Lower School

Extending Love of the Arts at Home: Creating A Home Art & Makerspace for Your Children

November 21, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

At our Lower School Coffee with School Leadership meeting in November, Visual Arts and Engineering teacher Ms. Nicole Porter delved into ways families can set up an art and makerspace at home. Her advice can help inspire our Lower School families to think of ways of setting up creative spaces that can engage students well into winter break and beyond.

“The number one question I am consistently asked in my meetings with families is how to nurture a love of art and creativity at home without letting art supplies and artwork take over,” shared Ms. Porter, who has led Visual Arts and Engineering as a Subject Expert Teacher at our Lower School campus for more than three years. Previously, Ms. Porter was an Early Education Teacher leading one of our PreK elements.

“Parents want to know how they can encourage the creativity and imagination we see in the classroom at home,” shared Ms. Porter. “In the Lower School Art Studio, students have access to multiple art materials and recycled items to utilize as they create from their imagination. Identifying a space for artmaking at home where children have materials at arm’s reach will inspire children to freely create at home. This can be as simple as a mat to set out at the dining room table and a caddy of supplies, or even a rolling cart, that your child can help to organize and maintain.”

Living in New York City presents unique challenges for families wanting to create creative spaces for their children. Establishing a dedicated area for artistic expression and creativity is invaluable for your child’s development, and it is well worth the effort. Here’s how to create an effective art and makerspace at home for your Pre-K to Grade 2 child based on Ms. Porter’s expert guidance.

Finding Your Space

Even in compact NYC living spaces, carving out a creative corner is possible. Consider some of the following ideas:

Repurposing part of a dining table with a washable tablecloth that kids can use for drawing and painting
Setting up a small table in a corner of your child’s bedroom dedicated to art and crafts
Setting up a rolling cart full of supplies that can be moved as needed
Creating a “maker bin”
- This is a box containing some materials to upcycle: toilet paper and paper towel tubes, interesting paper, scissors, tape, glue, and some crafty notions: googly eyes, rhinestones, and stickers. Also, add in some tempera Kwik Sticks or a few markers that can be carried to whatever space is available. This is very similar to what is used at school and quite manageable in any apartment or home.

Consistency of location helps establish the routine of creative work, even if the space isn’t permanent.

Setting Up with Organization

In smaller living spaces, organization becomes crucial:

Consider using vertical storage with wall-mounted organizers or pegboards
Label containers clearly with words and pictures for young learners
Separate “self-serve” materials from “ask first” supplies that are messier
- For example, tempera paint sticks may be a good “self-serve” option for your child, while liquid tempera paints are an “ask-first” item that requires more guidance to set up and to clean up.
Consider transparent containers so children can see what’s available
Pens and pencils sorted into cool and warm color cups will help children to explore color choices
Review and model expectations for using individual art materials at home
Start with just a few materials and gradually add more to the art space
Establish a rotation system to keep the space fresh without overwhelming

“Self-serve” ideas – with set guidelines, children can use independently:

Tempera Paint sticks like Kwik Sticks
Washable markers and colored pencils *(separated by warm and cool colors)
Black markers for outlining
Pencils
Scissors
Glue stick
Copy, Mixed Media Drawing 60# plus, and construction paper
Found materials from family adventures for collage, etc.
Sticky rhinestones and other treasures
Colorful craft and washi tape rolls
Stickers: dot stickers in assorted colors are fun and versatile

More possible “self-serve” items:

Watercolor paint set with a spill-free water cup and 3-4 quality brushes of different sizes
Tissues to blot paint
Model magic or clay
Rubber stamps

“Ask-first” ideas:

Paints
Strong craft glues
Clay
The list is endless…

City-Specific Material Collection Ideas

New York City offers unique opportunities for gathering creative materials:

Collect fallen leaves and found materials from family adventures
Gather interesting papers from packaging the neighborhood and stores
Visit your local art supply shop for some amazing supply options
- Pro Tip: Stagger giving supplies to your child, so children have time to explore and learn to use different art materials. This will also keep your child interested, creating and minimizing the potential for a mess. Less is more when you are creating a materials setup that your child will be using “self-serve.” The goal is for your child to freely take, use, clean up, and return materials.

Creating Cleanup Systems That Work in Small Spaces

The goal here is to facilitate independent painting at home by establishing a routine for cleaning brushes and mixing paints that will maintain your child’s pallet of color while they paint. With a clean brush the dark colors will not cover the brighter colors that you child may desire to paint a sun or the sky. Children can create the colorful work they intend to and still enjoy the excitement of mixing new colors! In school, our motto for painting is: Swish, Wipe, Blot. This reminds artist to clean their brush between paint colors.

In homes where space is at a premium:

Use washable art smocks to protect clothing
Create visual set-up cleanup charts with photos for painting
Designate an area to mix paint colors so your child maintains their color palette in the paint box
Designate a drying area for wet artwork
- It is best to dry paint and wet work flat, if possible, so it does not run and drip. A small wooden drying rack is versatile for materials and paper storage as well.
Establish simple routines and verbal reminders to help keep materials fresh and organized
- These are a few verbal reminders we use in Art class:
  - Artists of all ages often work on multiple projects at onceIn class,
  we say: “I put things back where I found them, as I found them.”When painting,
  - remember to ‘Swish-Wipe and Blot’ the brush between colors
  - “Snap that cap” (for markers)
Consider using washable materials when possible

Displaying Art in NYC Apartments

The artwork created by students should be displayed for students to take pride in what they create and inspire creative displays at home. Here are some ways to do this without student art from taking over your house:

Create monthly or seasonal art notebooks of like sized papers with a construction paper cover. Hold it together with 3 binder clips as used at school. This is a great way to keep project together, and it also makes them easy to store
Use magnetic strips on the refrigerator or a metal board
Install a clothesline with clips along a wall
Dedicate a small wall space as a rotating gallery
Take photos of three-dimensional creations before disassembling

Ms. Porter loves to talk about any and all ideas—even brainstorming with parents. She is the proud parent of two children who grew up in Brooklyn, so she knows the benefit of creating a vibrant art and makerspace that works within your home.

