Culture of Support

Finding an Elementary School in NYC: The Checklist for Parents

March 6, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

Finding the right NYC private school is challenging, especially on the Upper West Side. With a myriad of options, it is no wonder parents seek guidance. To help you find the perfect Manhattan elementary school for your child, we have created a comprehensive checklist.

As a top independent school in Manhattan, we offer a challenging and enriching curriculum led by expert educators.
Our approach to lower school education equally emphasizes social-emotional learning, including critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Our convenient UWS location provides a unique and supportive learning environment for families.

Review this checklist to see how BASIS Independent Manhattan checks all the boxes!

Teachers: Passion and Expertise

We believe in the power of expert-led instruction. Our students in grades 1-4 benefit from 50-minute classes in core subjects like math, science, English, and Social Studies/History, taught by passionate Subject Expert Teachers (SETs). These experts bring their deep knowledge to the classroom, igniting a love of learning. Complementing the SETs is our Learning Expert Teacher (LET), a dedicated educator who is the guiding force for students, providing personalized support and ensuring each child thrives. This unique model allows for both expert instruction and individualized attention, a hallmark of our world-acclaimed primary program.

An Advanced Curriculum with Essential Enrichment

Beyond the core subjects, our curriculum includes essential classes: engineering, Mandarin, visual arts, drama, and music, fostering well-rounded development. Our commitment to comprehensive liberal arts-focused education with STEM offerings ensures that students are challenged and engaged.

Social-Emotional Learning: Nurturing the Whole Child

We believe academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with social-emotional growth. Our PurposeFull People curriculum, powered by Character Strong, develops essential soft skills, executive functioning, and emotional regulation for students in PreK-Grade 5. Our dedicated Student Affairs team delivers these lessons, supports students, and guides parents throughout their child’s academic journey.

Active Learning and Play

We cater to the age and stage of children while providing them with what they need — physical activity and outdoor play. They have periods of study and focus, which are broken up by three 20-minute recesses during the school day. Our daily schedule also includes P.E., ensuring students have ample opportunities for play and movement. After-school clubs, ranging from soccer and tennis to arts and STEM, further promote active engagement.

Transparency and Community: A Different Approach

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, transparency and community are at our core. Unlike many NYC private schools, we do not engage in traditional fundraising. We believe in providing an exceptional education without the added pressure of constant requests. This empowers families to invest in our vibrant community in ways that are meaningful and aligned with their commitments, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Get Parent Reviews

Nowadays, more and more families scour the internet for school recommendations to find the perfect fit. Sites like Niche.com use anonymous reviews and rankings to provide “the good, the bad, and the honest.”

Here are a few excerpts from recent BASIS Independent Manhattan reviews written by our current families:

“A great school which balances out an academic focus with play and creative time for the kids.”
“A hidden gem in NYC, that’s for sure.”
“A great choice for families seeking a rigorous academic program with amazing support.”
“Academics are second-to-none, teachers are caring and helpful, kids are challenged and happy.”
“I would recommend attending an info session. If it doesn’t seem right for your kid, you will know it. If it does, apply, you won’t regret it!”

Visit Our School

Experience BASIS Independent Manhattan firsthand. Meet our passionate teachers, interact with current students and parents, and learn more about our unique approach. Discover why we are among the best schools in Manhattan for grades PreK-5 and a leading choice for UWS families seeking exceptional education.

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.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at BASIS Independent Bellevue

February 14, 2025 by michaeldiambri Leave a Comment

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is an essential framework to utilize when building a modern learning community. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, our approach to DEIB ensures every individual feels valued, empowered, and inspired. Our team uses DEIB principles to support academic growth and personal development in an interconnected world.

DIVERSITY

BASIS Independent Bellevue affirms our network’s stance that schools should respect and honor people’s backgrounds and lived experiences. On BASIS Independent School campuses, embracing diversity bolsters social and emotional growth while fueling academic inquiry. We strive to cultivate and celebrate diversity within our population and at school through our curriculum, modern take on history, global perspectives, and embracing of the diversity of thought.

Head of Operations, Ms. Cardenas states, “Our campus community prides itself on appreciating different cultures, nationalities, background, values and practices. Engaging in DEIB work within our classroom and school activities allows students to create different perspectives beyond what their personal experiences may be. When we expose students to different viewpoints about the world, it allows them to form their own beliefs and appreciation for the world around us.”

