BASIS Independent Schools

BASIS Independent SchoolsBASIS Independent Schools
Inquire

High School

Celebrating a Record-Breaking Year for Academic Excellence

by Leave a Comment

We are thrilled to celebrate a truly outstanding year of academic achievement at BASIS Independent Manhattan, as our students have once again surpassed expectations on their Advanced Placement (AP) exams and earned significant recognition from the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

This year’s results are a testament to our students’ dedication and our teachers’ commitment to fostering a culture of excellence. We are incredibly proud to announce that 69% of our AP test-taking students received AP Scholar Awards, a remarkable achievement that demonstrates consistent growth since our first AP exam administration.

By the Numbers: Our Students Continue to Excel

The achievements of our students speak for themselves:

  • 35 students have earned AP Scholar Awards across various categories.
  • 4 juniors have received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.
  • Our students’ average AP score was an impressive 4.28 out of 5, significantly higher than the overall average for the rest of the country and abroad, which was 3.12.
graphic showing average ap score and number of ap scholars

A Track Record of Growth and Success

Our commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the steady growth of our AP Scholar recognition year after year. The number of students receiving these prestigious awards has consistently grown since our first AP exam administration.

  • 2022-2023: 47% of test-takers were recognized as AP Scholars
  • 2023-2024: 51% of test-takers were recognized
  • 2024-2025: 69% of test-takers were recognized

“The year-over-year increase in how many of our students are honored as AP Scholars is a fantastic representation of the BASIS Independent Manhattan program and the teachers who deliver our curriculum,” said Ms. Cyndriel Meimban, Director of Academic Programs. “Hard work, dedication, and intellectual curiosity have enabled them to excel at the highest levels of academic achievement, and we are incredibly proud of their outstanding accomplishments on the AP Exams.”

This upward trend is a clear indicator of our students’ rising potential and the strength of our rigorous academic program.

Recognizing Our Scholars

We would like to celebrate every one of our students who worked tirelessly to achieve these results. Their hard work and determination are truly inspiring.

National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students

  • Maxfield S.
  • Sean F.
  • Symir T.
  • Zixi Y.
national merit scholarship commended students
AP ScholarAP Scholar with HonorAP Scholar with Distinction
Daniel C. (Gr. 10)Joshua Ag. (Gr. 10)Finn B. (Gr. 10)
Anderson C. (Gr. 10)Aidan B. (Gr. 10)Stella C. (Gr. 11)
Isabella D. (Gr. 10)Yujia (Zoe) G. (Gr. 10)Charles D. (Gr. 11)
Or H-U. (Gr. 10)Saira K. (Gr. 10)Sean F. (Gr. 11)
Julia N. (Gr. 11)Lucia M. (Gr. 10)Eli F. (Gr. 11)
Evan N. (Gr. 10)Apostolos R. (Gr. 10)Felix H. (Gr. 10)
Julien N. (Gr. 10)Charles S. (Gr. 10)Kaylee H. (Gr. 10)
Uliana T. (Gr. 10)Andrew S. (Gr. 11)Arry J. (Gr. 12) + AP Capstone Diploma
Lola O. (Gr. 11)
Marcus P. (Gr. 12) + AP Capstone Diploma
Maximilian R-J. (Gr. 11)
Dashiell S. (Gr. 11)
Maxfield S. (Gr. 11)
Alex S. (Gr. 10)
Joshua (J.J.) S. (Gr. 10)
Symir T. (Gr. 11)
Amelie W. (Gr. 10)
Zixi Y. (Gr. 11)
Isabella (Izzy) Z. (Gr. 10)

Congratulations once more to these bright minds and the supportive teachers and families who have helped them along the way. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued success!

Interested in learning more about our program? We invite you to visit our school at an upcoming Fall Open House on October 25 (PreK–5) and October 26 (Gr. 6–12) or contact our Admissions team to see if BASIS Independent Manhattan is the right fit for you.

BASIS Independent Manhattan, a private school offering PreK through Grade 12, is based in Manhattan, New York. Students thrive alongside Subject Expert Teachers as they engage in a liberal arts program with STEM offerings. 

BASIS Independent Brooklyn Students Honored by National Merit Scholarship Corporation

by Leave a Comment

Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) just released the names of Semifinalists and Commended Scholars in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program – including 9 BASIS Independent Brooklyn students. Alexa G., Kanika R., and River W. ’26 were named as Semifinalists and will continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. Along with our semi-finalists, we proudly celebrate 6 Commended Scholars recognized by NMSC.

