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Fall 2025: The Admissions Process

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At BASIS Independent Bothell, 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, Learning Expert Teachers, and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! 

We are excited to know you are considering BASIS Independent Bothell, a Kindergarten – Grade 12 private school opening in Fall 2025! In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

When applying, each family will work with members of the Admissions Team whose role is to welcome new families to our program and educate them on the benefits of a BASIS Independent Schools education. They are the guides through the application and admissions process.

Read below to learn more about the admissions process. 


Step 1: Attend an Admissions Event (Optional)

Though not required, we strongly recommend you attend one of our Admissions Events to learn about our program before applying.

To view our upcoming Admissions Events, click here. 

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

You will submit an application on our website with general student information. This will officially start the application process! After your application is processed, you will be able to access the Teacher Recommendation Forms, and Transcript Request Form, and schedule your student’s Play Date or Entrance Exam and Family Meeting.

Please note: Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be done in any order, but must be completed after the application is submitted and before a family is issued an admissions decision.  

Step 3: Teacher Recommendations (Kindergarten – Grade 1 Not Required, Grades 2 – 9 Required*)

You will be able to provide the recommendations directly to your child’s current teacher. We do not accept recommendations from past teachers, only current ones. As listed in the instructions of the recommendations, we do not accept documents from parents. All recommendations must be sent from the teacher to the Admissions Office directly. 

*We understand some schools do not allow their teachers to write recommendations for students that are leaving their program. In these circumstances, the requirement can be waived. 

Step 4: Transcripts (Kindergarten – Grade 1 Not Required, Grades 2 – 9 Required*)

You will be able to download a Transcript Request Form after submitting your application. This form requests your child’s current school send us a current-year report, along with the last two years. As listed in the instructions of the request form, we do not accept documents from parents. All transcripts must be sent from the school to the Admissions Office directly. 

*Depending on an applicant’s prior school attendance, we understand a Grade 2 applicant may only be able to provide transcripts for years they attended school. In these circumstances, the requirement of three years of transcripts can be waived. 

Step 5: Student Evaluation

Students applying for Kindergarten – Grade 1 will register for a one-on-one Virtual Play Date. Students applying for Grades 2 – 9 will register for a BASIS Independent Schools In-Person Entrance Exam. Both of these evaluations allow us to meet and interact with your child and determine if they are ready – academically, socially, and emotionally – to join our program in the grade for which they are applying. 

Step 6: Virtual Family Meeting

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend this 20-30 minute Virtual Family Meeting. Students applying for Kindergarten – Grade 1 are not required to attend. Students applying to Grades 2 – 9 are required to attend. This meeting is a chance for us to meet your family, and your student, and learn a bit more about them in a one-on-one setting. 

Once all supplementary materials are received and required meetings are attended, your application is complete!

If you have any questions, please contact us at bothell.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2025: What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

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At BASIS Independent Bellevue, 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, Learning Expert Teachers, 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 Virtual Family Meeting?
The Virtual Family Meeting is an essential part of the admissions process at BASIS Independent Bellevue and is part of our final admissions decision. This 20-30 minute meeting is the school’s opportunity to learn more about your child and your family’s interest in our school.

While we are happy to answer questions about our program, the Family Meeting is not intended to be the first time families learn about our offerings. Prior to the Virtual 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?
Virtual Family Meetings are held Monday – Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM every 30 minutes. 

Who is required to attend the Virtual Family Meeting?
At least one parent or guardian is required to attend along with the student. 

If your child does not attend, you will be asked to reschedule. 

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

When does the meeting have to take place?
Families must first apply before scheduling their Virtual Family Meeting. The Virtual Family Meeting must be completed before receiving an admissions decision.

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

If you’re not ready to choose a date and time when you apply, you can always log back in at a later date and choose one that is convenient.

How long is the Virtual Family Meeting?
Virtual Family Meetings are generally 20 – 30 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Virtual 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 Virtual 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 Bellevue community.  