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.

More Than a STEM School: Highlighting Our Humanities Curriculum

November 21, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, our reputation for excellence in math and science is well-established. Families often choose us because they know their children will master calculus, physics, and engineering years ahead of national averages.

However, a truly exceptional education requires more than STEM mastery. We are a Liberal Arts school with a distinct focus on STEM, and that distinction shapes every classroom. The same high standards that define our science labs are present in our English and history courses.

Our mission is to cultivate well-rounded students who are as confident analyzing a complex novel as they are solving a differential equation.

two elementary school students read a book together

Why a Content-Rich Curriculum Matters

Our unique approach and advanced academics are supported by research and cognitive science. Studies, such as those highlighted in “The Knowledge Gap” by Natalie Wexler, demonstrate that early exposure to a deep, content-rich curriculum is the key to long-term academic success.

Wexler’s research confirms what we see in our classrooms: when students build a broad base of knowledge in history, geography, and literature starting in the early years, they develop superior reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. This foundation empowers them to excel in high-level courses later on.

This is why we believe in and uphold our curriculum. From PreK through grade 12, every subject is an opportunity to challenge students and expand their understanding of the world.

Consistency Across the Board

To ensure our humanities program consistently meets these high standards, we have made a strategic investment in our curriculum. We have adopted the Savvas/Pearson program for our core English and history instruction. This resource provides the robust structure and depth necessary to support our advanced learning outcomes.

This alignment ensures that rigor is a constant across every grade level.

two male elementary school students read a picture book together

Building the Foundation: In the Lower School, we focus on critical reading and writing. Even our youngest students in PreK and kindergarten are engaging with texts that ask them to think, not just decode.
Advanced Placement Readiness: Our humanities courses are taught a grade level ahead. This intentional pacing challenges students to take on sophisticated ideas earlier, preparing them for the demands of AP coursework in high school.
Connecting Disciplines: By coordinating our curriculum, we create opportunities for students to see connections between subjects. A history lesson on the Industrial Revolution might overlap with a science unit on energy, deepening understanding in both areas.

high school students in English class doing an activity with notecards spread across the floor

Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Preparing for High-Level Coursework

Our grade 4 students recently explored New York State Native American history. Rather than simply memorizing facts, they built detailed dioramas and wrote analytical explanations of tribal societies.

This project required them to use their research and writing skills along with hands-on creativity to connect geography, culture, and economics—the exact kind of multidimensional thinking they will need for future AP History courses.

female student pointing to her diorama project in a shoe box with typed text on the top and then the native american society landscape inside the box.

Voices from the Classroom

The heart of our program is our faculty. Our teachers are subject matter experts who are passionate about their fields and their students.

Abigail Bandarenko (Director of Student Affairs, Lower School PreK—5)

Ms. Bandarenko brings a wealth of experience to her leadership role, holding a dual master’s degree in elementary education and literacy from Bank Street and a bachelor’s in English. Having served as a Subject Expert Teacher in humanities herself, she possesses a deep, practical understanding of how literacy develops in the classroom.

Ms. Bandarenko interacts smiling with two early learning program students

“In my role, I see firsthand how a strong foundation in literacy powers everything else. At its core, literacy is the ability to communicate clear understanding through language to express needs and ideas. By fostering these skills in the early years, we give students the tools to succeed in every subject, from science to history. It’s not just about reading and writing. It’s about equipping students to be confident communicators and curious, capable learners for life.”

Ms. Bond discussing topics with a student.

Emma Bond (English Subject Expert Teacher, Upper School grades 9—12)

Ms. Bond’s expertise is grounded in her academic background in English and theology, as well as her immersive study of Shakespeare and philosophy at the University of Oxford. With five years of teaching experience, she brings a rigorous, scholarly approach to her high school English classes.

“In our Upper School English courses, we go far beyond plot summaries. We dive into the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of great literature. Whether we are reading Shakespeare or modern dystopian fiction, students are learning to analyze arguments, understand nuance, and articulate their own unique perspectives. These are the skills that shape future leaders.”

The Full Picture of Academic Excellence

True academic success is about balance. The critical thinking skills developed in a rigorous humanities seminar make our students better scientists, just as the logic learned in math makes them sharper writers.

We invite you to see this dynamic education in action. Come explore how BASIS Independent Manhattan prepares students for future success in the real world.

Nurturing Hearts and Minds: How Social-Emotional Learning Shapes Students at BASIS Independent Bellevue

November 21, 2025 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we believe that academic excellence and emotional intelligence go hand in hand. While our students are challenged daily to think critically, solve complex problems, and explore advanced subjects, we also recognize that success is more than a grade report. That is why social-emotional learning (SEL) is an essential part of our educational philosophy.

Through school-wide initiatives, campus events, and counseling resources, we intentionally cultivate a school culture that helps students develop skills that prepare them to become effective and compassionate future leaders.

What Is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?

Social-emotional learning is the process through which people acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to:

Understand and manage emotions
Set and achieve positive goals
Feel and show empathy for others
Establish and maintain positive relationships
Make responsible decisions

These competencies—outlined by organizations like CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning)—form the foundation for emotional well-being and effective learning. SEL is not an “extra” in education; it’s the connective tissue that helps students thrive holistically.

Why SEL Matters

Today’s students navigate a world that is fast-paced and constantly evolving. While preparing students to rise to these challenges with their academics is vital, it can only be possible with the skills acquired during social-emotional learning. In fact, research consistently shows that SEL leads to improved academic outcomes, stronger relationships, and better long-term well-being (CASEL, 2023).

