High School

Senior Project Spotlight: Aarohi G. Weeks 7 – 8

May 12, 2026 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

The Senior Project is an independent, student-led culmination of our high school experience. After three years of academic preparation, our seniors are ready to spend the last trimester of their high school careers applying the skills and knowledge they have gained to develop a project that is insightful, academically rigorous, and professional in nature. This year, we are proud to showcase a senior from one of our neighboring campuses, BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, Aarohi G.

Week 7: No Updates

No updates for this week!

Week 8: Education is Everything

This week, I wanted to share an update on the next steps of my research and Week 8 featured a pivot and a new plan.

Public Comment & Petition

First, I had planned to study the age groups submitting public comments or signing petitions. Public commenting is an action citizens can take where they respond to new legislation detailed by their state governments, pointing out improvements or concerns that can lead to real action. Petition-signing was something I was looking to measure from sources like online websites like Change.org, more than official government forums.

Unfortunately, most of this data hides the writers’ ages, and in the case of location/state data, petition websites may be more hidden than public commenting sites. These two variables were my ways of measuring “interest.” Therefore, I’ll first still draw the insights I can on petition-signing per state or county to get a sense of civically-active states. Then, for public commenting, one website used often by these agencies called Public Input seems to have more readily available demographic data. In addition to my plans of measuring civics education requirements and youth advisory councils (a future blog post!), this pivot can still reveal the insights I need.

Civics Education

To generate interest early, historical and political knowledge becomes a huge factor, which can be taught at any point in the K-12 curriculum. At school, apart from home or any limits of social media and local news, students often learn the basics of their political system and where they fit. While a course is one way to teach, some states will give a civics test.

This test can be unique or the USCIS test, the citizenship test that immigrants take in order to naturalize as American citizens. When researchers raised doubts that the average American student could pass it, it became an easy benchmark for civic awareness.

But across the nation, there’s a lot of variety in state requirements. 10 states require neither a course nor test of any kind, 13 states opt for a half or full year course instead of a test, and some states offer the test but don’t require students to pass.

This week, I compiled the data on civics education requirements in different states and charted it. I compared it to the states with the highest to lowest average voter turnout from 2014 to 2024, hoping to point out a correlationary relationship.

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

BASIS Independent Manhattan: Class of 2026 College Results

May 8, 2026 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

In the world of New York City private schools, success is often measured by numbers—test scores, GPAs, and matriculation lists. We are proud of our nine seniors whose collective impact resulted in monumental success.

Our Class of 2026 finalized their plans for the fall, and the results tell a story of intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the power of a personalized education. From the historic campuses of the Ivy League to the nation’s premier research hubs, our seniors are headed to institutions that reflect their unique passions and the high-rigor college-prep they received at BASIS Independent Manhattan.

Redefining Elite Results in NYC

two male senior students hold up college flags to show where they are enrolled -- one says Carnegie Mellon University and the other one says Yale.

When looking at the landscape of a private school in Manhattan, it is rare to see such a high density of elite placements within a single graduating cohort. While larger institutions may celebrate dozens of acceptances, the statistical acceptance rate for our nine seniors is extraordinary. Among this year’s Class of 2026:

100% gained acceptance and enrolled in schools ranked in the Top 50.
33% secured spots at Top 15 universities (as ranked by U.S. News & World Report).
56% received offers from institutions within the Top 25 nationally, including prestigious names like Yale University, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan.

This is a testament to the BASIS Curriculum, our scaffolded college prep that starts in grade 9, and the dedicated teachers who know each student so they can excel no matter the competitive landscape.

The Privilege of Options and the Right Fit

While our seniors ultimately chose eight world-class institutions for their next chapter, their collective List of Acceptances (found at the end of this post) afforded them the comfort of selecting the “perfect fit” for their next ambitious pursuits.

The Ivy League: Students will be heading to Yale University and Columbia University, continuing our legacy of placement in the world’s most storied academic environments.
The Public Ivies: The University of Michigan and the University of Virginia—two of the most selective public institutions in the world—will welcome our graduates this fall.
Specialized Excellence: With enrollments at Carnegie Mellon University, Northeastern University (two students), George Washington University, and American University, our students are pursuing careers in everything from cutting-edge tech and engineering to global policy and international relations.

*See the full list of College Acceptances for the Class of 2026 at the bottom of this blog.

four students walk through Yale University on a college tour.

Senior went face-to-face with our faculty on Pi Day.