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 our program, 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 Virtual 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!

If you have any questions, email us at blv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2025: What to Expect at Your Virtual Family Meeting

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At BASIS Independent Bothell, 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, Learning Expert Teachers, 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 Virtual Family Meeting?
The Virtual Family Meeting is an essential part of the admissions process at BASIS Independent Bothell and is part of our final admissions decision. This 20-30 minute meeting is the school’s opportunity to learn more about your child and your family’s interest in our school.

While we are happy to answer questions about our program, the Virtual Family Meeting is not intended to be the first time families learn about our offerings. Prior to the Virtual 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?
Virtual Family Meetings are held Monday – Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM every 30 minutes. 

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

If your child is required to attend the Virtual 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 Virtual Family Meeting, and bring both students, if required to attend, to the same meeting. 

When does the meeting have to take place?
Families must first apply before scheduling their Virtual Family Meeting. The Virtual Family Meeting must be completed before receiving an admissions decision.

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

If you’re not ready to choose a date and time when you apply, you can always log back in at a later date and choose one that is convenient.

How long is the Virtual Family Meeting?
Virtual Family Meetings are generally 20-30 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Virtual 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 Virtual 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 Bothell community.  

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 our program, 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 Virtual 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!

If you have any questions, email us at bothell.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Bobcat Bytes: Isha T., Grade 12

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This blog series aims to offer a glimpse into the student life of our Student Ambassadors. The BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Student Ambassadors play an important role by representing BISV throughout the academic year in many ways. From cherished memories, to conquering challenges, from time management to immersing themselves in clubs and activities. 

Meet Isha T., Grade 12, class of 2024. Prior to attending BISV, Isha attended a private school. Since joining our school in Grade 5, she has been a fantastic member of our school community. Isha’s favorite soccer clubs are FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. She says, “I went to both home stadiums when I visited Spain for my 18th birthday!”

Isha loves to travel with her family and has been to several other countries as well. She is also a valuable member of our dynamic Bollywood Dance Team at BISV, where she embraces her heritage and nurtures her love for dance. One standout memory for her last year was attending the Taylor Swift Eras Tour with her best friend!

What have been some of your most memorable moments or experiences at BISV and why?

One of my favorite experiences at BISV was being selected to be a Student Ambassador! As a Student Ambassador, I got the wonderful opportunity to welcome prospective students to BISV and show them around our campus. I also got to speak to prospective students and parents during Open Houses and Information Sessions. I answered any questions that they had and shared all of my amazing experiences at BISV, including the joy I got from representing my school. I’m proud to say that I have been a Student Ambassador for all 7 years that I’ve been at BISV and have truly enjoyed being able to show families how warm and welcoming our community is.

This year we have over 90 clubs at BISV! What are the benefits of participating in our extracurriculars?

Everyone has a variety of interests, whether it be the arts, academics, or sports. One of the things I appreciate most about BISV is how they celebrate students’ individuality by offering a wide variety of clubs. With such a varied group of club topics, it really feels like there’s something for everyone. Participating in clubs and organizations at BISV not only allows you to pursue your passions, but also allows you to form close bonds with club members who have the same interests as you.

How do you manage your time and balance academic, extracurricular activities, and free-time?

One of the most effective ways that has helped me balance my academics, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments was using my Communication Journal, or CJ. I would write down all of my school reminders and events that I had outside of school in order to keep track of everything. Just like I used my CJ to help me manage my time and balance my academics, extracurriculars, and personal commitments, it also came in handy for staying organized. Writing things down in my CJ allowed everything to be in one place, so it became easy for me to keep track of assignments and deadlines.

What are some ideas you had about BISV that you found out to be true or false once you joined the school?

Since BISV is such an academically rigorous school full of high-achievers, I thought I would be surrounded by a competitive environment where I would feel insecure and less accomplished than my peers. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Everyone in BISV is so humble about their accomplishments and best of all, everyone here supports and lifts each other up. The students here are not afraid to ask for help or admit their weaknesses, creating a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts and feelings.

