about Saint-Saëns. These activities were woven into lesson plans across grade levels, allowing students to make deeper connections between music and visual storytelling. Subject Expert Music Teachers, Ms. Gao, Ms. Zhang, and Mr. Robbins, guided students through these exercises, enriching their artistic interpretations through sound.

Across all grades, students explored a diverse range of mediums and techniques to bring their artwork to life. These included making playdoh molds for plaster, wax resist techniques with watercolor, oil pastel drawings, negative space painting, metal tooling, and paper quilling. By experimenting with different materials, students were able to capture texture, movement, and emotion in their representations of the animals from Carnival of the Animals.

Throughout the exhibit, Carnival of the Animals will play on a continuous loop, enhancing the immersive experience and bringing the artwork to life. It is hoped that the musical backdrop enhances the experience, allowing viewers to engage more deeply with the pieces and develop a greater appreciation for the interdisciplinary connections between sound, art, and technology.

Reflecting on the experience leading up to the show, Ms. Nichols shared, “One of my favorite parts of being an art teacher is watching my students experience awe. Awe in not just great works of art, but also in the potential they see in their own creativity as their knowledge expands. The wonderful thing about the art showcase is that parents get to be part of that experience.”

We look forward to welcoming parents to the Spring Visual Art Exhibit on Friday, April 11, as we celebrate the creativity and dedication of our students. We encourage families to listen to Carnival of the Animals beforehand to extend the learning experience at home and gain a deeper appreciation for the inspiration behind the exhibit.

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. 

2024 – 2025 Startups at Spring Competition: Wellness in the Workplace

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Thinking of a creative and unique business idea is a challenge for even the globe’s most talented and proven business professionals. Give that same challenge to a group of high school students all attending exceptional schools, and the results are sure to impress. How could students in grades 9 – 12 create a start-up idea, product, or service from inception to implementation? One that would also impress a panel of judges made up of industry professionals? That’s what a group of educators seek to discover at the yearly Startups at Spring Competition.  

The competition is open to high school students attending a Spring Education Group school and focuses on a specific type of business start-up. This year’s theme was “Wellness in the Workplace” and it allowed the students to think outside of the box and present their ideas, first to their local school, and then one team from each school was selected and invited to attend a network-wide competition. Students then made the same presentation but, instead of it being in front of their peers and school administration, it was in front of industry professionals.  

The professionals judge the competition on the feasibility and profitability of each idea presented. Judges listened to see if the teams explained their business idea clearly, was it unique, and implemented the year’s theme. Beyond those basic judging expectations, they also sought to see if the team understood and addressed the financial challenges of starting a business, did they effectively present their market strategy, and could they answer confidently improvisational questions regarding their “pitch”.  

Ms. Jaymie Silva, BASIS Independent Schools Subject Expert Teacher and organizer of the competition said, “I was so impressed with the level of maturity in this year’s presentations. Our theme was wellness, and we had students speaking on subjects related to health, safety, and well-being at levels far beyond their teenage years. It really makes me hopeful that they will be able to bring some of these ideas to fruition in the future.” 

The top three teams are awarded prize money to be donated to a charity of their choice.  

Third Place: Team Wanderphyll
(awarded $2,000)

Team Members: Akhil G. (Grade 9) and Jacob L. (Grade 9) 

School: BASIS Independent Silicon Valley 

Startup: Wanderphyll: Explore the Wanderphyll World of Nature 

Selected Charity: World Wildlife Fund  

Pitch: Stress and laziness from schools and offices have caused people to stop going outside. People would rather spend their free time on their phones or watching TV.  Mental health issues like depression increase alongside with pressure and stress from work and constant screen time and lack of exercise. Going outside to nature restores people’s mental well-being and reduces depression and anxiety in most people. 

Wanderphyll is a mobile app that incentivizes going outdoors by turning it into a passive game. 

Team Take Away 
“The entire Startups at Spring experience has been a wonderful learning opportunity; allowing us to experience the full process of fleshing out an idea into a detailed framework for a startup. It was a fun experience and we enjoyed watching the other presentations and we’re glad that it was also able to make a positive impact in the form of a donation to a charity. Additionally, we’d like to thank the organizers, especially Ms. Silva, and the judges for making the whole competition possible.”

To view their entire presentation, click here.  

