Faculty & Staff

Extending Love of the Arts at Home: Creating A Home Art & Makerspace for Your Children

November 21, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

At our Lower School Coffee with School Leadership meeting in November, Visual Arts and Engineering teacher Ms. Nicole Porter delved into ways families can set up an art and makerspace at home. Her advice can help inspire our Lower School families to think of ways of setting up creative spaces that can engage students well into winter break and beyond.

“The number one question I am consistently asked in my meetings with families is how to nurture a love of art and creativity at home without letting art supplies and artwork take over,” shared Ms. Porter, who has led Visual Arts and Engineering as a Subject Expert Teacher at our Lower School campus for more than three years. Previously, Ms. Porter was an Early Education Teacher leading one of our PreK elements.

“Parents want to know how they can encourage the creativity and imagination we see in the classroom at home,” shared Ms. Porter. “In the Lower School Art Studio, students have access to multiple art materials and recycled items to utilize as they create from their imagination. Identifying a space for artmaking at home where children have materials at arm’s reach will inspire children to freely create at home. This can be as simple as a mat to set out at the dining room table and a caddy of supplies, or even a rolling cart, that your child can help to organize and maintain.”

Living in New York City presents unique challenges for families wanting to create creative spaces for their children. Establishing a dedicated area for artistic expression and creativity is invaluable for your child’s development, and it is well worth the effort. Here’s how to create an effective art and makerspace at home for your Pre-K to Grade 2 child based on Ms. Porter’s expert guidance.

Finding Your Space

Even in compact NYC living spaces, carving out a creative corner is possible. Consider some of the following ideas:

Repurposing part of a dining table with a washable tablecloth that kids can use for drawing and painting
Setting up a small table in a corner of your child’s bedroom dedicated to art and crafts
Setting up a rolling cart full of supplies that can be moved as needed
Creating a “maker bin”
- This is a box containing some materials to upcycle: toilet paper and paper towel tubes, interesting paper, scissors, tape, glue, and some crafty notions: googly eyes, rhinestones, and stickers. Also, add in some tempera Kwik Sticks or a few markers that can be carried to whatever space is available. This is very similar to what is used at school and quite manageable in any apartment or home.

Consistency of location helps establish the routine of creative work, even if the space isn’t permanent.

Setting Up with Organization

In smaller living spaces, organization becomes crucial:

Consider using vertical storage with wall-mounted organizers or pegboards
Label containers clearly with words and pictures for young learners
Separate “self-serve” materials from “ask first” supplies that are messier
- For example, tempera paint sticks may be a good “self-serve” option for your child, while liquid tempera paints are an “ask-first” item that requires more guidance to set up and to clean up.
Consider transparent containers so children can see what’s available
Pens and pencils sorted into cool and warm color cups will help children to explore color choices
Review and model expectations for using individual art materials at home
Start with just a few materials and gradually add more to the art space
Establish a rotation system to keep the space fresh without overwhelming

“Self-serve” ideas – with set guidelines, children can use independently:

Tempera Paint sticks like Kwik Sticks
Washable markers and colored pencils *(separated by warm and cool colors)
Black markers for outlining
Pencils
Scissors
Glue stick
Copy, Mixed Media Drawing 60# plus, and construction paper
Found materials from family adventures for collage, etc.
Sticky rhinestones and other treasures
Colorful craft and washi tape rolls
Stickers: dot stickers in assorted colors are fun and versatile

More possible “self-serve” items:

Watercolor paint set with a spill-free water cup and 3-4 quality brushes of different sizes
Tissues to blot paint
Model magic or clay
Rubber stamps

“Ask-first” ideas:

Paints
Strong craft glues
Clay
The list is endless…

City-Specific Material Collection Ideas

New York City offers unique opportunities for gathering creative materials:

Collect fallen leaves and found materials from family adventures
Gather interesting papers from packaging the neighborhood and stores
Visit your local art supply shop for some amazing supply options
- Pro Tip: Stagger giving supplies to your child, so children have time to explore and learn to use different art materials. This will also keep your child interested, creating and minimizing the potential for a mess. Less is more when you are creating a materials setup that your child will be using “self-serve.” The goal is for your child to freely take, use, clean up, and return materials.