Finally, what advice would you give for incoming students to make the most of their year?

One piece of advice I would give to prospective students is that even though the curriculum at BISV is rigorous, just continue to work hard and seek the help of your friends, parents, and teachers. Also, make sure you use your CJ! It helps a lot when you have several upcoming assignments, tests, and events.

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

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s Class of 2024 College Acceptances

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The Class of 2024 at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is an exceptional group of students with a diverse range of talents and interests. These students have consistently demonstrated a passion for learning and a strong work ethic, both inside and outside the classroom. By completing our rigorous curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, our students have developed a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that will serve them well as they pursue their post-secondary goals. 

When speaking to our Head of School, Ms. Kolb, she emphasized that the college acceptances this year are a clear reflection of the students’ dedication to their studies and readiness to take on the next chapter of their lives. “It’s clear that the students’ efforts have paid off, and they’re now reaping the rewards of their perseverance and commitment to their education,” said Kolb. “As they prepare to graduate and move forward, their achievements serve as a source of pride for both themselves and the entire BISV community.”

College acceptances mark a significant achievement for our students and their families, underscored by the pivotal role our college counselors play in the journey. While getting into a top-ranked college is often seen as the ultimate goal, our counselors focus on helping students find a college that’s the best fit for them academically, personally, and professionally. This entails a deep dive into understanding each student’s passions, strengths, and circumstances, including financial and geographic considerations. By prioritizing this tailored approach, our counselors empower our graduating Bobcats to discover a college environment where they can excel academically, personally, and socially, paving the way for their future success beyond college.

Ms. McCollum, one of our college counselors, exuded pride as she spoke about the graduating class, expressing, “The Class of 2024 comprises hard-working and collaborative students, and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them. I have no doubt that this group of students will go on to positively influence the world, all while enjoying the journey. Congratulations, Seniors, you truly deserve all the good that awaits you!”

The dedication, resilience, and achievements have been nothing short of inspiring from the Class of 2024, and we have full confidence that they will continue to thrive in all their academic and personal endeavors. As they start on their exciting journey beyond our campus, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to each and every member of the graduating class. Below, you’ll find the comprehensive list of college acceptances for this remarkable group of Bobcats. Congratulations, Class of 2024! Your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes you.

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

BASIS Independent Manhattan Grads Head to Top Universities: Class of 2024 College Acceptances

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We are thrilled to announce the college acceptances of our inaugural graduating class at BASIS Independent Manhattan! These outstanding results reflect their hard work, dedication, and pursuit of excellence. We are inspired by their achievements and proud to see them succeed.

Senior Class Photo

A Pioneering Spirit Sets the Stage
As Ms. LaNette Hodge, Head of School, reflects, “This is a truly significant milestone for BASIS Independent Manhattan. Many of these students joined us in the very first year we opened our doors. Witnessing their development and evolution throughout their 6th-12th grade experience has been truly rewarding. They are pioneers, setting a high standard for future BASIS Independent Manhattan graduates.”

Head of School and Seniors

College Enrollment Reflects Exceptional Achievements
Here’s a glimpse into the impressive colleges our Class of 2024 will be calling home this fall (listed in order of commitment date):

  • Wesleyan University
  • Yale University
  • Duke University
  • University of Virginia (2 students)
  • Cornell University
  • Stanford University
  • University of California San Diego (UCSD)
  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  • Lafayette College
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
  • University of Colorado Boulder

(Full list of college acceptances will be included below.)

Senior Trip to Jackson Hole

The statistics speak volumes about the caliber of this graduating class:

  • 23% of students secured spots at top-10 ranked universities.
  • Over 62% received offers from institutions within the top 25 nationally and internationally, including prestigious names like Stanford, Yale, Duke, and the University of Virginia (three graduates this year!).
  • An impressive 92% gained acceptance to schools ranked in the top 50.
  • Remarkably, 100% were accepted to colleges within the top 75.