The BASIS Curriculum: Prepared for Any Path

What makes a BASIS Independent Manhattan student stand out in a sea of thousands of applications? It begins long before the college essay. From the Middle School Program through our specialized High School offerings, students are asked to take ownership of their learning. By the time they reach their senior year, they have already mastered collegiate-level discourse and advanced STEM concepts.

This preparation allows our seniors to approach the admissions process with a level of confidence and agency. Whether they are discussing social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives or presenting their Senior Projects, they attract admissions officers because of their high achievement and because they are ready to contribute meaningfully to a campus community.

juniors and seniors smile in a group standing on the gym floor at Chelsea Piers while their parents are in front of them taking pictures

Looking Ahead

As the Class of 2026 prepares to walk across the stage and head to New Haven, Ann Arbor, Charlottesville, and beyond, they leave behind a legacy of excellence. They have proven that a PreK-12 education in New York City doesn’t have to be a “one-size-fits-all” journey. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we remain committed to ensuring that every student who walks through our doors is given the tools to find their own version of a Top 50 success story. We look forward to seeing how these nine individuals change the world. After all, if they could achieve this much in a class of nine, there is no limit to what they will do on the global stage.

Curious about how our High School program prepares students for the Ivy League and beyond? Visit our school to experience BASIS Independent Manhattan firsthand or explore our academics page to learn more about the BASIS Curriculum.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2026 College Acceptances

American University

Amherst College

Babson College

Binghamton University

Bocconi University

Carnegie Mellon University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Dartmouth College

Denison University

Drexel University

Fordham University

George Mason University

George Washington University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Indiana University-Bloomington

Ithaca College

James Madison University

Northeastern University

Purdue University (Main Campus)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rice University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Skidmore College

Stony Brook University

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

The Ohio State University

The University of Warwick

Tulane University of Louisiana

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Davis

University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Maryland-College Park

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Southern California

University of St Andrews

University of Toronto

University of Vermont

University of Virginia

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Vassar College

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Yale University

Celebrating BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Class of 2026 College Acceptances

May 8, 2026 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

We are incredibly proud to share news of college acceptances of BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Class of 2026! 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 they explored 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. “Watching them grow through our High School Program has been a privilege. These are students who arrived with curiosity and left with conviction. They actively leaned into coursework, clubs, and extracurricular activities to help them discover who they are and how they want to contribute and create change in this world. They pursued those passions intentionally, both within our walls and beyond them, helping those not only in our Red Hook community but in other communities across New York City as well.”

“The seniors leaving us this year have set a standard that will echo through our halls long after they have gone,” commented Head of School Josh Harmon. “This class, in particular, has brought a rare combination of dedication and compassion to everything they have done here, and I have no doubt they will carry that same spirit into the university communities they will 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:

38% of seniors were accepted to at least one school ranked in the top 12 in the country for National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Two-thirds of our seniors were accepted to schools in the Top 30 National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges including Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University (5), University of California (Berkeley), University of California (Los Angeles), Vanderbilt University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Michigan (3), Washington University at St. Louis, Georgetown University, the University of Virginia (2) and also top liberal arts colleges including Barnard College, Colgate University, and Haverford College.
All seniors were accepted to a school ranked among the Top 75 National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges.

“While I am thrilled that 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.”

Our Class of 2026 with Head of School Josh Harmon (far left) and College Counselor Mr. Brauch (far right)

CLASS OF 2026 ACCEPTANCES

Adelphi University

American University

Arizona State University (Tempe)

Barnard College

Binghamton University

Boston College

Boston University

Carnegie Mellon University

Case Western Reserve University

Colgate University

Colorado School of Mines

Cornell University

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

CUNY Brooklyn College

CUNY City College

Drexel University

Fairfield University

Fordham University

Georgetown University

Haverford College

Hofstra University

Howard University

Indiana University (Bloomington)/Kelly School of Business

Long Island University (Post)

McGill University

Michigan State University

New York Institute of Technology

Northeastern University

Oakwood University

Pace University (New York City)

Penn State University (Altoona)

Penn State University (University Park)

Purdue University (Main Campus)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University Honors College

Rutgers University (Camden)

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

Rutgers University (Newark)

Stanford University

Stony Brook University

SUNY College at Oswego

SUNY Geneseo

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

Temple University

The Ohio State University

The University of Edinburgh

Tufts University

Union College

University at Albany

University College London

University of California (Berkeley)

University of California (Davis)

University of California (Irvine)

University of California (Los Angeles)

University of California (Riverside)

University of California (San Diego)

University of California (Santa Barbara)

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Connecticut

University of Delaware

University of Glasgow

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Maryland (College Park)

University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

University of Southampton

University of St Andrews (UK)

University of Vermont

University of Virginia (Main Campus)

University of Waterloo (Canada)

University of Wisconsin (Madison)

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Wake Forest University

Washington University in St. Louis

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Congratulations to our Bears! Our soon-to-be graduates have shaped our culture and community in their many years at our school, and we have great hope for the future, knowing that they will become the leaders our world needs in the years to come.

