BASIS Independent Schools

BASIS Independent SchoolsBASIS Independent Schools
Inquire

High School

Fall 2025 Admissions Guide: Frequently Asked Questions During Admissions Season

by Leave a Comment

We are excited to meet the many wonderful families considering a BASIS Independent Brooklyn experience for their family!  

During each admissions season we field a wide range of questions about our curriculum and various programs, student life, electives, extracurriculars, and so much more. We have observed topics that are commonly brought up and want to provide you with answers to frequently asked questions raised each year. 

What is the difference between your two Brooklyn campuses? 

BASIS Independent Brooklyn was established in 2014. We are one school with two campuses. The Lower School in Downtown Brooklyn supports approximately 150 students in PreK–Grade 2 while the Upper School in Red Hook supports about 530 students in Grades 3–12.  
  

What is the teacher model at your school?   

Beginning in grade 1, our students have one Subject Expert Teacher (SET) for each discipline. SETs either hold advanced degrees or are experts in their discipline. SETs use their subject-area passion to inspire students while teaching them at a higher level than what is typically expected of students in their age group.  

Learning Expert Teachers (LETs) work in tandem with SETs to co-teach in all grade 1–4 classrooms. LETs accompany their students all day, from class-to-class, and are masters of the learning process and social-emotional growth in children. They are instrumental in ensuring that students are appropriately supported and challenged in each subject. In grade 4, the LET shifts their focus to promoting independence, autonomy, and teaching students how to use their resources. This shift prepares students for grade 5 and beyond where students have just one teacher, their SET, for each subject.   

Unlike the Primary, Middle, and High School programs, the Early Learning Program is primarily self-enclosed. Students remain in their vibrant classroom for most of the day, rotating classes only for their daily special (Art, Music, Drama, Engineering, Mandarin, or PE/Movement). Early Learning Teachers lead our PreK and Kindergarten classrooms and are responsible for delivering most of the content to students by bringing their own pedagogical expertise to the classroom, with the consistent support from an Early Learning Teaching Fellow.

What are your elective offerings?  

In the Early Learning and Primary programs, students will take Art, Music, Drama, Engineering, and PE/Movement. In the Middle and High School programs, students can continue to take those courses or elect to take Band/Orchestra, Computer Science, Choir, Creative Writing, Introduction to Philosophy, Digital Photography, Introduction to Film Production, Sustainable Fashion, Topics in Economics, or a number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  

What are your athletic offerings?

We have competitive and league sports for students to play. Offerings for our Middle and High School students include basketball, tennis, flag football, track (cross country, indoor and outdoor), soccer, volleyball, baseball, ultimate frisbee, and competitive cheer and dance. Next year we are planning on adding a squash and fencing team. Every year our club and athletic offerings grow in number and vary based on student interest.  

What are your club offerings?   

We offer over 60 clubs at our Lower School and Upper School campuses! Our students can participate in AI for Kids, Chess Team, Leadership Club, Math Team, Science Bowl, Student Newspaper, Black Student Union, LatinX Affinity, and more. 

Do you offer early or late care for students?  

At both campuses, we offer supervised early and late care. Early care, called Early Bird, is offered beginning at 7:00 AM at our Lower School and 7:15 AM at our Upper School. We offer two types of late care. The first is called Late Bird, which runs until around 4:00 PM. The second is called Cub Care (PreK-Grade 2)/Bear Care (Grades 3-8), and these begin following dismissal. Cub Care/Bear Care is more structured and involves a range of activities from sciences to sports to arts. After-school programs for High School students take place in the form of athletics and clubs. 

Why do you teach your students Mandarin? 

The co-founders of the BASIS Curriculum intentionally designed our Early Learning and Primary programs to include Mandarin. Mandarin is a global language, and researchers found that learning the language develops new pathways in the brain and uses both the left and right temporal lobes simultaneously. Studies also show that Mandarin helps students grow their mathematical abilities due to the emphasis on ordering, grouping, and distinguishing between similarities and differences in character writing and intonation. While Mandarin is required in PreK-Grade 4, Latin is required in grades 5 and 6. Beginning in grade 7, students will select a world language from French, Latin, Mandarin and Spanish, which they will continue throughout High School. 

Do your campuses have any outdoor spaces?   

Our Lower School has direct access to a new, beautiful, big park and playground right across our street! Our Upper School has three outdoor spaces. This includes one fully covered space, one partially covered space, and an uncovered playground. 

