Extracurriculars

Unlocking Potential: A Glimpse into Extracurricular Life at BASIS Independent Manhattan

August 12, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

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.

two prek students participate in gardening club outside by pouring water on a tray of dirt

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)

four lower school boy students stand in basketball poses wearing their wildcat jerseys

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

engineering and robotics club building lego robots

girl students make cheer gymnastics pyramid with pompoms

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.

students as the sharks hold a pose perform drama club musical finding nemo

the three student leads of finding nemo sing the finale

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.

bar chart showing participation percentages for lower school students

woman with violin in front of a table of musical materials at the extracurricular fair

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.

two middle school boys playing basketball and running with an opposing player encroaching and a referee in the background

Popular and returning clubs include:

Drama (Putting on a fully staged musical production)
Dungeons & Dragons
Engineering & Robotics
Journalism (Wildcat Weekly News)
Math Support & Competition Prep
Money Smart
Ping Pong
Speech & Debate

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.

a female student gives two thumbs up after testing the bearing weight her bridge could hold in engineering club. she built it with popsicle sticks and stacked six metal weights on top

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.

three middle school students hold up their championship trophies at the ESU USA speech and debate tournament in new york city

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.

the middle school girls vollebyall team poses with their championship trophy, holding up the number one with their fingers, and biting their medals like olympians

Program Expansion:

Our athletics/sports offerings are experiencing exciting growth, particularly in volleyball and soccer.

After the middle school volleyball team secured a championship win last fall, enthusiasm for the sport has continued to build, leading to the launch of a brand-new high school volleyball team this fall.
- 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.

Introducing the Director of Auxiliary Programs at BASIS Independent Bothell

June 12, 2025 by chriszefferys Leave a Comment

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.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley DECA 2024–25: A Year of Growth, Achievement, and Global Recognition

May 7, 2025 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

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.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team: 2-Time Champions of the New York Debate League

May 1, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

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

speech and debate championship 1st place award middle school

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

middle school debate team tournament championship 1st place award

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.

Beyond the Classroom: Exciting New Outdoor Space Rendering Revealed

April 1, 2025 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

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.

Sports and Clubs at BASIS Independent Bothell

March 11, 2025 by mallorykilbreath Leave a Comment

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.

Students posing for the camera in basketball jerseys.

*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

Students setting the ball while playing volleyball.

Teacher and students looking at chess boards while playing chess.

*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.

Virtual Campus Tour

February 12, 2025 by mallorykilbreath Leave a Comment

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.

Moving Mountaineers – Celebrating our Athletic Department!

January 13, 2025 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

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!

Extracurriculars: BASIS Independent Bellevue’s After School Enrichment Programs

October 10, 2024 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

Our team at BASIS Independent Bellevue is committed to teaching valuable skills outside the classroom while providing our Mountaineers with exciting experiences. Activities such as competitive sports programs, scholastic competition teams, and artistic exploration clubs enrich the student experience and are a value-add to our culture.

Within our school leadership, the Auxiliary Team exists to add enriching opportunities to students outside of the classroom. Our learning community believes that a balanced life of rigorous academic work along with rewarding extracurricular achievement helps our students become better prepared to excel amid life’s challenges. BASIS Independent Bellevue’s Auxiliary Team encourages students to engage with afterschool enrichment activities to expand their horizons. With over 30 offerings this year, Mountaineers can engage in academic, athletic, fine arts and recreational programs.

As 72% of our Mountaineers participate in extracurricular activities, our team wants students to see the breadth of opportunities they have here at BASIS Independent Bellevue. At the onset of the school year, the auxiliary department begins their work by highlighting our community’s exciting clubs and activities by hosting the annual Enrichment Fair. This is an exciting time for students to connect with club leaders and members and talk about what each club has to offer. This year we were thrilled to have several food trucks at the event, a dunk tank, laser tag, and enjoyable treats for our school’s families. As our school grows, we want students to be aware of their options and how pursuing these experiences can help shape them into more versatile, well-rounded individuals.

Sports has been one area where our community has seen the most growth in interest. The Auxiliary Team partners with our Athletic Director to ensure that students’ athletic needs are met. One of the six athletic programs we offer to students is our Soccer Team. Led by Coach Abele and Assistant Coach, Dr. Thies, the Soccer Team competes against other schools across the Puget Sound region. Our current roster of 18 students run the field together and strategize on the best ways to score goals against opponents and win games. Other athletic programs include archery, basketball, volleyball, track and field and our newest offering, tennis. Our team believes that the values of teamwork and the enjoyment of athletic activities taught through our sports programs build important skills like respectfulness, effective communication, self-advocacy, collaboration, and resilience.