Photographed above: Left to right – Beckham V. ‘26, Noah R. ‘26, Head of School Harmon, Director Forde, College Counselor Brauch, Associate Head of School Yoon, Dean Robbins, Gregory S. ‘26, Philip B. ’26. Seated left to right: Sabrina M. ‘26, Alexa G. ‘26, and Kanika R. ’26.
2026 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists: Left to right – Alexa G. ‘26, Kanika R. ‘26, and River W. ’26.

High school juniors entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

“I am incredibly proud of our National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Scholars,” said Josh Harmon, Head of School at BASIS Independent Brooklyn Upper School. “Their achievements are the result of the hard work and motivation they bring to school each day. It’s wonderful to see such diligent students and positive classmates recognized for such a prestigious achievement.”

While we could talk for hours about each and every one of our seniors, we wanted to share a brief overview of the students recognized by NMSC.

· Commended Scholar Philip B. ’26 is a founding member of our school’s High School FIRST Robotics Team, a founding member of our DECA chapter, and a member of our men’s Varsity Soccer team, which made the league playoffs every year he was a member. Philip is a proud member of our Science Team that won first place in the New York State Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) last year. He is also a founding student at our school, joining us right when our doors opened in the fall of 2014.

· Semifinalist Alexa G. ’26 is the founder and president of our French Honor Society, helping to reinforce a love of the language and French culture at our school. She has taught guitar at the Red Hook Art Project since her freshman year, and this past summer, Alexa interned with a music therapist and conducted research on ways music could improve the lives of patients with dementia. She has played on the Varsity Volleyball team, helping the team make the league playoffs each of her four years, and this year she is leading the Yearbook Club with her peers. She is also a founding student at our school, joining in grade 1.

· Commended Scholar Sabrina M. ’26 envisioned and built a website for our school’s chapter of the National Honor Society to streamline the process of connecting students with teachers in our school when they need help. That tool has made a huge difference in students’ abilities to make a difference and be of service at our school. She’s also a proud member of our school’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, the math honors society. Sabrina is also a founding member of our FIRST Robotics Team, and she led the marketing efforts in the competitions.

· Commended Scholar Sefi O. ’26 co-founded our school’s FIRST Robotics Team and was instrumental in helping them win the Inspire Award in last year’s competition. Sefi was the driving force in establishing the team, recruiting members, and preparing for competitions last year.

· Semifinalist Kanika R. ’26 is editor-in-chief of our student news site The Grizzly, a leader in our International Student Journalism Society chapter, and president of our National Honor Society. Kanika is a proud member of our Science Team that won first place in the New York State Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) last year. She also founded the JASA chapter at our school, focused on helping underserved seniors in the New York City area.

· Commended Scholar Noah R. ’26 is an active Science Team member who helped lead the team to a first-place finish in the New York State Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) last year. He has worked hard to mentor younger students through the years. Noah is also a leader of our math honor society, Mu Alpha Theta.

· Commended Scholar Gregory S. ’26 co-founded our inaugural DECA club and went to the state championships this past year. He is the Vice President of our High School Leadership Team, and co-founded our school’s Jewish Affinity Club, where he delivered presentations and created events to educate his peers about Jewish culture and history in his first two years in our high school.

· Commended Scholar Beckham V. ’26 is a leader on the cross-country and indoor and outdoor Varsity Track Teams. He is recognized for winning awards and helping establish and build the teams at our school. He is a proud member of our Science Team that took home 1st place in the New York State TEAMS competition! He was a founding student at our school, joining in grade 1!

· Semifinalist River W. ‘26 co-founded the DECA chapter at our school and competed in the State Championship last year. She was a driving force on our Science Bowl team that won the TEAMS competition. River spent the last year working in computational oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering and has published in academic journals. River has proudly won track awards for the Varsity Track Team, and she is a science columnist for our student news site, The Grizzly. She was also one of the founding students at our school, joining in grade 1 in fall 2014.

According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, more than 1.3 million juniors in about 20,000 high schools entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test

(PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.

From over 16,000 Semifinalists, more than 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February, they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected based on their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.

Network Results

Across our network of BASIS Independent Schools, we are celebrating 65 Semifinalists this year. Each state has different cutoff scores for honors, and our BASIS Independent Schools are located in some of the most competitive states—CA, NY, and VA—for semifinalist qualification. This achievement represents nearly one-third of the combined graduating class across our five high schools in California, New York, and Virginia—up from 25% last year.

On behalf of all BASIS Independent Schools, we are so proud of you – and of all of our students – for your continual academic achievements both big and small. Please join us in congratulating our Bears!

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, please click here.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Seniors Achieve Record 80% National Merit Honors

by Leave a Comment

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the Semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program — including 40 students from BASIS Independent Silicon Valley. Alongside our 40 Semifinalists, we proudly celebrated 51 Commended Scholars, meaning that 80% of the Class of 2026 received National Merit recognition, setting a new record for our school community. These academically talented high school seniors now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.

