Current Events

Ribbon Cutting Celebration at BASIS Independent Bothell

November 13, 2025 by chriszefferys Leave a Comment

Making waves since 2025—home of the Orcas!

We recently celebrated the grand opening of the BASIS Independent Bothell with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony!

Joining this celebration were members of the Spring Education Group leadership team, BASIS Independent Schools leadership, BASIS Independent Bothell administrative team, leaders from our Spring Education Group sister school, representatives from the Bothell-Kenmore Chamber of Commerce, and members of our BASIS Independent Bothell parent community.

BASIS Independent Bothell, a kindergarten-grade 12 private school, opened its doors to over 200 students, and more than 50 faculty and staff in September of 2025. The ribbon-cutting ceremony began outside and in front of the school entrance with celebratory speeches from Mr. Toby Walker, Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools, and Mr. Robert Runyon, Head of School of BASIS Independent Bothell. Their speeches outlined the incredible journey of opening BASIS Independent Bothell and gave praise to everyone who helped make the school opening successful.

“I truly enjoyed speaking with everyone about what the ribbon cutting meant for us as a culmination of so many different people’s work and belief,” Mr. Runyon expressed. “It was not just the end of something; it signaled the beginning of something new and special.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a proud milestone for BASIS Independent Bothell—a celebration of collaboration, dedication, and shared vision. As the newest addition to and eleventh school of the BASIS Independent Schools network, the campus now stands as a place where curiosity, innovation, and excellence both inside and outside of the classroom will flourish. With the doors officially open, the school community looks forward to building a strong, inspiring foundation for lifelong learning, and bringing to life a program designed for 21st-century learning.

Enjoy a few photos from this special event.

BASIS Independent Bothell Head of School Robert Runyon, joined by members of BASIS Independent Schools’ leadership team and other distinguished guests, prepares to cut the ceremonial red ribbon.

Toby Walker, Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools, commemorates the opening of BASIS Independent Bothell, the 11th school in the BASIS Independent Schools network.

Robert Runyon, BASIS Independent Bothell Head of School, shares his vision for our K-grade 12 private school during the ceremony.

BASIS Independent Bothell, a K-grade 12 private school, opened in fall of 2025.

Discover BASIS Independent Bothell by attending a Campus Tour or upcoming admissions event. Learn more.

Mountaineer Athletics Fall 2025 Recap: A Season of Growth and Grit

November 7, 2025 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

This fall was one to remember for the BASIS Independent Bellevue Mountaineers. From the volleyball court to the soccer field to our very first swim season, our student-athletes brought energy, teamwork, and heart to every practice and competition. Under the leadership of our passionate coaches, the Mountaineers continue to climb higher, building a foundation of excellence that will carry into our expanding high school program.

Girls Volleyball

The Mountaineer volleyball program, led by Coach Fischer, embodied the heart of what it means to be a developing athletic program. A program built on growth, teamwork, and skill development over wins and losses. The team finished the season 3–8, but the record was never the measure of success. Coach Fischer emphasized progress, communication, and confidence, and her players responded with remarkable unity and improvement across every level of play.

Both the D1 and D2 teams grew steadily throughout the season, building chemistry and trust with every match. Their commitment to learning and supporting one another defined the fall and set a foundation that will strengthen the program for years to come.

One of the most memorable moments came during the Blackout Game, which brought the entire BASIS community together for a night of excitement and pride. Monty the Mountaineer made a special appearance as students, families, and staff filled the gym to cheer on their team. A halftime serving challenge and school raffle added to the fun, creating a celebration that perfectly captured how athletics unites our campus.

At the October 27 Jamboree, the D1 team showcased their development, earning two hard-fought wins over Eastside Christian. The team’s serving game was anchored by Vivian L., whose accuracy and consistency made her a standout all season, while Yvonne Q. provided steady leadership and inspired her teammates through her composure and hustle.

The D2 team finished their season with an impressive 4–0 record at the October 28 Jamboree, claiming the championship title. Their teamwork, communication, and consistent serving, led by Carry and Melody, were key to their success and a reflection of the program’s overall progress.

