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Head of School Reflections: The Top 7 Questions Families Ask at BASIS Independent Dublin

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As excitement builds for the opening of BASIS Independent Dublin, a private school serving grades 6–12, I know many families are eager to learn what to expect—from the look and feel of our modern campus to our Subject Expert Teachers, the BASIS Curriculum, and the admissions process.

Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many families in person who share in this excitement about the launch of our campus. As Head of School, I’d like to take a moment to answer some of the most common questions about our facilities, academic programs, safety measures, and what makes joining our founding year such a unique and incredible opportunity.

#1: What will the campus be like? When can we see it in person?

The campus is currently under construction and will be finished in the spring of 2026. We intend to host campus tours at that time. We are also excited to see the incredible facilities upon completion! Some of the exciting features of our campus include a large outside field for sports and recreation, a full-size and competitive gym, separate biology, chemistry, and physics labs, dedicated art and music labs, and a multipurpose room that is also a theater. In the meantime, you can view the renderings on our website that show images of how the completed school will look. You can also view more detailed floor plans here to get a better sense of the student experience during and after the school day.

#2: How secure and safe will the campus be for students?

As with all our BASIS Independent Schools campuses, each entrance will have dual entry points, meaning that a person will go through two secured and keyed doors. We will also have a locked fence along the outside perimeter of the school and an on-campus security guard during core hours. In addition, we have ongoing practice for students and staff to respond to different situations involving potential safety issues (i.e. regular earthquake drills). Safety is also a focus of ongoing staff and teacher training.

#3: My child would be joining from another school (private, public, or charter). Will they be prepared for the BASIS Curriculum and for the transition?

Joining BASIS Independent Dublin in the founding year is a wonderful opportunity as all students will be new to our program, and a unique chance for these students to build friendships, create traditions, and build the culture and community of the school. We have students who enroll in BASIS Independent Schools from all types of schools, and they join typical entry grades such as grade 6, 9, and 10, and all grades in between. Students are able to transition successfully for many reasons, including our dedicated leadership team and robust school staff who guide both academic and social-emotional support. Each Subject Expert Teacher offers two hours per week of office hours, giving students the opportunity to receive extra help—whether with homework or a deeper understanding of the content taught in the classroom. In addition, Subject Expert Teachers and school leaders are available to meet individually with parents to discuss student progress and growth. Our goal is to set up students for success, and our approach allows students to excel. When it doesn’t, we also teach students how to manage when something doesn’t go right or as expected. We learn and grow together!

#4: I am worried that BASIS Independent Dublin will be a new school campus. Isn’t it better to wait another year?

While BASIS Independent Dublin is a new campus, we are not new to education. BASIS Independent Schools currently has 11 schools in operation, educating over 4,000 students, and setting a new standard in learning and educational outcomes each and every school year. We are in the ideal position of building upon an existing and established school program and the BASIS Curriculum. We not only have seasoned Subject Expert Teachers on our immediate school site staff but also have a wealth of experience in our larger leadership team behind us, who work across school campuses to ensure that all of our schools are running efficiently.  We are excited to have families join our school and help create and foster a supportive, collaborative, and vibrant community.

#5: How and when will you hire teachers? How will you ensure that you hire quality teachers?

Teachers are indeed one of the most essential components of a strong and effective school program; therefore, hiring and retaining quality Subject Expert Teachers is one of our top priorities. Just like with the academic school year, school year hiring also follows its own calendar.  Recruitment of our Subject Expert Teachers is a national and international approach. We look for subject expertise first and foremost in a specific discipline. Many teachers at BASIS Independent Schools have Master’s degrees in their field of study or even a Ph.D. Every time we open a BASIS Independent School, we have some Subject Expert Teachers join us from our BASIS Curriculum Schools network. We will also have teachers join us from local public and private schools, from around the U.S., and even internationally. Once teachers become part of BASIS Independent Dublin, they will actively participate in teacher professional development, including ongoing mentorship, coaching, and training in effective pedagogy. Families will soon be able to meet some of our educators from the BASIS Curriculum Schools network who will be teaching at BASIS Independent Dublin!

#6: What kind of students are you looking for at BASIS Independent Schools? What type of students do well, and what should I do to prepare my child for the steps in the application process?