More than 1.3 million juniors from roughly 20,000 high schools entered the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT, which served as the initial screening test for program entrants. From this group, the nationwide pool of Semifinalists — representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors — includes the highest-scoring students in each state. The number of Semifinalists from each state is based on its share of the nation’s graduating seniors.

Reflecting on this achievement, Associate Head of School Josh Henriquez shared, “These students represent the heart of BASIS Independent Silicon Valley: determination, curiosity, and a drive to excel. As a community, we are thrilled to celebrate their journey and the hard work that has led to this well-deserved recognition.”

From over 16,000 Semifinalists, more than 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. The scholarship winners of 2026 will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July. All Merit Scholar recipients are selected based on their abilities, achievements, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

We are incredibly proud of these students — and of all our Bobcats — for their continual academic achievements, both big and small. Please join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone for the Class of 2026!

Aaditya Bharadwaj
Peter Chow
Xiangtuo Cui
Anna Deng
Eileen Gong
Maximilian Guo
Aanya Gupta
Ellen Hao
Chloe Ho
Grace Huang
Nishka Jain
Arshiya Kalra
Manant Kochar
Aaron Li
Albert P Li
Albert S Li
Angela Li
Jessica Li
Junren Li
Leo Li
Maggie Liu
Alexander Ma
Arjun Maganti
Nikola Mazzola
Nelson Nishio
Helen Peng
Xinyue Ren
Archita Satapathy
Manasi Sharma
Yifan Sheng
Lily Tao
Caroline Tian
Aryan Tummala
Richard Wang
Yujie Wu
Maggie Xu
Maximillian Yang
Catherine Yue
Yiyang Zheng
Lawrence Zhou

Congratulations, Bobcats!

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.

2024-2025 Year-in-Review: BASIS Independent Brooklyn

by Leave a Comment

Dear Families and Staff,

The summer months bring reflection that offers a vital pause—a time to transform our hindsight into foresight. Today, we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our students in our annual reflection, and we honor or Class of 2025 graduates from BASIS Independent Brooklyn as they embark on their university journeys.

Academic excellence unites every corner of our school. We harness data from across our BASIS Independent Schools network not just to measure progress, but also to illuminate paths forward. This is how we master both the art and science of education—turning insight into inspiration and potential into achievement.

This past school year, nearly 70% of our students earned the AP Scholar designation (scoring a 3 or higher on at least three AP Exams). This impressive result is consistent with year-over-year scores, showcasing our program’s strength. Also, in high school, we celebrated our National Merit Scholarship Finalists, Maxwell H. and Gustavo P., and we proudly celebrated three Commended Scholars: James R., Maxim S., and Ryan T. ’25.

We cheered on Gustavo P. ’25 for being named a Presidential Scholarship candidate, joining a total of nine seniors named to the distinction across our network. At the end of the year, we were thrilled to learn that Maxim S. ’25 won the Fellows Scholarship for the best Senior Project across our network. The award is an honor in and of itself and comes with a $10,000 scholarship to college.

Let’s also take a moment to reflect on our seventh graduating senior class! More than 60% of students were offered seats at universities in the top 30-ranked national and international institutions. Today, we can share that our students will matriculate at the following universities and colleges (listed by U.S. News rankings for national universities, liberal arts colleges, and then international universities):

  • Stanford University (2), Duke University, Northwestern University, Cornell University (3), Washington University in St. Louis, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Southern California, New York University, University of California-Irvine, Boston University, Rutgers University, University of Maryland, Purdue University (2), Northeastern University, American University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Hamilton College, Haverford College, and McGill University (2).
Our Class of 2025 posed with Mr. Harmon, Mr. Brauch, and Mr. Yoon during the start of school last year.

Celebrating Accomplishments

Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, one thing remained the same—student accomplishments across all grades reaffirmed the vision to hold ourselves to the highest standards. Our educators took pride in providing structure and stability to support content mastery. 

Our students excelled in their studies, and their accomplishments outside the classroom made us incredibly proud. An overview of 2024–2025 student accolades and significant developments follows.