Second Place: Team SipSense
(awarded $3,000)

Team Members: Rishik P. (Grade 10) and Aarya V. (Grade 11) 

School: BASIS Independent McLean 

Startup: SipSense: Have a Sense of What You’re Sipping 

Selected Charity: US-India Solidarity Mission 

Pitch: 11 million women in the U.S. have been assaulted or worse as a result of involuntary consumption of drugs through drinks. More than 80% of women have reported an imminent need for safer pubs, bars, and restaurants.

The solution? A drug sensor system that is accurate, reuseable, discrete, and is connected to a multi-functional app.

Team Take Away 
“Developing our startup idea and building a prototype was a truly unique and inspiring journey. It expanded our vision of what’s possible—from further product development and manufacturing to real-world application. Throughout this competition, we discovered our ability to create innovative solutions that address genuine needs in modern society. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Wright and Mr. Biemesderfer for helping refine our pitch deck to its best possible version. Above all, this experience taught us that many of today’s societal challenges remain inadequately addressed, and there is a critical demand for creative, effective solutions.”

To view their entire presentation, click here. 

First Place: Team OurIBD
(awarded $5,000)

Team Members: Zoe A. (Grade 9) 

School: Laurel Springs 

Startup: Our IBD: AI Powered Gut Health Tracking – From Toilet to Data, Instantly 

Selected Charity: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation 

Pitch: 10 million plus are diagnosed with inflammatory (IBD) globally. 80% struggle with tracking symptoms accurately and current solutions are invasive, expensive, and unreliable. Patients are forced to guess, leading to frequent ER visits and worsening health.  

The solution is an AI-powered, non-invasive stool monitoring device.   

Team Take Away 
“Winning 1st place at the Startups at Spring Competition isn’t just an award—it’s validation that an idea born from my own struggles has the power to help others. I started OurIBD because I knew firsthand how frustrating and exhausting it is to manage IBD with delayed test results, invasive procedures, and unreliable tracking methods. What began as a personal project—a way to automate symptom tracking and detect inflammation through AI—has grown into something real, impactful, and now, recognized.

Pitching my startup, seeing industry leaders believe in what I’m building was a moment I’ll never forget. It reinforced that this isn’t just a personal solution—it’s something that can truly change lives. I’m incredibly honored, not just for the recognition, but for the chance to take this further, refine my prototype, and push toward making this available to real patients. And to give back, I’m honored to be donating my $5,000 prize to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation—an organization that has supported my family and I since diagnosis, and helps millions of others just like myself.”

To view their entire presentation, click here. 

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Expert Judging Panel

Mr. John Forte is the CEO and President of VT-ARC, responsible for guiding strategic growth in applied research and development with the intent of strengthening national security, driving societal impact, and improving the human condition. In this capacity he also oversees 5 Innovation Centers for the Air and Space Force, drawing together government, industry and academia to advance research and accelerate innovation. 

Prior to VT-ARC, Mr. Forte served as one of the US Air and Space Force’s 5 science and technology executives (EPAs), responsible for advising the command, control, communications and networking needs of the warfighter and the Department of Defense. He was charged with creating forward leaning and innovative ecosystems focusing upon the toughest challenges across multiple operating domains. During this time Mr. Forte also served as an advisor on the Defense Science Board for critical infrastructure resilience. 

Mr. Forte served nearly 10 years as a senior leader within the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). His culminating assignment was as the Executive for the Homeland Protection Mission Area, directing the development and implementation of technologies and solutions to protect the United States against a variety of asymmetric threats. While at JHU, he founded and served as the Interim Director of JHU’s Institute for Assured Autonomy, a center of excellence charged with driving safety, security, and reliability into the future autonomous world. 

Mr. Forte served in numerous senior leadership positions within the public and private sectors, including the Morgan Franklin Corporation, MITRE, and as the Chief Scientist for the White House Communications Agency. He also served as a communications officer in the US Army, assigned to multiple airborne and special operations units and deploying in support of operations in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. 

Mr. Forte earned a BSEE from the University of Tulsa and an MSEE from George Washington University with a focus in Communications and Networks. He also completed Executive Programs at the Harvard Kennedy School on Cybersecurity: The Intersection of Policy and Technology; as well as on National and International Security. 