While BASIS Independent Schools is often known for our math and science offerings, we also have a rigorous and exceptional liberal arts program. Students who are curious and engaged learners do well, but we also support students who are still discovering their personal interests and want to explore a variety of topics to discover what they want to pursue and delve into as they move toward high school graduation and beyond. We seek students who are motivated to learn, ask questions, are creative and critical thinkers, work hard, have fun, and want to learn at an international level. In terms of the application process, we can help guide you through if any questions come up, but no preparation is necessary. However, feel free to ask questions along the way!

#7: How can I connect with the BASIS Independent School leadership to ask questions or gather more information?

Please check our website for more information on upcoming events. Once you join our interest list, we will continue to keep you informed about opportunities to attend virtual and in-person events. We are also available to talk with you more one-on-one, don’t hesitate to reach out!

To stay connected with us as we share news about our campus and upcoming events, we invite families to submit an inquiry form to join our interest list.

Campus Floor Plans Revealed!

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Excitement is building as we take the next step toward opening our brand-new campus! With construction well underway, we are thrilled to share the floor plans that will shape the daily experiences of our students, teachers, and families. Every detail, from the flow of classrooms and collaboration spaces to the design of common areas and outdoor learning environments, has been carefully considered to foster curiosity, community, and a culture of joyful learning.  

These plans represent more than just walls and hallways; they reflect our vision for a vibrant, forward-thinking educational environment where students can thrive. 

Academic Building 
Floor One 

Anchoring the first floor is our cafeteria, a bright and spacious hub where students will gather daily to share meals and connect with friends. On the opposite side of the campus, the multi-purpose room/theater offers a dedicated space for assemblies, performances, and community events—ensuring that the arts and public speaking have a central role in campus life. 

The first floor also includes six general classrooms filled with Subject Expert Teachers, each equipped to support dynamic, student-centered learning. Surrounding these academic spaces are administrative offices, which serve as the operational core of the school and provide a welcoming entry point for families and visitors. 

For convenience and accessibility, the campus is designed with student restrooms strategically located in the center for ease of use throughout the day. And though the campus has two elevators, students will travel primarily by the three stairwells located throughout the building, making transitions efficient and safe during busy class changes. 

Floor Two 

Mirroring the first floor, two community spaces make up our second floor – a Junior Commons and Senior Commons. These spaces are more than just places to relax though. They are designed to encourage peer-to-peer interaction, group study, and a strong sense of belonging. Each commons area reflects the needs of its students, giving them room to build community and develop independence as they progress through their school journey. 

Surrounding the commons are 17 classrooms, purpose-built to support engaging, rigorous instruction across subjects by our Subject Expert Teachers. These classrooms will be equipped to adapt to a variety of teaching styles and learning experiences, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. 

Also located on this floor are additional administrative offices, providing faculty and staff with convenient access to resources and support. Their placement ensures that academic life and administrative operations remain closely connected, promoting a seamless flow to the school day. 

Floor Three 

The third and top floor of our new campus is designed on the creative side. This floor includes two art labs and two music labs; each tailored to spark imagination and foster artistic expression. Whether students are painting, sculpting, composing, or rehearsing, these specialized spaces ensure the arts remain a vital part of the school experience. 

Complementing the arts is an array of state-of-the-art science facilities. The floor is home to four physics labs, three biology labs, and three chemistry labs, offering students the opportunity to engage deeply with scientific concepts through experimentation and inquiry. Alongside these labs is a general classroom, designed for instruction and discussions that connect theory to practice. 

To support both students and faculty, the top floor also houses administrative offices, ensuring convenient access to academic and program leadership. 

By bringing together the arts and sciences, the top floor embodies the spirit of a well-rounded education—one that values both analytical problem-solving and creative expression. It stands as the pinnacle of the campus, both literally and figuratively, preparing students to explore, innovate, and lead. 

Gym 

One of the most exciting features of our new campus is the state-of-the-art gymnasium, a space designed to inspire school spirit, athletic excellence, and community connection. 

Measuring 8,544 square feet, the gym provides ample room for practices, games, and physical education classes. Its versatile design allows for a wide range of activities—from basketball and volleyball to school-wide fitness programs—ensuring that students at every level can stay active and engaged. 

Equipped with spectator seating for just over 200 people, the gym will also serve as a gathering place where families, friends, and classmates can come together to cheer on our athletes and celebrate school traditions. More than just a space for sports, it will become a hub for community events and shared experiences. 

With its combination of size, functionality, and thoughtful design, the gym is set to be a cornerstone of student life on campus—promoting teamwork, perseverance, and pride in our growing school community. 