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we see SEL as a way to help students:

Build Confidence: By learning self-management and goal-setting, students gain the courage to take on challenges and learn from setbacks.
Foster Empathy: Understanding perspectives different from their own creates more inclusive and caring classrooms.
Strengthen Resilience: When students learn how to navigate emotions, they are better equipped to handle stress, transitions, and the natural ups and downs in childhood.

School-Wide Initiatives: PurposeFull People and CharacterStrong

To make SEL meaningful and scaffolded across grade levels, BASIS Independent Bellevue implements two research-based programs: PurposeFull People and CharacterStrong.

PurposeFull People, designed for younger learners, introduces foundational social and emotional skills in age-appropriate, engaging ways. Lessons and classroom activities help students explore monthly themes like responsibility, respect, cooperation, and gratitude. Students learn to name their emotions, communicate effectively, and practice empathy—all skills that create a strong foundation for holistic success. This program is delivered daily during a dedicated social-emotional learning time by our Learning Expert Teachers.

For our middle and high school students, CharacterStrong focuses on developing character and leadership through intentional practice. Weekly lessons are delivered by our Academic Enrichment teachers during a dedicated time called Mountaineer Monday. These lessons emphasize skills vital to being a Mountaineer at BASIS Independent Bellevue, such as kindness, patience, honesty, and perseverance. While our campus is united each month on the focused theme across all grade-spans, our older students take this learning to a deeper level. Rather than treating character as a one-time topic, CharacterStrong integrates these values into the rhythm of life as a young person. Setting goals for the future, discovering passions, and building resilience are central to the learning process.

Together, these programs ensure that every student, from our youngest learners to our middle schoolers, is guided through a consistent SEL framework that grows with them.

SEL in Action at BASIS Independent Bellevue

While we value setting aside intentional time to learn these skills, we recognize that SEL is not confined to a single class period—it is integrated into the daily life of our school. Our educators intentionally model the skills that we want students to develop. You will also see SEL at work when students collaborate on group projects, lead class discussions, or persevere through challenging assignments.

Beyond that, community-building events further help students connect their learning to a larger purpose—understanding how their actions affect others and how they can contribute positively to their community. The Food Drive benefitting our local Renewal Food Bank is an example of how students can put our theme of Gratitude into action during the month of November. Throughout the school year, the Student Affairs team promotes social-emotional learning through exciting and engaging campus events, such as Unity Week and Kindness Week. They also positively reinforce our school’s core values of Perseverance, Active, Community, and Empathy (P.A.C.E.) through weekly announcements and student recognition.

School Counseling Resources

Many students gain the necessary and lifelong social-emotional skills through our campus-wide learning opportunities. However, not every student is the same, which is why we recognize the importance of meeting each student where they are at. Through school counseling services, students who would benefit from additional support can feel empowered to overcome obstacles in their educational journey.

An engaging and collaborative support resource we offer for students is small group counseling. During weekly meetings, students build important skills together while increasing feelings of belonging and community. For more individualized support, students can participate in school counseling meetings aimed at helping them have more effective education and relationships within the school community. Possible counseling topics are coping with changes, transition, self-esteem, friendship and relationship issues, study skills, stress management, fears or worries, conflict resolution, social skills, adjustment to school, and more. It is common for young people to face a number of these challenges, and we are committed to helping them through difficult times.

Family Partnership

When students learn how to manage their emotions, show empathy, and act with integrity, they become not only better learners but also better friends, teammates, and leaders. These are the attributes that will serve them well both in and out of school settings. This is why partnerships with parents and caregivers is vital to the work we do at BASIS Independent Bellevue.

We prioritize sending home newsletters and conversation topics for families based upon the focused theme of the month. By following along, parents can have well-informed discussions with their student as we work together to nurture these essential skills. Parents can also tune into quarterly webinars to learn more about relevant topics related to social, emotional, and mental health.

A Foundation for Lifelong Success

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, our mission extends beyond preparing students for academic achievement—it is about nurturing thoughtful, compassionate individuals who are ready to make a positive impact in the world.

By empowering students to understand themselves and others, we give them the tools to build meaningful lives rooted in purpose and connection.

References:

Making the case for SEL. Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). (2023, June 1). https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/how-can-you-make-the-case-for-sel/

A Day in the Life of a Grade 4 LET – Ms. Strider!

October 23, 2025 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

My name is Ms. Strider and I am the Grade 4 LET (Learning Expert Teacher) at BASIS Independent Bellevue. I stay with my class of students throughout the day, supporting both their academic development and personal growth. While Grade 4 students follow a full schedule similar to upper grades, my role is to help them build responsibility and independence as they prepare for Grade 5. I work closely with our Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) to collaboratively teach each subject, ensuring lessons are engaging and connected across disciplines. Because I see my students in every class, I gain a deep understanding of their learning needs and strengths. This allows me to form meaningful relationships with families and provide thoughtful, and accurate updates on student progress throughout the year.

My day with Grade 4 begins at 7:55 AM when I pick my students up from the multi-purpose room and we head to our lockers to get ready for our day. Students get to say hello to their friends each morning, catch each other up on their fencing practice or dance rehearsal, and get the last of their wiggles out before it is time for class.

Period 1: Science with Ms. Delp!

The first five minutes of each class look fairly similar throughout the day. Students are filling out their CJs (communication journals) and following any directions on the board as a warm up. In Science, students’ daily warm up is to copy down the notes from the board into their science folders so they have all the necessary information ready to go when it is time for a discussion or to start collecting data. Ms. Delp and I work together to provide Grade 4 students with materials, guidelines, and data points for a variety of different scientific activities. In the first month of school, we have measured our wingspans and compared our lengths to that of birds, tested if double stuffed Oreos are actually doubled stuffed, and explored surface tension by adding singular water droplets to pennies. Once we have our notes, completed our experiments, and graphed our data, it is time to clean up, pack up, and line up for our next class.