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.

A Culture of Service and Leadership – National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society at BASIS Independent Bellevue

May 5, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, leadership and service are embedded into the student experience. Through the National Honor Society (NHS) and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), students take on meaningful roles that extend beyond the classroom, contributing to both their school community and the world around them.

A Selective Path to Membership

Membership in NHS and NJHS reflects more than strong academics; students must also demonstrate consistent commitment to the five core pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

Applicants complete written reflections, provide evidence of their involvement, and submit character recommendations from faculty in addition to demonstrating scholarship through maintaining high grades. A committee of teachers and administrators carefully reviews each application before making final decisions. Because students reapply each year, membership represents an ongoing commitment, not a one-time achievement. 

Students formally join their chapters during an annual induction ceremony, where they reflect on the organization’s values, take their membership oath, receive their membership pin from our Head of School Dr. Thies, and are recognized for their accomplishments. Returning members are also celebrated for their continued contributions and growth. 

NJHS: Building Foundations for Service

This year, the NJHS chapter has 27 students from grades 7–9, each working diligently to stay committed to upholding NJHS’ principles and continually engaging in their own personal growth and community impact. In addition to maintaining strong academic standing, students attend the monthly planning meetings, contribute a minimum of 15 volunteer hours, organize and produce a student-led project, and volunteer for at least one school-sponsored event. 

So far in the 2025–2026 year, members have completed a variety of creative projects, ranging from assisting in their favorite classes, joining the stage crew for our school’s productions, leading a school-wide Kindness Week mural activity, and planting flowers to beautify our campus. Outside of school, students are judging debate tournaments, leading skiing lessons, and so much more.

Sophia T., Grade 9 with her Kindness Mural Project

NHS: Expanding Leadership and Impact

Beginning in grade 10, students can apply to NHS, where expectations and opportunities grow. In addition to continuing their service work, members can run for leadership roles such as President, Vice President, and Secretary.

The Executive Board leads monthly meetings using Parliamentary Procedure, manages chapter operations, and coordinates large-scale service initiatives. Recent projects include partnerships with the Bellevue Urban Garden and collaboration with Student Affairs to help plan Student Appreciation Week, which gives students real experience working with community organizations and campus leadership.

NHS members complete at least 30 service hours annually, with a balance of on-campus and community-based work. They also support school events each trimester and lead at least one initiative, managing a team and coordinating with staff.

Their contributions are visible across campus life: from organizing events like Homecoming, Spirit Week, and the Color Run, to leading middle school clubs. In the broader community, students volunteer in dance studios, tutor peers online, assist with local events like Bellevue’s Holidays on the Hill, and support public institutions like libraries, all while balancing a rigorous academic workload.

This year’s inaugural NHS cohort of 11 students has already made a strong impact, setting a high standard for future members!

A Culture of Excellence and Empathy

From middle school through high school, BLV students are developing not only as scholars, but as leaders and community members. NHS and NJHS provide a structured pathway for students to grow in responsibility, initiative, and service, which are skills that will extend far beyond their time on campus.

The result is a student culture that values both achievement and empathy, where leadership is defined not just by what students accomplish, but by how they contribute to others. We are so proud of our student leaders, and we are excited to see what future impact they will have!

Redefining Student Agency in the Financial World

May 1, 2026 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

Josh A. (Class of 2027) remembers watching the markets long before he had a portfolio of his own. Seeing the data move on a Bloomberg terminal at home sparked a curiosity about what it takes to “see the green” on a trade. During high school at BASIS Independent Manhattan, he found peers who shared that same drive. Along with fellow juniors Aidan B. and Finn B., they launched the Upper School Investment Club—a student-led initiative that has quickly become a standout example of high-level academic application and student initiative.