What is your student-to-teacher ratio?   

From PreK to grade 4, there are two teachers in each classroom. Beginning in grade 1, students will have one teacher for each subject as they rotate from classroom-to-classroom and teacher-to-teacher during the school day. Generally, our PreK classrooms average around 15 students with two teachers in the classroom and Kindergarten averages around 12 students per classroom with two teachers in the classroom. Grades 1-12 average around 21 students in each classroom. 

What is the diversity of your student population?   

Brooklyn is wonderfully diverse, and our student population reflects this. 53% of students identify as a person of color and 41 languages are spoken throughout our community. 

Do you offer financial aid?   

At this time, financial aid is not available. We offer families three types of tuition payment plans: one payment, two payments, or ten monthly payments. We award scholarships based on academic merit to a highly selective group of current BASIS Independent Brooklyn students in grade 8 who are planning to stay for high school. 

Do you offer transportation?   

We encourage families at both campuses to make use of nearby public transportation options. We offer free or reduced fare MetroCards for students who plan to use public subways or buses. The Lower School is located centrally in Downtown Brooklyn near stops for the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, D, F, G, N, Q, and R trains; the LIRR at Atlantic Terminal; and the B25, B26, B38, B52, B54, B57, B61, B62, and B67 MTA bus lines. The Upper School campus in Red Hook is conveniently located near stops for the B61 and B57 buses, and accessible from the F and G trains at Smith & 9th Street Station. Families are welcome to use bikes, strollers, skateboards, and scooters. We have storage at both campuses for these modes of transportation.   

Our fee-based transportation program at the Red Hook campus includes morning and afternoon bus services throughout Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan. We carefully plan our bus routes each school year to try to accommodate student demand and the requested stops. However, bus stops are not guaranteed and are subject to change. For families with students at both our Upper and Lower School campuses, BASIS Independent Brooklyn offers a free “Connector” bus. Please inquire directly for more details on our current routes.  

What is parent involvement like at your school?  

Parents have many opportunities to get involved! The first way is through BIB Committees. These committees include the Teacher Appreciation Committee, Social Committee, World Fest Committee, and Community Outreach Committee. We also have a wonderful group called our Parent Ambassadors. These leaders work closely with our Admissions Team on events and connecting with new families.  

What community opportunities will my student have if they join your program?  

We have very active National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society chapters at our school leading regular service initiatives. Moreover, our student leadership society, Leadership Club, has prioritized building both a culture of service and sustainability at the school. The students lead annual drives and regularly promote ways to volunteer with Red Hook and Downtown Brooklyn organizations throughout the school year. Our High School students participate in an Annual Day of Service before Thanksgiving Break. 

Our school community has worked to develop partnerships with impactful non-profits making a difference in the community. One great example is the Red Hook Art Project (RHAP), which provides tutoring and mentoring for under-served children and youth. The organization offers free classes and tutoring in visual art, music, and homework help. Our students have volunteered for the homework help program and are teaching guitar classes. They also work to ensure our leftover school lunches are transported to RHAP and given to students and their families.  

How can I visit your school?  

This admissions season, we are hosting a variety of events including Information Sessions, Campus Tours, Open Houses, and Shadow Days. Please click here to register for an upcoming event! 

Please feel free to reach out to our Admissions Team by calling (718) 643-6302 or emailing brooklyn-admissions@basisindependent.com  

Ms. LaCrosse (Right) – Director of Admissions and Ms. Valerio (Left) – Associate Director of Admissions Grades 3-12

BASIS Independent Manhattan Celebrates AP Scholar Recognition

by Leave a Comment

BASIS Independent Manhattan is proud to announce that nearly half (48%) of our Advance Placement (AP) test-taking students have been recognized by the College Board for their exceptional performance on the 2023-24 AP Exams. These dedicated 23 students demonstrated a remarkable commitment to rigorous academic pursuits and have earned the following prestigious AP Scholar awards.

  • 15 AP Scholars with Distinction: Students who scored 3 or higher on five or more AP exams and an average score of at least 3.75.
  • 5 AP Scholars with Honor: Students who earned scores of 3 or higher on four or more AP exams and an average score of at least 3.5.
  • 4 AP Scholars: Students who scored 3 or higher on at least three AP exams.
  • 1 AP Capstone Diploma: Students who earned a qualifying score on both the AP Seminar and AP Research exams.
Ms. Meimban administers the AP Exams

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ outstanding accomplishments on the AP Exams,” said Ms. Cyndriel Meimban, Academic Programs Manager at BASIS Independent Manhattan’s Upper School. “Their hard work, dedication, and intellectual curiosity have enabled them to excel at the highest levels of academic achievement.”