Period 2: Specials—Music, Art, Drama or Engineering!

Primary students have a variety of specials throughout the week. This morning’s special is Engineering with Ms. DiBattista! Our Specials classes look different than the classic LET/SET model. During these classes, I sometimes work with small groups of students in various levels of reading groups conduct interventions or enrichment. Today, I pulled a few of my students to conduct a reading intervention activity, while the rest of my class did an engineering lesson with Ms. DiBattista. Students’ reading levels are decided by our process of reading assessments that happen once per trimester. With that data, students are placed into small groups, of 3–5 students, and work directly with me on various reading strategies such as identifying the main idea, providing text evidence, or determining character motivation. Building these skills will help students in English class, advance their literacy skills, and most importantly, allow them to be able to read and understand texts independently.

Period 3: English with Ms. Tseng!

Just like in Science class, students begin class by filling out their CJ’s, noting any homework or upcoming assessments, and working independently on their warm ups. Ms. Tseng and I usually collect this work and begin getting students ready for their Novel Study. Currently, we are reading The Phantom Tollbooth! We take turns reading pages in the book between Ms. Tseng, myself, and the students. Learning to annotate texts is a skill we are building and growing in Grade 4. The Phantom Tollbooth is great practice for these skills, as it has several settings and characters. Ms. Tseng may pause the reading to point out a vocabulary word that we need to write down. I may also pause when we meet a new character to take notes about their description and add a sticky note annotation. English class flies by when everyone is so invested in the story! Time to clean up, pack up, and line up for lunch and recess.

Period 5: Math with Ms. Tessler!

These consistent classroom routines make a huge difference in the lives of the students and the teachers. No matter what subject, students know exactly how each class is going to start and exactly what each teacher is expecting their behaviors should be. Grade 4 enters math class, fills out their CJs, and begins their math warm up. Math warm ups are usually a set of problems covering material that we learned the day before. I will go over the warm up with the class, model the work on the board, and answer any questions. Ms. Tessler will get the class set up and ready for notes in their math notebooks. As students are taking notes or working on their independent math assignment, this is a great time for me to look for students who are exhibiting qualities of P.A.C.E (perseverance, active, community, and empathy). Students who show one or more of these qualities at any time during the day receive a PACE Pass. Students turn in their earned passes to the front office to enter the grade level weekly raffle for a chance to win a small prize every Friday. Once all of our daily math tasks have been completed, it is time to clean up, pack up, and line up!

Period 6: Specials or Mandarin!

Three days of the week, Grade 4 has Mandarin class. There are two different Mandarin classes that students are sorted into from the beginning of the year based on ability-level. I do not attend Mandarin class, so I spend this time meeting with SETs, planning reading groups, or having an extra cup of coffee and a snack.

However, this afternoon is Drama with Mr. Mullens! Once all of the students have entered the drama space, filled out their CJs, and listened to Mr. Mullens’ daily expectations, I begin pulling another round of small reading groups. Groups can meet once, twice, or three times a week depending on students’ needs for reading and decoding texts. In Drama class, students are working in three different casts to write their own scripts for the upcoming spring performance. Even though some students are pulled away during the script writing, the entire cast works collaboratively and is able to quickly and effectively fill in any students upon their return to the classroom.

AE (Academic Enrichment) Time!

All students Grade 4 and above have a 20-minute AE period each afternoon. There are a variety of ways to spend a Grade 4 AE period: study hall, brain breaks, or most often, SEL (Social Emotional Learning), lessons and activities. For our SEL lessons we utilize a program called CharacterStrong at BASIS Independent Bellevue. Each month is centered around a character trait theme—October’s is Responsibility. Throughout the month, our class engages in mini-lessons, discussions, videos, and games designed to help students learn about and practice being responsible in their daily lives. Because academic expectations are high on this campus–even in the primary grades–it’s important to remind students that they are more than their grades, and that being a kid is about learning and growing in all areas of life.

Period 7: History with Ms. Rieger!

Our last core class of the day, but procedures and expectations remain the same. Students enter the classroom quietly, fill out their CJs with today’s topic, homework, and upcoming tests. Warm ups in History require students to have their binders and answer the questions on the board neatly on a piece of notebook paper. When the five–minute timer goes off, I read each question with the students and go over the answers. Often in this course there is some background information to read before students can dive deep into the new content, analyze cause and effects, and collect evidence. At the beginning of class I will read the passages with the students and have some student helpers annotate for vocabulary and important details. Then Ms. Rieger will share her slides, photographs, or stories about the time period we are focusing on and begin to ask critical thinking questions to the class. After notes, worksheets, or discussions, it is time to clean up, pack up, and line up once again.

Period 8: PE with Coach Shelp!

“Welcome to your favorite class!” is the way Coach Shelp begins PE. This class is different from Art, Music, and Drama because I always attend PE with my class. PE is a great way to get moving and learn about sportsmanship. Students begin each PE class by jogging some laps around the gym. Once we are warmed up, it is time to play—dodgeball, soccer, pickleball and more! We congratulate our teammates and exchange kind words with our opponents. Time flies in PE and then it is time to grab all of our belongings from our lockers and go home!

After all of my students have been picked up from dismissal, I meet with my co-teaching SETs to collaborate on lessons for the following week. After school you will find me at home in the coziest pajamas crocheting or snuggling with my cat. Another great day in Grade 4!

The Future is Now in Session—Attend our Fall Open Houses!