Creating Cleanup Systems That Work in Small Spaces

The goal here is to facilitate independent painting at home by establishing a routine for cleaning brushes and mixing paints that will maintain your child’s pallet of color while they paint. With a clean brush the dark colors will not cover the brighter colors that you child may desire to paint a sun or the sky. Children can create the colorful work they intend to and still enjoy the excitement of mixing new colors! In school, our motto for painting is: Swish, Wipe, Blot. This reminds artist to clean their brush between paint colors.

In homes where space is at a premium:

Use washable art smocks to protect clothing
Create visual set-up cleanup charts with photos for painting
Designate an area to mix paint colors so your child maintains their color palette in the paint box
Designate a drying area for wet artwork
- It is best to dry paint and wet work flat, if possible, so it does not run and drip. A small wooden drying rack is versatile for materials and paper storage as well.
Establish simple routines and verbal reminders to help keep materials fresh and organized
- These are a few verbal reminders we use in Art class:
  - Artists of all ages often work on multiple projects at onceIn class,
  we say: “I put things back where I found them, as I found them.”When painting,
  - remember to ‘Swish-Wipe and Blot’ the brush between colors
  - “Snap that cap” (for markers)
Consider using washable materials when possible

Displaying Art in NYC Apartments

The artwork created by students should be displayed for students to take pride in what they create and inspire creative displays at home. Here are some ways to do this without student art from taking over your house:

Create monthly or seasonal art notebooks of like sized papers with a construction paper cover. Hold it together with 3 binder clips as used at school. This is a great way to keep project together, and it also makes them easy to store
Use magnetic strips on the refrigerator or a metal board
Install a clothesline with clips along a wall
Dedicate a small wall space as a rotating gallery
Take photos of three-dimensional creations before disassembling

Ms. Porter loves to talk about any and all ideas—even brainstorming with parents. She is the proud parent of two children who grew up in Brooklyn, so she knows the benefit of creating a vibrant art and makerspace that works within your home.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a PreK–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bears community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher, Dr. Kyle Covert

November 21, 2025 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

We are thrilled to introduce Dr. Kyle Covert as a founding Subject Expert Teacher (SET) at BASIS Independent Dublin. Dr. Covert, who will serve as a Subject Expert Teacher in science, will be transferring to BASIS Independent Dublin from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where he has taught since 2024.

For Dr. Covert, the opportunity to join the BASIS Independent Dublin founding faculty is exciting because it is a chance “to come back to the community that I love – I previously lived in Dublin for five years – while being able to stay with the school that I believe truly challenges our brightest minds.”

Dr. Covert received both a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry and a PhD in Bioanalytical and Physical Chemistry from the University of the Pacific. During his senior year of undergraduate work, Dr. Covert was recognized as the “ACS Undergraduate of the Year in Analytical Chemistry”.

Prior to becoming a full-time teacher, Dr. Covert gained extensive industry experience, which has greatly influenced his teaching style; he seeks to share his field experience with his students to provide them with a taste of what a scientist’s life is like. His work experience includes seven years of research at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab and the Swiss Light Source, as well as five years at Agilent Technologies as an LC/MS Applications Scientist and Lead Trainer on Single Quadrupole instruments and software.

Included in Dr. Covert’s research experience is assistance in drafting two successful NSF grant proposals. He has contributed to several publications and presentations.

Are there any highlights you’d like to share about your teaching philosophy or approach?

My main goal as a teacher is to have my students teach someone else what they learned. If a student can share an interesting fact about science at the dinner table, then I’ve done my job. I try to incorporate other sciences in any subject I teach so students make connections on how this all works together.

What are some of the best or most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher and working with BASIS Independent Schools students?

To my last point, I ran an experiment with my Honors Chemistry students that involved making bread dough from scratch. Students learned how fermentation works in Chemistry, normally a Biology topic, but we go in depth about the chemical reactions occurring. They then took the dough home and baked it over Thanksgiving break. My favorite part was receiving comments from parents that they would’ve never thought they would see their child cooking, let alone bread they made on their own.

Are there any thoughts that you’d like to share with families who are joining – or who are thinking of joining – the BASIS Independent Dublin community?