Coach Fischer shared that her focus this season was on sportsmanship, team bonding, and foundational skill-building, emphasizing that improvement, not the scoreboard, was the true goal. The Mountaineer volleyball teams have set the standard for a culture of growth, effort, and excellence that will continue to elevate the program for years to come.

Co-Ed Soccer

The Mountaineer soccer season was a story of endurance, growth, and heart from start to finish. It began with the very first team meeting, when Coach Thies and Coach Abele set the tone for the year. They told the players that they may or may not be the most talented team, but they would be the most conditioned. That message became the team’s identity, a commitment to effort, perseverance, and pride in representing their school.

Together, Coach Abele and Coach Thies led the Mountaineers through a season defined by determination and growth. Every match tested their endurance, as the team often only had 11 players, yet the players grew stronger with each challenge. Through long minutes and relentless competition, they learned to communicate under pressure, support one another, and play with courage.

Arosh S. and Aiden S. powered the offense with standout performances that became defining moments of the season. Their chemistry and creativity fueled the attack, highlighted by a thrilling game where Arosh scored five goals. Meanwhile, Mingming G. stepped into a brand-new role as goalkeeper, showing remarkable adaptability and composure. His courage and consistency anchored the defense and reflected the leadership and selflessness that define Mountaineer athletics.

As the season progressed, the team’s transformation was undeniable. Reflecting on the journey, Coach Abele shared, “It was really cool to see them come together as one. It was night and day from the beginning of the season.” She added, “They were really a team out there. The growth has been incredible to see.”

The Mountaineers closed their season on November 4 against KSDA, finishing 3–5 overall, a record that only hints at how far they came. From that first meeting to the final whistle, this team’s story was one of perseverance, unity, and belief in one another, a season as inspiring as it was competitive.

Swim Team

This fall marked the beginning of a new chapter for Mountaineer Athletics with the launch of the first-ever BASIS Independent Bellevue Swim Team, led by Coach EE. What started as an early morning experiment has quickly become one of the most exciting and promising programs on campus.

The swimmers trained with discipline and focus, meeting for early morning practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45–7:45 a.m. and dry-land workouts on Wednesdays after school. The commitment required to show up and train before sunrise showed their dedication and desire to improve every day.

While this inaugural season was focused on training rather than competition, the team made great strides in technique, endurance, and overall confidence in the water. Each practice built momentum, as swimmers refined their strokes, learned race fundamentals, and supported one another through challenging sets. The sense of teamwork and encouragement within the group set the tone for the future of the program.

Coach EE has been intentional about building a strong foundation for the seasons ahead, focusing on consistency, technical growth, and team culture. The swimmers have embraced that vision, laying the groundwork for a program that will continue to grow and thrive as BASIS Independent Bellevue expands into high school competition.

The Mountaineer Swim Team is off to an incredible start, and the waves they have made this fall are only the beginning.

Looking Ahead

This fall was a season defined by growth, grit, community, and pride. Our athletes and coaches have built something special, an athletic culture rooted in sportsmanship, camaraderie, and excellence. From thrilling rallies to record-setting goals to 6:00 a.m. workouts, every moment reflected the heart of what it means to be a Mountaineer.

As our program continues its journey of growth in the winter season, the Mountaineers are ready, stronger, prouder, and united in spirit.

Go Mountaineers! Onward and upward!
“We never lose, We either win or we grow.”

BASIS Independent Bothell is Open

September 26, 2025 by mallorykilbreath Leave a Comment

It’s finally here. The opening of the brand-new BASIS Independent School in Bothell was announced over a year ago, in January of 2024. Since then, countless individuals have worked countless hours to launch the school.

On September 10, 2025, all of the hard work, dedication, and intensive thought culminated on the first day of school, welcoming over 230 students into the building for the first time. Our founding class of Kindergarten – 7^th Graders has the opportunity to carve out a culture, create traditions, and build a legacy that will remain for every class to follow.