October 3, 2025 by alexlevin Leave a Comment

If you are in the process of looking for an exceptional education for your child, we would like to help you cut through the clutter and hone in on what is important to you – finding a place that balances world-class academics in a supportive and joyful learning environment. Welcome to BASIS Independent Manhattan, a top ranked PreK-grade 12 private school in NYC, that offers students a blend of liberal arts and STEM in an internationally inspired program.

The perfect way to optimize your time searching is to step inside our school, interact with our incredible teachers, and have your questions answered by current parents and students.

This can all be accomplished in under a couple of hours on one weekend morning at the BASIS Independent Manhattan Fall Open Houses:

Lower School (PreK – Grade 5) Open House
Sunday, November 16 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
795 Columbus Ave., New York (Upper West Side)

Upper School (Grades 6 – 12) Open House
Saturday, November 15 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
556 West 22nd St., New York (Chelsea)

Our November Open Houses are the perfect opportunity to discover our campuses in person, learn about our world-class, advanced BASIS Curriculum, and participate in live mini-classroom demonstrations with our talented and dedicated Learning and Subject Expert Teachers. Your students will have plenty of fun to enjoy, too! As always, students are welcome and encouraged to attend our Open Houses.

In addition, the best way to learn about a school is through the unfiltered perspectives of current parents and students. We provide a panel of student and parent ambassadors for you to hear from directly about their BASIS Independent Manhattan experience. Bring your top questions.

We invite you to join our Open Houses – Register today!

What will a BASIS Independent Manhattan Open House look like?

Doors will open at 9:30 AM, and we encourage families to arrive as close to this time as possible. There will be light refreshments and an opportunity to mingle with our Wildcat Student Ambassadors, Parent Ambassadors, and staff. The event will begin promptly at 10:00 AM (but if you have to arrive later, that is totally fine. We would rather you join us!).

Following a welcome from our leadership, all attendees will receive a schedule tailored to the grade level of interest. Then you will head off to see mini and interactive demonstrations led by our teachers. You will step inside the classrooms to see them come alive. Simultaneously, there will be rooms where you can ask questions and hear about the student experience directly from current families. This portion of the program will continue until 12:00 PM, and we hope that you can stay for the entirety of the event to take full advantage of the experience and leave with a complete understanding of our school, the curriculum, culture, and community.

We look forward to welcoming families and introducing you to a school designed for 21st Century Learning

Meet Our Teachers: Featured Educators from Our Community

September 25, 2025 by sarahpeterson Leave a Comment

This month, our annual Meet the Teacher Night brought BASIS Independent Fremont families together to explore our campus and gain valuable insights into the learning environment that shapes their children’s educational experience. Our teachers opened their classroom doors wide, sharing their passion for education and giving parents that coveted “inside scoop” on what makes learning at BASIS Independent Fremont so special. While Meet the Teacher Night gave a taste of what’s in store, we wanted to take this opportunity to dive deeper and introduce you to three of our exceptional teachers who are making a tremendous impact on our students’ lives.

Getting to Know Our Incredible Educators

Mr. Kasper: Engineering Wonder and Curiosity

Our beloved Engineering Subject Expert Teacher for grades TK–4, Mr. Kasper, has been a cornerstone of our school community for years. His passion for education was cultivated during 17 years of teaching in South Korea, where he discovered his true calling working with elementary students.

What makes Mr. Kasper truly special is his infectious curiosity—the same quality he loves nurturing in his students. “I love teaching because every question from a curious child and every spark of creativity in their work reminds me that learning is not just about answers—it’s about the joy of discovery,” he shares.

In his Engineering classes, students dive into the Engineering Design Process, tackling age-appropriate projects that seamlessly blend math, science, and technology. Through hands-on, real-world challenges, our young engineers learn how to solve problems with tangible benefits while developing crucial STEM literacy skills.

Ms. Bhora: Individualized Excellence in Our New Role

This year, we’re thrilled to introduce Ms. Bhora in her new position as our Specialist Expert Teacher—a role we created specifically to enhance individualized instruction across subjects. After serving as an exceptional Grade 3 Learning Expert Teacher, Ms. Bhora was the natural choice for this important position.

With over 13 years of teaching experience and five years as part of our BASIS Independent Fremont family, Ms. Bhora brings a wealth of expertise to her new role, focusing on academic enrichment in math and English, intervention programs, and support for our Learning Expert Teachers.

“The beautiful thing about working one-on-one is that every student’s path looks different. My job is to help them discover their own way to reach their goals,” Ms. Bhora explains, perfectly capturing the essence of personalized learning.

Ms. Bhora’s approach creates exactly what she believes children need most: a safe, loving, nurturing, and challenging environment where every student can thrive.

Ms. Vicky: Bringing Mandarin to Life

New to our campus this year, Ms. Vicky joins us as one of our Mandarin Subject Expert Teachers, bringing over 20 years of experience in language education and an infectious passion for making Mandarin accessible and exciting.

Born and raised in Taiwan, with educational roots in New Zealand and nearly two decades of experience in the U.S., Ms. Vicky brings a truly global perspective to her classroom. Her expertise spans from preschool through 9th grade, and she’s even the co-founder of the “Fun Learning Mandarin” YouTube channel.

“Starting somewhere new is always an adventure, but the enthusiasm I see from students here makes me confident we’re going to build something amazing together,” Ms. Vicky shares with the optimism that defines her teaching approach.

Through songs, stories, games, and hands-on activities, Ms. Vicky creates an immersive Mandarin experience that connects students not just to language skills but to the rich culture and customs of Mandarin-speaking regions.

Our Meet the Teacher Night was just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary year of learning, discovery, and growth. These three educators, along with all our incredible teachers, are ready to inspire, challenge, and support every student on their unique educational journey.

Here’s to a year filled with curious questions, creative sparks, and amazing discoveries!

Learn more about our world-class educators here.

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

Fall Open Houses – Join Us!

