High School

Senior Project Spotlight: Arry J. – Horizontal Gene Transfer in Microalgae for Wastewater Treatment

June 26, 2025 by alexlevin Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, senior year culminates in a transformative experience that prepares students for the independence and rigor of college academics. Seniors benefit from a daily college counseling class that supports every aspect of the application process—from building college lists to making final decisions. Throughout the year, students take a range of advanced courses, including AP classes and Capstone courses that allow them to explore subjects in greater depth. In the final trimester, students shift their focus to either the Senior Project or AP Research track—immersive, student-driven experiences that reflect their passions and equip them for success beyond high school.

The Senior Project Experience

The BASIS Independent Manhattan Senior Project challenges students to move beyond the classroom and apply their knowledge to real-world topics. In their final trimester, students conduct independent research, collaborating with an internal faculty advisor and an external mentor. They develop a unique project that reflects their interests and career aspirations. Students blog regularly about their progress and conclude with a presentation to the school community.

Alternatively, students enrolled in the AP Capstone program take on a two-year research commitment, starting with AP Seminar in Grade 11 and culminating in AP Research in Grade 12. These students conduct original investigations, collect and analyze data, and present their findings in a format similar to a university thesis. This pathway hones advanced research skills, critical thinking, effective communication, and scholarly inquiry.

Senior Spotlight: Arry J.

Arry J. (Class of 2025) embodies the spirit of independent inquiry. His AP Research project, “Exploring the Potential for Horizontal Gene Transfer to Enhance Microalgal Efficiency in Wastewater Treatment,” dove into the world of environmental biotechnology. Arry’s work focused on increasing microalgal cell wall permeability to improve gene transfer from bacteria, potentially leading to breakthroughs in sustainable wastewater treatment.

Despite limited lab access, Arry demonstrated creativity and determination. He transformed his kitchen into a functional workspace and improvised with household tools to conduct microbiological experiments. His project reflects not only scientific ambition but also the core outcomes of our program: resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Reflecting on the experience, Arry shared, “The biggest surprise for me was realizing how little I knew about the topic. I always thought of myself as pretty biology-oriented. I chose my topic based on biology; however, as I conducted more research, I realized that every subject has numerous small niches, and you have to dive deep to understand most aspects. This is what surprised me because I didn’t realize just how complicated every little thing is.”

He also recalled the satisfaction of scientific success after initial setbacks: “When doing my project, I ordered everything to my house, and was growing a safe strain of E. coli in my bedroom. My first trial didn’t work. There was no growth on any of the plates. However, I then repeated the entire process, refining some steps and conducting additional research. The second time, it worked! By work, I mean I genetically engineered E. coli to glow in the dark, and it glowed in the dark. I thought that was cool and pretty incredible… and I’m proud of my work.”

Real Science, Real Impact

Arry’s project is a powerful example of what BASIS Independent Manhattan students are capable of: research that combines intellectual passion with real-world relevance. His weeks of late-night incubation checks, improvised lab equipment, and glowing bacterial colonies prove him to be a capable student and a budding scientist. Through the AP Research program, Arry developed a deeper understanding of microbiology along with resilience, resourcefulness, and the analytical skills needed to thrive in college and beyond.

Preparing Students for the Future

Whether through an AP Research or Senior Project, our students take ownership of their learning, preparing them for higher education and real-world impact. These projects foster academic independence, deepen subject matter expertise, and give students a platform to explore professional interests before graduation.

Arry’s work—like that of his peers—reinforces how the high school at BASIS Independent Manhattan can be a launching point for meaningful, original contributions to today’s most pressing challenges. This fall, after being accepted into 11 of the nation’s top 25 universities, Arry will bring that same spirit of inquiry and impact to the University of California, Berkeley.

Curious to Learn More?

Explore Arry’s full blog and follow the work of other BASIS Independent Manhattan seniors here: Senior Projects at BASIS Independent Manhattan.

BIM Debate Team Takes National Win!

May 28, 2025 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

We are thrilled to announce that Sachin L. ’25 and Saaketh V. ’25 have won the National Championship in Public Forum Debate at the NCFL (National Catholic Forensic League) Nationals! This past weekend, hundreds of teams from across the country gathered in Chicago to present their well-prepared arguments before their opponents and judges. After months of researching, analyzing data, investigating sources, and refining their debate skills, these two students triumphed, securing the championship title!