“The journey of getting this school started has been one of the most interesting, complicated, and enjoyable projects I have ever undertaken. Over the past 18 months, I have been privileged to welcome hundreds of parents and students to our community and hire dozens of teachers and administrators to help make this a welcoming place for all our students. Throughout it all, we have all been united under our shared commitment to our students and ensuring that we can provide a space where they can thrive and meet their potential. Now that our doors are open, I feel so privileged to walk into classrooms where that is happening every single day”. Robert Runyon, Head of School

Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of our community next year.

Visit our School

Upcoming Summer Admissions Events!

July 25, 2025 by jacquelineransley Leave a Comment

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.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Speech & Debate Team Wins Championship Tournament

May 1, 2024 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

We’re thrilled to celebrate our middle school team’s first-place win at the English Speaking Union’s (ESU) New York Debate League (NYDL) Championship Tournament!

On Saturday, April 27, the ESU NYDL Middle School Parliamentary Debate Championship took place at Speyer Legacy School. The competition was intense, and we are pleased to announce that our team of Anya H., Sasha S., and Daniel Yoonsuh L. emerged as the winners, claiming the coveted 1st Place title. Their performance was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

Undefeated Excellence

The team’s journey to victory was nothing short of phenomenal. They navigated five rounds of debate on these topics:

Expanding NATO Does More Harm than Good
Makeup Does More Harm than Good
This House Prefers Contentment Over Achievement When the Two Are in Conflict
College is Overvalued

They demonstrated exceptional research, critical thinking, and persuasive speaking skills, all while maintaining an undefeated record.

The final round proved to be the ultimate test. Sasha S. delivered the winning speech in front of a distinguished panel of five judges from some of New York’s most prestigious schools. They unanimously awarded victory to our Wildcat team’s proposition!

Individual Accolades

Beyond the team win, BASIS Independent Manhattan received the prestigious award for the highest percentage of wins across all competitors. Individually, Sasha, Anya, and Yoonsuh achieved an outstanding 5-0 record (excluding the final round, which they also won). We also commend the efforts of Itamar, Adrika, and Cosmo who secured a commendable 3-2 record throughout the competition.

The entire day, filled with intellectual challenges and exhilarating competition, culminated in a well-deserved celebration – tired but ecstatic, our champions reveled in their victory alongside their coaches and supporters. They also enjoyed making FaceTime calls to share the big news!

Congratulations to our incredible Debate Team! Their dedication, talent, and teamwork have brought immense pride to the BASIS Independent Manhattan community. This incredible win wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our student debaters, the invaluable guidance of coaches Max Singer and Grace Campos, and the tireless support of school administrators and parent volunteers.

Congratulations to everyone involved. We look forward to witnessing their continued success in future tournaments!

Interested in learning more about our passionate teachers, curriculum, after-school and summer programs, sign up for our interest list, visit our school, or attend an admissions event.

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

A Total Eclipse Adventure: Mr. Chris’s Journey to Totality

April 12, 2024 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

Our very own 4th Grade Learning Expert Teacher (LET), Mr. Chris, recently embarked on an astronomical adventure! Traveling with his family to Gatesville, Texas, he experienced the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total solar eclipse and shares it with us here. Mr. Chris’s dedication to this experience reflects his passion for learning and exploration. He brings this same energy to the classroom every day, inspiring his students and colleagues.

A Glimpse Through Mr. Chris’s Lens

A passionate amateur astronomer, Mr. Chris meticulously planned this trip for a year. Witnessing totality for a breathtaking 4 minutes and 15 seconds was an experience he won’t soon forget. While we can’t fully replicate the magic of the moment, Mr. Chris brings his infectious enthusiasm to life through incredible photos and an engaging video. Read on to hear his first-hand account.

This week, a rare celestial event cast a shadow over our part of the world – the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse of 2024! I hope everyone had a chance to safely observe this remarkable phenomenon.