September 5, 2025 by thealacrosse Leave a Comment

Autumn is approaching in Brooklyn, bringing with it cooler breezes, colorful leaves, and the energy of a new school year. For many, fall is a season of traditions and new beginnings, and here at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, it is no different.

Autumn signals the start of one of the most exciting times on our school calendar—admissions events. At the heart of this season are our Open Houses. These events are among the most meaningful opportunities of the year for future families to experience our classrooms, meet our teachers and leaders, hear from current students and parents, and see firsthand what makes our program so unique.

Please join us in person at one of our Open Houses on Saturday, September 27 (Grades 3-12) and Saturday, October 4 (PreK-Grade 2).

General Open House Structure:
For both Open Houses, doors will open at 9:30 a.m., and the event will last approximately until 12:00 p.m. ET. We welcome you to register and attend, even if you cannot stay for the entire event. Students are encouraged to join us, as well.

Open Houses begin with an introduction from our Head of School and an Open House overview. Then, families will be split up by grade level and enter our classrooms to meet our Learning Expert and Subject Expert Teachers. Open Houses also include a Parent and Student Panel, where you will be able to hear from current BASIS Independent Brooklyn families.

Please review the details below for additional information regarding the structure of each Open House:

GRADES 3-12:
Saturday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m. ET
556 Columbia Street, Red Hook

The Primary Program: Grades 3-5
Saturday, September 27

Visit with our Learning Expert and Subject Expect Teachers to learn about our unique two-teacher model (for grades 3—4). From math and science to humanities, Mandarin, music, and more, find out how we support students in developing study skills and spark a lifelong love for learning. You will also have the chance to learn about how these Bridge Years encourage autonomy, creativity, and confidence to help prepare your student for Middle School.

The Middle School Program: Grades 6-8
Saturday, September 27

In the Middle School Program, we focus on developing the academic, executive functioning, and self-advocacy skills needed for success in the high school years. Hear from our Subject Expert Teachers about how they inspire excellence inside and outside of the classroom. Plus, learn about the many athletic and academic competition teams, clubs, international trips, and more.

The High School Program: Grades 9-12
Saturday, September 27

Educating tomorrow’s great innovators, pioneers, and leaders requires a well-rounded curriculum – one with breadth and depth across academic disciplines. Meet students, faculty, and administrators as you and your child learn about high school at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, including our unique Senior Year program.

Parent and Student Panel

Our Upper School Open House will also include a Q&A panel that consists of BASIS Independent Brooklyn parents, students, and school leadership.

Refreshments

We will have light refreshments for the whole family.

PreK–GRADE 2:
Saturday, October 4 at 10:00 a.m. ET
405 Gold Street, Downtown Brooklyn

PreK & Kindergarten
Saturday, October 4

Learn about our Early Learning Program, where our youngest students grow. Hear from teachers, administrators, and parents about how BASIS Independent Brooklyn Lower School fosters curiosity, exploration, and creativity. Our passionate Subject Expert Teachers will show you what a day in the life looks like as they lead mini lessons in their vibrant rooms.

Grades 1-2:
Saturday, October 4

Visit with our Learning Expert and Subject Expect Teachers to learn about our unique two-teacher model. From math and science to humanities, Mandarin, music and more, find out how we support students in developing study skills and spark a lifelong love for learning. Our Subject Expert Teachers will lead mini lessons to help you get a feel for the engaging activities that take place in the classrooms. These sessions will also help you understand the transition to our Upper School campus in Grade 3.

Parent and Student Panel

Our Lower School Open House will also include a Q&A panel that consists of BASIS Independent Brooklyn parents, students, and school leadership.

Refreshments

We will have light refreshments for the whole family.

———-

Don’t miss this interactive experience! Click here to register for our Fall Open House. As you get ready for the fall season, we hope you choose to spend some of your time with us, getting to know our wonderful community.

2024-2025 Year-in-Review: BASIS Independent Brooklyn

August 31, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

Dear Families and Staff,

The summer months bring reflection that offers a vital pause—a time to transform our hindsight into foresight. Today, we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our students in our annual reflection, and we honor or Class of 2025 graduates from BASIS Independent Brooklyn as they embark on their university journeys.

Academic excellence unites every corner of our school. We harness data from across our BASIS Independent Schools network not just to measure progress, but also to illuminate paths forward. This is how we master both the art and science of education—turning insight into inspiration and potential into achievement.

This past school year, nearly 70% 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 Scholarship Finalists, Maxwell H. and Gustavo P., and we proudly celebrated three Commended Scholars: James R., Maxim S., and Ryan T. ’25.

We cheered on Gustavo P. ’25 for being named a Presidential Scholarship candidate, joining a total of nine seniors named to the distinction across our network. At the end of the year, we were thrilled to learn that Maxim S. ’25 won the Fellows Scholarship for the best Senior Project across our network. The award is an honor in and of itself and comes with a $10,000 scholarship to college.

Let’s also take a moment to reflect on our seventh graduating senior class! More than 60% of students were offered seats at universities in the top 30-ranked national and international institutions. Today, we can share that our students will matriculate at the following universities and colleges (listed by U.S. News rankings for national universities, liberal arts colleges, and then international universities):

Stanford University (2), Duke University, Northwestern University, Cornell University (3), Washington University in St. Louis, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Southern California, New York University, University of California-Irvine, Boston University, Rutgers University, University of Maryland, Purdue University (2), Northeastern University, American University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Hamilton College, Haverford College, and McGill University (2).

*Our Class of 2025 posed with Mr. Harmon, Mr. Brauch, and Mr. Yoon during the start of school last year.*

Celebrating Accomplishments

Throughout the 2024-2025 school year, one thing remained the same—student accomplishments across all grades reaffirmed the vision to hold ourselves to the highest standards. Our educators took pride in providing structure and stability to support content mastery.