Recently, these student leaders met with Michael Collins, CEO of Spring Education Group (SEG), at the Upper School campus in Chelsea to discuss the future of financial literacy and their club’s unprecedented trajectory in the New York City education landscape.

The founding investors club students stand on the staircase inside the Upper School with CEO of Spring Education Group (SEG) Michael Collins and club advisor, Kirk Murphy. — From L to R: Mr. Murphy (Club Advisor), Josh A., Aidan B., Finn B., and Mr. Collins (CEO, SEG)

A Flight Simulator for Money Management

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, our students can begin taking economics in grade 8 and complete the AP level by the end of their junior year. What makes our students unique is how they engage with finance and the economy as active participants.

Like a pilot practicing in a “flight simulator,” our Investment Club leaders have created a space to implement practical skills in real-life situations without the immediate risk of real-world capital. They run mock trials, build separate portfolios, and rigorously analyze their performance every two weeks. This methodology has already yielded results: in the Trading Day Competition hosted by the Stevens Institute of Technology, Josh A. secured 1st place and Aidan B. took 3rd place among over 800 participants.

A classroom for economics class has a game set up with a Market Tally sheet on the board, worksheets on a desk, and buyer-trader cards laid out. — During their required economics course in high school, BASIS Independent Manhattan students get a taste of the real financial world when they act as buyers and sellers trying to make the highest profits by trading in an “In The Chips” activity.

The Path to a Real-World Endowment

However, for these students, simulations are only the beginning. The meeting with Mr. Collins represented a major milestone: presenting a “proof of concept” to secure SEG leadership’s support for an unprecedented high school model.

The club’s ultimate goal is to transition from mock portfolios to managing a real-money endowment that stays with the school’s Investment Club. By demonstrating their rigorous risk-management strategies and analytical mastery, the students are seeking the buy-in and investment necessary to trade with real capital—a level of responsibility not traditionally seen at the high school level.

**Mastery Through Winning and Losing**

To prepare for that responsibility, the students have developed a sophisticated understanding of risk. They have learned that true mastery often means learning what not to do through winning, and learning what to do through losing.

While their 1st and 3rd place finishes at Stevens brought returns of up to 400% in a month, the students reflected on the experience with a critical eye. “The Stevens competition actually taught us the wrong things,” the leaders shared during the roundtable. “You can go ‘all in’ every time and win in a simulation, but that is just not true in the real world.”

The club saw a different kind of value when they competed in the Wharton Global Youth Program Investment Competition. Though they didn’t take home the top prize, the experience was a catalyst for growth. “Here’s what we did wrong: we didn’t meet the client’s expectations. What we need to do is change our philosophy,” they noted. This ability to identify failure and pivot is exactly why their Investment Club has a strong future.

The 11 students in the 2025-26 Young Investors Club stand in a classroom taking a photo for the yearbook.

Redefining Student Agency in NYC

The conversation with Michael Collins highlighted a core belief at our school: that student agency has no age limit.

“You guys are a concrete example that any high schooler can do this,” shared Mr. Collins. “There’s no requirement to be an adult or a college graduate. At any point in your life, you can start managing money.”

Mr. Collins was particularly impressed by how the founders translated their personal success into a structured peer-to-peer mentorship program, demystifying complex financial systems for the rest of the student body.

The Wildcat Edge

For colleges and universities, Aidan, Finn, and Josh represent the gold standard of grit. They go beyond the BASIS Curriculum, applying the logic learned from their Subject Expert Teachers to identify market trends and manage real-world risk.
For NYC families, this club represents our mission in practice. Students take the techniques acquired in the classroom and apply them to their own inquiries, developing the resilience required for the world’s most competitive environments.

Join Our Wildcat Community

Are you curious about how the BASIS Independent Manhattan experience prepares each child for success? We invite prospective families to visit our campuses and speak with our leadership and students.

Middle School Program Tour (Grades 5-8): May 13
High School Program Tour (Grades 9-12): May 21

Register to Visit Our School Today

Related Links:

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Ms. Kendall Goldschmidt

April 29, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Ms. Kendall holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Oregon and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education, with a focus in the social sciences, from the University of San Francisco. This provides her with the skills necessary to create and maintain a welcoming educational environment for all learners. She is a strong believer that social studies classrooms are the perfect place for developing skills and interacting with content relevant to students’ lives.

Ms. Kendall is a strong believer in developing a student’s enthusiasm for learning through hands-on activities, class discussion, and individualized assistance.

In her free time, Ms. Kendall likes to crochet and spend time with her family and friends.