If you are already in the BASIS Curriculum Schools family then I welcome you to an amazing new campus and I cannot wait to teach your student SCIENCE! If you are considering BASIS Independent Dublin, I highly encourage you to explore this opportunity. As a brand-new and rapidly growing community, our school will offer an exceptional academic environment. Our Subject Expert Teachers greatly prepare students for the rigors of college and provide a foundation that will help them succeed in life.

When he’s not in the classroom, Dr. Covert can be frequently found browsing articles and researching random topics just for the sake of learning something new; from the history of submarine warfare to how light particles interact with metal. His favorite thing to do outside the classroom is play videogames with his wife and daughter, and practice new recipes in the kitchen.

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 6 – 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the BASIS Independent Dublin community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher, Ms. Maha Jayapal

November 21, 2025 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

We are thrilled to introduce Ms. Maha Jayapal as a founding Subject Expert Teacher (SET) at BASIS Independent Dublin. Ms. Jayapal, who will be a Subject Expert Teacher in math, will be transferring to BASIS Independent Dublin from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where she has worked since 2019.

“I’m excited to join the Dublin team because I’ve always enjoyed being part of new beginnings, and this feels like another great opportunity to grow with a new community,” said Ms. Jayapal. “I look forward to building strong relationships with students and families as we shape this campus together.”

Ms. Jayapal brings a rich blend of academic excellence, professional dedication, and personal passion to her role at BASIS Independent Dublin. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Engineering with Distinction from Madras University, graduating in the top three percent of her class, and she later completed a Master of Science in Applied Data Science from the University of San Diego. She has also pursued extensive continuing education, earning certificates in Programming and Python Data Structures from the University of Michigan and completing advanced coursework in Applied Data Science, including Applied Data Mining, Applied Predictive Modeling, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. In addition, she has completed 13 core units in Early Childhood Education at Ohlone College in Fremont.

Having experienced the value of a BASIS Independent Schools education firsthand as a parent, Ms. Jayapal is deeply aligned with the school’s mission and rigorous academic environment. She appreciates the challenging curriculum and believes strongly that each student brings unique strengths to the classroom. She is committed to creating a warm, engaging learning environment where students feel empowered to participate, ask questions, and develop confidence.

Ms. Jayapal approaches teaching with a clear sense of purpose. She is dedicated to understanding concepts deeply so she can present material to students in a clear, structured way that supports genuine comprehension. Her primary goals include guiding students in building strong conceptual foundations and cultivating productive learning habits. She finds it especially rewarding to witness students grow academically and achieve excellence.

Are there any highlights you’d like to share about your teaching philosophy or approach?

I believe math should feel approachable and fun, not intimidating. I focus on helping students understand the “why” behind the steps, so they can think logically and solve problems with confidence. I also try to create a classroom environment where it’s okay to make mistakes, that’s how real learning happens.

What are some of the most rewarding parts of being a Subject Expert Teacher and working with BASIS Independent Schools students?

What I love most about teaching is seeing those small, meaningful moments when students feel connected to learning. Right before leaving the classroom for fall break this year, a student told me she was going to miss school, and that really made me smile. It showed me that our classroom had become a space she looked forward to, and creating that kind of environment is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.

Are there any thoughts that you’d like to share with families who are joining – or who are thinking of joining – the BASIS Independent Dublin community?

For families considering BASIS Independent Dublin, I can confidently say that, having both taught at BASIS Independent schools and watched my own children go through the program, it is a place where students grow not just academically, but also as thinkers, collaborators, and individuals. The support from teachers and the strong sense of community truly make a difference. I’m excited to welcome new families and be part of this exciting next chapter.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Jayapal enjoys spending time outdoors—hiking, camping, and taking long walks. She is also a licensed Zumba instructor, bringing her enthusiasm for movement and wellness to all she does.

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

November 7, 2025 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

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

Girls Volleyball

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

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

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

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

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

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

Co-Ed Soccer

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

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

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

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

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

Swim Team

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

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

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

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

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

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

A Day in the Life of a Grade 4 LET – Ms. Strider!