Their win is an excellent demonstration of how our students can excel with hard work and relentless commitment to success.

Left: Saaketh V. ’25 | Right: Sachin L. ’25

About the Competition

The National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Nationals brings together the nation’s top debate teams. To qualify, teams must excel in local preliminary tournaments and win their respective Metrofinals. Competing in the Arlington Varsity Division, which represents Northern Virginia, BIM’s Debate Team advanced from a pool of 65 registered teams in the preliminary tournament, earning eight advancement spots to face off against 15 other schools in the second stage. Our team triumphed in the Washington-Arlington Catholic Forensic League Metrofinals in March, securing their place in the national competition.

Among these top debaters, Sachin and Saaketh achieved impressive results: 4 wins, 0 losses, and 2 split decisions over the course of 6 rounds, earning 10 ballots out of 12 and securing their seats to represent BIM at the nationals.

Metrofinals Winners | From left to right:
Richard P. ’28 & Yalini K. ’26 – First Place, Junior Varsity Division
Sachin L. ’25 & Saaketh V. ’25 – First Place, Varsity Division

Teamwork and Commitment

The success of our Debate Team is built on perseverance and a commitment to excellence. Sachin and Saaketh’s achievement reflects not only their four years of experience since joining the team, but also the effectiveness of the rigorous training and consistent practice they have undergone.

At the start of each year, the club focuses on helping new members develop the foundational skills they need. Following this, the team adheres to a fast-paced routine:

Week 1: Practice building a background on the topic and begin researching.
Week 2: Share findings with club members and collaborate on formulating the best arguments for each side.
Weeks 3–4: Engage in practice debates on both sides and evaluate how the arguments hold up against an opponent.

Debate tournaments are highly intense and demanding, but through these weekly practices, our students prepared themselves with the resources, skills, and experience needed to succeed. While victory in debate may seem like a specialized achievement, the ability to quickly process and organize research and present it effectively in real-time is a skill that will benefit them well beyond high school.

The EPIC Spirit

At BASIS Independent McLean, our community is defined by four EPIC traits: Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, and Curiosity. Our Debate Team exemplifies the trait of Perseverance. Sachin and Saaketh have been debating for four years since joining the club, and their victory is not only a testament to their talent but also to the values we instill in our students. Through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, they have proven that the potential for BIM students is limitless.

What’s Next

With the national championship under their belt, Sachin and Saaketh’s journey doesn’t end here. The Debate Team will continue to thrive with renewed vigor and systematic training next school year, and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve next. Stay tuned for more updates on their future accomplishments! Go Hawks!

From left to right: Saaketh V. ’25, Sachin L. ’25, and Mr. Biemesderfer (Debate Team Advisor)

BIM Class of 2025 College Acceptances: A Private School Achievement

May 9, 2025 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

We are extremely excited and proud of our very talented Class of 2025, and equally glad to share news of their college acceptances! This class is an amazing group of young people with tremendous futures ahead of them. Associate Head of School, Kate Reynolds, says of them, “As someone who has watched many of these students grow from their earliest years on our campus, I am filled with pride. They’ve grown not only in academic skill but in character, curiosity, and leadership. Their college acceptances reflect years of persistence, integrity, and a deep commitment to their goals.”

“This group of students has demonstrated remarkable achievements, both in and out of the classroom,” says Head of School, Jason Shorbe, “Their college acceptances are a testament to the strength of our academic program and the depth of their individual aspirations. We are so proud to see them take this next step and excited to see what they go on to accomplish next!”

This year’s graduates have been accepted into BA/MD, Honors College, and other prestigious Scholars programs. Several of our recruited athletes will compete in fencing, baseball, and volleyball in college. Four were designated as National Merit Finalists.