Outside

At our new campus, outdoor spaces are designed with both play and community in mind. Students will enjoy a full competition playfield that provides plenty of room for games, practices, and spirited matches. Alongside the field, a dedicated basketball court offers additional opportunities for friendly competition and active play.

Beyond athletics, we’ve created inviting seating areas where students can gather, relax, and connect with one another. Whether they’re cheering on friends during a game, enjoying a quiet moment between classes, or simply spending time together, these spaces are an important part of building a vibrant school community.

Our goal is to ensure every student has a place to play, to participate, and to belong—whether on the court, on the field, or in the stands with friends.

Learn more about BASIS Independent Dublin by joining our interest list today!

Construction has Begun!

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Construction has officially begun at the future home of BASIS Independent Dublin! We’re thrilled by the stunning drone footage the construction team captured before breaking ground, and we can’t wait to watch the campus transform over the coming year!

Beyond the Classroom: Exciting New Outdoor Space Rendering Revealed

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In addition to providing students with a rich academic experience, we recognize that academics and school enrichment activities are integrally connected to one another and are mutually beneficial. Enrichment opportunities not only help meet students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical needs but they also offer a balanced learning experience that provides numerous opportunities for students to develop into whole, responsible, and enthusiastic learners.

Our approach to sports promotes healthy competition and empowers students with the discipline, grit, and persistence to become leaders on and off the court. It is mastery of these skills that has led many of our student athletes to victory in a variety of competitions, large and small.

Students will have access to not only the gymnasium, but also a multi-use outdoor space between the academic building and the gym.

Virtual Campus Tour

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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.

The SET/LET Relationship: The Symbiotic Classroom Experience

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One of the defining elements of our Primary Program is our Symbiotic Classroom, a teaching model that pairs a Subject Expert Teacher with a Learning Expert Teacher for every core discipline. 

Imagine that you are back at school, sitting in class. Maybe it’s a class you excel at, and sometimes you feel distracted or bored because you’ve read ahead and you already know the material. Or maybe you’re in a class you don’t like very much because you struggle with the material. Why is the teacher going so fast? You barely understood the last lesson!

Now imagine there was a second teacher in that classroom, one who knew your strengths and areas for improvement, who could work with you to make sure you were achieving your potential in the best way for you. This is the approach that best describes the SET/LET model at BASIS Independent Schools.

SETs, or Subject Expert Teachers, lead classes in the subjects they are the most passionate about. Their area of expertise is their sole focus, allowing them to concentrate on creating interesting, in-depth lessons for all the grade levels they teach. Students in Grade 1 and above have one SET for each discipline rather than one generalist teacher who teaches multiple subjects. 

LETs, or Learning Expert Teachers, are responsible for a class of students who are all in the same grade. An LET for a Grade 2 class, for example, will stay with that Grade 2 class all day and be with them in all their subject classes led by SETs. Because LETs are with their students all day, they know how they are doing in each subject, and can provide extra, customized support in class as needed when an SET is teaching. They are able to build trust and understanding with their students to better guide them through their academic challenges.

Together, these experts focus on building a classroom culture of social-emotional support and academic excellence and work to craft lessons that are both advanced and accessible to all students. They help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn at an advanced pace and determine the best ways to deliver material and promote student engagement. The symbiosis between these two expert teachers in the classroom lends itself to providing the flexibility necessary to do one-on-one work with students, small group work, and optimize classroom learning in real-time.

This two-teacher model minimizes distractions and maximizes learning. Students receive the benefit of teachers who love their subjects and can pass that passion on, and a teacher who can keep a close eye on their progress and happiness. At BASIS Independent Schools, this SET/LET relationship is at the heart of our goal to instill a lifelong passion for learning in our students.

In addition to co-teaching with SETs, our LETs lead a weekly class called Connections. Connections is an interdisciplinary course designed to challenge students to utilize their knowledge creatively. This class presents students with project-based scenarios that require the use of mental agility, creativity, and problem-solving skills as they establish links across subjects, showing how each subject relates to the other and gaining a deeper understanding of the material they are learning.

One of our most exciting Connections projects happens in Grade 3, when students are tasked with creating their very own culture. Students spend several weeks creating different components of their fictional culture, including designing a flag, creating currency, and developing an alphabet. The culminating project was to create a poster (some examples below) to display all of the components they had created for their culture. 

