High School

Leading by Example: Associate Head of Upper School Honored as a Rising Star in Education

July 11, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe that inspired leadership fuels inspired learning. We are proud to celebrate our Associate Head of Upper School (grades 6–12, Ms. Jennifer Dickens, who has been recognized as one of The Rising Star Women Leaders in Education for 2025 by Women We Admire. This national recognition celebrates women shaping the future of education through innovation, collaboration, and vision—qualities Ms. Dickens embodies every day at our NYC private school.

Ms. Dickens joined our school community as a history teacher, where she quickly distinguished herself not only for her dynamic classroom instruction but for her unwavering commitment to students’ growth and well-being. As she moved into administrative leadership, she carried with her a deep understanding of what it means to be both an educator and a mentor.

“I am so proud that Ms. Dickens’ leadership is not only being recognized internally, but externally,” said Ms. LaNette Hodge, Head of School. “She has a rare gift for inspiring those around her to be their very best, whether they are students in her classroom or colleagues across our campus.”

Her impact is evident in every corner of our school. Whether she is leading professional development sessions on effective classroom management inspired by Teach Like a Champion, organizing icebreakers to build camaraderie among faculty, or simply recognizing a teacher’s effort with a thoughtful shout-out or a surprise treat in the staff lounge, Ms. Dickens has created a culture where every member of our community feels valued and supported.

Ms. Friederike Williams, Dean of Students for our Upper School and a longtime colleague of Ms. Dickens, shared:

“I had the privilege of teaching alongside Ms. Dickens, and I believe she made me a better teacher. I benefited from her expertise and insight while she was my teacher mentor, especially by acquiring new methods for lesson planning structure. She also showed me how reflection on this process would help me find the best way to present content for my students.”

Ms. Dickens is not only a leader in her field but also an innovator. In November, she will attend a national education conference and present her insights in a session, “From Chalkboards to Chatbots: Rethinking AI in Middle Level Education.” Her work explores how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to empower students, personalize learning, and prepare young people for a world that is rapidly evolving.

This award from Women We Admire reinforces what our community already knows: that Ms. Dickens is a dedicated and visionary leader. She reminds us that true leadership is not about titles or accolades—it is about showing up for others, listening with empathy, and never losing sight of why we do this work in the first place.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Dickens on this well-deserved honor. We are excited to watch her continue to lead, inspire, and redefine what is possible in education.

Class of 2025: Graduation Reflections

July 10, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

On June 18th, family, faculty, and students of BASIS Independent Brooklyn gathered together at the Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to celebrate the accomplishments of our Class of 2025. Our twenty-four graduates are now poised to continue their academic careers in top colleges and universities across the country.

During the ceremony, Valedictorian Maxim S. expertly captured their time together as a class and inspired his fellow graduates to look ahead to all that is in store for them. We wanted to share his speech with our community since his words reflected the joy and honor at the heart of the celebration.

Address by Class of 2025 Valedictorian Maxim S.

Hello everyone, and thank you all for coming to celebrate this long-awaited achievement. It is an honor to stand on this stage as valedictorian—an honor I couldn’t have achieved without the unwavering support of my teachers, administrators, and, of course, my family.

Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt—thank you for not only giving me the opportunities to succeed, but for being there through all my highs and lows. And a special thank you to my brother as well—although he’s not here today, I truly cannot imagine how dull life would have been without your company, snarky humor, and competitiveness.

For most of us, today marks the long-awaited moment of liberation. The words AP, College Board, and Advisory are finally behind us. No more watching AP Classroom videos at 2x speed, hiding from Advisory teachers in the Senior Lounge, or complaining to our teachers about unnecessary post-AP assignments. I’ll admit, I certainly felt that sense of freedom at Senior Send-Off—more excited about what’s to come than nostalgic for what had passed.

But over the course of this last trimester—with more free time and fewer deadlines—I’ve had space to reflect and genuinely appreciate what BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] as given us.

Like many of you, I joined this school in its early days. When my family moved to the United States in the middle of my 2nd-grade year, I was nervous. I didn’t know how I’d fit in, or whether my differences would set me apart. But BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] did something remarkable—it welcomed me with open arms. It embraced the things that made me unique and gave me the space to grow into who I am today.

This small community—quirky, intense, tight-knit—has encouraged us to be ourselves. Class presentations and projects gave us the creative liberty to explore our topics of interest deeper. And because our class was so small, we had no choice but to listen to each other—to hear perspectives we might have tuned out in a more traditional high school. That closeness made us not just classmates, but collaborators, confidants, and, in many cases, lifelong friends.