“When we expose students to different viewpoints about the world, it allows them to form their own beliefs and appreciation for the world around us.”
Ms. Cardenas, Head of Operations

EQUITY

At our school, equity means striving to provide every student with the support and opportunities they need to succeed. Furthermore, this means recognizing and addressing the unique challenges that certain individuals face. Our commitment to equity ensures that members of our learning community—students, parents, and educators alike—have what they require to thrive.

Our faculty at BASIS Independent Bellevue also work hard to uplift equity in our curriculum by fostering critical thinking and encouraging students to explore multiple perspectives. By examining historical events, scientific discoveries, as well as social, cultural, and emotional experiences through an equitable lens, we help students develop nuanced perspectives.

INCLUSION

Inclusivity ensures individuals feel welcome, valued, and respected. In action, this involves creating conditions in which everyone is treated equitably, having equal opportunities for involvement, input, and progress. Our team is committed to modeling inclusive practices, ensuring that the people who contribute to our learning community feel heard, understood, and empowered. By embracing inclusivity, we create an environment amenable to learning success.

An inclusive mindset is great to have when approaching the usefulness of other DEIB concepts. Much like how our students will not get accurate answers to scientific questions or math problems without using the correct formulas and processes, our students need to know that the other components of DEIB will risk not producing meaningful results without the framework of inclusion. An inclusive approach thus leads to learning communities like ours being able to make meaningful changes, advancements, and provide innovative solutions to problems.

BELONGING

Belonging is an increasingly discussed part of DEIB models and is key to growing and maintaining community. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, the notion of belonging is established by facilitating connections, offering support, and encouraging growth. When students feel they belong, the academic experience, as well as the social and emotional learning that happens in school, gains a greater sense of purpose. This sense of belonging strengthens confidence, resilience, and perspective, helping students engage deeply in their education and approach their journey with enthusiasm and pride.

“Feeling like you belong is so important because meaningful relationships help us to feel valued and seen. This increased sense of connection to others allows students to take meaningful risks in their learning and find comfort through challenges.” -Ms. Olivia, School Counselor

Through mentorship programs, student-led clubs, and collaborative projects, we strive to cultivate a sense of belonging for every member of our school community. When students feel they belong, they are more likely to take risks, share ideas, and engage deeply with their learning. Belonging means students and faculty become excited to come to school, take part in events, and embrace new experiences.

DEIB in Action

Our school has monthly DEIB events and initiatives. Many of our DEIB initiatives advance learning and raise cultural awareness therein, enhancing the educational experience. Some of the programing we work on includes taking the time to recognize Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month, Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month, and others. The Dean of Students, Ms. Hinton, leads the charge on planning DEIB events and has seen the impact it has on our students. She states, “It is my goal to implement DEIB activities that both honor minority communities and educate our students. In doing so, they have become more knowledgeable, empathetic, and kind.”

DEIB concepts are also used as educational tools within classroom settings. Each year our community attempts to make connections to DEIB but also to explicitly teach valuable lessons centered around these principles in a way that is useful for our unique learning community. For example, teachers at BASIS Independent Bellevue include a DEIB-focused lesson in their teaching each trimester which highlights a person from a different cultural background than their own who has made a positive impact on their field of study. For example, Math SAD Mr. Norcross taught a lesson last year that focused on the unique life and experience of Al Khwarizmi (c. 780 – c. 850) which also help introduced students to the historical roots of algebra, engaging them in hands-on learning by physically completing a square to connect geometric and algebraic methods, which deepened their understanding and curiosity about mathematical history. Mr. Norcross states, “When we integrate the themes of DEIB into our lessons it is important for it to be genuine. I always look for a connection that is directly relevant to the students learning or has some other timely contextual relevance. This gives the lessons real purchase with the students; broadening their horizons and deepening there understanding.” Class experiences like these not only exposes our students to a wider array of class materials to engage with but leads to students learning to have new insights into the nuances of the disciplines they study and have valuable conversations about the hardships, resilience, and advancements made by people within their fields.