Our competitive academic programs are among the most popular offerings with students. Our award-winning Science Bowl National Champions are back in action this year, once again working hard to compete at the highest level against the nation’s brightest young minds. In June 2024, the team repeated their national championship title by winning the U.S. Department of Energy’s 34th National Science Bowl. Our Mountaineers are gearing up to make it a “threepeat” is the coming year’s competition. Math clubs are also a popular draw for our students. This year we have over 100 Mountaineers participating in our Math Competition Club, where teams compete with other schools to solve problems in test format.

While STEM programs are highly attractive to our Mountaineers, we also provide a wealth of opportunities to explore their artistic talents through a variety of enrichment activities. For example, our History Sketch Club meets weekly to recreate different moments and figures from throughout the ages. This is an exciting way for students to not only practice fine-tuning their drawing skills but also to engage in the study of the past in a meaningful way. Music performance clubs are another prominent way in which Mountaineers delve into the arts outside of the BASIS Curriculum. For example, Drumline amplifies school spirit on our campus doing performances throughout the year. Chamber Music is another music program that is growing this year with the inclusion of our entry and advanced clubs. Designed to prepare students for state-level ensemble participation, we are proud to train our musicians in this special skill. From historical artistry to musical excellence, BASIS Independent Bellevue wants to give our students the opportunity to embrace creativity and passion.

Beyond competitive sports and arts, BASIS has various clubs that span a range of interests and skills that are popular amongst our student body. In Engineering and Scratch, younger Mountaineers explore computer science fundamentals through hands-on projects, learning coding skills, and the basics of engineering. Our World Travel Club offers an immersive cultural experience by taking students on educational tours to different countries each year—in 2025, they will embark on journeys to Japan and Greece to get a first-hand glance into the rich history, traditions, and cuisine of these cultures. Additionally, the Chinese Cooking Club introduces students to the art of preparing traditional Chinese dishes, under the guidance of Ms. Pan, while teaching essential kitchen safety. These clubs exemplify how our broader school community comes together to nurture a variety of interests within our learning environment.

We are always looking to offer programs that interest our students. If you or your child would like to add a program that is not included in our offerings, we encourage families to reach out and express interest. The Auxiliary Team would love to hear from you! You can reach them at: blv.auxiliaryprograms@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2025 Admissions Guide: Frequently Asked Questions During Admissions Season

September 12, 2024 by thealacrosse Leave a Comment

We are excited to meet the many wonderful families considering a BASIS Independent Brooklyn experience for their family! 

During each admissions season we field a wide range of questions about our curriculum and various programs, student life, electives, extracurriculars, and so much more. We have observed topics that are commonly brought up and want to provide you with answers to frequently asked questions raised each year.

What is the difference between your two Brooklyn campuses?

BASIS Independent Brooklyn was established in 2014. We are one school with two campuses. The Lower School in Downtown Brooklyn supports approximately 150 students in PreK–Grade 2 while the Upper School in Red Hook supports about 530 students in Grades 3–12.
 

What is the teacher model at your school?  

Beginning in grade 1, our students have one Subject Expert Teacher (SET) for each discipline. SETs either hold advanced degrees or are experts in their discipline. SETs use their subject-area passion to inspire students while teaching them at a higher level than what is typically expected of students in their age group.

Learning Expert Teachers (LETs) work in tandem with SETs to co-teach in all grade 1–4 classrooms. LETs accompany their students all day, from class-to-class, and are masters of the learning process and social-emotional growth in children. They are instrumental in ensuring that students are appropriately supported and challenged in each subject. In grade 4, the LET shifts their focus to promoting independence, autonomy, and teaching students how to use their resources. This shift prepares students for grade 5 and beyond where students have just one teacher, their SET, for each subject.  

Unlike the Primary, Middle, and High School programs, the Early Learning Program is primarily self-enclosed. Students remain in their vibrant classroom for most of the day, rotating classes only for their daily special (Art, Music, Drama, Engineering, Mandarin, or PE/Movement). Early Learning Teachers lead our PreK and Kindergarten classrooms and are responsible for delivering most of the content to students by bringing their own pedagogical expertise to the classroom, with the consistent support from an Early Learning Teaching Fellow.

What are your elective offerings?

In the Early Learning and Primary programs, students will take Art, Music, Drama, Engineering, and PE/Movement. In the Middle and High School programs, students can continue to take those courses or elect to take Band/Orchestra, Computer Science, Choir, Creative Writing, Introduction to Philosophy, Digital Photography, Introduction to Film Production, Sustainable Fashion, Topics in Economics, or a number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

What are your athletic offerings?

We have competitive and league sports for students to play. Offerings for our Middle and High School students include basketball, tennis, flag football, track (cross country, indoor and outdoor), soccer, volleyball, baseball, ultimate frisbee, and competitive cheer and dance. Next year we are planning on adding a squash and fencing team. Every year our club and athletic offerings grow in number and vary based on student interest.

What are your club offerings?  