These statistics are reflected across the BASIS Independent Schools Network! Check out our blog highlighting the acceptances from our fellow campuses in Brooklyn, McLean, Silicon Valley, and Fremont. Read the blog: The Class of 2024 – Achieving New Heights and Redefining Success

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Opportunity
Ms. Andie Abrams, College Counselor, shares her experience, “While we weren’t quite sure what to expect from our first graduating class, we are absolutely thrilled with their achievements. The students embraced the college application process early, focusing on self-discovery and finding schools that truly aligned with their goals. They celebrated every milestone, big and small, and I have no doubt that they are all well on their way to incredible success.”

We at BASIS Independent Manhattan are beyond proud of our Class of 2024 and their remarkable accomplishments. They are a testament to the power of a nurturing and rigorous academic environment, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to them all! We can’t wait to see the amazing things they achieve in the years to come.

Full List of College Acceptances:

  1. American University
  2. Babson College
  3. Boston University
  4. Carnegie Mellon University
  5. Cornell University 
  6. Denison University
  7. Duke University
  8. Elon University
  9. Emory University (2)
  10. Fordham University (2)
  11. George Mason University
  12. George Washington University (2)
  13. James Madison University
  14. Lafayette College
  15. Lehigh University (2)
  16. McGill University (2)
  17. New York University
  18. Northeastern University
  19. Ohio State University, The
  20. Pomona College
  21. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2)
  22. Rochester Institute of Technology (2)
  23. Rutgers University
  24. SUNY Albany
  25. SUNY Binghamton
  26. SUNY Stony Brook
  27. Stanford University
  28. University of California – Berkeley
  29. University of California – Davis (2)
  30. University of California – Irvine
  31. University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA)
  32. University of California – San Diego (3)
  33. University of California – Santa Barbara
  34. University of Colorado Boulder
  35. University of Connecticut
  36. University of Delaware
  37. University of Indiana at Bloomington
  38. University of Maryland, College Park
  39. University of Massachusetts Amherst (2)
  40. University of Rochester
  41. University of Virginia 
  42. Washington University in St Louis
  43. Wesleyan University 
  44. Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2)

Interested in learning more about our program and the Senior Year? We invite you to explore our website, visit our school, 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. 

2023 – 2024 Startups at Spring Competition: Creativity

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Thinking of a creative and unique business idea is a challenge for even the globe’s most talented and proven business professionals. Give that same challenge to a group of high school students all attending exceptional schools and the results are sure to impress. How could students in Grades 9 – 12 create a start-up idea, product, or service from inception to implementation? One that would also impress a panel of judges made up of industry professionals? That’s what a group of educators discovered at the Startups at Spring Competition. 

The competition is open to high school students attending a Spring Education school and focuses on a specific type of business start-up. This year’s theme was creativity and it allowed the students to think outside of the box and present their ideas, first to their local school, and then one team from each school was selected and invited to attend a network-wide competition. Students then made the same presentation but, instead of it being in front of their peers and school administration, it was in front of industry professionals. 

The professionals judge the competition on the feasibility and profitability of each idea presented. Judges listened to see if the teams explained their business idea clearly, was it unique, and implemented the year’s theme. Beyond those basic judging expectations, they also sought to see if the team understood and addressed the financial challenges of starting a business, did they effectively present their market strategy, and could they answer confidently improvisational questions regarding their “pitch”. 

Ms. Jaymie Silva, BASIS Independent Schools Subject Expert Teacher and organizer of the competition said, “I’m always impressed by what our students are capable of and I appreciate that this competition is open to all high school students across our network of schools. These students develop their ideas and compete in their free time and the passion and engagement in their projects show. They are truly dedicated to making our future world better with their ideas and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next!” 