Additional results worth highlighting include:

  • The average AP score for our students was 4.02 (out of 5), whereas it was 2.96 for the rest of the country and abroad.
  • For two years in a row (2022-2023 and 2023-2024), approximately 75% of our AP students reach the highest level of AP Scholar with Distinction by the time they graduate.

What is increasingly impressive is that our students on average complete 12.4 AP exams and complete their AP course requirements during their first three years of high school. These AP Scholar awards are a testament to the exceptional quality of education at BASIS Independent Manhattan in a supportive learning environment with experienced teachers who provide students with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Interested in learning more about our program and the High School Years? 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. 

The Benefits of Small Class Sizes: Personalized Attention and Academic Excellence 

by Leave a Comment

One of the defining features of a high-quality private school education is the advantage of small class sizes. At BASIS Independent Fremont, we understand that the number of students in a classroom significantly impacts the learning experience. Smaller class sizes allow for a more personalized approach to education, enabling teachers to meet the unique needs of each student and foster an environment where academic excellence can thrive. 

Individualized Attention for Every Student 

In smaller classrooms, teachers can get to know each student personally. This close teacher-student relationship allows for a deeper understanding of each child’s strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Teachers can tailor their instruction to meet the needs of individual students, offering extra support where needed or providing advanced materials to challenge those who are excelling. This level of personalized attention is often difficult to achieve in larger classes, where teachers may struggle to address the varied needs of many students simultaneously. 

Enhanced Classroom Engagement and Participation 

Smaller class sizes also encourage greater student engagement and participation. With fewer students in the room, each child has more opportunities to contribute to discussions, ask questions, and interact with both the teacher and their peers. This active participation reinforces learning and builds confidence and communication skills. Students in smaller classes are less likely to feel overlooked, and teachers can facilitate a more inclusive and dynamic classroom environment where every voice is heard. 

Stronger Academic Outcomes 

Research consistently shows that students in smaller classes perform better academically. The combination of personalized attention, increased participation, and a supportive learning environment leads to stronger academic outcomes. At BIF, our commitment to maintaining small class sizes ensures that each student receives the guidance and resources they need to succeed. Whether it’s mastering foundational skills or exploring more advanced concepts, students benefit from an educational setting that prioritizes their individual growth and development. 

In conclusion, the benefits of small class sizes extend far beyond the classroom. At BASIS Independent Fremont, we believe that a more personalized and engaged learning experience is key to fostering academic excellence. By maintaining small class sizes, we create an environment where every student can thrive, ensuring that they are not just meeting academic standards but exceeding them. 

The Communication Journal: How Our Students Use Their CJ to Be Successful

by Leave a Comment

Helping students manage their time and schoolwork effectively is core to the BASIS Curriculum. One of our most important tools in developing students with life-long habits of self-direction and disciplined, critical enquiry is the Communication Journal (CJ).

At first glance, it’s an analog daily planner. In practice, it’s the epicenter of our students’ educational experience, a record of their wins, their losses, and most importantly, their areas for improvement. During the school day, we focus on building the student-teacher relationship. The CJ is critical in helping families feel involved in their child’s education at the end of the day. It is the first daily touch-point between teachers and parents and acts as a discussion started at home between students and their families.

The CJ is central to our curricular philosophy not to post homework or grades online, or remove students from conversations about their own education. It is the tool that makes this philosophy a powerful growth opportunity for students to own their own academic and intellectual progress.

Over time, after successful usage of the CJ has been proven, students can expect to have more independent ownership of their CJ, and less and less oversight by their teachers and parents. Our goal is to start strong and while they are building their habits, have consistent daily checks. But as the years move on, we train students to become more independent, and less dependent on others for their own academic responsibilities.

Kindergarten Communication Journal

Even our youngest students have their own CJs to record their work and have their parents sign each evening. Kindergarten students are expected to record their own CJ notes each morning.