Dean of Students Working with Students on a DEIB Activity

BASIS Independent Bellevue also integrates DEIB into our events calendar. One recent highlight was our 2024 Winter Carnival, held the Friday before Winter Break. During this event, our Mountaineers celebrated various winter holidays: crafting ornaments for Christmas trees, setting goals for Yule, creating hand wreaths for Kwanzaa, and completing a Hanukkah-themed scavenger hunt. Students also honored Diwali by making lanterns and embraced Ramadan’s spirit of gratitude through reflection activities. The day concluded with a cherished Mountaineer tradition—fresh hot cocoa. Through DEIB programming, we aim to provide a fun, educational way to celebrate the rich diversity of our broader communities.

A number of clubs and opportunities also demonstrate the importance of diverse experiences from an inclusive framework. Ms. Cardenas states, “I am proud of the array of diverse offerings our Auxiliary Team offers to support learning outside of the classroom. We have the World Travel Club, advised by SETs Mr. Tyler and Mr. Hui-Peterson, where students can travel around the world and learn from guides and scholars in that area. They might sit on the same steps as William Shakespeare did in England or walk through the same temple as Alexander the Great did in Greece! Another popular club we offer is our Chinese Cooking Club, hosted by our SET Ms. Pan. Students learn about Chinese food tradition and the special properties of Chinese ingredients and spices, as well as their connection to health. They also get a crash course learning basic cooking hygiene and safety. If you consider yourself a huge BTS fan, we also have a K-Pop Cover band, hosted by our SET Ms. Ziolkowski. Students learn K-Pop choreography and are immersed in some of the most popular musicians in Korean culture.” Our campus community is proud that our students are exposed to a world-class, international education and take part in experiences that support a global mindset.

DEIB—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—shapes and is shaped by the educational experience at BASIS Independent Bellevue. These values bring us closer to a culture where every member of our community feels supported and empowered to succeed. As we grow, our commitment to DEIB will continue to guide us, fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and every Mountaineer can thrive.

A Day in the Life of a BASIS Independent Manhattan Kindergartener: Where Learning is Playful and Purposeful

January 30, 2025 by editor Leave a Comment

Picture a day filled with laughter, learning, and boundless curiosity. That is a typical day in the life of a kindergartener at BASIS Independent Manhattan. With our small class sizes, outstanding teacher-student ratio, and world-inspired curriculum, we believe in nurturing the whole child through joyful teaching, social-emotional learning, and support for students to achieve their highest potential.

Let us peek into a typical day and find out more about what it is like to be a BASIS Independent Manhattan kindergartner.

A Schedule Built for Success

Our thoughtfully designed daily schedule ensures a balanced blend of academics, social-emotional learning, and physical activity.

8:00 a.m. Morning Meeting

The day begins with community time in Morning Meeting, where routines like discussing the date, weather, and daily schedule set the tone for learning. Then, kindergarteners dive into a focused math block. On any given day they could cover lessons like adding two numbers, subtracting zero, and subtracting a number from itself. They also use tactile activities to learn how to tell time, skip count, measure, or understand the value of coins.

What are Dojo points?

Our Early Learning Expert Teachers (LET) implement differentiation by splitting the class into two groups based on level to provide support and advancement. For example, those eager learners ready for a higher-level concept take on the “Top Ten” grade 1 level problems that prepare them for the next academic year. These activities not only reinforce learning but also motivate students with opportunities to earn Dojo points.

Recess (15 mins)

Now it is time to get outside and get moving! Students head to our spacious outdoor terrace where they have active playtime (developing essential gross motor skills), while also navigating social dynamics (learning the importance of cooperation, sharing, and conflict resolution). After expending the necessary energy, they are ready to return to academics.

9:25 AM – Mandarin and Essentials

Mandarin lessons come alive through singing, storytelling, and hands-on crafts, that immerse students in the vibrant Chinese culture. They actively engage both sides of their brains through visual and creative activities, helping them think critically and connect ideas across different subjects.

The arts are just as important as academics, and students benefit from a daily rotation of our Essentials classes, which include drama, music, visual arts, and engineering. Our unique two-teacher model allows students to dive deep into these subjects with our Subject Expert Teachers (SETs), who have specialized degrees in their respective fields.

10:25 AM – Literacy

Kindergarteners explore storytelling and start writing! A special “Writing Boot Camp” has our budding authors tackling missions to earn star badges. They brainstorm imaginative story ideas, plan narratives, create sentences, and identify nouns and verbs.