Here are some other highlights of their successes:

30% were accepted by their first-choice school

52% were accepted to a top 25-ranked institution

66% were accepted to a top 50 school

100% were accepted to a top 100 school

Members of the Class of 2025 were accepted at:

American University of Paris
Amherst College
Babson College
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Colgate University
Denison University
Drexel University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
IE University-Madrid
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Michigan State University
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Nova Southeastern University
Oberlin College
Ohio State University
Oxford College of Emory University
Pennsylvania State University
Pomona College
Purdue University
Rice University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rutgers University
Stanford University
Temple University
Texas A&M University

The College of William & Mary
Trinity College
Union College
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Irvine
University of California, San Diego
University of Chicago
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Florida
University of Glasgow
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rochester
University of South Carolina
University of Southern California
University of Toronto
University of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Washington University in St. Louis
Yale University

Celebrating BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Class of 2025 College Acceptances

May 2, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

We are incredibly proud to share news of college acceptances of BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Class of 2025! Our seniors have spent the past weeks deciding among the top schools in the country, and they had many wonderful options to explore. Students took time to research and fully assess programs and universities offering resources that will build on their interests nurtured in high school, both in classes and activities outside of school, for years to come.

“Many of the students in this year’s class have been with our school since its founding,” said College Counselor Matt Brauch. “In our High School Program, all these students actively leaned into coursework, clubs, and extracurricular activities to identify and then explore their interests. They aggressively chased after these interests inside and outside of school, starting with course selection (choosing where available to pursue their interests on our campus) and through utilizing resources we created and updated throughout their tenure here to explore their interests off campus.”

“Our seniors embody the character, determination, and care for one another that all of our students should strive for each year,” commented Head of School Josh Harmon. “I know they will benefit the communities and schools they go on to join next year.”

This year was one of the most selective yet in college admissions. Many colleges that were highly selective last year were even more selective this year. We are proud to share the university and college acceptances received by our 24 students who applied to colleges this year:

5/24 students (21%) were offered seats at one of the Top 10 National Universities ranked by U.S. News & World Report. If you extend that to include Cornell (currently the 11th-ranked National University), then the number grows to 7/24 (29%).
67% of students (16/24) were accepted to schools in the Top 30 U.S. National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges, including Princeton University, Stanford University (2), Duke University, Northwestern University (2), the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University (3), University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Berkeley, Washington University in St. Louis, Georgetown University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Southern California (3), Hamilton College, Haverford College, and University of Richmond. Students in this cohort also received offers from Top-20-ranked global universities, including the University College London, Imperial College London, and the University of Toronto (3).
Nearly every senior received an acceptance from a school ranked in the Top 50 National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. If we count Northeastern (#54), then this number jumps to 23/24 seniors (96%), since one of our students applied to Northeastern as their first-choice school via early decision this year. The remaining senior was accepted to an excellent program at their first-choice university through early decision.

“While I am thrilled that all our students have fantastic college options,” shared Mr. Brauch. “I am most proud of this class of seniors for applying to schools that fit what they want out of a college environment and experience. All of our seniors chose the path that fit them best at and outside of our school. They have driven this process, and the results show the effort and time spent focusing on fit for their unique interests and talents. That has served them well at our school and will help tremendously as they take their next steps towards college and beyond.”

CLASS OF 2025 ACCEPTANCES

Albright College

American University

Bard College

Bentley University

Binghamton University

Boston University

Brandeis University

Bucknell University

Case Western Reserve University

Clark University

Colgate University

Cornell University

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Drexel University

Duke University

Duquesne University

Elon University

Emory University

Fordham University

George Washington University

Georgetown University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Goucher College

Hamilton College

Haverford College

Hofstra University

Illinois Institute of Technology

Imperial College London

Indiana University (Bloomington)

Ithaca College

Kenyon College

King’s College London

Lesley University

Loyola Marymount University

McGill University

McMaster University

Miami University (Oxford)

New York University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Oberlin College

Oregon State University

Penn State University (University Park)

Pepperdine University

Princeton University

Providence College

Purdue University (Main Campus)

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Reed College

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rice University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

Rutgers University (Newark)

Sarah Lawrence College

Skidmore College

Stanford University

Stony Brook University

SUNY at New Paltz

SUNY at Purchase College

SUNY College at Cortland

SUNY Geneseo

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

The London School of Economics and Political Science

The Ohio State University

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Warwick

University College London

University of Arizona

University of Bristol

University of British Columbia

University of California (Berkeley)

University of California (Davis)