For me, the experience transcended mere observation. I had the incredible fortune of traveling with my family to Gatesville, Texas, where we witnessed totality unfold on a quiet country road, nestled between a cow farm and an army base. Being just outside the direct path, we were still treated to an unforgettable 4 minutes and 15 seconds of complete darkness.

I’m excited to share some photos and a video with you, including some stunning close-ups captured by my dad’s telescope. You’ll see details like Baily’s Beads and the sun’s corona, which the telescope rendered in an almost mythical green hue, although that is not the actual color.

In the video, you might hear us mention seeing solar flares. While scientists haven’t recorded any flares during this eclipse, what we witnessed were actually solar prominences – massive, long-lasting structures on the sun’s surface. The largest one in our photos is a staggering 3.5-4 times the diameter of Earth!

The sudden drop in temperature and the eerie darkness during totality were truly striking. We had planned to observe the cows’ reactions, but once it hit, we were too busy being awestruck! It was an experience filled with pure wonder and excitement.

Sharing this experience isn’t just about how amazing it was, but also about encouraging you to chase your own astronomical adventure. While total eclipses are rare in North America, they occur more frequently elsewhere. Check out this website to explore the next 15 total solar eclipses. If you ever get the chance to witness totality, don’t hesitate! It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Happy stargazing!

You can meet passionate teachers like Mr. Chris at our upcoming Open Houses and admissions events – learn more. He is also hosting a Nature & the City summer program at BASIS Independent Manhattan Lower School – view details and register here.

Perseverance in Practice

March 12, 2024 by sarahpeterson Leave a Comment

In the heart of BASIS Independent Fremont Lower School, a remarkable event unfolded that took our students on an interstellar journey beyond the confines of our classroom and into the vast challenge of space exploration. Celebrating the two-year anniversary of NASA’s Perseverance Rover landing on Mars, we hosted a special science session that dove deep into the marvels of this monumental achievement in human exploration. This event was not just about building a LEGO model; it was about igniting the flames of curiosity, innovation, and teamwork in our young learners.

Day of Discovery

The session kicked off with a dive into the scientific achievements of the NASA Perseverance Rover. Our students were captivated by the intricate fields of mechanical engineering, material science, computer engineering, and communications technology that play pivotal roles in the success of space missions. The discussion also covered the logistical challenges of launching spacecraft and the critical reasons for sending robots instead of humans to explore distant worlds. This foundation set the stage for understanding not just the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of space exploration but the ‘why’ behind these incredible scientific pursuits.

Exploring Engineering

With minds filled with new knowledge, our students embarked on the “Exploring Engineering” phase. This was where the theoretical met the practical. The challenge: to plan and execute the building of the LEGO Perseverance Rover as a team. This task demanded more than just following instructions; it required students to think like engineers, strategizing the most efficient paths to completion, foreseeing potential obstacles, and applying their newfound understanding of the rover’s design and purpose. Witnessing the transformation of individual LEGO pieces into the iconic rover was a testament to the power of applied learning and critical thinking.

Teamwork Triumphs

No part of modern science is accomplished alone. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the day was the lesson on teamwork. Students were grouped into pairs and tasked with constructing different sections of the rover, which would later be assembled into the final model. This exercise in collaboration required not just technical skills but the soft skills of patience, communication, and mutual support. Through this process, our students learned that complex problems are best solved together, with encouragement and patience, mirroring the collaborative spirit of real-world scientific endeavors.

The Value of STEM Education

As we reflect on this extraordinary day at BASIS Independent Fremont, it’s clear that events like these exemplify the value of STEM education in fostering not only academic growth but also critical life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance. In a world that is rapidly advancing, creating new and exciting learning opportunities like this ensures our students are not just prepared for the future but are inspired to shape it.

At BASIS Independent Fremont, we are committed to continuing this journey of exploration, innovation, and discovery. Together, we will keep reaching for the stars, pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. Here’s to many more adventures that lie ahead and to the endless possibilities that STEM education can unlock.

Learn mo re about our Primary Program here.

BASIS Independent Fremont is a grades TK-12 private school based in Fremont, California, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum.