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 VivianL., whose accuracy and consistency made her a standout all season, while YvonneQ. 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.
AroshS. and AidenS. 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.”
Our BASIS Independent Bellevue Mountaineers have made their mighty return to school for the start of a brand new year! We welcomed both returning and new students, eager to take on new classes, meet new friends, and learn about our extracurricular offerings.
On Monday, August 25 we kicked off the week with Orientation, where we welcomed both parents and students to the campus for a chance to learn everything they’ll need to know for a successful school year. Parents were ushered to the gym for a presentation from our Administrative Team which covered topics like AP scores, traffic procedures, lunch options, and best practices for getting in touch with our teachers. The Admin at BASIS Independent Bellevue understand the importance of partnering with parents through our students’ educational journeys and work to be transparent and communicative starting from the very beginning of the school year. This paves the way for an ongoing partnership that drives student success.
While parents were in the gym with the Admin, our students were participating in an Orientation of their own. Teachers were all hands on deck with students, conducting fun ice breakers, running through schedules, practicing fire and emergency procedures, and hosting campus tours. By the end of the day, students left with their locker assignments, new school schedules, and a sense of empowerment to take on the year ahead!
Tuesday, August 26 was our first official day of school, though for BASIS Independent Bellevue, our first day of school is always a half day. We want to ensure that our students are able to navigate the campus and begin forming relationships with their teachers and peers before jumping into content. This is especially important, as each year brings us many new students who we want to feel comfortable and supported in their new school community. We utilize this half day to allow students the time to set up their lockers, find all their classes using their schedule, and meet their teachers.
At noon, as classes came to an end, we welcomed parents back on campus to pick up their children and attend our annual Extracurricular Fair! The Extracurricular Fair is an opportunity for our teachers and club advisors to set up booths and recruit for the clubs and programs, while enjoying treats from local food trucks and games in our field. This year, we are offering over 90 extracurricular opportunities between the fall, winter, and spring season. For a look into some of this year’s offerings, click here .
Wednesday, August 27, marked the very first full day of school. Our students were faced with navigating the campus on their own for the first time, making it to classes on time, meeting new peers in the lunch room, and diving head first into content with their teachers. Our teachers are part of what truly makes BASIS Independent Bellevue unique. Each of them are talented and committed to their craft in different ways, and this passion shows itself in the classroom in a variety of ways. For example, Mr. Dowers, our Latin teacher who joined us this year from BASIS Peoria, wore full Roman garb all day long while he introduced Latin to his students!
On Thursday, our Administrative Team did one final round of special introductions. This year, we welcomed a brand new full section of grade 5 students, which meant that we have more new students in grade 5 than any other grade. Because of this, we wanted to ensure that all of these new students learned who each of the members of the Administrative Team was, so they understood who to go to for support on campus. During Academic Enrichment time, the Admin Team circulated between the grade 5 classes to introduce themselves and meet the new students.
By Friday, both returning and new students had adjusted to their new school year, familiar with teachers and staff and ready to take on the year ahead. We can’t wait to see what our Mountaineers will accomplish during the 2025-2026 school year!
At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe that the best education is enhanced by extracurricular activities. Beyond the classroom, our extensive array of clubs, activities, and athletics plays a crucial role in fostering well-rounded individuals. Through exploring their passions, our students develop new skills and cultivate leadership in a supportive environment. As a PreK-Grade 12 private school in NYC, with our Lower School serving PreK-Grade 5 on the Upper West Side and our Upper School serving grades 6-12 in Chelsea, we offer diverse opportunities tailored to every age and interest.
Read on to learn more about our exciting after-school activities, clubs, and sports, designed to enhance the academic journey and build a stronger sense of self. For an in-depth look at our full program offerings, please visit our dedicated pages for Clubs & Activities and Sports & Athletics.
Lower School Extracurriculars:
Cultivating Early Passions (PreK-Grade 5)
On the Upper West Side, our Lower School students choose from a selection of after-school programming to pursue their interests in sports, art, music, science, technology, and more! We continuously expand our offerings, aiming to inspire broad participation among our young Wildcats.
Some of our super-popular clubs that return year-after-year include:
Basketball
Cheer-Gymnastics
Chess
Drama (Putting on a fully staged musical production)
Piano
Soccer
Speech & Debate
Tech & Lighting (for the Drama Club’s musical)
Tennis
We also have the best teachers, who are not only expert educators and passionate about the subjects they teach, but they also run after-school programs. These teacher-led clubs are some of our most popular! While building strong teacher-student relationships, participants have unique opportunities for exploration in:
Drama
Clay World
Comic Book Writing
Fashion & Photography
Figure Drawing
Gardening
Pokémon
Set & Costume Design (for the Drama Club’s musical)
The primary goal behind our Lower School’s extracurricular design is to foster curiosity, skill-building, creativity, and exposure to new areas beyond the classroom. We also actively curate our programs to meet the majority of requests from our families, based on our annual surveys.
Success & Highlights:
Last year, we saw 82% of our PreK–K students and 76% of our grade 1–5 students engage in these enriching programs, a testament to their appeal and impact. A notable success we are particularly proud of is the Lower School Drama Club, which consistently sells out its shows and fosters cross-club collaboration. We are also proud of our popular Tennis and Piano clubs, which always have a full roster of students.
Upper School Extracurriculars & Sports
Deepening Engagement (Grades 6–12 )
At our Chelsea campus, the Upper School Extracurriculars provide unparalleled opportunities for students to develop a stronger sense of self through a multitude of after-school activities. Approximately 47% of all Upper School students are actively involved in an extracurricular activity, reflecting a strong culture of student engagement beyond the classroom.
Popular and returning clubs include:
Drama (Putting on a fully staged musical production)
This year marks a dynamic period of growth for our Upper School extracurricular landscape, with the launch of a new journalism club, led by one of our beloved English teachers. We are also excited about the continued momentum of our new high school speech and debate program.
Success & Highlights:
One of our most exciting success stories comes from our debate team, which began as a middle school club and won the championship two years in a row. Building on that momentum, the team has now transitioned into an Upper School club, expanding its scope and ambition. This year, they are preparing to travel to prestigious institutions such as Columbia.
Competitive Athletics:
Building Teamwork and Discipline
Our middle and high school student-athletes participate in a robust lineup of competitive sports. This year’s offerings include High School Boys Soccer, High School Girls Volleyball, Middle School Girls Volleyball, and Middle School Basketball.
Philosophy:
Our growing competitive athletics program centers on developing the whole student through sport. We aim to foster:
sportsmanship,
teamwork, and
a competitive spirit that pushes students to strive for excellence while embracing both victory and defeat as opportunities for growth.
Program Expansion:
Our athletics/sports offerings are experiencing exciting growth, particularly in volleyball and soccer.
Additionally, our high school soccer program is kicking off its inaugural season this year by joining a new competitive league.
Cultivating Well-Rounded Wildcats
At BASIS Independent Manhattan, our extracurricular and athletic programs are integral to our mission of educating students to the highest international standards. They are designed to complement our rigorous academic curriculum, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and a sense of community. We encourage both prospective and current families to explore these incredible opportunities.
We are trilled to welcome Ms. Garcia to BASIS Independent Bothell as the Director of Auxiliary Programs. Ms. Garcia is excited about the opportunity to join the home of the Orcas because of its vibrant school community and dedication to student growth both inside and outside the classroom. The school’s commitment to offering enriching extracurricular programs that spark curiosity and build leadership aligns perfectly with Ms. Garcia’s passion for creating meaningful experiences beyond the academic program.
Ms. Garcia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from The University of Texas at San Antonio. After college she spent 18 years in New York City teaching, being a childcare provider, coaching powerlifting, and working as a camp leader in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts.
“This is our founding year, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of launching our brand-new school,” expressed Ms. Garcia. “One of the things I am especially looking forward to is bringing a wide range of incredible club opportunities to our students. My vision for building our auxiliary programs and extracurriculars is to create a vibrant and well-rounded student experience that encourages creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.”
We sat down with Ms. Garcia to ask a few questions, introducing her and gaining insight into her vision for students at BASIS Independent Bothell.
We are excited to have you a part of the BASIS Independent Bothell team. Please tell us about yourself.
I have a deep passion for creating engaging extracurricular experiences for students, ensuring that each program fosters growth, leadership, and community. My background includes overseeing large-scale after-school programs, managing operations, and developing creative initiatives that bring students together. I have been the Summer Programs Coordinator at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s Upper Campus, as well as held leadership roles in summer camps across the country, where I have developed and managed diverse programs for students of all ages.
Beyond education, I am also a strength and conditioning coach and have created training programs for powerlifters nationwide. Whether it’s in the classroom, at an event, or in the gym, I thrive in dynamic environments that encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and personal growth.
What are you most excited about in the next school year?
I am most excited about bringing fresh ideas to after-school programming and finding new ways to inspire and engage students. I love designing activities that encourage collaboration and creativity, and I look forward to seeing how students engage with new opportunities. Additionally, I am eager to connect with new colleagues, build strong relationships, and contribute to a vibrant school community.
You previously worked at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley—what after school programs have you been most proud about facilitating there?
At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, I was especially proud of creating an immersive escape room for one of our middle school events. It was a large-scale, themed experience that required students to work together to solve puzzles, think critically, and engage in a fast-paced, interactive challenge. Seeing students fully immersed in the experience, collaborating under pressure, and celebrating their successes made it incredibly rewarding. Beyond that, I also enjoyed supporting club leaders, increasing student engagement in after school programs, and organizing social events that built school spirit.
What opportunities will students have to pursue their passions during the first school year?
In our founding school year, we will offer academic competitions such as AMC, Math Kangaroo, MATHCOUNTS, and IAC, along with additional opportunities as interest grows. Club offerings will include speech and debate, coding, robotics, art, dance, and sports, and many others giving students a wide range of ways to explore their passions. We will also introduce a competitive athletics program, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Over time, we will continue to expand and strengthen these offerings to reflect the needs and interests of our students. I can’t wait to see all the creativity, enthusiasm, and brilliance our students bring as we kick off this unforgettable first year together.
What are you most looking forward to about living in the Pacific Northwest?
What I am looking forward to is experiencing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, from exploring the outdoors to enjoying the vibrant seasons. I also love the strong sense of community in the region and can’t wait to immerse myself in a new environment that values education, creativity, and innovation. Plus, I won’t say no to great coffee!
BASIS Independent Bothell is a K-12 private school in Bothell, Washington. Join our interest list for updates on upcoming admissions events, application details, program information, and more.
The 2024–25 school year was a standout one for BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s DECA Chapter.
But what is DECA? DECA is an international student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through competitions, leadership opportunities, and business-based challenges, DECA equips high school students with critical thinking, public speaking, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
At BISV, DECA is more than just a club—it is a dynamic community where students from Grades 9–12 explore their interests in business, develop confidence, and compete on stages as big as the international arena. Guided by advisors Ms. Jaymie Silva and Ms. Elizabeth Leybold, our students embraced every opportunity this year to grow as professionals, collaborators, and changemakers.
Here’s a look back at an incredible year filled with learning, leadership, and lasting impact.
Fall: Foundations and First Steps
The school year kicked off with DECA recruitment and chapter meetings, where returning members and newcomers alike dived into the year’s opportunities. Students chose their competitive events—ranging from business role plays to full-length marketing plans—and began sharpening their presentation and problem-solving skills. Chapter officers, trained by Ms. Silva and Ms. Leybold, led workshops and prep sessions, helping peers build confidence and mastery of key concepts.
January: SVCDC and a Strong Start
In January, BISV DECA attended its first competition of the season—the Silicon Valley Career Development Conference (SVCDC). Held the weekend of January 10, this regional event drew student competitors from across Northern California. BISV’s showing was nothing short of exceptional.
Our students brought home over 20 medals and more than 15 trophies, awarded across both the Mini and Grand Awards sessions. A total of 23 students earned top-three finishes in role plays or exam scores, receiving white, red, or blue DECA medallions. Additionally, 14 BISV students placed Top 3 Overall in their events, earning what the students call their prized “DECA glass”—personalized trophies that celebrate outstanding performance.
“Our students put in so much effort preparing for this competition,” said Ms. Jaymie Silva, DECA advisor. “From after-school practices to polishing presentations and role plays, they brought their best—and it showed. We’re incredibly proud of their professionalism, creativity, and determination.”
March: State-Level Success at SCDC
In March, BISV DECA competed in the State Career Development Conference (SCDC)—California’s largest DECA event of the year. Thousands of students from across the state gathered to compete in business-focused events, present marketing strategies, and showcase entrepreneurial thinking. The competition was tough, but BISV students rose to the occasion once again.
We are proud to share that nine BISV students qualified for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), the highest level of DECA competition. These students represented our chapter and California on the global stage in April, joining more than 26,000 students from around the world.
“Our students continue to impress us with their dedication and professionalism,” said DECA advisor Ms. Elizabeth Leybold. “SCDC is a huge milestone in the DECA journey, and qualifying for ICDC is a true testament to their hard work.”
April: Going Global at ICDC
The DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) is the culmination of the DECA year. More than 26,000 high school students, teacher advisors, business professionals, and alumni gathered for several days of competition. These members qualify based on superior performance at the district and association levels. Over 1,000 business professionals serve as expert judges to evaluate DECA members’ mastery of key business and leadership concepts.
It is not only extremely difficult to qualify for ICDC, but even more challenging to make a name for oneself on the international stage. However, several BISV students rose to the occasion, placing among the top competitors in the world.
Please join us in congratulating our international finalists:
Team David Z. and Archit D. – 8th place in the Virtual Business Challenge
Team Shreyas G. and Jason K. – 7th place in Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making
Team Benjamin Z. and Aditya N. – 2nd place in the Virtual Business Challenge
These students demonstrated exceptional performance and represented BISV with integrity, professionalism, and skill. Congratulations to all our ICDC qualifiers and finalists!
Year-Round: More Than Just Competition
Throughout the year, BISV DECA members were involved in chapter activities, leadership training, and community outreach. From service projects to life-skills workshops, the chapter built a culture of collaboration and integrity. With the support of Ms. Silva and Ms. Leybold, students learned not only how to win competitions—but how to lead with confidence and purpose.
Looking Ahead
As the BISV DECA Chapter continues to grow, so does its impact. Students gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and step boldly into leadership roles. With strong performances at SVCDC and SCDC—and standout results at ICDC—the future is bright for BISV DECA.
DECA offers students the chance to develop business skills, explore career interests, compete on local and global stages, and join a fun, supportive community. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, public speaking, marketing, or leadership, DECA is a place to grow your confidence and prepare for the future.
If you’re interested in joining for the upcoming year, be sure to check the Fall Enrichment Guide for the 2025–26 school year, which will be released in late summer before school starts, or reach out to Ms. Jaymie Silva or Ms. Elizabeth Leybold for more information.
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.
by Samantha Corsello (Auxiliary Programs Coordinator, Upper School)
We are thrilled and proud to announce that our BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team has once again claimed victory at the ESU New York Debate League Championship!
This is the second consecutive year that our Wildcats have earned this prestigious Middle School Parliamentary Debate title, and it is entirely thanks to their relentless dedication, tireless preparation, and deep passion for Speech and Debate.
On Saturday, April 26, the ESU NYDL Middle School Parliamentary Debate Championship took place at Tuckahoe Middle School, where our BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team competed. These remarkable students poured hours of time and energy into building compelling cases, refining rhetorical techniques, and sharpening their critical thinking.
A special shout-out goes to Itamar K. (grade 8), who was named Top Speaker of the Tournament at the New York Debate League Championship. His powerful and eloquent closing argument on the topic of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces brought the auditorium at Tuckahoe School to its feet. Which helped carry our team to a 4-1 victory overall in the Championship round.
“It was a matter of practice and predicting what our opponents would say. Speaking on the fly and knowing myself and believing in what I had to say. Making something memorable for the last year of middle school was important. It made me feel really great, like all of our efforts paid off.” – Itamar K., Debate Team Member
His teammates, Cosmo K. (grade 8) and Rhea Y. (grade 8), key members of the BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team, also delivered incredible speeches that impressed both the judges and the crowd at the debate tournament. Their poignant arguments, precise rebuttals, and clear articulation of policy impact helped secure the top team ranking. I asked them how they felt toward the end of the day in the Championship round after arguing all day against various opponents all day.
“We were all running on adrenaline at that point; there was a coin toss that decided the topic choice, and we lost the coin toss. But we were confident with both sides of the argument (Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces) and went with what we knew.” — Cosmo, Debate Team Member
Behind Every Champion is a Support Team
This debate tournament victory is not just a win for our debate team—it’s a testament to the power of teamwork, educational debate, and community. Our Wildcats were incredibly fortunate to have their families, other debate team peers, and coaches Mr. Lucas Iverson and Mr. Seth Spiegel. We extend our sincere gratitude for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to the students’ growth and progress.
“Familiarizing yourself and practicing debating the topics at hand is what helps the most with preparedness. Every class, we did tons of research, and we even dedicated time outside of class to make sure we were ready for Saturday.” — Rhea, Debate Team Member
As we wrap up this exciting chapter, we couldn’t be prouder of our Wildcats and everything they’ve accomplished. This win is a direct reflection of the countless hours of preparation, the courage to speak up, and the teamwork that brought it all together. Our BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team has once again shown what’s possible when passion meets perseverance in student debate competition. Congratulations to Itamar, Cosmo, Rhea, and the entire support network behind them. The future is bright, and we’re already looking forward to what’s next!
The future is bright, and we’re already looking forward to what’s next! As these talented middle school debaters prepare to transition to high school, we are incredibly excited to see their continued development and the impact they will undoubtedly make in a growing BASIS Independent Manhattan upper school debate program.
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.
While leadership opportunities for students are evident in every aspect of the BASIS Independent student experience, students are able to gain valuable skills through participation in club and sports opportunities. As we open our doors to a brand-new student body in the 2025-2026 school year, we look forward to developing clubs and sports that match the desires of the students in our community or introduce them to something new.
Sports
With our WIAA regulation-size field, outdoor sport courts, and gymnasium, we have the ability to host schools from all around to foster our student-athletes in a variety of sports.
Examples* of athletic offerings for both club and interscholastic competition include:
Badminton
Baseball
Basketball
Dance
Flag Football
Pickleball
Soccer
Softball
Track and Field/Cross Country
Ultimate Frisbee
Volleyball
Yoga
*We will be finalizing first year and future offerings soon.
*Images from BASIS Independent McLean and BASIS Independent Brooklyn
Clubs
The BASIS Independent Bothell club program will allow students to try something new, dive deeper into an interest, compete on regional, national and international levels, and gain valuable leadership and collaboration skills. The BASIS Independent network encourages students to take the initiative to establish new clubs that cater to their interests, which has resulted in the creation of some of our most popular clubs across the network, making our network school students leaders in many popular programs.
Examples* of club offerings include:
Art
Band/Choir/Ensemble
Board Games Club
Book Club
Chess Club
Coding
Debate
DECA
Dungeons & Dragons
Garden Club
Key Club
Lego Club
Math Wizards
Minecraft
Model UN
Robotics
Theater Arts/Drama
Yearbook
World Travel Club
*Images from BASIS Independent Brooklyn and BASIS Independent Silicon Valley.
Join Us
To learn more about our clubs and sport offerings, join us for a virtual information session! Sign up here.
Since our campus is currently an active construction site, we are unable to offer campus tours until Fall 2025. In the meantime, let’s take a virtual tour of the brand-new campus opening in Fall 2025!
The Campus
BASIS Independent Bothell is nestled in the Canyon Park neighborhood in Bothell, WA. It is 123,000 sq. ft. on 6.2 acres to fit all of our Kindergarten – Grade 12 families. This acreage includes a full-sized competition regulation playfield, outdoor sport court, and a brand-new playground!
The Gym
The gymnasium will be fully equipped and will hold up to 600 guests! We expect to host many sporting and large school events in this space.
The Theater
The brand-new theater is a great space for students to express their creativity and put on many different types of performances for an audience.
The Classrooms
Our campus will be equipped with dedicated state-of-the-art laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, designed for grades 6—12 students. Other classroom types not pictured here will also be brand new and intentionally designed for student and faculty collaboration.
The Common Areas
While our athletic and outdoor play facilities allow students to move their bodies and burn energy, our common areas provide a safe environment for students to read a book, work on their studies, and collaborate with their peers.
The Fields
This amazing space will allow for multiple sports to be taking place at the same time, further driving that ability to host and hold many different sporting events. Additionally, it makes for a great space for students to burn off some energy!