Fine Arts

  • Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition: Eight of Mr. Opirhory’s Digital Photography students were honored in the 2025 awards. Students were recognized with the following regional awards: 3 Gold Keys, 3 Silver Keys, and 2 Honorable Mentions in photography.
  • Our Upper School Choir was invited to perform at Radio City Music Hall before the Christmas Spectacular once again!
  • Band student Nicole J. ’28 received an “Outstanding” ranking by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for her solo flute audition, performing Sicilienne, Op. 78 by Gabriel Faure at Level 6, the highest degree of difficulty.
  • Choir student Katha A. ’30 received an “Outstanding” ranking by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
  • Our Spring Musical, Shrek, was a rave hit. Upper School drama performances in elective classes were a wonderful celebration of creativity all year long.
  • Our entire Fine Arts team at the Lower and Upper School hosted wonderful festivals before Winter Break and at the end of the school year.  
Scholastic Arts Gold Key Winning Photo “Old and New” by Henry B. ‘28

Chess/Social Sciences/Languages

  • Our Bears won the 3rd-place team in the very competitive U1400 division at the Chess Super Nationals! Our K—Gr. 6 U100 team came in 9th place, and Gr. 3 Milo S. went undefeated with 6 points to medal for second place in K—Gr. 3 Championships. There were many, many other chess accolades throughout the year.
  • Our Bears earned 6th place in the 2025 All-Girls National Chess Championships in Chicago.
  • Our inaugural DECA Club headed to the NY State Competition in Rochester, making our school proud.
  • On the National Latin Exam, our students were decorated with honors: 6 students received Gold Summa Cum Laude, 9 students received Silver Maxima Cum Laude, 12 students received Magna Cum Laude, 13 students received Cum Laude recognition, and one Blue Certificate of Merit for the School.
  • Nearly all the students in Mr. Bedes’ High School French classes sat for and passed the French DELF (certification) A1, A2, or B1 exams through L’Alliance NY.
  • Mr. Bedes was proud to induct 16 members into our newly established French Honor Society.
  • In the Chinese Bridge Competition, Gr. 4 Scottie F. won 3rd place in the Eastern Region. Two of our Gr. 3 students, Isabelle L. and Bathazar R., also received recognition!
French Honor Society Induction Ceremony

Math/Science

  • Our school won the New York State Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) competition for High School. Thank you to Physics teacher and coach Josh Winter for continuing to grow the team.
  • Our High School Robotics team Ori-Gen went to the Super Qualifier round of the FIRST Robotics Challenge after winning the Inspire Award 3rd place regionally. It was their first year of competition, and we look forward to another great year ahead.
  • Once again, a large group of students sat for the MATH KANGAROO assessment for younger grades across both our campuses and comprised one of the largest groups yet to receive accolades from the organization.
  • NOETIC Math accolades poured in with national winners across several grades across both of our campuses!
Our High School Science Team won 1st place in the New York State TEAMS competition!

Sports

  • Our Varsity Boys and Middle School Girls Tennis teams won the inaugural CPSAL Tennis Championships!
  • Our Middle School Flag Football team won the CPSAL League Championships after an incredible season. Go Bears!!!
  • Our Gr. 4-5 Co-ed Soccer Team won the CONSAT Championships. We are proud of our young student-athletes!
  • Our Middle School Boys won the CPSAL Indoor Track Championship, and our Middle School Girls came in 3rd! High School Student Talia L. took first place in the Varsity Girls 1 mile and 800m.
  • CPSAL Boys and Girls Cross Country Team: Our Bears had a great season, and the High School Boys team took home 2nd Place, High School Girls placed 3rd overall, and Middle School Boys placed 3rd overall.
  • Our High School Flag Football and High School Boys Soccer teams made it to the league semi-finals
  • CSAA Varsity and JV School Volleyball Team, as well as High School Flag Boys Flag Football, made it to the league playoffs.
  • Our Varsity Girls Soccer Team had its first season, winning 2nd place in the CPSAL Spring Classic Tournament.
Middle School Flag Football Champs!

Community Involvement

  • This year, our high school team arranged a Fourth Annual Day of Service in the fall to bring our community together and make a difference locally with nonprofits around Red Hook.
  • Our National Honor and National Junior Honor Society students dedicated more than 2,000 hours to service projects this year!
  • Our Lower and Upper school community donated hundreds of coats, scarves, hats, and more to our local Coat Drive in the fall.
  • Our community created more than 200 Thanksgiving cards for Heights and Hills to deliver with their Thanksgiving meals to seniors.
  • Students in our High School Program conducted a Red Hook Clean Up before Earth Day. They picked up 169 pounds of trash around the neighborhood.


These awards and examples of community involvement are an amazing testament to the school and the power of the curriculum and teachers. Most importantly, they are an incredible representation of our creative, diverse, driven scholars. It is important to us that as a school we prioritize opportunity, finding opportunities for students to showcase their skills, define their interests, and pursue their passions. 

Looking Ahead

Without community, academic success is temporary and limited. We have made significant growth as a community this year, and it is our priority to support and grow in the year ahead under the guiding principles of BEARS–Belonging, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Service. Cultivating mutual respect and trust is key for our school after eleven years in Brooklyn.

Teachers continue to express to us that they love this school because they are allowed to teach the subjects they know best, the way they know best. They are allowed to share their passion for their subjects with their students, and this builds engagement. We are excited to bring new faculty into the fold and continue supporting veteran teachers returning to our campus.