Third Place (awarded $2,000)

Team Name: Inclusive Experience Corp
Team Members: Stella C. (Grade 10) and Dashiell S. (Grade 10)
School: BASIS Independent Manhattan

Start-Up: The Inclusive Experience Organization (TIEO)
Selected Charity: Adaptive Design Association

Pitch: As music enthusiasts continue to bemoan outrageous concert prices and how they aren’t able to attend concerts due to economic conflicts, they forget that most venues aren’t even accessible to all fans. 

The Inclusive Experience Organization (TIEO) would make the concert experience available for those who have a disability that prevents them from physically attending the venue but still want to enjoy their favorite singer’s performances. Through virtual reality, we plan on solving this issue as well as addressing physiological and psychological disabilities.

Team Take Away

“We want to say we are proud of ourselves as we are some of the younger participants and we feel inspired that we were able to bring an altruistic purpose to this competition.”

To view their entire presentation, click here. 

Second Place (awarded $3,000)

Team Name: Slidebean
Team Members: Shoshana E. (Grade 12)
School: Laurel Springs

Start-Up: HelpUnplugged
Selected Charity: Hostage and Missing Families Forum

Pitch: HelpUnplugged is an AI portable assistance for off-the-grid health concerns. Currently, no smart diagnostic tools with offline capabilities exist for public use. No offline messaging systems exist to link patients with medical help directly. Unwell hikers in remote locations face gnawing worry and possible danger. In Arizona County, 12 hikers died from medical emergencies in remote locations over just 13 years. 

HelpUnplugged would be an AI diagnostic tool that functions completely offline; obtaining vital signs and symptoms, processing data, and signaling help. HelpUnlpugeed will ensure that hikers in peril are aware of their condition and prevent further complications. 

Team Take Away

“Startups at Spring was an amazing experience. The project I pitched related to neural networks and offline communication, but participating in Startups at Spring taught me far more than just machine learning — from the mechanics of marketing to the technicality of TAM calculations. I hope to use what I have learned in college and beyond, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to compete.”

To view their entire presentation, click here.

First Place (awarded $5,000)

Team Name: Claw-Some Cash Cats
Team Members: Zitao (Tommy) D. (Grade 10), Charan S. (Grade 10), and Anshay C. (Grade 10)
School: BASIS Independent Silicon Valley

Start-Up: flAIvr
Selected Charity: Amnesty International

Pitch: Video call an AI chef anytime, anywhere. It is difficult for inexperienced home cooks and people who just want to cook something with the ingredients and equipment they have in hand to actually have a good cooking experience. More than half of Americans struggle with the most basic recipes. Pacing, unfamiliar or difficult techniques, and inaccessible ingredients and equipment all cause this struggle. 

flAIvr is a personalized AI cooking assistant that guides users through video calls with the AI for guidance and assistance in their cooking. 

Team Take Away

“The Startup at Spring contest has been an incredible journey for the three of us. The process of turning a creative idea into a feasible business was a valuable opportunity for us to gain entrepreneurial experience and have fun along the way. We are proud to donate our cash prize to Amnesty International to help defend the human rights of oppressed groups worldwide. Lastly, we would like to thank Ms. Silva for her dedication and generous support throughout our journey.”

To view their entire presentation, click here. 

Congratulations to all the students who participated! 

Expert Judging Panel

Mr. Gordon Green is Co-Founder / Partner at Jordan Partners. Before forming Jordan, he spent eleven years at Light Street Capital in Palo Alto investing in public and private technology companies globally. While at Light Street, Gordon served on the Investment Committee and helped the firm scale from approximately $30M to $3B in AUM across long/short, long-only, and growth equity vehicles. Prior to Light Street, Gordon started his career as an analyst in the Financial Institutions Group at UBS in New York, where he advised banks and insurance companies on M&A and capital markets activities. 

Gordon earned a bachelor’s degree in Commerce with a concentration in Finance from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce.