Mr. Amrit Saxena is the Founder & CEO of SaxeCap, an AI transformation and private equity investment firm, that conducts AI-levered buyouts and transforms enterprises with AI & automation technology.  Additionally, he has successfully founded & sold two AI companies (Stella.ai, Fancy That) and is an active angel investor in data, AI, and enterprise software companies in the Silicon Valley, investing in 300+ early stage technology companies (including being an early investor in companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Figure, Perplexity, SpaceX, Palantir, etc.).  

Prior to SaxeCap, Amrit founded and scaled Stella, a talent sourcing AI company, to over 150 large enterprise clients (including 10% of the Fortune 500), leading technology (data science, product, engineering, etc.) and operations (pre-sales, client integrations, etc.). Stella was sold to Cornell Capital and Trilantic Capital Partners in a $1B+ private equity transaction in 2021. Additionally, Amrit founded, scaled, and sold Fancy That, a retail AI company, to Palantir (NYSE: PLTR) in 2015.  Between his two AI startups, Amrit has experience buying a company, selling two companies, and scaling teams from 0 to 50+ people. Amrit previously worked at Bain & Company, Groupon, AmEx, and e2e Analytics and taught and researched AI at Stanford & MIT.

He received his B.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and M.S. in Management Science & Engineering with a concentration in Operations Research, both from Stanford University with Distinction. Additionally, he has garnered numerous accolades, including being awarded 7 U.S. patents (relating to AI and optimization), a three time finalist in the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO), winner of the American Mathematics Competition (AMC), finalist in the United States Physics Olympiad (USAPhO), Congressional Award Gold Medalist, Research Science Institute (RSI) Scholar, American Regions Math League (ARML) winner, and was selected for the President’s Award for Academic Excellence and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society while at Stanford. 

Mr. Ken Snyder serves as the Executive Director of the Shingo Institute and as a Senior Lecturer in the department of Marketing, Strategy, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship (MSLE) of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. He has regularly taught the business planning course in the Entrepreneurship program. 

Mr. Snyder earned an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business in 1980 with an emphasis in international business. Immediately after graduation, Mr. Snyder joined a Japanese electronics manufacturing company and led the startup of its U.S. affiliate company as plant manager, CFO, and later president of that company. 

Mr. Snyder then raised money to launch a venture startup company which ultimately was unsuccessful. Mr. Snyder then led a corporate-backed startup company, Progressive Impressions International (PII) in Bloomington, Illinois. Following this successful startup, Mr. Snyder then led a corporate venture capital fund within Taylor Corporation. 

Before joining the Huntsman School, Mr. Snyder was president of Marketing Communication Inc., an operating division of Taylor Corporation, where he directed a group of six companies while growing revenues from $25 million to over $80 million. He joined the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business in 2008. 

Parent Education Series: Design Your Student’s Middle and High School Experience for College Success

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Parents of middle and high school students, set your child up for college success!

Join BASIS Independent Schools for a free virtual event, “Design Your Student’s Middle and High School Experience for College Success” on Saturday, February 1, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM PST. Gain valuable insights and strategies to help your family navigate the path to college readiness.

“There is an abundance of information available about college counseling and readiness, but how do you make sense of it all,” expressed Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools, Mr. Toby Walker. “This Parent Education Event is a unique opportunity to hear from experts, get your questions answered, and gain valuable insights to guide your journey.”

Expert Panelists:

Tim Pratt, Director of College Advisory, Spring Education Group

Mr. Pratt, with 35 years of experience in education, joined Spring Education Group as the inaugural Director of College Advisory. He leads efforts to enhance college counseling across the network, including promoting Spring schools to colleges, recruiting and training counselors, supporting schools in evolving their programs, and establishing college counseling offices at new high schools. Previously, Mr. Pratt served as Dean of College Advising at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshire, where he also led strategic initiatives. He has conducted college counseling audits for independent schools, served on advisory boards for prestigious universities, and was a trustee for School Year Abroad.

Che Angkham, College Counselor, BASIS Independent Schools

Ms. Angkham earned a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology from San José State University, where she supported underrepresented communities through peer health education and AmeriCorps’ Cal-SOAP program. After nearly a decade as a classroom instructor, she joined BASIS Independent Schools, excelling in roles such as English Teacher, Dean of Students, College Counselor, and Associate Head of School. Now based in the Pacific Northwest, she is excited to focus on college counseling and contribute to the growth of BASIS Independent Schools’ high school programs.