We felt this school was small enough to create the changes we wanted—and so we did. We argued our case for better grades after tests we thought were unfair, started clubs where we saw gaps in the extracurricular catalog, and pitched in to support both the BASIS [Independent] and Red Hook communities. Sure, some of our efforts didn’t succeed—like the infamous Puerto Rico trip—but every attempt taught us how to advocate for ourselves, speak up, and shape the environment around us.

Through these four years, there were obviously moments when I wasn’t always the most prideful about our school. I sometimes compared our experience to the more “traditional” high schools we see in movies, and wondered what we were missing. But now, I see just how special our journey has been. We weren’t just students here. We were contributors to something still being built, persevering through academic rigor to help leave a mark on the expanding BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] community. And because of that, we didn’t just grow—we helped shape the school that shaped us.

So to the Class of 2025: As we turn the page and begin the next chapter, let’s not forget the laughter, the lessons, and the late nights that brought us to this stage. Let’s carry forward the values BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] has instilled in us—the courage to be ourselves, the willingness to listen, and the strength to grow. So let’s not wait for the world to change—let us be the ones who change it.

Congratulations, Class of 2025. And in the words of Fabrizio Romano: Here we go!

Thank you to Maxim and our entire Class of 2025 for leaving their mark on our school community! We will be cheering you on these next few months during the transition to college.

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

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

March 27, 2025 by msnyder 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 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!

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

BASIS Independent Schools provides students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

The Rolling Admissions Cycle – Your Questions Answered!

March 26, 2025 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

Our Regular Admissions Cycle wrapped on March 14, 2025, which means that we have now entered Rolling Admissions . Due to increased demand and the competitive nature of the application cycle, we’re excited to say that our seats for the 2025 – 2026 school year have filled in grades 3 – 8. This means that students who apply for Rolling Admissions in these grades will be applying to join our wait pool.

However, each year there is always movement in our seats from the spring to fall, which means that we reach out to applicants in our wait pool to offer seats as they become available. Applicants on our wait pool often have the chance to secure a spot before the school year begins!

What does this mean for Rolling Admissions for grade 9 students?

We currently have seats available for grades 9! If you would like to apply for the 2025 – 2026 school year for this grade, we encourage you to do so sooner rather than later to secure your child’s seat.

What does this mean for Rolling Admissions for grade 3 – 8?

While we have some applicants in our wait pool, we are continuing to accepting rolling applicants across ALL these grade levels to add to this pool. As we have added an additional section of grade 5 this year, we expect even more seat availability is likely to come up in grade 5.

If we apply and make it on the wait pool, will my child be last on the list?

No! Students in our wait pool are not ranked. This is why we do not consider it a wait list but a wait pool. Whenever a seat becomes available, we evaluate all students in the pool and offer the seat to the applicant that seems to be the best fit, considering all aspects of their application. Applying for the wait pool as a rolling applicant does not hinder your chances of being offered a seat, should one become available.

How are the Rolling Application requirements different than Regular Application requirements?

The requirements to be considered for Rolling Admissions are the same as Regular Admissions. The only difference is that the Admissions Team will reach out to you to schedule the Entrance Exam and Family Meeting after we have received all the required materials. Review our application checklist to ensure you are aware of all the materials needed to complete your application.

When should I apply for Rolling Admissions?

Sooner rather than later! There is no way to guarantee when a seat will become available before next school year. The sooner your child is able to join the wait pool, the more likely their application will be considered when a seat opens.

Can I still come visit the school?

Yes! We will continue to offer one-on-one tours for the duration of the spring. If you would like to attend a campus tour, submit this form on our website and our Admissions Team will contact you.

How will I be contacted if a seat becomes available?

Our Admissions Team will call you immediately if we have a seat to offer your child and follow up this call with an email. We will provide all the details necessary to proceed with accepting the seat from there.

If my child makes it on to the wait pool but is not offered a seat this year, will they be guaranteed a seat next year?

No, applicants are not held for the next admissions cycle. If you wish for your child to be considered for the following year, you will need to reapply.

How should I apply?

Click this link to begin your application!

If you require any additional support during this process, please feel free to reach out to the admissions team at blv.admissions@basisindependent.com

Redefining College Counseling at BASIS Independent Brooklyn

March 5, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

The college application process has grown more complicated each year, layering in a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety into an already complex process. That is why BASIS Independent Brooklyn offers individualized support and preparation for both students and their families. Matt Brauch established the College Counseling Program at BASIS Independent Brooklyn almost a decade ago, and he lives and breathes the very complicated world of college admissions with our Student Affairs Team at the High School Program. After working with seven graduating classes as well as serving as the College Counselor Advisor for our entire network of BASIS Independent Schools, we wanted to share how Mr. Brauch’s focused approach, informed by years of experience across our network, makes a difference.