What drew you to join our school community?

What drew me most to join this school community was the strong academic environment that has been developed, and the opportunity to work with students who have a love for learning and who have been very successful in meeting their academic goals!

What are you most excited about in your first year here?

I am most excited to get to know all my students and to develop a strong classroom community. Social studies classes are some of the best places to develop important literacy skills and confidence that can help students in other areas of study. I am also excited to interact with and get to know my peers at BASIS Independent Dublin and to help foster a strong and welcoming environment for all learners.

What advice do you give to students who want to succeed in your class?

Come to class with an open mind and be ready to learn new things! History is an exciting subject that connects to each person’s past while helping them prepare for the future. Ask questions, make connections, and challenge yourself to be the best student you can be every day, and you will be successful.

What do you hope students will remember most about your class years from now?

I hope that students remember all the skills they will be developing and strengthening in my classes years from now. History and social studies are classes that are best taught when students are hands-on learning, but from these activities students are also working on important literacy and interpersonal skills that they will use in academic, professional, and personal settings for years to come.

BASIS Independent Dublin is a Grades 5 – 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the BASIS Independent Dublin community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Mr. Clifford Rawls

April 28, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

A San Francisco native and life-long musician, Mr. Cliff received Bachelors of Arts degrees in Music and English in 2009 from Santa Clara University where he studied performance and screenwriting. He then began his career as an educator, teaching guitar, drums, and music theory throughout the Bay Area. He soon returned to school, earning a Master’s of Music in Music Education in 2014 from Boston University. During this time, Mr. Cliff continued his career as a music educator, teaching modern band, music theory, instrumental performance, and music history throughout the East Bay. While continuing his teaching career, Mr. Cliff found himself bitten by the education bug once again; he returned to Boston University in 2017 to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts, where he is currently finishing his degree as a doctoral candidate.

Mr. Cliff is a passionate music educator who believes that music is for everyone – he also thinks it’s important to provide students with music education experiences that will transcend the classroom. Students can look forward to learning to play new instruments, getting better at instruments they can already play, performing live, learning to record, and listening to lots and lots of music together!

When Mr. Cliff is not busy teaching, you can find him spending time with his family in the city, on the hunt for the best burgers and hot wings with his friends in the East Bay, at the driving range, at the skatepark, on his laptop finishing his dissertation, and, of course, in his music room practicing!

What drew you to join our school community?

BASIS Independent Dublin seems like a place where the teachers and students are enthusiastic, and the prospect of building a music program from scratch with new students sounded like a can’t miss opportunity!

What are you most excited about in your first year here?

I’m excited to meet all the students, pick our first few songs, and to play the first notes in our brand new building together!

What advice do you give students who want to succeed in your class?

Some advice I would give to my students is to remember that “we are all musicians.” Whether you’ve been playing music for 30 years like me, or you’re just starting, it’s OK! You’re a musician, and as long as you keep practicing, you’ll be able to play and learn new things.

What do you hope students will remember most about your class years from now?

I hope when you look back on our time together as a class, you’ll remember the fun you had learning and growing, choosing and playing repertoire you loved, and the joy we shared as a community of musicians.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Coach Jacqueline Bateman

April 27, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Coach Jacki is a dedicated Physical Education teacher with a background in exercise science and a passion for helping students develop confidence and discipline, as well as a lifelong commitment to health and fitness. She holds a Master’s degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention, and brings experience from both school-based teaching and athletic training environments. Her approach focuses on creating a structured, positive, and engaging learning environment where students can build skills, improve their physical abilities, and learn the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. Drawing from her own experience playing multiple sports including basketball, soccer, water polo, softball, and baseball, Coach Jacki strives to expose students to a wide range of activities and to help them discover ways to stay active for life.

What drew you to join our school community?

I was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools because of its strong emphasis on high standards, student accountability, and overall excellence. I appreciate that the school values both academic success and the development of the whole student. I believe physical education plays an important role in building discipline, confidence, and teamwork, and I was excited about the opportunity to contribute to a community that prioritizes those qualities.

What are you most excited about in your first year here?

In my first year, I’m most excited about building strong connections with students and creating an environment where they feel supported and motivated. I look forward to helping students grow in their skills and confidence, while also establishing routines and expectations that keep them engaged and active.

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

My teaching approach focuses on helping students feel both supported and appropriately challenged as they develop their skills. I design lessons that allow for steady progress so students can recognize their growth, while also promoting collaboration and accountability. I adapt activities to meet different ability levels, ensuring all students remain engaged and have opportunities to succeed.