Mr. David Jen serves as the Managing Director of Finance and Corporate Development at X, Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory, where he is responsible for driving business growth through strategic planning and partnerships. In this role, David has led investments in self-driving cars (Waymo), drone delivery (Wing), novel approaches to cyber security (Chronicle), as well as Alphabet’s bets in sustainability and accessibility.

In addition to his full-time role at X, David is also a board member at Quincus, a SaaS logistics company based in Singapore that powers some of the largest 3PLs in the world and a venture partner at UP.Partners, where he invests in technologies that will enable a greener and more accessible planet.

Before joining X, David held various finance roles at Google and worked in consulting and banking. He is also actively involved in volunteering, serving as a board member for the Tufts University Derby School of Entrepreneurship and on the advisory committee for the Asian American Fund. In his free time, David enjoys binge-watching TV from the 90s, listening to music he’s embarrassed to tell people about, and hanging out with his wife and two young children.

Mr. Amrit Saxena is the Founder & CEO of SaxeCap, an AI transformation and private equity investment firm that conducts AI-levered buyouts and transforms enterprises with AI & automation technology. Additionally, he has successfully founded & sold two AI companies (Stella.ai and Fancy That) and is an active angel investor in data, AI, web3, and enterprise software companies in Silicon Valley, investing in 200+ early-stage technology companies (including several unicorns and companies that have gone public), private businesses, and PE/VC funds.

Prior to SaxeCap, Amrit founded and scaled Stella, a talent-sourcing AI company, to over 150 large enterprise clients (including 10% of the Fortune 500), leading technology (data science, product, engineering, etc.) and operations (pre-sales, client integrations, etc.). Stella was sold to Cornell Capital and Trilantic Capital Partners in a $1B+ private equity transaction in 2021. Additionally, Amrit founded, scaled, and sold Fancy That, a retail AI company, to Palantir (NYSE: PLTR) in 2015.  Between his two AI startups, Amrit has experience buying a company, selling two companies, and scaling teams from zero to 50+ people. Amrit previously worked at Bain & Company, Groupon, AmEx, and e2e Analytics and taught and researched AI at Stanford University & MIT.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and M.S. in Management Science & Engineering with a concentration in Operations Research, both from Stanford University with Distinction. Additionally, he has garnered numerous accolades, including being awarded seven U.S. patents (relating to AI and optimization), a three-time finalist in the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO), winner of the American Mathematics Competition (AMC), finalist in the United States Physics Olympiad (USAPhO), Congressional Award Gold Medalist, Research Science Institute (RSI) Scholar, American Regions Math League (ARML) winner, and was selected for the President’s Award for Academic Excellence and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society while at Stanford.

Personalized Attention, Big Dreams: BASIS Independent Manhattan Seniors Shine with College Counselor Support

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Anticipation grows as BASIS Independent Manhattan’s Class of 2024 eagerly awaits college decisions. But amidst the nervous excitement, there’s a sense of calm confidence. That’s thanks to the unwavering support of our College Counseling program, led by the inspiring Ms. Abrams.

Ms. Abrams goes beyond just checking applications. She’s a champion for each student, guiding them through the maze of personal statements, essays, and resumes. Her personalized approach, fueled by a deep understanding of each senior’s unique strengths, helps them craft narratives that shine.

Their work together began well before their senior year and picked up during their junior year. In partnership with Ms. Abrams, students created a starter list of colleges tailored to their needs and interests and wrote a strong personal statement draft before leaving for summer vacation. With her expertise, she guided them to identify their priorities and toward their perfect college fit.

Now, the seniors meet with Ms. Abrams in a daily 50-minute College Counseling Workshop. She provides presentations about major checkpoints in the application process including:

  • writing a personal statement,
  • crafting supplemental essays,
  • building a resume,
  • exploring different methods of applying to college,
  • understanding financial aid, conducting college research, and
  • exploring career and personal interests.