Our students excelled in their studies, and their accomplishments outside the classroom made us incredibly proud. An overview of 2024–2025 student accolades and significant developments follows.

Fine Arts

Scholastic Arts and Writing Competition: Eight of Mr. Opirhory’s Digital Photography students were honored in the 2025 awards. Students were recognized with the following regional awards: 3 Gold Keys, 3 Silver Keys, and 2 Honorable Mentions in photography.
Our Upper School Choir was invited to perform at Radio City Music Hall before the Christmas Spectacular once again!
Band student Nicole J. ’28 received an “Outstanding” ranking by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for her solo flute audition, performing Sicilienne, Op. 78 by Gabriel Faure at Level 6, the highest degree of difficulty.
Choir student Katha A. ’30 received an “Outstanding” ranking by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) for her rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Our Spring Musical, Shrek, 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 at the Lower and Upper School hosted wonderful festivals before Winter Break and at the end of the school year.

*Scholastic Arts Gold Key Winning Photo “Old and New” by Henry B. ‘28*

Chess/Social Sciences/Languages

Our Bears won the 3rd-place team in the very competitive U1400 division at the Chess Super Nationals! Our K—Gr. 6 U100 team came in 9^th place, and Gr. 3 Milo S. went undefeated with 6 points to medal for second place in K—Gr. 3 Championships. There were many, many other chess accolades throughout the year.
Our Bears earned 6^th place in the 2025 All-Girls National Chess Championships in Chicago.
Our inaugural DECA Club headed to the NY State Competition in Rochester, making our school proud.
On the National Latin Exam, our students were decorated with honors: 6 students received Gold Summa Cum Laude, 9 students received Silver Maxima Cum Laude, 12 students received Magna Cum Laude, 13 students received Cum Laude recognition, and one Blue Certificate of Merit for the School.
Nearly all the students in Mr. Bedes’ High School French classes sat for and passed the French DELF (certification) A1, A2, or B1 exams through L’Alliance NY.
Mr. Bedes was proud to induct 16 members into our newly established French Honor Society.
In the Chinese Bridge Competition, Gr. 4 Scottie F. won 3^rd place in the Eastern Region. Two of our Gr. 3 students, Isabelle L. and Bathazar R., also received recognition!

*French Honor Society Induction Ceremony*

Math/Science

Our school won the New York State Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) competition for High School. Thank you to Physics teacher and coach Josh Winter for continuing to grow the team.
Our High School Robotics team Ori-Gen went to the Super Qualifier round of the FIRST Robotics Challenge after winning the Inspire Award 3^rd place regionally. It was their first year of competition, and we look forward to another great year ahead.
Once again, a large group of students sat for the MATH KANGAROO assessment for younger grades across both our campuses and comprised one of the largest groups yet to receive accolades from the organization.
NOETIC Math accolades poured in with national winners across several grades across both of our campuses!

*Our High School Science Team won 1^st place in the New York State TEAMS competition!*

Sports

Our Varsity Boys and Middle School Girls Tennis teams won the inaugural CPSAL Tennis Championships!
Our Middle School Flag Football team won the CPSAL League Championships after an incredible season. Go Bears!!!
Our Gr. 4-5 Co-ed Soccer Team won the CONSAT Championships. We are proud of our young student-athletes!
Our Middle School Boys won the CPSAL Indoor Track Championship, and our Middle School Girls came in 3^rd! High School Student Talia L. took first place in the Varsity Girls 1 mile and 800m.
CPSAL Boys and Girls Cross Country Team: Our Bears had a great season, and the High School Boys team took home 2nd Place, High School Girls placed 3^rd overall, and Middle School Boys placed 3^rd overall.
Our High School Flag Football and High School Boys Soccer teams made it to the league semi-finals
CSAA Varsity and JV School Volleyball Team, as well as High School Flag Boys Flag Football, made it to the league playoffs.
Our Varsity Girls Soccer Team had its first season, winning 2^nd place in the CPSAL Spring Classic Tournament.

Community Involvement

This year, our high school team arranged a Fourth Annual Day of Service in the fall to bring our community together and make a difference locally with nonprofits around Red Hook.
Our National Honor and National Junior Honor Society students dedicated more than 2,000 hours to service projects this year!
Our Lower and Upper school community donated hundreds of coats, scarves, hats, and more to our local Coat Drive in the fall.
Our community created more than 200 Thanksgiving cards for Heights and Hills to deliver with their Thanksgiving meals to seniors.
Students in our High School Program conducted a Red Hook Clean Up before Earth Day. They picked up 169 pounds of trash around the neighborhood.

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 under the guiding principles of BEARS–Belonging, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Service. Cultivating mutual respect and trust is key for our school after eleven 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 2025 for shaping our sense of community and traditions at our school. What we want to ask from our alumni and parents is to help provide professional advice and even connect our students after they graduate to internships and opportunities as part of our expanded mentorship program.

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 eleven years of educating students in Brooklyn. We truly look forward to the year ahead!

Tips for Transitioning Back to School

August 21, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

The excitement is building as our youngest learners at BASIS Independent Brooklyn prepare to embark on another year of discovery and growth. While these bright minds never cease to amaze us with their curiosity and resilience, we recognize that the transition from summer’s freedom to the classroom’s structure can stir up a mix of perfectly natural
emotions.

The shift from leisurely mornings and open-ended days to the rhythm of school life is one of childhood’s most significant seasonal changes. It’s an opportunity for growth, new friendships, and academic adventures that lie ahead.

Our Head of School for the Lower School, Ms. Miller-Sims, has gathered her most effective strategies from years of guiding our younger students through this important transition from her years as a school leader as well as a classroom teacher. These approaches will help transform any back-to-school butterflies into excitement for the learning journey ahead.