As we close our thoughts on the year, we want to salute our Class of 2025 for shaping our sense of community and traditions at our school. What we want to ask from our alumni and parents is to help provide professional advice and even connect our students after they graduate to internships and opportunities as part of our expanded mentorship program.

Overall, we want our students to look back, feel a great sense of pride in their school, and share in the school’s success that they helped create. We have much to celebrate, and we are in an exciting position after eleven years of educating students in Brooklyn. We truly look forward to the year ahead!

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, please click here.  

The Skills Behind the Skill: Executive Functioning at BASIS Independent Fremont

by Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Fremont, academic rigor is central to our program, but it is only one part of what makes our students exceptional. Just as essential are the skills that help students manage their learning effectively: time management, organization, sustained attention, planning, and flexibility. These “executive functioning” skills are the mental processes that allow students to set goals, monitor progress, and adapt when challenges arise. For many children, especially in an advanced curriculum, these abilities don’t come automatically. They must be taught, practiced, and reinforced over time.

This year, we are placing a special focus on directly instructing students in executive functioning skills. In the classroom, this looks like a teacher guiding students through the steps of breaking a complex project into manageable tasks, or modeling how to use their Communication Journal planner effectively. It means setting aside time for students to reflect on their work habits, identify what helped them succeed, and make a plan for improvement. By embedding these skills into our daily routines, we help students internalize strategies they can use not only in school, but throughout their lives.

Executive functioning also plays a vital role in helping students navigate the pace and depth of our curriculum. Strong time management allows them to balance multiple assignments without becoming overwhelmed. Organization skills keep materials, notes, and resources accessible and ready for use. Sustained attention supports deep engagement with challenging material, while flexibility helps students adapt when the unexpected happens. Together, these skills form the foundation for resilience.

Our goal is for every student to leave BASIS Independent Fremont with exceptional academic knowledge and the tools to manage their learning independently and confidently. Parents play an important role in this process, too, by encouraging consistent routines at home, modeling problem-solving strategies, and celebrating the small victories that build lasting habits. Year after year, we have witnessed how when school and home work together, executive functioning becomes more than a set of skills. It becomes a mindset that empowers students to succeed in any challenge they choose to pursue.

Learn more about how BASIS Independent Fremont prepares students to excel academically, thrive as independent learners, and build the foundation for lifelong success.

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.

Class of 2025: A Yellow Jacket Send-Off

by Leave a Comment

What makes a BASIS Independent Fremont graduation special? It’s not just the academic achievements or college acceptances—though our Class of 2025 certainly excelled in both areas. It’s the authentic voice of our students and the unique community they’ve built together over the years.

When our forty-eight graduates walked across the stage at the Fremont Downtown Event Center on May 22, they carried with them years of shared experiences that can only happen at our close-knit Yellow Jacket campus. Now, several months later, as these graduates embark on their first semester at top universities nationwide, we’re reminded of what made their send-off so memorable.

A standout moment of our ceremony came from student speaker Soorya I., whose address was chosen by our faculty panel for its humor, honesty, and heart. His speech captured something essential about the BASIS Independent Fremont experience—and we wanted to share it with our community as a reminder of what makes our graduates so special.

Student Address by Soorya I., Class of 2025

For those of you that don’t know me, I’m Soorya I.: 5.0 GPA, varsity athlete, astronaut, devilishly handsome looks. For those of you that do know me: shhhhh.

I’m incredibly grateful to be up here, speaking to you all. We’ll remember today for the rest of our lives, and I have the privilege of framing that precious memory with this speech. You’ve made a very bold choice, letting me do this. It’s a bit like trusting Kevin Z. with cutlery, but… I promise I’ll wield my power responsibly. Maybe.

On paper, my job is to surface the good times—a collective walk down memory lane, congratulating our graduates, thanking our incredible teachers and staff (shoutout Dr. Araci!) — but Aashna already nailed that, and I’m not one to follow convention anyway.

Instead, I want to tell you about the time I tried leaving BIF.

Toward the end of freshman year, I began to feel restless at our little Fremont campus despite months of unrelenting connection, friendship, and support. I remember blasting reggaeton at lunch with Atharv and Arush almost every day, workshopping quirky bio presentations with Kristina and Olivia, playing Snake with James during Teacher Jasica’s work periods, but somehow, I’d convinced myself I was missing out on the real “high school experience”. I blame Disney movies.

In any case, I chose to take my future into my own hands. I applied to several awesome high schools in the area and even a boarding school down in Carmel, and luckily for me, admissions across the board meant I could have my pick. After giving it thought, I elected to attend Mission San Jose High School to really live that authentic television fairytale.