Also, Ms. Abrams provides a kind of personal attention that is very unique to our school. She meets with each senior individually to check on their progress. Leveraging the advantages of small class sizes, Ms. Abrams provides personalized feedback and guidance to help each student polish their essays and stand out in their applications. With her deep understanding of each senior, she is able to assist them in generating ideas and brainstorming essay topics that highlight their unique qualities and experiences.

Ms. Abrams also plays a significant role in helping seniors kickstart their Senior Projects. Many of the seniors have been matched with impressive organizations around the world, where they will intern for 10 weeks from March to June. These internships cover a diverse range of fields, including finance, special education, computer science, physics laboratories, and support for Ukraine.

This is an incredibly exciting time for everyone at BASIS Independent Manhattan as we move through the college applications and admissions process together. We are so proud of the work our students are putting in and eagerly anticipate sharing their college decisions in the coming months.

More than 60% of High School Students Earned AP Scholar Distinction

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At BASIS Independent Brooklyn, we prioritize cheering on our students’ accomplishments across many areas–from fine arts to community service, debate competitions, sports, and beyond. However, academic accomplishment remains a shared priority within our community. Today we can proudly share that based on the 2023 AP scores more than 60% of our high school students qualified as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars during their time in our program. Students move from AP Scholar to AP Scholar with Honor and then AP Scholar with Distinction. Approximately 48% of our students reach that highest level of AP Scholar with Distinction by the time they graduate.

“Academically all of our students qualified as AP Scholars by the time they finished their junior year,” said Josh Harmon, Head of School for BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Upper School. “When looking at all students in grades 9-12 more than 60% of our entire high school was awarded the honor of AP Scholar or higher. Moreover, our students sat for more AP exams in 2023 than ever before with the growth of our high school.”

AP Scholar awards recognize students who have demonstrated both a depth and breadth of knowledge and whose work has shown college-level mastery across multiple disciplines. The College Board awards the following distinctions for AP exams, and we have students who have achieved all levels.

  • AP Scholar: students who received a score of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams.
  • AP Scholar with Honors: students who received a score of 3 or higher on 4 or more exams, and have an average score of at least 3.25 across all exams taken.
  • AP Scholar with Distinction: students who received a score of 3 or higher on at least 5 exams, and an average score of 3.5 across all exams taken.

Nationwide, only about 10% of students earn the distinction of AP Scholar or higher by the time they graduate (based on historic data provided by the College Board). We are thrilled to share some of the top accomplishments here:

  • 72 students in our high school were named AP Scholar or higher distinctions, representing approximately 67% of our high school in May 2023 when the exams were taken.
  • Our school was recognized as a Platinum Member of the AP School Honor Roll. This is the highest recognition possible for a school on the Honor Roll, and it is based on our students’ outstanding results.


Congratulations to all our students who have earned an AP Scholar Award for their performance on the exams during their High School tenure. See the full lists of student recipients updated to include the 2023 results below:

AP Scholar: Students who received a score of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams.

Victor B. ’25
Matthias B. ’25
Alex D. ’23
Luke D. ’23
Eden E. ’24
Axel F. ’25
Charlotte J. ’24
Rachel K. ’25
Viola L. ’25

Avi L. ’24
Noah L. ’23
Jason P. ’25
Talin P. ’26
Nadia S. ’25
Sasha T. ’25
Rei W. ’24
River W. ’26
Lyra Y.-M. ’23

AP Scholar with Honor: Students who received a score of 3 or higher on 4 or more exams, and have an average score of at least 3.25 across all exams taken. Nationwide, only about 6% of students will graduate high school with this degree of recognition or higher. Nearly all of these honorees have done so well before graduation.

Jack C. ’25
Mabel C. ’23
Nicholas D. ’25
Laila G. ’24
Miles H. ’23
Laith H. ’25
Alexa L. ’24

Aidan L. ’25
Katreen L. ’23
Matthew R. ’23
James R. ’25
Richard S. ’25
Evan S. ’25
Daniella S.-B. ’23

AP Scholar with Distinction: Students who have a score of 3 or higher on at least 5 exams, and an average score of 3.5 across all exams taken. These students have already completed at least a semester’s worth of college credit while still in high school. Only about 4% of graduating seniors receive this award, and less than 1/10th of 1% of students receive it after sophomore year. At BASIS Independent Brooklyn, a third of students finishing sophomore year received the distinction.