Students in Kindergarten recording their CJ notes for the day

Grades 1 – 3 Communication Journal

Unlike students in Kindergarten who primarily stay in their classroom throughout the day, students beginning in Grade 1 travel from classroom to classroom for each subject. The expectation of a CJ note from each Subject Expert Teacher (SET) begins in Grade 1 and continues on through high school. Students in Grades 1 – 3 receive assistance recording their CJ notes from their Learning Expert Teachers (LET) who will often give out stamps or stickers for a job well done!

A Grade 2 student’s CJ notes for the week

Grades 4 – 5 Communication Journal

For students in Grades 4 and 5, the use of the CJ is now a daily habit. Though our Grade 4 students still have their LET to help them, in Grade 5 the responsibility rests solely on the student. Students who have been with us throughout their elementary years know its power in keeping them accountable for their education, and even new students can appreciate this tool for helping them keep their upcoming assignments and assessments organized on a daily basis.

A student in Grade 4 sits right down to record their CJ note for Science even before class begins

Grades 6 – 8 Communication Journal

In middle school, we start to see more and more students not needing their parent signature every night. There are fewer CJ checks happening in the classroom and at home depending on the student. But, at the first sign of disorganization, the first step expressed by their Dean of Students, one of their SETs, or their parents is always the same, “Let’s look at your CJ.”

A Grade 8 student shows off their well-organized CJ with their friend

Grades 9 – 12 Communication Journal

In high school, the CJ is perfected. Not only are students rarely needing their parents to sign their CJ, but they are now using it as their own tool to organize their after-school activities. Many high school students will write reminders for things to print at home, office hours to attend, and even their clubs in their CJ. The goal of being organized, thinking ahead, and ready for each day has been achieved.

Grade 9 students CJ showing its use for not only their classes, but also their after-school enrichment activities

Unsurprisingly, our Alumni often cite the use of the CJ as one of the most helpful habits learned from our program. Many use their own tools of organization with their electronic devices now, but every year we have a few seniors who ask us for an extra CJ before they leave us.

Our educational philosophy is centered around student autonomy and self-advocacy and the Communication Journal is just one tool that helps us achieve that.

What Makes Our Senior Year Different? 

by Leave a Comment

The high school years offer students unprecedented exposure to high-level content and the creative critical thinking opportunities typically reserved for university-level studies. Under the guidance of passionate Subject Expert Teachers who are deeply invested in their success, students gain the best possible preparation for college and hone skills and habits that stay with them long after graduation.  

Senior year is a unique bridge to college; a transition from traditional classroom learning to applying knowledge in a real context. To achieve this unique approach, our students can fulfill all required coursework in Grade 11 and focus their knowledge and skills into the three distinct pillars that make up senior year. 

“Our senior year allows students like me to differentiate themselves in the increasingly crowded market for college applications. Academic success depends on the publication of compelling research. Industry success depends upon delivering results that impact the bottom line of your research. This year enables me to prove that I can do both, while sampling the day-to-day work of my field of interest.” – Senior at BASIS Independent Schools 

Capstone Courses
These two-trimester courses are the teacher-created counterpart to AP® courses. While AP® courses typically cover a breadth of content, Capstones offer students the opportunity to explore a topic’s depth. Our teachers’ talents shine as they develop these college-level original courses tied to their own academic passions. In each course, students transition from classroom-style learning typical of high school to seminar-based or lab-based learning typical of college and university courses. 

In the past, Capstone courses have included: 

  • Advanced Java Topics and Machine Learning   
  • Arte Contemporaneo 
  • Corporate Finance 
  • Differential Equations   
  • Economics of Water Resources 
  • Existentialism and the Absurd  
  • French Cinema 
  • Inorganic Chemistry 
  • Introduction to Gothicism and Horror  
  • Linear Algebra & Multivariable Calculus 
  • Lyric Poetry and Music 
  • Neuroscience  
  • Post-Colonial Literature 
  • Rhetoric and Communications  
  • Roman Drama  
  • The Biology of Cancer 

College Counseling
This two-trimester-long daily class allows College Counselors to get to know students on a deeply personal level and help them determine what college and university options will align with their personal, educational, and professional goals with a focus on individual fit. This course helps students research colleges, work on college and scholarship applications, manage and organize college-related correspondence, write essays, and conduct mock interviews to develop interview skills. In addition, each student will meet individually with their College Counselor during class time. The atmosphere of the class is much like a focused study hall where students are expected to work in a dedicated and respectful manner to achieve their college admissions goals.  