Moderator:

Toby Walker, Vice President, BASIS Independent Schools

Mr. Walker brings extensive international experience and a passion for education to his leadership role, guiding a network renowned for academic excellence. Originally from rural England, he holds a degree in Politics from the University of Sussex and began his career in education and public policy research. Mr. Walker’s journey with BASIS Independent Schools started as an AP humanities teacher at BASIS Scottsdale before advancing to Director of Student Affairs and Head of School at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where he led the school to new heights during his five-year tenure. He later served as the founding Head of School for BASIS Independent Online, overseeing its successful launch and development. A board member for BASIS International School Bangkok, he continues to champion global education initiatives, ensuring the network remains a leader in delivering world-class academic programs.

Parent participants will learn the following:

  • Discover the latest college trends and gain expert advice on navigating the ever-changing admissions landscape. 
  • Learn how to maximize the impact of extracurricular activities by focusing on depth versus breadth.
  • Find out how thoughtful class scheduling can pave the way for long-term academic success.
  • Explore strategies to build essential skills like time management and executive functioning.
  • Gain practical tips for SAT/ACT preparation and learn the true value of Advanced Placement© (AP©) and International Baccalaureate© (IB©) exams in the college admissions process.
  • Plus, get insider advice on selecting the right middle or high school to align with your family’s college goals.

Grab your favorite coffee or tea and your top questions! Join us as our college counseling experts guide families through the middle and high school years, helping you prepare for college admissions.

Design Your Student’s Middle and High School Experience for College Success

Saturday, February 1, 2025

9:00 AM to 10:00 AM PST

EVENT REGISTRATION (ZOOM)

Join our Interest List to receive exclusive Admissions updates! Sign up here. 

Join Us for Fall Open House!

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The Admissions Team at BASIS Independent Bellevue is delighted to share that our annual Open House is coming soon!  

This event will be an opportunity to learn about our internationally benchmarked advanced curriculum, hear directly from our Subject Expert Teachers about their impressive classroom techniques, and meet current parents and students. All of our staff and faculty will be on campus to demonstrate what makes BASIS Independent Bellevue an exceptional school community. 

We invite you to join us on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Click here to register! 

Open House Schedule 

Doors will open at 9:30 AM and we encourage families to arrive as close to this time as possible. The event will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. We will be providing refreshments during this time, and our Student Ambassadors and Class Parents will be circulating to answer questions and discuss their experience with our program.  

This will be a structured event with specific demonstrations and offerings tailored to the grade levels of interested families. Programs will begin at 10:00 AM and will continue until 12:00 PM. Families should expect to stay for the duration of the event, though it is not required. Please keep in mind there will be no re-entry. 

Structured Programs 

Open House at BASIS Independent Bellevue is tailored to highlight the unique offerings of our program at all grade levels. Families may choose to attend the one grade level group they are most interested in applying for, though it is important to note that each group will be showing off a variety of our offerings across all departments.  

Please see below for what to expect regarding our Open House Programs. 

Grade 3 – 4  

  1. Mini Information Session with our Admissions Team and Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies 
  1. Demonstration lesson of our Subject Expert/Learning Expert Teacher Model 
  1. Demonstrations lessons in core academic subjects such as Math/Science and History 
  1. Presentations from our Specials teachers, including Engineering and Mandarin 
  1. And more! 

Grade 5 – 7 

  1. Mini Information Session with our Admissions Team and Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies 
  1. Teacher Panel with core Subject Expert Teachers who will discuss our Middle School Curriculum 
  1. Demonstration lessons in core academic subjects such as Science and English 
  1. Presentations from our Elective and World Language teachers  
  1. And more! 

Grade 8 – 9 

  1. Mini Information Session with our Admissions Team and Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies 
  1. Teacher Panel with core Subject Expert Teachers who will discuss our High School Curriculum 
  1. Presentation from our College Counselor who will discuss how we set students up for success beyond high school 
  1. Demonstration lessons in core academic subjects such as Math and English 
  1. Presentations from our Elective and World Language teachers  
  1. And more! 

See You There! 

Don’t miss this exciting chance to see BASIS Independent Bellevue in action. We hope you will consider joining us and getting to know our Mountaineer community. 

Click here to register for Open House! 

Warm Regards,

Jessica Grear

Director of Admissions | BASIS Independent Bellevue

blv.admissions@basisindependent.com

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