An Exclusive Look at our Campus Renderings

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With the rising demand for a Kindergarten—Grade 12 liberal arts curriculum with advanced STEM offerings in the Pacific Northwest we are pleased to reveal our latest expansion will be nestled in the Canyon Park neighborhood in Bothell, WA. BASIS Independent Bothell will provide families a supportive learning environment for an even greater number of young learners.

As we eagerly prepare for our anticipated opening in fall of 2025, it is with great excitement we offer an exclusive glimpse into the student experience at BASIS Independent Bothell with the unveiling of our stunning campus renderings!

The intentionally and thoughtfully designed spaces of our newest campus will allow students to enjoy endless opportunities to connect studies with the real world, discover new talents and skills, and build lasting bonds of friendship and camaraderie. In reviewing our campus renderings, please take note of our unique spaces including state-of-the-art science labs, dynamic visual and performance art spaces, dining spaces, a fully equipped gymnasium and competition field for competitive sports, outdoor play facilities, and more!

The advanced, global BASIS Curriculum includes a spiraling liberal arts with advanced STEM offerings. While our primary students participate in a weekly engineering class, our campus will be equipped with dedicated state-of-the-art laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, designed for grades 6—12 students. This spiraling curriculum prepares students from day one to compete and excel on the international stage.

231208-BASIS Bothell-Lab with Disclaimer

The theater will be a multi-use space for performing arts, student presentations, and community events.

We recognize the significance of nurturing well-rounded students with diverse interests, including but not limited to interscholastic and sports activities. The Gymnasium and Competition Field will provide students with a dedicated space not only for Physical Education, but also for student-athletes to refine their skills, foster healthy competition, and develop leadership qualities, both on and off the court. We expect to host competitive sports such as basketball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, and more! 

While our athletic and outdoor play facilities allow students to move their bodies and burn energy, our commons areas provide a safe environment for students to read a book, work on their studies, and collaborate with their peers. 

Our approach to athletics promotes healthy competition and empowers students with the discipline, grit, and persistence to become leaders on and off the court. It is the mastery of these skills that has led many of our student athletes to victory in a variety of competitions, large and small. We are so excited to see all our students accomplish in these spaces.

Like the competition field on the north side of the campus, this area on the south side of the campus will be transformed into a play area for our Kindergarten to Grade 5 students. 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.

BASIS Independent Bothell, a Kindergarten–Grade 12 private school, opening fall 2025.

Exclusive Preview: Renderings Unveiled!

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As we eagerly prepare for our anticipated opening in fall of 2026, it is with great excitement we offer an exclusive glimpse into the student experience at BASIS Independent Dublin with the unveiling of our stunning campus renderings!

The intentionally and thoughtfully designed spaces of our newest campus will allow students, Grades 6-12, to enjoy endless opportunities to connect studies with the real world, discover new talents and skills, and build lasting bonds of friendship and camaraderie. In reviewing our campus renderings, allow them to transport you to our vibrant campus, showcasing state-of-the-art science labs, dynamic visual and performance art spaces, a cafeteria, a fully equipped gymnasium for competitive sports, and more!

As students arrive on campus, they will be welcomed by a sophisticated and modern entryway leading to their classroom spaces. The campus and lobby will feature a secure environment with limited entry points, ensuring the safety of both students and staff.

The advanced, global BASIS Curriculum includes liberal arts with advanced STEM offerings. Our campus will be equipped with dedicated laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, designed to prepare students to compete and excel on the international stage.

BINS Dublin - Science Lab

We recognize the significance of nurturing well-rounded students with diverse interests, including but not limited to interscholastic and sports activities. The Gymnasium will provide students a dedicated space for Physical Education, while also serving as a platform for student-athletes to refine their skills, foster healthy competition, and develop leadership qualities, both on and off the court. We expect to host competitive sports such as basketball, volleyball, and more! 

To stay connected with us as we share news about our campus and upcoming events, we invite families to join our interest list.

The Magic Behind BIF’s Operations Team

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Behind every stunning Broadway performance or Nascar photo finish, there is a team dedicated to navigating obstacles and pushing their common vision toward realization or beyond to even greater heights. At BASIS Independent Fremont, that group is our Operations Team. From tightening the literal nuts and bolts of the school to safeguarding the health of our community, the Operations department is our figurative “man behind the curtain,” creating moments of magic for students and staff every day. We sat down with the Lower School Operations team to pull the curtain back and hear, in their own words, how this magic is made.