University of California (Irvine)

University of California (Los Angeles)

University of California (Riverside)

University of California (Santa Barbara)

University of California (Santa Cruz)

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Connecticut

University of Delaware

University of Florida

University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Maryland (College Park)

University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

University of Miami

University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)

University of Rhode Island

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

University of San Diego

University of Southern California

University of Toronto

University of Virginia

University of Washington (Seattle Campus)

University of Wisconsin (Madison)

Vassar College

Villanova University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Washington University in St. Louis

Wesleyan University

Western University

Wilfrid Laurier University

William & Mary

Congratulations to our Bears! Our soon-to-be graduates have had a huge impact on our school, and we are confident they will develop further into the leaders our world needs in the years to come.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2025: Celebrating Outstanding College Acceptances

May 1, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

Join us in celebrating the BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2025 and their outstanding college acceptances! Our second graduating cohort reached a significant milestone with the commitment of their stellar college enrollment decisions, and we are overjoyed to share the results. Coming from a challenging high school program at a New York City private school, we are incredibly proud of and inspired by their success.

College Enrollment Reflects Exceptional Achievements

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on their enrollment at the following colleges and universities (in alphabetical order):

Amherst College
Babson College
Boston University
Columbia University
Cornell University (Two students)
Lehigh University
Penn State University (University Park) – Schreyer Honors College
University of California, Berkeley
University of Connecticut

Head of School Ms. LaNette Hodge reflected on the list, saying,

“The Class of 2025, our remarkable second set of graduating seniors, truly embodies the spirit of BASIS Independent Manhattan. Building upon the high standard set by our pioneering seniors last year, they have faced the highly challenging college admissions process with exceptional hard work, dedication, courage, and resilience. We are brimming with pride for our current seniors because their impressive college acceptances are a powerful testament not only to their incredible talent and academic achievement, but also to the lasting legacy they are creating – one that will undoubtedly continue to inspire the Wildcat students who follow in their footsteps.”

To provide perspective on these results, these statistics speak volumes about the caliber of this graduating class:

40% of students secured spots at top-15 universities and liberal arts colleges, ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
50% received offers from institutions within the top 25 nationally, including prestigious names like Amherst, Cornell, Columbia, and the University of Virginia.
An impressive 70% gained acceptance to schools ranked in the top 50.
Remarkably, 90% were accepted to colleges within the top 75.

Note: Due to Babson’s academic specialization, it isn’t ranked in U.S. News and World Report’s overall rankings, but it is ranked #1 in Entrepreneurship.

A Class to Be Remembered and Truly Missed

college prep with college counselor in college counseling meeting with senior

Reflecting on his experience with the Class of 2025 and their participation in BASIS Independent Manhattan’s college preparation program, College Counselor Mr. Danny Tejada shared, “This senior class stands out as the most impressive and ambitious group of students I have had the privilege to work with. In addition to daily college counseling classes and weekly individual meetings, they successfully achieved their college application objectives while maintaining their commitment to rigorous senior-year coursework. I am very proud of the adaptability and growth mindset instilled in these seniors that helped them navigate the complexities of the college application process.”

The impressive college acceptances achieved by the BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2025 underscore the success of our curriculum and supportive learning environment that unlocks the remarkable potential of our students. This second graduating class has truly set a high bar for future college enrollment, building upon the legacy of our pioneers. We are immensely proud of their hard work, resilience, and the bright futures ahead of them.

senior class of 2025 college acceptances college decisions at high school

Please find the Full List of College Acceptances below for a comprehensive look at all their achievements in the college admissions process.

seniors class of 2025 graduation swag basis independent manhattan

American University

Amherst College

Babson College

Binghamton University

Boston College

Boston University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Drexel University

Ferris State University

Fordham University

George Washington University

Imperial College London

Indiana University (Bloomington)

Lehigh University

McGill University

New York University

Penn State University (University Park)

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Nottingham

Tufts University

University College London

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Davis

University of California, San Diego

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of Connecticut

University of Nevada (Las Vegas)

University of Southern California

University of Virginia (Main Campus)

Nine BASIS Independent Schools Seniors Named Presidential Scholar Candidates

April 1, 2025 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

External recognition reinforces the accomplishments BASIS Independent School educators see each day inside their classrooms. Today, we are incredibly proud to share the news that nine seniors across our network of schools have been recognized as 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars candidates. The Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Each year, approximately 4,000 candidates across the country are selected based on their outstanding performance on the SAT and ACT assessments. This distinction not only showcases students’ exceptional abilities but also highlights the advanced, globally benchmarked BASIS Curriculum that helped foster their critical thinking, problem-solving, and deep content mastery.