We offer over 60 clubs at our Lower School and Upper School campuses! Our students can participate in AI for Kids, Chess Team, Leadership Club, Math Team, Science Bowl, Student Newspaper, Black Student Union, LatinX Affinity, and more.

Do you offer early or late care for students?

At both campuses, we offer supervised early and late care. Early care, called Early Bird, is offered beginning at 7:00 AM at our Lower School and 7:15 AM at our Upper School. We offer two types of late care. The first is called Late Bird, which runs until around 4:00 PM. The second is called Cub Care (PreK-Grade 2)/Bear Care (Grades 3-8), and these begin following dismissal. Cub Care/Bear Care is more structured and involves a range of activities from sciences to sports to arts. After-school programs for High School students take place in the form of athletics and clubs.

Why do you teach your students Mandarin?

The co-founders of the BASIS Curriculum intentionally designed our Early Learning and Primary programs to include Mandarin. Mandarin is a global language, and researchers found that learning the language develops new pathways in the brain and uses both the left and right temporal lobes simultaneously. Studies also show that Mandarin helps students grow their mathematical abilities due to the emphasis on ordering, grouping, and distinguishing between similarities and differences in character writing and intonation. While Mandarin is required in PreK-Grade 4, Latin is required in grades 5 and 6. Beginning in grade 7, students will select a world language from French, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish, which they will continue throughout High School.

Do your campuses have any outdoor spaces?  

Our Lower School has direct access to a new, beautiful, big park and playground right across our street! Our Upper School has three outdoor spaces. This includes one fully covered space, one partially covered space, and an uncovered playground.

What is your student-to-teacher ratio?  

From PreK to grade 4, there are two teachers in each classroom. Beginning in grade 1, students will have one teacher for each subject as they rotate from classroom-to-classroom and teacher-to-teacher during the school day. Generally, our PreK classrooms average around 15 students with two teachers in the classroom and Kindergarten averages around 12 students per classroom with two teachers in the classroom. Grades 1-12 average around 21 students in each classroom.

What is the diversity of your student population?  

Brooklyn is wonderfully diverse, and our student population reflects this. 53% of students identify as a person of color and 41 languages are spoken throughout our community.

Do you offer financial aid?  

At this time, financial aid is not available. We offer families three types of tuition payment plans: one payment, two payments, or ten monthly payments. We award scholarships based on academic merit to a highly selective group of current BASIS Independent Brooklyn students in grade 8 who are planning to stay for high school.

Do you offer transportation?  

We encourage families at both campuses to make use of nearby public transportation options. We offer free or reduced fare MetroCards for students who plan to use public subways or buses. The Lower School is located centrally in Downtown Brooklyn near stops for the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, D, F, G, N, Q, and R trains; the LIRR at Atlantic Terminal; and the B25, B26, B38, B52, B54, B57, B61, B62, and B67 MTA bus lines. The Upper School campus in Red Hook is conveniently located near stops for the B61 and B57 buses, and accessible from the F and G trains at Smith & 9th Street Station. Families are welcome to use bikes, strollers, skateboards, and scooters. We have storage at both campuses for these modes of transportation.  

Our fee-based transportation program at the Red Hook campus includes morning and afternoon bus services throughout Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. We carefully plan our bus routes each school year to try to accommodate student demand and the requested stops. However, bus stops are not guaranteed and are subject to change. For families with students at both our Upper and Lower School campuses, BASIS Independent Brooklyn offers a free “Connector” bus. Please inquire directly for more details on our current routes. 

What is parent involvement like at your school?

Parents have many opportunities to get involved! The first way is through BIB Committees. These committees include the Teacher Appreciation Committee, Social Committee, World Fest Committee, and Community Outreach Committee. We also have a wonderful group called our Parent Ambassadors. These leaders work closely with our Admissions Team on events and connecting with new families.

What community opportunities will my student have if they join your program? 

We have very active National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society chapters at our school leading regular service initiatives. Moreover, our student leadership society, Leadership Club, has prioritized building both a culture of service and sustainability at the school. The students lead annual drives and regularly promote ways to volunteer with Red Hook and Downtown Brooklyn organizations throughout the school year. Our High School students participate in an Annual Day of Service before Thanksgiving Break.

Our school community has worked to develop partnerships with impactful non-profits making a difference in the community. One great example is the Red Hook Art Project (RHAP), which provides tutoring and mentoring for under-served children and youth. The organization offers free classes and tutoring in visual art, music, and homework help. Our students have volunteered for the homework help program and are teaching guitar classes. They also work to ensure our leftover school lunches are transported to RHAP and given to students and their families. 

How can I visit your school?

This admissions season, we are hosting a variety of events including Information Sessions, Campus Tours, Open Houses, and Shadow Days. Please click here to register for an upcoming event!

Please feel free to reach out to our Admissions Team by calling (718) 643-6302 or emailing brooklyn-admissions@basisindependent.com 