October 23, 2025 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

My name is Ms. Strider and I am the Grade 4 LET (Learning Expert Teacher) at BASIS Independent Bellevue. I stay with my class of students throughout the day, supporting both their academic development and personal growth. While Grade 4 students follow a full schedule similar to upper grades, my role is to help them build responsibility and independence as they prepare for Grade 5. I work closely with our Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) to collaboratively teach each subject, ensuring lessons are engaging and connected across disciplines. Because I see my students in every class, I gain a deep understanding of their learning needs and strengths. This allows me to form meaningful relationships with families and provide thoughtful, and accurate updates on student progress throughout the year.

My day with Grade 4 begins at 7:55 AM when I pick my students up from the multi-purpose room and we head to our lockers to get ready for our day. Students get to say hello to their friends each morning, catch each other up on their fencing practice or dance rehearsal, and get the last of their wiggles out before it is time for class.

Period 1: Science with Ms. Delp!

The first five minutes of each class look fairly similar throughout the day. Students are filling out their CJs (communication journals) and following any directions on the board as a warm up. In Science, students’ daily warm up is to copy down the notes from the board into their science folders so they have all the necessary information ready to go when it is time for a discussion or to start collecting data. Ms. Delp and I work together to provide Grade 4 students with materials, guidelines, and data points for a variety of different scientific activities. In the first month of school, we have measured our wingspans and compared our lengths to that of birds, tested if double stuffed Oreos are actually doubled stuffed, and explored surface tension by adding singular water droplets to pennies. Once we have our notes, completed our experiments, and graphed our data, it is time to clean up, pack up, and line up for our next class.

Period 2: Specials—Music, Art, Drama or Engineering!

Primary students have a variety of specials throughout the week. This morning’s special is Engineering with Ms. DiBattista! Our Specials classes look different than the classic LET/SET model. During these classes, I sometimes work with small groups of students in various levels of reading groups conduct interventions or enrichment. Today, I pulled a few of my students to conduct a reading intervention activity, while the rest of my class did an engineering lesson with Ms. DiBattista. Students’ reading levels are decided by our process of reading assessments that happen once per trimester. With that data, students are placed into small groups, of 3–5 students, and work directly with me on various reading strategies such as identifying the main idea, providing text evidence, or determining character motivation. Building these skills will help students in English class, advance their literacy skills, and most importantly, allow them to be able to read and understand texts independently.

Period 3: English with Ms. Tseng!

Just like in Science class, students begin class by filling out their CJ’s, noting any homework or upcoming assessments, and working independently on their warm ups. Ms. Tseng and I usually collect this work and begin getting students ready for their Novel Study. Currently, we are reading The Phantom Tollbooth! We take turns reading pages in the book between Ms. Tseng, myself, and the students. Learning to annotate texts is a skill we are building and growing in Grade 4. The Phantom Tollbooth is great practice for these skills, as it has several settings and characters. Ms. Tseng may pause the reading to point out a vocabulary word that we need to write down. I may also pause when we meet a new character to take notes about their description and add a sticky note annotation. English class flies by when everyone is so invested in the story! Time to clean up, pack up, and line up for lunch and recess.

Period 5: Math with Ms. Tessler!

These consistent classroom routines make a huge difference in the lives of the students and the teachers. No matter what subject, students know exactly how each class is going to start and exactly what each teacher is expecting their behaviors should be. Grade 4 enters math class, fills out their CJs, and begins their math warm up. Math warm ups are usually a set of problems covering material that we learned the day before. I will go over the warm up with the class, model the work on the board, and answer any questions. Ms. Tessler will get the class set up and ready for notes in their math notebooks. As students are taking notes or working on their independent math assignment, this is a great time for me to look for students who are exhibiting qualities of P.A.C.E (perseverance, active, community, and empathy). Students who show one or more of these qualities at any time during the day receive a PACE Pass. Students turn in their earned passes to the front office to enter the grade level weekly raffle for a chance to win a small prize every Friday. Once all of our daily math tasks have been completed, it is time to clean up, pack up, and line up!

Period 6: Specials or Mandarin!

Three days of the week, Grade 4 has Mandarin class. There are two different Mandarin classes that students are sorted into from the beginning of the year based on ability-level. I do not attend Mandarin class, so I spend this time meeting with SETs, planning reading groups, or having an extra cup of coffee and a snack.