Overall in our high school, the following 40 students received this honor:

Hong-Yuan B. ’24
Krishan B. ’24
Isabella B. ’23
Jack B. ’24
Katie B. ’23
Zeke B. ’24
Luca C. ’23
Syun D. ’24
Zach D. ’23
Colin D. ’25
Sofia G. ’24
Samantha G. ’24
Diego G. ’24
Angelina G. ’24
Maxwell H. ’25
Mateo K. ’25
Ye L. ’24
Shamei L. ’23
Thomas M. ’25
Dilan M. ’24

Maddox M. ’25
Ben N. ’24
Oliver P. ’24
Charles P. ’24
Gustavo P. ’25
Daniel P. ’24
Alex R. ’24
Colton R. ’24
Skye S. ’25
Maxim S. ’25
Felix S. ’25
Nadine S. ’24
Yuna S. ’24
Jonah S. ’24
Lucas S. ’24
Morgan S. ’23
Ryan T. ’23
Isaac W. ’24
Maren W. ’23
Andrej Z. ’24

Please join us in congratulating all of our BEARS!!!

All comparisons are based on publicly available data from the College Board, National Center for Education Statistics, and National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Our Class of 2024 gathered together in the senior lounge the first week of the school year with Dean Matthew Goldman, Associate Head of School Robert Runyon, Director Darlene Forde, Head of School Josh Harmon, and College Counselor Matt Brauch.

Our Class of 2024 gathered together in the senior lounge the first week of the school year with Dean Matthew Goldman, Associate Head of School Robert Runyon, Director Darlene Forde, Head of School Josh Harmon, and College Counselor Matt Brauch.

A Family Affair: Brother and Sister Elected Student Council President and Vice President at BASIS Independent Manhattan Upper School

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BASIS Independent Manhattan Upper School has elected a new student council president and vice president for the 2023-2024 school year: Hudson (Gr. 11) and Stella L. (Gr. 8). This brother-sister duo are passionate about making the Upper School a better place for all students.

During their lunch break, we had an opportunity to sit down and ask them a few questions. This interview provides a chance for the student body to get acquainted with their new leaders and learn about their plans for the upcoming year.

Goals for the 2023-24 School Year

Hudson and Stella L. mentioned that their primary goal is to improve the student experience. They have three areas of focus right now:
Improve the creature comforts in our campus building.

  1. Optimize lunchtime for enjoyment.
  2. Create a textbook swap or ways to reuse them among students.
  3. They also plan to continue growing the BASIS Green Committee, which focuses on eco-conscious decisions at school.

How To Achieve These Goals?

The duo intends to ensure that students follow the school rules, respect school resources, and do not take them for granted. They will work closely with the administrators to address any concerns raised by the students. They have already initiated a partnership with one of the facilities team members to make progress in this regard.

Now with a full school, they would like to implement simple adjustments to streamline lunch. These include rearranging tables and seating, making lines more efficient, and increasing the number of trash and recycling bins. The objective is to spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying meals with friends.

With textbooks, Hudson and Stella are aware of how expensive they can be and plan to create a system that spans grades – such as a book swap – so that textbooks can be passed on from year to year and reused. They will also work with the Wildcat Family Committee to create a full-scale effort that involves both students and parents.

Representing All Student Voices

At an Upper School with students in grades 6-12, Hudson and Stella L. explained that they are both high school and middle school students themselves, and they know their classmates and peers. They also have a representative from each element as part of the Student Council, who will talk to their class and bring their feedback to the meetings.

Lastly, they talked about not being just leaders but representatives of everyone. They would like to encourage all students to share their ideas, comments, and concerns with them.