The Senior Project
The senior year culminates in a three-month, off-site Senior Project, proposed and constructed by students under the guidance of an internal faculty advisor and an external professional specialist in the field of the student’s choosing. After three and a half years of academic preparation in high school, our seniors are ready to spend the last trimester of their high school careers applying their skills and knowledge to develop a project that is insightful, academically rigorous, and highly professional in nature. Students work with an internal BASIS Independent advisor and an external mentor, such as a lab director, entrepreneur, or researcher, and are required to blog about their experiences. The Senior Project culminates in a presentation of their findings to the entire school community. This event is a great source of pride for our whole school, a perfect capstone to the high school experience, and an inspiration for students to come.  

The final year at BASIS Independent is a bridge from traditional classroom learning to applying knowledge in a real context. BASIS Curriculum graduates leave our program prepared to be leaders in college and beyond. 

2023-2024 Year in Review

by Leave a Comment

Dear Families and Staff,

During the summer months, we reflect on the past school year as we reset our school for the year ahead. Today, we celebrate with our community many of the student accomplishments from the past year and pay tribute to our 2024 graduates. We are incredibly proud of our Bears.

Let us start with academics. Data from across our BASIS Independent Schools inform our practice, identify our areas for growth, and allow us to celebrate our successes knowledgeably. For these reasons, we can truly say we practice both the art and science of teaching. Without data, we would not understand our own goals, or we would just assume we were lucky when we met them!

This year more than 60% of our students earned the AP Scholar designation (scoring a 3 or higher on at least three AP Exams). This impressive result is consistent with year-over-year scores, showcasing our program’s strength. Also, in high school, we celebrated our National Merit Scholar winner Jack B. ’24, and 30% of our seniors were recognized as commended scholars.

Speaking of our seniors, let us take a moment to reflect on our sixth graduating class about to head off to the next stage of their educational journey! Approximately 60% of students were offered seats at universities in the top 25 ranked national and international institutions. Today we can share that our students will matriculate at:

  • University of Pennsylvania (2), Duke University (2), Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, Cornell University, University of Michigan, Georgetown University (2), Emory University, University of Southern California, NYU (2), Boston University, Northeastern (2), George Washington University, Barnard College (2), Colgate University, Haverford College, Skidmore College, Stevens Institute of Technology, Chapman University, and Cooper Union.

Our Class of 2024 posed on the roof during their senior year. Photo Credit: Danny Dolan at www.dannydolan.com

Celebrating Accomplishments

Throughout the 2023-2024 school year one thing remained the same— student accomplishments across all grades continued to reaffirm the vision behind all that we have built here in Brooklyn. Our educators took pride in providing structure and stability to support content mastery. 

Our students continued to excel at their studies and outside the classroom, our students’ accomplishments made us incredibly proud. An overview of 2023–2024 student accolades and significant developments follows.

Fine Arts

  • Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition: Our students were recognized yet again with many honors this year. One National Gold Key in photography was awarded to Mateo K. ’25; Yuna S. ’24 received a National Silver Key for her work in Digital Art. Many other students were recognized with regional awards: 7 Gold Keys, 6 Silver Keys, and 9 honorable mentions in photography, digital art, painting, and drawing illustration.
  • Our Upper School Choir was invited to perform at Radio City Music Hall before the Christmas Spectacular once again! They won top honors at the Hershey Park Choral Festival as well!
  • High School Choir and Band were invited to play at Universal Studios as part of the Disney Music Series.
  • Our Spring Musical SpongeBob was a rave hit. Upper School drama performances in elective classes were a wonderful celebration of creativity all year long.
  • Our entire Fine Arts team hosted wonderful festivals before Winter Break and at the end of the school year.  

National Scholastic Arts Gold Key winning photo by Mateo K. ’25

Humanities/Social Sciences

  • High School Debate Team won 1st place in team and 1st place speaker in the NYC Urban Debate League Championships.
  • Our Middle School Debate Club tied for 3rd place in the New York Debate League Championships.
  • The Grizzly Co-Editors-in-Chief founded our initial chapter of Quill and Scroll International Journalism honor society, initiating six student journalists.
  • Our Bears won 1st place team in the very competitive K-5 U1200 division at the Primary Chess National Championships! Our K-5 U900 team came in 7th place, and our team of two in K-3 U700 tied for 16th place with just two students. This news came on the heels of winning big at the New York State Championship. There were many, many other chess accolades throughout the year.
  • On the National Latin Exam, Abraham G. ‘29 earned a gold medal, Indi S. ’29 a silver. One of our Grade 6 students Dylan C. was recognized by both the American Classical Association and National Junior Latin League for receiving a perfect score. Four students received gold medals, ten received silver medals in Grade 6 this year as well!
  • This year we launched our inaugural Quiz Bowl team under the leadership of Mr. Koppel. The team performed well in their first year and look forward to picking up steam in the fall!