However, this afternoon is Drama with Mr. Mullens! Once all of the students have entered the drama space, filled out their CJs, and listened to Mr. Mullens’ daily expectations, I begin pulling another round of small reading groups. Groups can meet once, twice, or three times a week depending on students’ needs for reading and decoding texts. In Drama class, students are working in three different casts to write their own scripts for the upcoming spring performance. Even though some students are pulled away during the script writing, the entire cast works collaboratively and is able to quickly and effectively fill in any students upon their return to the classroom.

AE (Academic Enrichment) Time!

All students Grade 4 and above have a 20-minute AE period each afternoon. There are a variety of ways to spend a Grade 4 AE period: study hall, brain breaks, or most often, SEL (Social Emotional Learning), lessons and activities. For our SEL lessons we utilize a program called CharacterStrong at BASIS Independent Bellevue. Each month is centered around a character trait theme—October’s is Responsibility. Throughout the month, our class engages in mini-lessons, discussions, videos, and games designed to help students learn about and practice being responsible in their daily lives. Because academic expectations are high on this campus–even in the primary grades–it’s important to remind students that they are more than their grades, and that being a kid is about learning and growing in all areas of life.

Period 7: History with Ms. Rieger!

Our last core class of the day, but procedures and expectations remain the same. Students enter the classroom quietly, fill out their CJs with today’s topic, homework, and upcoming tests. Warm ups in History require students to have their binders and answer the questions on the board neatly on a piece of notebook paper. When the five–minute timer goes off, I read each question with the students and go over the answers. Often in this course there is some background information to read before students can dive deep into the new content, analyze cause and effects, and collect evidence. At the beginning of class I will read the passages with the students and have some student helpers annotate for vocabulary and important details. Then Ms. Rieger will share her slides, photographs, or stories about the time period we are focusing on and begin to ask critical thinking questions to the class. After notes, worksheets, or discussions, it is time to clean up, pack up, and line up once again.

Period 8: PE with Coach Shelp!

“Welcome to your favorite class!” is the way Coach Shelp begins PE. This class is different from Art, Music, and Drama because I always attend PE with my class. PE is a great way to get moving and learn about sportsmanship. Students begin each PE class by jogging some laps around the gym. Once we are warmed up, it is time to play—dodgeball, soccer, pickleball and more! We congratulate our teammates and exchange kind words with our opponents. Time flies in PE and then it is time to grab all of our belongings from our lockers and go home!

After all of my students have been picked up from dismissal, I meet with my co-teaching SETs to collaborate on lessons for the following week. After school you will find me at home in the coziest pajamas crocheting or snuggling with my cat. Another great day in Grade 4!

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

October 17, 2025 by chriszefferys Leave a Comment

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.

New Teacher Feature – Introducing Ms. Baseman!

October 10, 2025 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

This school year, we’re excited to introduce Ms. Baseman as a new member of our BASIS Independent Bellevue faculty!

Ms. Baseman joins us as the Grade 5 English teacher and the Grade 7 Creative Writing teacher. She brings a strong academic background and a deep passion for student engagement and creativity.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities with a minor in Anthropology from San Jose State University and went on to complete her Master of Arts in Anthropology at Western Washington University. We recently sat down with her to learn more about her passion for education, teaching philosophy, and her experience joining the BASIS Independent Bellevue community.

Professional Background and Experience

What inspired you to become an English and Creative Writing teacher?

Books have always been my first, and preferred mode of travel. As a kid I would stay up way (way) past my bedtime to finish the book I had started that afternoon, or scribble down dialogue for a novella I was drafting. Books were a ticket to another place, access to a new perspective of the world previously unknown, and that is something I have continued to love about literature throughout my life. Reading and writing were always an outlet for me to process, plan, aspire, and imagine. As an educator, I hope to give students the tools to immerse themselves in stories with more depth and complexity through small and large group discussion and multimodal activities.

What are you most excited about in joining this new school community at BASIS Independent Bellevue?

I love working with bright, motivated students. There is a different energy in the room when students are excited to engage in their learning process, there are so many more opportunities to try something new!

What do you hope your students take away from your class?

I hope students leave my class feeling confident. Even if they struggled with a skill or assessment, I want them to leave the classroom knowing how to make the appropriate adjustments to be successful. The skills we are practicing now will set them up for fluency later in their academic career, I want them to know how to be successful as students, and as kind humans.