What goals do you have for your students to take away from your PE classes?

My goal is for students to leave my class with confidence in their physical abilities and a positive attitude toward staying active. I want them to develop strong movement skills, understand the importance of fitness and injury prevention, and build lifelong habits around health, teamwork, and perseverance.

7 Red-Tailed Hawks Accepted to VA Governor’s Schools or World Language Academy

April 24, 2026 by aixuanwang Leave a Comment

We are proud to announce that seven BIM students have been accepted to a Virginia Governor’s School or Governor’s World Language Academy, with two more students named as alternates. The list:

Colin B. ’27 – Latin (at Virginia Commonwealth University)
Sumer C. ’28 – Engineering (at Jefferson Laboratories)
Peter D. ’28 – Agriculture (at Virginia Tech)
Suraiya F. ’27 – Spanish (at Washington and Lee)
Adrith K. ’28 – Voice (at Radford)
Richard P. ’28 – Humanities (at Radford)
Manya R. ’27 – Acting (at Radford)
Sarah R. ’27 – Agriculture (at Virginia Tech)
Bethel W. ’27 – French (at Washington and Lee)

From left to right: Manya R. ’27, Suraiya F. ’27, Dr. Hight (Student Advancement Manager), Bethel W. ’27, Adrith K. ’28, Richard P. ’28, Colin B. ’27, Sarah R. 27, Sumer C. ’28, and Peter D. ’28

This is a significant achievement! Admittance to the Governor’s School and World Language Academy programs is extremely competitive. First, students must compete to be one of our school’s nominees in a subject area, then they must be nominated in our region, and finally they must be selected from nominees from all over the state. Spots in the program are limited. The engineering program at Jefferson Laboratories only takes 11 students from the entire state.

Attending the Governor’s School or a World Language Academy is one of the best ways a high school student can spend their summer. Top students from all over Virginia spend three weeks on a college campus doing college-level work under the guidance of college professors, and all at a fraction of the cost of other summer programs. It is a great opportunity that our previous students have unanimously enjoyed.

We are extremely proud of the hard work these students have done – on their applications, in the classroom, and beyond – to receive these nominations!

BASIS Independent McLean is an Age 2–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Red-Tailed Hawks community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Meet Our New Subject Expert Teacher: Mr. Rohit Ravikumar

April 23, 2026 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

Mr. Ravikumar holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Davis, where he double-majored in Economics and History. He then went on to complete a master’s degree in Economics from Boston University, focusing on applied economic theory and social policy. Outside the classroom, he worked for several years in the industry as a data scientist, utilizing economic principles to analyze business policies.

Mr. Ravikumar first joined BASIS Independent Schools as a Subject Expert Teacher in Economics and Computer Science at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where he taught courses ranging from AP Economics to an Econometrics Capstone Course. His teaching philosophy is centered around a dynamic learning environment that connects theoretical concepts to real-world examples and critically engages with political and social implications of the course material. As an educator, he takes pride in developing a classroom milieu that is both rigorous and approachable: scaffolding challenging concepts with the support necessary for students to succeed at their fullest potential.

In his free time, Mr. Ravikumar enjoys video games, reading a good book, and spending quality time with his wife and cat.

What originally drew you to teach at BASIS Independent Schools, and what brought you back now?

I was originally inspired to teach at BASIS Independent Schools by the environment of genuinely inquisitive and curious students and families I saw. It was a joy to see teachers, parents, and students collaborate to foster an open, inclusive, and understanding learning environment. I am excited to return to a new community that holds learning in such esteem across a variety of subjects and the development of critical thinking along with reasoning skills.

What is one of your favorite memories from your previous time at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley?

I found it deeply rewarding to see my Econometrics capstone students take everything they had learned about statistical techniques and apply it to their own term projects. My students chose a wide variety of topics, from optimal basketball plays to stock market performance to competitive video game results, using their own skills and newfound knowledge to devise hypotheses, collect data, and present their completed projects. Seeing them do it all on their own was one of the greatest joys I had as a teacher.

What are you most looking forward to as you join a new school community?

I’m excited to meet my new students! Building this new community will be the collective work of the teachers, staff, students, and parents, and I can’t wait to meet the students who will play such a major role in shaping it. I also look forward to helping students develop new relationships with the world around them through a deeper understanding of history.