Our Chess Team at Nationals. Photo credit: Ian West of ICN

Math/Science

  • Our MATHCOUNTS team came in 1st Place in Brooklyn regionals and went on to compete at the New York State Championships. Special shout out to Michael S. ’28 who won top individual honors in Brooklyn. Coach Hughes was very proud of them.
  • The largest group of students ever sat for the MATH KANGAROO assessment for younger grades across both our campuses and comprised our largest group yet to receive accolades from the organization.
  • NOETIC Math accolades poured in with national winners across several grades across both of our campuses.
  • Our school won both 2nd and 3rd Place in New York State TEAMS competition. Thank you to Physics teacher and coach Josh Winter for continuing to grow the team.

Our Lower School Cubs proudly posing with their NOETIC math ribbons and medals.

Sports

  • Our Middle School Baseball team won the CSAA league championship after an incredible first season under Coach Starks. Go Bears!!!
  • Our Middle School Girls Volleyball Team won the CSAA Region 3 Championships!!! Coach Nalipinski was incredibly proud of her players, who participated in this middle school division for the first time.
  • CSAA Boys and Girls Track Team: Our Bears had a great season, and the High School team took home 3rd Place in the CSAA Region 3 championship. Given this was their first season, we could not be prouder of them!
  • Our CSAA Boys Varsity Soccer team made the league playoffs and we were very proud of their determination and drive during the year.
  • CSAA Girls Volleyball made the playoffs after a tremendous fall season with Coach Nalipinski.
  • CSAA Co-ed JHS Flag Football team finished 2nd place in the league! Team spirit could not be stronger, and we want to thank families for showing up consistently to cheer on our Bears.

Coach Starks and our middle school baseball team won 1st place in their league.

Community Involvement

  • This year our high school team arranged a Third Annual Day of Service in the fall to bring our community together and make a difference locally.
  • Our National Honor and National Junior Honor Society students dedicated more than 2,000 hours to service projects this year!
  • Back-to-School Textbook Exchange – Families donated nearly 3,300 textbooks and others bought used textbooks to benefit the Red Hook Art Project.
  • 500 coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and blankets as well as 200 care packages were assembled to support Red Hook’s Redemption Church community.
  • Our Lower School Cubs created more than 100 toiletry kits around the holidays to share with families in Red Hook through Redemption Red Hook Church.
  • Our community created more than 100 Thanksgiving cards for Heights and Hills to deliver with their Thanksgiving meals to seniors.
  • Our Primary School assembled more than 300 bedtime bags for asylum-seeking families through Project Rousseau!
  • Our High School students formed a chapter of JASA at the school with 16 student members who collectively spent 200 hours spending time with nursing home residents and participating in projects to support them.


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

Looking Ahead

Without community, academic success is temporary and limited. We have made significant growth as a community this year, and it is our priority to support and grow in the year ahead. Cultivating mutual respect and trust is key for our school after ten years in Brooklyn.

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

As we close our thoughts on the year, we want to salute our Class of 2024 for their leadership in shaping our sense of community and traditions at our school. We are grateful to them and want them to know they always have a place here. What we want to ask from our alumni and parents is help to provide professional advice and even connect our students after they graduate to internships and opportunities. This coming year we will be expanding our mentorship program, and we need the help of our community to open doors for our wonderful students.

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

Sincerely,

Josh Harmon and Rose Miller-Sims

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. 

Fall 2025: The Admissions Process

by Leave a Comment

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! 

We are excited to know you are considering BASIS Independent Bellevue, a Grades 3 – 9 (expanding through Grade 12 over the next several years) private school. 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 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*

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

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. 

Step 5: Student Evaluation

Students will register for a BASIS Independent Schools In-Person Entrance Exam. This evaluation allows 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 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 blv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Fall 2025: The Admissions Process

by Leave a Comment

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

by Leave a Comment

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

by Leave a Comment

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.