Writing Focus

How do you help students tap into their creativity in writing?

I feel like I always get my best ideas when I am moving around, though we are limited in space in a classroom, we do our best to get up and move at least once during the class period. This could be for an activity on the board, a gallery walk, or a flash art piece; anything to shift the system!

What’s one of your favorite writing prompts to use — and why?

Oh, I have some creative ones, a few of my favorites are: “Pencil Perspective” where students write from the perspective of their pencil (hilarious what their poor pencils endure in a day), “500 dollars and a Prius” (students plan a cross-country road trip with 500 dollars and a Prius), or playing a few different songs and having students write a setting description or sketch a plot outline.

What advice do you give students who feel “stuck” as writers?

Shift your perspective! Write from a different character point-of-view, get up and physically move somewhere else, or read.

Personal Life and Passions

What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of teaching?

I love being outside, take me somewhere lush and green and I am happy! Anything hiking, camping, moving-around-outdoors I have probably tried. I have had a consistent yoga practice for over a decade, and love to paint. I also love animals and would adopt every cat, dog, cow, horse, rabbit, and lizard available if possible.

What is one personal goal you hope to achieve this year?

Honestly, to make a lunch for work. This has been an unattainable goal for most of my professional life so I am hoping to put together more consistent lunch meals this year!

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I lived in Madrid, Spain for a year as a teaching assistant in a bilingual school!

A Mountaineer Welcome!

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Baseman to our BASIS Independent Bellevue community!

If you have the pleasure of being in her class, you’ll likely see her greeting students with enthusiasm, meeting them at their level, and inspiring creativity through engaging writing activities. Ms. Baseman brings a dynamic energy to the classroom, supporting student ideas and encouraging expression in meaningful ways.

Ms. Baseman’s welcoming spirit and positivity shine through in the classroom and around campus, making her a wonderful addition to our Mountaineer family. Let’s give Ms. Baseman a warm Mountaineer welcome as she joins our incredible team!

Subject Expert Spotlight: How Dr. C Redefines Biology at Our NYC Private School

October 7, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, our passionate Subject Expert Teachers (SET) are the secret ingredient to delivering our advanced curriculum in an engaging way, helping students take intellectual risks and make real-world connections outside of the classroom.

This month, we spotlight Dr. Chubaryov (Dr. C), our Biology SET at the Upper School in Chelsea, who teaches AP and Honors Biology in addition to AP Environmental Science to our high school students. After reading about her approach in the classroom and what makes her one of the best teachers in Manhattan, come and see for yourself at one of our Fall Open Houses.

The Spark: From Opera to Observation

In August, Dr. C balanced a full life that brought huge changes at the start of this school year: she graduated from her PhD program at NYU and got married. Yet, her focus remains on the students. Dr. C’s own passion for biology was ignited in high school by an amazing teacher who made the subject exciting—even “cool.” A fond memory that sticks with her is how her biology teacher would play opera music while instructing the class on how to do dissections. This mix of creativity and deep study informs her teaching today.

Two female students performing a dissection in biology class

Thinking Like a Scientist: Beyond Memorization

Once in high school at BASIS Independent Manhattan, students have already completed three years of physics, biology, and chemistry. With this preparation and budding passion for biology, Dr. C can immediately help grow her students’ intellectual curiosity. She also challenges them to take risks that go beyond just learning biology, helping them feel confident to “do biology.”

Dr. C is one of the best subject expert teachers in manhattan, demonstrating a hands-on learning lab for her students

From NYU PhD to Chelsea Classroom

To enable her students to be active participants, Dr. C emphasizes that they are scientists in training. She often brings her doctoral research into the classroom, sharing personal anecdotes about her work in the NYU lab studying Hirschsprung Disease. These stories help her students connect abstract concepts – like cellular signaling or genetics – and their real-world applications. Dr. C notes that this is when she really sees her students thinking like scientists: reasoning through how biological systems interact and discovering both the beauty and relevance of biology in everyday life.

three female students present a biology poster on cell organelles

A Nurturing Academic Environment

When asked about their teacher, students immediately get wide-eyed and say she is great because of her duality. Dr. C’s teaching style is direct, but it is constantly peppered with personal anecdotes about her PhD studies that bring the subject to life. Students also appreciate how she holds them accountable, but does so by consistently performing “checks for understanding” to ensure every student feels supported. This exemplifies the nurturing academic environment at BASIS Independent Manhattan, where students feel inspired to safely take intellectual risks and achieve their highest potential.

student presenting to her peers in the classroom

The Takeaway

BASIS Independent Manhattan’s unique model, featuring passionate Subject Expert Teachers who deliver an advanced curriculum in a nurturing environment, is why we are recognized among the best NYC private schools. It’s designed to empower students to think critically and achieve great success.