Presidential Scholar Candidates Named Across BASIS Independent Schools:

BASIS Independent Brooklyn – Gustavo P.

BASIS Independent Fremont – Atharv D., Aditi K., Luoxi W.

BASIS Independent McLean – Caden Z.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley – Nicole L., Andrew L., Antony W., Olivia Z.

All candidates will now be reviewed based on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership, and service activities. Candidate essays are also reviewed and factor into the selection. Approximately 650 candidates are named semifinalists and forwarded to the Commission for further review. In April, up to 161 U.S Presidential Scholars are selected and honored for their accomplishments.

In the more than 60 years since the United States Presidential Scholars Program was established, approximately 8,000 U.S. Presidential Scholars have been named based on demonstrated leadership, scholarship, and contribution to school and community.

The BASIS Independent Schools Legacy

At BASIS Independent Schools, we empower students to push boundaries and achieve their highest potential. Our challenging curriculum, expert educators, and dynamic learning culture ensure that students cultivate their interests and are set up for success in college and beyond.

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Presidential Scholar Candidates! You are an inspiration to us. We look forward to celebrating your continued success as you move ahead to the next stage of your academic journey.

Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate these exceptional scholars and their accomplishments!

Nine BASIS Independent Schools Seniors Named Presidential Scholar Candidates

April 1, 2025 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

Presidential Scholar Candidates Named Across BASIS Independent Schools:

BASIS Independent Brooklyn – Gustavo P.

BASIS Independent Fremont – Atharv D., Aditi K., Luoxi W.

BASIS Independent McLean – Caden Z.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley – Nicole L., Andrew L., Antony W., Olivia Z.

The BASIS Independent Schools Legacy

Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate these exceptional scholars and their accomplishments!

See what sets our students apart—explore our High School Program today!

Nine BASIS Independent Schools Seniors Named Presidential Scholar Candidates

March 31, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

Presidential Scholar Candidates Named Across BASIS Independent Schools:

BASIS Independent Brooklyn – Gustavo P.

BASIS Independent Fremont – Atharv D., Aditi K., Luoxi W.

BASIS Independent McLean – Caden Z.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley – Nicole L., Andrew L., Antony W., Olivia Z.

The BASIS Independent Schools Legacy

Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate these exceptional scholars and their accomplishments!

See what sets our students apart—explore our High School Program today!

Nine BASIS Independent Seniors Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates

March 28, 2025 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

Each year approximately 4,000 candidates across the country are selected based on outstanding performance on the SAT and ACT assessments. This distinction not only showcases students’ exceptional abilities but also highlights the advanced, globally benchmarked BASIS Curriculum that helped foster their critical thinking, problem-solving, and deep content mastery.

Presidential Scholar Candidates Named Across BASIS Independent Schools:

BASIS Independent Brooklyn – Gustavo P.

BASIS Independent Fremont – Atharv D., Aditi K., Luoxi W.

BASIS Independent McLean – Caden Z.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley – Nicole L., Andrew L., Antony W., Olivia Z.

The BASIS Independent Schools Legacy

Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate these exceptional scholars and their accomplishments!

See what sets our students apart—explore our High School Program today!

Nine BASIS Independent Schools Seniors Named Presidential Scholar Candidates

March 27, 2025 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

Presidential Scholar Candidates Named Across BASIS Independent Schools:

BASIS Independent Brooklyn – Gustavo P.

BASIS Independent Fremont – Atharv D., Aditi K., Luoxi W.

BASIS Independent McLean – Caden Z.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley – Nicole L., Andrew L., Antony W., Olivia Z.

The BASIS Independent Schools Legacy

Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate these exceptional scholars and their accomplishments!

See what sets our students apart—explore our High School Program today!

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.