Colleges and universities now offer many different application options to students—Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, Rolling Admissions, and Regular Decision. Many of our students also consider universities abroad, and that is why we have found offering families more guidance and support leads directly to exceptional outcomes. An equally important factor is help navigating the whole world of financial aid, scholarships, and ancillary programs.

Currently, our seniors are balancing natural anxiety with the confidence gained from BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s college prep programs and supportive environment as we await Regular Decision outcomes later this month. With personalized guidance from our dedicated faculty, expert resources, and custom events, the Class of 2025 is not only applying to the finest educational institutions but also cultivating resilience and independence—qualities that will serve them well in their future academic journeys and beyond.

Here’s a glimpse into the college counseling approach that distinguishes BASIS Independent Brooklyn.

Personalized Preparation

Standing apart from almost every other high school in the U.S., our students begin their college preparation in grade 9. This early start allows our College Counselor, Mr. Brauch, to take the time to get to know students and uncover their interests and strengths. He meets with families and has an open-door policy for students to stop by and ask questions.

He says, “I ask students about their passions and interests and work with them on ways they can demonstrate them in meaningful ways. We talk about possible college and career options, but the conversations need to be deeply rooted in their personal interests and goals.”

For Mr. Brauch, the goal is finding the right college fit. Students must understand the connection between their strengths and the varying opportunities that each university has to offer.

To help students uncover this connection, in the senior year Mr. Brauch works with students in a daily 50-minute College Counseling class to provide group and individualized guidance, helping them learn practical skills, such as navigating the application process, resume building, and essay writing, while encouraging them to explore degree pathways that might be a good fit.

Photo: Mr. Brauch and Director Forde alongside our seniors who received the 2024 College Board National Recognition Awards.

A Focused Approach

At many other schools in New York City, college counseling is part of a general guidance counseling program where the onus is on the student to ask for support and meet application deadlines. At BASIS Independent Brooklyn there is a balance of independence and accountability. The College Counselor works one-on-one with juniors and seniors, challenging them to complete goals and following up on their progress.

Another factor that has empowered the older students at BASIS Independent Brooklyn is our commitment to small class sizes and expert educators. This model has made it possible for our teachers to impart a deep understanding and mastery of content in the sciences, mathematics, literature, history, world languages, AP, and Capstone courses. Personalized teaching translates to proficient learning and is one of the contributors to our legacy of content mastery, including outstanding test scores.

Bringing Experts to Families

At BASIS Independent Brooklyn, students are positioned to drive the college admissions process with parents as informed partners.

Grades 9 & 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
College Counseling Newsletter	College Counseling Newsletter	College Counseling Newsletter
Encouraged to Attend College Rep Visits	Required to Attend College Rep Visits	Encouraged to Attend College Rep Visits
Open access to College Counselor	Open Access to College Counselor	Regularly Scheduled Meetings with College Counselor
Getting Ready College Counseling Night	College Planning Workshop for Parents/Guardians	Financial Aid Night – How to Interpret Financial Aid Award Letters
Financial Aid Workshop	One-on-one Scheduled Meetings with College Counselor (Fall and Spring)	Regularly Scheduled Meetings with College Counselor
	Financial Aid Workshop	Daily College Counseling Class (for Two Trimesters)
	SMART TRACK College Funding Resources	SMART TRACK College Funding Resources
		Life Skills Mentoring Presentation Training for Senior Projects Transition Tips: Getting off to the Right Foot in College Managing Stress and Emotions of the Transition to College (with School Counselor)

Photo: One of our college representative visits held in the senior lounge.

Outstanding Results

The Class of 2025 has made us proud every year. Senior year has been no exception. Many of our seniors received Early Action or Early Decision acceptances, and we are thrilled to announce our students received acceptances from schools including:

Princeton University
Stanford University
Cornell University
Georgetown University
Washington University at St. Louis
University of Virginia
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
University of Southern California
New York University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Purdue University
Virginia Institute of Technology
Northeastern University
American University
Oberlin College
Pepperdine College
McGill University
Imperial College London
King’s College London

Year after year, the effectiveness of the College Counseling approach at BASIS Independent Brooklyn truly stands out, showcasing the remarkable results we achieve together now with seven graduating classes this year.

Our students are well-equipped to overcome any setbacks with the right mindset. Our robust College Counseling Program plays a crucial role in this process. With personalized support, dedicated resources, and daily classes, our students confidently navigate obstacles and are empowered to make informed decisions about their future.

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