BASIS Independent Bothell is Open

September 26, 2025 by mallorykilbreath Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

Visit our School

Meet Our Teachers: Featured Educators from Our Community

September 25, 2025 by sarahpeterson Leave a Comment

This month, our annual Meet the Teacher Night brought BASIS Independent Fremont families together to explore our campus and gain valuable insights into the learning environment that shapes their children’s educational experience. Our teachers opened their classroom doors wide, sharing their passion for education and giving parents that coveted “inside scoop” on what makes learning at BASIS Independent Fremont so special. While Meet the Teacher Night gave a taste of what’s in store, we wanted to take this opportunity to dive deeper and introduce you to three of our exceptional teachers who are making a tremendous impact on our students’ lives.

Getting to Know Our Incredible Educators

Mr. Kasper: Engineering Wonder and Curiosity

Our beloved Engineering Subject Expert Teacher for grades TK–4, Mr. Kasper, has been a cornerstone of our school community for years. His passion for education was cultivated during 17 years of teaching in South Korea, where he discovered his true calling working with elementary students.

What makes Mr. Kasper truly special is his infectious curiosity—the same quality he loves nurturing in his students. “I love teaching because every question from a curious child and every spark of creativity in their work reminds me that learning is not just about answers—it’s about the joy of discovery,” he shares.

In his Engineering classes, students dive into the Engineering Design Process, tackling age-appropriate projects that seamlessly blend math, science, and technology. Through hands-on, real-world challenges, our young engineers learn how to solve problems with tangible benefits while developing crucial STEM literacy skills.

Ms. Bhora: Individualized Excellence in Our New Role

This year, we’re thrilled to introduce Ms. Bhora in her new position as our Specialist Expert Teacher—a role we created specifically to enhance individualized instruction across subjects. After serving as an exceptional Grade 3 Learning Expert Teacher, Ms. Bhora was the natural choice for this important position.

With over 13 years of teaching experience and five years as part of our BASIS Independent Fremont family, Ms. Bhora brings a wealth of expertise to her new role, focusing on academic enrichment in math and English, intervention programs, and support for our Learning Expert Teachers.

“The beautiful thing about working one-on-one is that every student’s path looks different. My job is to help them discover their own way to reach their goals,” Ms. Bhora explains, perfectly capturing the essence of personalized learning.

Ms. Bhora’s approach creates exactly what she believes children need most: a safe, loving, nurturing, and challenging environment where every student can thrive.

Ms. Vicky: Bringing Mandarin to Life

New to our campus this year, Ms. Vicky joins us as one of our Mandarin Subject Expert Teachers, bringing over 20 years of experience in language education and an infectious passion for making Mandarin accessible and exciting.

Born and raised in Taiwan, with educational roots in New Zealand and nearly two decades of experience in the U.S., Ms. Vicky brings a truly global perspective to her classroom. Her expertise spans from preschool through 9th grade, and she’s even the co-founder of the “Fun Learning Mandarin” YouTube channel.

“Starting somewhere new is always an adventure, but the enthusiasm I see from students here makes me confident we’re going to build something amazing together,” Ms. Vicky shares with the optimism that defines her teaching approach.

Through songs, stories, games, and hands-on activities, Ms. Vicky creates an immersive Mandarin experience that connects students not just to language skills but to the rich culture and customs of Mandarin-speaking regions.

Our Meet the Teacher Night was just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary year of learning, discovery, and growth. These three educators, along with all our incredible teachers, are ready to inspire, challenge, and support every student on their unique educational journey.

Here’s to a year filled with curious questions, creative sparks, and amazing discoveries!

Learn more about our world-class educators here.

BASIS Independent Fremont 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 BASIS Independent Fremont community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.