I only lasted two weeks without you guys.

Here’s the truth: BASIS Independent Fremont is a tiny STEM institution with a student body of 351 sharing a 60,000 square foot complex with a church. We’ve got sixth graders running around the halls, freshmen doing calculus, an average SAT score in the 1500s, and a majority of the student body taking part in some honor society or university-level research.

But everyone says hi in the halls. People will stop whatever they’re doing to give you a hand. We love our teachers because they love their fields, and we love our admin because we can actually talk to them like they’re people. And everyone loves the Munchie Meal lunch runs at Jack in the Box. Jalapeño poppers form the kind of deep-fried friendships that last till you’re eighty (if you survive all the grease).

See, I think I’m a Yellow Jacket at heart. We’re super territorial, and we sting anyone that comes by… I’m kidding. We’re a strange, close-knit bunch characterized by burning curiosity and unending drive. How could I stay away? From Sachit’s depth of meteorological expertise to Justin’s, well, everything, each of us has our place in this community. I don’t think there’s a single thing that’s conventional about us, and it took losing my footing for a moment to understand the beauty in that.

Let it hit you like it’s hitting me now. We’re done. We grew up together, and now we’re adults, now we’re diving into the world, scattered. Jobs, home ownership, marriage, children, midlife crises in a candy blue Corvette… real life is just a tomorrow away.

And yet, as much as things are about to change, one thing won’t: the clichéd American high school experience will never apply to me, or any of you. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, for the final time, from the very bottom of my heart — thank you to our teachers, staff, families and loved ones, my dog Tony, and our weird, lovable graduating class of 2025.

Thank you to Soorya and our entire Class of 2025 for bringing such joy and authenticity to our Yellow Jacket community! As they now set out on their college journeys, we continue to cheer them on in this exciting new chapter.

Want to see where our graduates are headed? Click here to explore the outstanding college admissions achieved by our Class of 2025.

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.

Fall 2026: What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

by

At BASIS Independent Fremont, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

What is the Family Meeting?
The Family Meeting is an essential part of the admissions process at BASIS Independent Fremont (BIF) and is part of our final admissions decision. This 30-minute meeting is the school’s opportunity to learn more about your child and your family’s interest in BIF.

While we are happy to answer questions about our program, the Family Meeting is not the best time to learn about our offerings. Prior to the Family Meeting, we strongly encourage families to visit our website and blog, attend an Admissions Event, or speak with a member of the Admissions Team.

When are the meetings held?
Family Meetings are held virtually Monday – Friday at various times throughout the day and can be booked through your application portal after you submit an application. 

Who is required to attend the Family Meeting?
At least one parent or guardian is required to attend. Students applying for TK – Grade 1 are not required to attend. Students applying to Grade 2 – 9 are required to attend.

If your child is required to attend the Family Meeting and does not, you will be asked to reschedule. 

What if we are applying for more than one student?
Only register for one Family Meeting, and bring both students, if required to attend, to the same meeting. 

When does the meeting have to take place?
Those applying in Early Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Friday, November 21, 2025. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Friday, February 13, 2026.

How do we register for a Family Meeting?
Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Family Meeting. 

If you’re not ready to choose a date and time, you can always log back in at a later date and choose one that is convenient. Please note: As we get closer to the Completion Deadline, there are fewer meeting times available. We would suggest scheduling one as soon as you are able. If you wait and are unable to schedule a Family Meeting for one of our offered times, your application will be incomplete, and you will not be considered for admission. 

How long is the Family Meeting?
Family Meetings are generally 30 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Family Meeting will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to go over the 30-minute mark. 

Who will we be meeting with?
Our Family Meetings are hosted by members of the Admissions Team, members of our Administration, and even some of our Subject Expert Teachers! You never know who will be hosting, but you’ll always get to speak with a member of the BIF Family! 

What questions will we be asked?
The meeting is our chance to get to know you and your child more in a one-on-one setting. We may ask you questions about why you’re interested in BIF, your child’s academic and non-academic interests, and even what they like to do with their free time. 

We discourage any formal interview prep, as it tends to make students more nervous when we are just trying to get to know them. We want all students to feel comfortable and be themselves.

How will the Family Meeting be held?
You will receive a reminder email 24 hours before your meeting time with a Zoom link to your virtual meeting. When your meeting time arrives, please log in to your meeting via Zoom. 

Can we ask questions at the end? 
If there is time, yes! But always note who you are speaking to. Whoever hosts your meeting will always introduce themselves and let you know their role at the school. If their role is not in relation to your question, they will let you know, and encourage you to reach out to the Admissions Team for an answer. 

We look forward to meeting you and your student(s) soon at your Virtual Family Meeting!

The Admissions Team is looking forward to connecting with you! If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions team by e-mail, or speak with an admissions representative at 510.775.5822.