Students take on exciting writing adventures, crawl through obstacle courses, go on sentence-fixing hunts, and don ‘writer’s helmets’ for inspiration. By the end of an exhilarating week of boot camp, students have reviewed sentence writing fundamentals and can proudly craft a personal narrative’s beginnings.

11:30 AM – Lunch and Recess

Lunch is a time for social connections, whether students bring meals from home or enjoy healthy options from our partner, Butter Beans. Then, more outdoor play!

12:25 PM – Phonics & Centers

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we use the Logic of English and Heggerty programs to help students master phonics, surpass reading benchmarks, and build confidence in reading, writing, and spelling. Each day, a “Heggerty Hero” leads a fun warm-up to practice phonemic awareness, with one standout student earning the coveted Hedgie the hedgehog as a reward.

1:30 PM – Physical Education

Having daily P.E. classes means more than just exercise. Here, coaches instill valuable life skills like teamwork, sportsmanship, and following instructions while fostering a love of movement and healthy habits.

Recess (15 mins)

Another chance to recharge with fresh air and free play!

2:30 PM – Civics, History & Science Foundation

These blocks cover everything from space, oceans, and continents, to world discovery and history. Lessons often follow student interests, keeping curiosity at the heart of learning.

One final period allows for activities or crafts. Each Friday, a parent/guardian surprises the class with a read-aloud session in a Mystery Reader series, fostering family involvement in the classroom and a love for reading!

Cross-Curricular Learning in Action

In one interdisciplinary project, kindergarten became ‘Detectives in Training’ seamlessly combining math and literacy to solve a mystery. Using the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why), they analyzed clues, solved math challenges, and honed literacy skills like making inferences. This activity exemplifies how our curriculum fosters critical thinking and demonstrates the interconnectedness of different subjects.

Learning Through Play: A Holistic Approach

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, learning is joyful and engaging. Our curriculum is designed to foster a love of learning while nurturing the whole child. By blending advanced academics, social-emotional learning, and creative exploration, our kindergartners develop a strong foundation for future success.

What Our Parents Are Saying

Since joining the Early Learning Program, I’ve noticed significant growth in my child’s academic and social skills.
Tiffany J.
When our daughter came to BASIS Independent Manhattan, she did not know English. She is now in her second year here and she has learned to speak English very well. We have been so impressed to see her master the alphabet and begin reading.
Ekaterina M.
We feel that the STEM approach BASIS Independent Schools takes at such an early stage has given our little one a slight edge/a head start as he begins elementary school!
Ameya B.

These are just a few examples of the positive impact our Early Learning Program has on our young learners. We are proud to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where every child can thrive.

Grades 9 & 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
College Counseling Newsletter	College Counseling Newsletter	College Counseling Newsletter
Encouraged to attend college rep visits	Required to attend college rep visits	Encouraged to attend college rep visits
Open access to counselor	Open access to counselor	Open access to counselor
Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians	Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians	Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians
Student “Boot Camp” Workshops (Spring)	Weekly one-on-one scheduled meetings with counselor (Spring)	Weekly one-on-one scheduled meetings with counselor
		Daily College Counseling Class for two trimesters in length
		Life-Skills Mentoring

Whether meeting with BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Leadership Council as their faculty advisor or helping organize our 4th Annual Day of Service across the entire High School, Dean of Students Ms. Olivia Robbins is placing her great drive and focus squarely on shaping a wonderful high school experience for our oldest students. Just last semester, she coached students on how to organize their first homecoming dance, and she has only just begun! Given Dean Robbins is the newest member of our school’s administrative team, we thought families might be interested in learning more about her through our “Leadership Spotlight” series.

Ms. Robbins began her career at Milton Academy, a boarding school outside of Boston, where she started first as a teaching fellow and then as a full-time Upper School English faculty member. Afterward, Ms. Robbins transitioned to the Hewitt School, a girls’ school in Manhattan, where she simultaneously held roles as Grade Level Dean, Learning and Innovation Program Associate, and Upper School English Faculty member. Ms. Robbins also worked for two years at an educational technology start-up, where she designed humanities content and contributed to product development for a digital adaptive learning application used by thousands of children.