At the helm, Associate Head of Operations, Mr. Hinkel-Lipsker, breaks down the range of this diverse and instrumental team.

“The Operations department makes up all the parts of the school that are not primarily academically focused: the Front Office, the Facilities and cleaning crew, the Health Coordinator, technology coordination, after-school care, lunch delivery, and finances. We are also the HR department for the school, tasked with identifying and retaining world-class staff members. As the head of these teams, I like to think I constantly have my finger on the pulse of the school from all angles.”

From our students’ first moments stepping onto campus to their final waves at dismissal, Operations Team members are a constant thread throughout their day. Ms. Allen and Mx. Ansel comprise our Front Office team. 

“When students and parents arrive in the morning, the Front Office is often their first stop at the school. We know waking up early and getting to school is tough sometimes, so we take pride in providing warmth and welcome to our students as they start their days,” Ms. Allen explains.

Mx. Ansel elaborates further, “Students love to stop by the Front Office for all sorts of reasons. Our team is the liaison between students and families while the kids are in school. We like to act as a home base of sorts, where students can gather dropped-off items or grab a fresh mask to wear. They’ll drop in to snag a water bottle if they’ve forgotten theirs at home. Our favorite moments are during quiet times when students drop in just to say hello or share a new joke they heard.”

At the end of the school day, students have many options depending on their academic needs, schedules, and interests.

“It is the job of the Front Office to make sure that students safely arrive at their proper location at the end of each day. This is a meticulous and ever-changing task in which we take great pride. We work hard to make sure that when a family member arrives at school, their student is exactly where they are expected to be.”

Whether our students’ attention is focused on an after-school club, upcoming STEM Festival, or drama performance, our Operations Coordinator, Ms. Michelle is there to ensure staff and students are ready for special projects and events and that their classroom supplies are well-maintained. Any time there is a class party, a new engineering project, or a classroom resource needed, she oversees the logistics to ensure the materials are ready and waiting for our students.

“When teachers request manipulatives or other classroom resources, I order and deliver the materials to the classrooms. When I see the faces of the kids light up when they catch a glimpse at their new project or activity, I get to feel a little bit like Santa Claus every week! The most exciting time is Term Project Week. The school commits a lot of resources into making this week really special and engaging for the kids, and I get to be at the center of it all.”

During the last week of the academic year, Term Projects Week, students exchange their typically structured day for a week-long interdisciplinary project developed entirely by our teaching staff based on student interests.

Just as our spiraling curriculum evolves based on advancement and student interest, so do our campus’ facility demands. Ms. Christy, our Technology Coordinator, ensures students’ and staff members’ technological needs are not just met but surpassed.

“I always look for opportunities to incorporate the newest technological advancements into our classrooms. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley, we have the best access to the newest systems. Our students are very technology-focused, and I love seeing their excitement when they see a piece of new technology. It’s a passion we share!”

“My department oversees the security of students and staff when they interact with the internet and computers, and I take pride in constantly updating and upgrading our systems to ensure the highest level of safety for our students.”

Similarly, Facilities Manager, Mr. Thorpe, tells us, “safety is always the number one priority for all departments, but especially for the Facilities team. When our community was returning to school from quarantine due to COVID-19, there was a lot of work to be done to physically prepare our students for distancing while on campus. Countless hours of planning and execution went into creating partitions, new floor plans for travel between classrooms, and of course, a rigorous daily cleaning protocol which included hydroelectric spraying.”

“All the work involved was 100% worth it because, in the end, we got to see students back in the classroom and enjoying each other’s company once again.”

As Health Coordinator, one of Mr. Nate’s roles is to communicate with the county about all COVID-19 concerns.

“Limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our school and community has been a huge task, and I am proud to get to manage the safety of our students, parents, and staff in this way.”

Mr. Nate explains, “I have a great role in our school where students see me as someone that helps them fix things and will stop to ask for help for issues beyond medical assistance. Being someone that our students can trust is very special, and I want all of our kids to know that the Health Office is a safe space.”

Mr. Hinkel-Lipsker sums it up nicely. “Our community teamed up to fight against COVID-19. We went through so many policy changes, sometimes with very little notice, but our staff, students, and families were all on the same side of “Team Safety.” Through all the hybrid schedules, distance learning, and flexibility, we were able to come back to school in the safest way possible and have grown so much more since then. I am so proud of all of us for making it to this point together as a team.”

To learn more about the Primary Program at BASIS Independent Fremont’s Lower School, click here.

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