2025 Senior Projects: From Research to Real-World Impact

by Leave a Comment

Our 2025 seniors are gone but not forgotten, and our college counseling department has already had several meetings with our 2026 seniors, who are gearing up for their final year at BIM.

One of the most exciting and rewarding parts of that final year is the Senior Project, which gives students a chance to build on all they have learned at BIM by doing in-depth research into a topic of their choosing. In the first two trimesters, seniors work with faculty advisors to propose and start their projects. In the third trimester, students further their research through an internship under the guidance of an on-site mentor. The final result is a culmination of all that students have learned and an invaluable preparation for what is to come next.

Last year, eight of our students completed Senior Projects and earned high honors diplomas. Their internships ranged from work at companies like Mitre and Glycosa, to research with a professor at Villanova University, to a position with the Aspiring Scholars Direct Research Program in California. 

They came together on May 22 to present their research to the BIM community at the Senior Showcase. They did some amazing work! There were so many highlights, some of which included:

We are incredibly proud of all our seniors have achieved, and we look forward to seeing the amazing work of next year’s senior class!

——— The End of Blog ———

Project Week Trips 2025: Singapore and Taiwan

by Leave a Comment

One of the most beloved traditions at BASIS Independent McLean is the international Project Week trips—a time when students immerse themselves in multidisciplinary projects, collaborative activities, and, of course, journeys beyond the city, state, or even country. These experiences take place after students complete their final exams and assessments, all under the guidance of dedicated teachers.

This year, four groups of Middle and High School students ventured abroad—to Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Today, we are excited to showcase the third group’s trip to Asia, led by our Mandarin teacher, Ms. Li, and our Spanish teacher, Mr. Diaz!

Singapore and Taiwan, two jewels of Southeast and East Asia, offer distinct cultures, histories, and landscapes. While cool winds still graced the East Coast, BIM students and parents set off for these two islands, both in full bloom under the humid summer heat.

Follow the photo gallery for a glimpse into this exciting and unforgettable journey!

Day 1—2: USA >> Singapore

After a long flight, the BIM group arrived in Singapore, ready to begin their journey!

Students and teachers in front of a vertical garden in Changi Airport, Singapore

Day 3: Singapore

Esplanade Park, Merlion Park, Singapore River, Raffles Hotel, China Square Central, Buddha Tooth Relic, Henderson Waves, Little India Singapore, Botanic Garden, Garden Rhapsody Show at Gardens by the Bay

Jet lag and the 12-hour time difference could not stop our students’ eagerness to explore. Today entailed plenty of walking. Students, parents, and teachers visited many iconic sites that told the story of Singapore’s diverse population and culture, as well as the results of its rapid development.

Check out the futuristic Gardens by the Bay!
Who could resist posing creatively in front of the Merlion?

Day 4: Singapore >> Taipei

Estimated travel time: 4-5 hours on the airplane.

Day 5: Taipei

The Grand Hotel, Yangmingshan National Park, Presidential Square, National Palace Museum, National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine, Shilin Night Market

The group picked up their pace again the next day, delving into the city of Taipei. From architectural landmarks to natural scenery, and from admiring historical treasures to soaking in the vibrant nightlife with the locals, our BIM travelers enjoyed a fulfilling day and recognized the distinct differences between Singapore and Taiwan.

Taking a group picture in front of the Taipei National Palace Museum
Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park

Day 6:  Taipei

Yehliu Geopark, Taipei North Gate (Cheng’en Gate), Tea‐tasting experience, Pingxi District

Basking in the cozy ocean breeze, the group walked among the wind-sculpted rocks of Yehliu Geopark. In the Pingxi district, they stopped to enjoy the refreshing splash of the Shifen Waterfall, and learned the tea-tasting rituals in the quaint roadside shops.

Known for its graceful shape, this mushroom-shaped rock is called “Queen’s Head” and is the star of Yehliu Geopark.
Take a look at how well our students are pouring the tea!
Setting off the Kongming (Sky) lantern

Day 7:  Taipei >> Nantou

Sun Moon Lake Excursion: Scenic Cruise, Lake Ropeway, and Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village 

As one of Taiwan’s most beloved destinations, Sun Moon Lake boasts a graceful natural beauty, surrounded by mountains and enriched by an aboriginal cultural experience that slowed our travelers’ pace and invited quiet admiration.

Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
Mist on the lake blurs the silhouette of the mountains and people, resembling a traditional Chinese shanshui painting.

Day 8:  Sun Moon Lake >> Taipei

Sun Moon Lake: Bike around the Lake, Taipei Xinyi: Wei Xiu District, Chiang Kai‐shek Memorial Hall, 101 Observatory

And there’s always more to explore in beautiful Sun Moon Lake. After biking along the famous lakeside trail, the group returned to Taipei to visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. They ended the day by taking one last comprehensive view of Taiwan from the top of the Taipei 101 Observatory.