Dean Robbins graduated cum laude from Princeton University, where she won the Spirit of Princeton Award for her involvement in student organizations, community service, and the arts. Ms. Robbins went on to earn her master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education through the Independent School Teaching Residency program.

As the Dean of High School Students at BASIS Independent Brooklyn (BIB), Ms. Robbins helps foster community in the Upper School and supports students through their academic journeys. She loves working with high school students and is inspired by the myriad ways in which they want to shape the world.

Below is our interview with Dean Robbins edited slightly for clarity and flow.

What are the types of students you see thrive here at BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s High School Program?

I see a wide range of students thrive: students who are super passionate about a single subject (e.g. math, English) and those who love all subjects; athletes, entrepreneurs, and artists; introverts and extroverts… The list goes on! Overall, a few common traits that I think make students optimally successful and happy here include organization, focus, self-advocacy, intrinsic motivation, kindness, and a sense of humor.

What drew you to our school?

Honestly, the role! I was excited to work with students in the role of Dean. Helping students navigate challenges and chart out their high school careers are my passions. I also respected BIB’s curricular design and its range of course offerings. And I liked its size! I felt I’d be able to develop closer partnerships with more students, families, and faculty in a smaller environment.

Can you share your perspective given you have been in your role for a few months now?

I am impressed by our students. They are smart and motivated. I love the moments when I am able to see them shine academically since I often observe portions of classes. I also love seeing them enjoy one another’s company in the High School Lounge. They enjoy playing cards, ping-pong, and board games, and they laugh a lot.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I long imagined myself as an educator, whether as an academic or a teacher. After studying literature as an undergrad, I became an English teacher at Milton Academy, a boarding school outside of Boston, through a teaching fellowship and master’s program through UPenn. I loved starting my career at a boarding school because there were so many ways to get to know the students and get involved in the school community. In addition to teaching high school English, I choreographed for and helped organize our spring dance show, as well as ran the house council program in one of the girls’ dorms. Eventually, I took a joint teaching and administrative position at the Hewitt School (girls’ K-12 school) in Manhattan. I taught English, helped manage strategic school innovation projects (curricular improvements, professional development for teachers, new faculty and staff onboarding, etc.) and then eventually became the Dean of the senior class. Working with the students to help make their senior year as special as possible was a highlight for me. After Hewitt, I briefly worked at an educational technology start-up company because I’d become curious about ed tech and start-up culture after thinking about school innovation for several years. My former company is focused on providing accessible tutoring and enrichment to all students—a cause I am really passionate about. However, I missed working directly with students, so joining BASIS Independent Brooklyn as the High School Dean of Students was a wonderful reunion with the type of work I love most!

What are some of your priorities for making high school an engaging, memorable time for students?

I want to help students feel a deeper sense of community and connection. I enjoy planning events to make this possible! Our first-ever homecoming dance was held at the end of last year. I am grateful that members of our Student Leadership Council proposed this fabulous idea as a means of gathering and celebrating the high school community. I want all students to feel pride and ownership about what BIB is, such that students feel as though they can shape their BIB experience to be what they want it to be. Having conversations with students to get to know them and learn about their BIB experience, gathering data about student life, and thinking of new opportunities for students to get involved at the school or explore their passions outside of school are all ways I’m trying to do cultivate that spirit during my first year!

What are the three questions you think every prospective high school family should be asking themselves?

What motivates you? Our curriculum is wonderfully challenging. High school in general is a time that is so full. Knowing what one’s personal “north star” is can help students keep pushing during particularly challenging or busy moments.
What is a student club you’d want to start or get involved in? We have so many neat clubs for students to join (for example—we have a rock band and a rock climbing club…both rock!). And we have an easy process to start a new club if the existing roster doesn’t suit one’s interests.
Are you a morning person? This is an important question to think about since our unique schedule allows students to take either an AM or PM elective. AM electives are great choices for students who have after-school commitments or want their school day to end a bit earlier…but they have to be ready to go in the morning!

Ms. Robbins is excited to support BASIS Independent’s mission to educate students to the highest international levels, and she is energized by her colleagues’ commitment to supporting each individual student holistically.

Our Class of 2025 posed together with Director Forde, College Counselor Brauch, and Dean Robbins (on left) earlier in the school year.

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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.