The Playground
The play area will be a great way for our younger grades to enjoy getting outdoors. It’s a very large area that contains three main zones with active spaces in between as well as a track that can be utilized for Movement and PE classes and recess fun.
Thank you for taking this tour with us! To submit an application for Fall 2025, click here.
It is an exciting year for BASIS Independent Bellevue athletics! The Mountaineers are making waves in the world of middle school sports after being officially accepted into the prestigious Cascade Middle School League (CMSL). This is the first school year that students who participate in our competitive athletic offerings are able compete alongside other private school teams in the Bellevue and Redmond area. The league emphasizes sportsmanship as its top priority, and we’re committed to ensuring every athlete experiences a positive and uplifting environment while competing. With a variety of sports offered from soccer and volleyball in the fall, to basketball in the winter and track and field in the spring, there is never a dull moment for our student athletes!
Our Physical Education SET and Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Shelp, is particularly passionate about the integration of our sports and athletic programs at BLV.
“I believe the world of sports reveals the finest qualities of humanity. The unwavering grit, sportsmanship, discipline and competitive spirit of athletes inspire us all, bringing the world together in ways that surpass boarders. I am confident that establishing a robust sports program at BASIS Independent Bellevue will likewise inspire excellence and unity within our school community. It is a joy to be part of building something so meaningful.” – Mr. Shelp
This school year is only the beginning of competitive athletics for BASIS Independent Bellevue, and all of our teams have already shown a great deal of promise.
Our soccer team’s inaugural season in 2024 —2025 was a huge success, finishing with a .500 record – an impressive feat for a team mostly made up of 6th and 7th graders! Our Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies, is particularly passionate about the soccer team. She served as their head coach last year, while this year she stepped into the assistant coach role.
“Standing on the sidelines and acting as a coach in any capacity gives me an opportunity to work with my students in a different way. I absolutely love that!” – Dr. Thies
The head coach for this season was Chemistry SET, Ms. Abele!
“Being a student athlete is about more than the game – it is about teamwork, trust, and pushing your limits for something bigger than yourself. The bonds and lessons you build with your peers last a lifetime. It was a pleasure to watch our soccer players build these bonds this year. They showed grit and determination in so many ways and I know they will only continue to grow in the next season” – Ms. Abele
Our track and field team has also seen remarkable success in the 2024 — 2025 season, with multiple athletes claiming 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes in events such as long jump, the 400 meter, and shot put. The head coach, Science SET Ms. Bryant, is very proud of their hard work this season.
Meanwhile, in volleyball, our team tied for first place in the season-ending Jamboree tournament, proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the CMSL. The head coach, English SET Ms. Fischer, was delighted by their performance this year.
“Our first official year as a competitive volleyball team was amazing! Our team was young, but so quick to learn the fundamentals of the sport and the rules of the court. Each player showed tremendous growth over the course of the season. I was particularly impressed with how cohesive our team became, and how much support the athletes showed each other in practices and games. I look forward to another great season!” – Ms. Fischer
Ms. Fischer is delighted to share that she is going to be coaching a volleyball camp this summer, on campus here at BASIS Independent Bellevue. This will be a great opportunity for students to work on their skills for the 2025 — 2026 school year. For more information about our summer programs, click here!
Last year, in the 2023 — 2024 season, our basketball team showcased their talent and determination, finishing with a stellar 7 – 2 record. Their performance showcased impressive wins and brought the school community closer with a thrilling Blackout Game. With the band playing, foam fingers waving and our Sasquatch mascot making an appearance, the energy was electric as we celebrated a victory. The Mountaineers are a force to be reckoned with and the excitement continues as they have just kicked off the 2024 — 2025 basketball season!
As we near the end of the 2024 — 2025 athletic season, it’s clear that BLV’s sports teams have left their mark both on and off the field. From thrilling victories to hard-fought battles, each team demonstrated unwavering determination, teamwork, and school pride. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our athletes, coaches, and supporters who make every game and practice count. We send a special thank you to our athletic coordinator, Mr. Shelp, for his endless dedication to the growth of our athletic department and we cannot wait to see that continue for many seasons to come. Go Mountaineers!