Taipei 101 Observatory

Day 9: Taiwan >> USA

With plenty of memories to share and reflect on, the group returned home.

——— The End of Blog ———

Project Week is a BASIS Independent Schools tradition in which students work with dedicated faculty on multidisciplinary projects or international trips during the final week of the academic year. Through these diverse experiences, students broaden their interests, embrace new challenges, and gain invaluable skills through cooperation, exploration, and hands-on learning.

Stay tuned for more reports on the international trips!

Beyond the Classroom: BASIS Independent Manhattan’s Project Week in NYC

by Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe that education extends beyond advanced academics. Our commitment to fostering well-rounded, engaged, and globally-minded individuals is exemplified through unique and impactful initiatives like Project Week, which range from domestic and international trips to immersive experiences at school and around NYC.

What is Project Week?

A BASIS Curriculum Schools tradition, this fun week of learning takes place the last week of school. Students have the opportunity to engage in an exciting and new activity, working together with faculty members from various grade levels. Teachers also have the opportunity to show off their skills and interests outside of their normal classroom expertise. The goal of the projects is to challenge students to be cooperative learners and function as a team to work towards an end product. 

This year’s Upper School Project Week for students in grades 6–11, led by our Dean of Students, Ms. Friederike Williams, focused on the vital theme of community service, where their collective work would make a tangible difference across four of New York City’s iconic islands.

“Project Week is a cornerstone of our curriculum,” says Ms. Williams. “It’s where our students actively apply their learning in real-world contexts and have an opportunity to collaborate across grade levels toward a mutual goal.”

After a successful week of hands-on activities, we are pleased to share the details of how these students connected with their city, transformed some of nature’s spaces, and had fun while exploring the beauty and significance of our local environment.

Making a Difference, One Island at a Time

Roosevelt Island: Cultivating Green Spaces & Community

Our Wildcats kicked off the week by partnering with the non-profit organization iDig2Learn at Coler Hospital. They painted benches, prepared arboretum plaques, and revitalized gardens by removing invasive species and planting new flowers. Beyond the physical transformation, students gained a powerful understanding of how local organizations like iDig2Learn empower communities and the lasting impact of nurturing urban green spaces.

Manhattan: Local Stewardship in Chelsea

Back in our own neighborhood, students felt as a sense of ownership and pride by cleaning up litter in the local area of Chelsea. Their dedication quickly caught the attention of local residents, who offered words of encouragement and appreciation, underscoring the students’ emerging role as active and responsible citizens within their own community. This hands-on service was balanced with opportunities for connection and recreation in nearby parks, reinforcing the vital link between community service and enjoying one’s community.

Governors Island: Unearthing History & Protecting Nature

Even under typical New York skies, our students enthusiastically explored Governors Island, unlocking layers of the city’s rich past. With energy and curiosity, they began with an insightful historical tour of significant landmarks like Fort Jay and Castle Williams. In the afternoon, students engaged in environmental stewardship by collecting litter and then enjoyed some well-deserved free time, showcasing their camaraderie and teamwork through spontaneous games and exploration. A visit to the Urban Farm, guided by Earth Matter experts, provided practical insights into composting and its crucial role in fostering sustainable environmental practices.

Coney Island: Ocean Conservation & Coastal Cleanup

Our students enjoyed more than just a day at the beach! A highlight was the unique opportunity to meet with a curator from the New York Aquarium, learning about the importance of ocean conservation and the impact of pollution on our local beaches. This engaging presentation reinforced their understanding of critical environmental issues.

Following the talk, they participated in a brief beach cleanup and then enjoyed classic Coney Island activities, from volleyball to simply enjoying the ocean breeze. This final day perfectly blended environmental awareness, community engagement, and the joy of shared experiences.

The Transformative Impact of Project Week

Project Week at BASIS Independent Manhattan is more than just a series of activities; it’s an embodiment of our commitment to providing a transformative educational experience. It’s about fostering critical thinking, promoting collaboration, and nurturing a deep sense of civic responsibility in our students from PreK through grade 12. By actively engaging with their community, our students learn valuable lessons about empathy, leadership, and the power of making a positive impact.

Does an education that extends beyond traditional academics, fostering real-world impact and deep community connection, resonate with your family’s vision? We invite you to explore how BASIS Independent Manhattan‘s unique curriculum empowers students to become thoughtful, knowledgeable, and engaged citizens, ready to make a positive difference in the world.

BASIS Independent Manhattan (PreK–12)

Learn more about our well-rounded curriculum and programs.

Contact Admissions