Reintroduce routines before the start of school.
Now is a great time to start resetting routines, particularly around bedtime. Going to bed a bit earlier will make the transition to an early bedtime during the school year less of a jolt. The more you talk to students about shifting to back-to-school schedules, the better. For younger students, consider starting up again the ritual of picking outfits out the night before. Practice using school materials, such as wearing a backpack, during the day. For older students, have a discussion of where they will do their homework this year. Make it fun for them. Let them know that this homework space is their own special grown-up area.
Talk to your students about making new friends.
Socialization is an important part of the development that occurs in school, and we know students need to stretch and grow in this area each year. Partner with the school by talking to your student about how exciting it is to meet new friends. We are trying to teach children a variety of skills, and learning how to meet and develop new friendships is important. The home-family connection can make a difference here.
Remember that your students take cues from you, so convey excitement about the new school year.
You may be nervous about how your child will separate, how your child will do in classes, or any number of issues. Try to push that worry aside and express excitement about the new school year. Talk about their great new teachers who will be teaching them, and how much they will learn. If you enjoyed school, then share your stories of meeting new teachers and getting new supplies and books. Students are sponges, picking up all the energy and feelings around them. They will reflect excitement about school if you do so genuinely.
Give your child something small that they can keep in their pocket to remind them of you during the school day.
For kids who have a difficult time separating, find a small stone, trinket, or a favorite soft item. You can tell them that they can think of you everything they rub it. Just be sure to keep the teacher in the loop that they have a special object on them.
Sit down together to look through class welcome letters.
Sit down with your child and read through parts of the welcome letter sent by their lead teacher for the year. These welcome letters will also contain a photo of the teacher, and that will be good to show your child before the first day of school. Practice saying their teacher’s name together.

For new families, we have new student orientation days to help with the transition. While the focus is on new student orientation, the events are also open to returning students who may also have nerves about the start of the school year.

School starts on Wednesday, September 3rd, and we look forward to seeing all our Cubs and Bears for a great year ahead!

Unlocking Potential: A Glimpse into Extracurricular Life at BASIS Independent Manhattan

August 12, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe that the best education is enhanced by extracurricular activities. Beyond the classroom, our extensive array of clubs, activities, and athletics plays a crucial role in fostering well-rounded individuals. Through exploring their passions, our students develop new skills and cultivate leadership in a supportive environment. As a PreK-Grade 12 private school in NYC, with our Lower School serving PreK-Grade 5 on the Upper West Side and our Upper School serving grades 6-12 in Chelsea, we offer diverse opportunities tailored to every age and interest.

two prek students participate in gardening club outside by pouring water on a tray of dirt

Read on to learn more about our exciting after-school activities, clubs, and sports, designed to enhance the academic journey and build a stronger sense of self. For an in-depth look at our full program offerings, please visit our dedicated pages for Clubs & Activities and Sports & Athletics.

Lower School Extracurriculars:

Cultivating Early Passions (PreK-Grade 5)

four lower school boy students stand in basketball poses wearing their wildcat jerseys

On the Upper West Side, our Lower School students choose from a selection of after-school programming to pursue their interests in sports, art, music, science, technology, and more! We continuously expand our offerings, aiming to inspire broad participation among our young Wildcats.

Some of our super-popular clubs that return year-after-year include:

Basketball
Cheer-Gymnastics
Chess
Drama (Putting on a fully staged musical production)
Piano
Soccer
Speech & Debate
Tech & Lighting (for the Drama Club’s musical)
Tennis

engineering and robotics club building lego robots

girl students make cheer gymnastics pyramid with pompoms

We also have the best teachers, who are not only expert educators and passionate about the subjects they teach, but they also run after-school programs. These teacher-led clubs are some of our most popular! While building strong teacher-student relationships, participants have unique opportunities for exploration in:

Drama
Clay World
Comic Book Writing
Fashion & Photography
Figure Drawing
Gardening
Pokémon
Set & Costume Design (for the Drama Club’s musical)

The primary goal behind our Lower School’s extracurricular design is to foster curiosity, skill-building, creativity, and exposure to new areas beyond the classroom. We also actively curate our programs to meet the majority of requests from our families, based on our annual surveys.

students as the sharks hold a pose perform drama club musical finding nemo

the three student leads of finding nemo sing the finale

Success & Highlights:

Last year, we saw 82% of our PreK–K students and 76% of our grade 1–5 students engage in these enriching programs, a testament to their appeal and impact. A notable success we are particularly proud of is the Lower School Drama Club, which consistently sells out its shows and fosters cross-club collaboration. We are also proud of our popular Tennis and Piano clubs, which always have a full roster of students.

bar chart showing participation percentages for lower school students

woman with violin in front of a table of musical materials at the extracurricular fair

Upper School Extracurriculars & Sports

Deepening Engagement (Grades 6–12 )

At our Chelsea campus, the Upper School Extracurriculars provide unparalleled opportunities for students to develop a stronger sense of self through a multitude of after-school activities. Approximately 47% of all Upper School students are actively involved in an extracurricular activity, reflecting a strong culture of student engagement beyond the classroom.

two middle school boys playing basketball and running with an opposing player encroaching and a referee in the background

Popular and returning clubs include:

Drama (Putting on a fully staged musical production)
Dungeons & Dragons
Engineering & Robotics
Journalism (Wildcat Weekly News)
Math Support & Competition Prep
Money Smart
Ping Pong
Speech & Debate

This year marks a dynamic period of growth for our Upper School extracurricular landscape, with the launch of a new journalism club, led by one of our beloved English teachers. We are also excited about the continued momentum of our new high school speech and debate program.

a female student gives two thumbs up after testing the bearing weight her bridge could hold in engineering club. she built it with popsicle sticks and stacked six metal weights on top

Success & Highlights:

One of our most exciting success stories comes from our debate team, which began as a middle school club and won the championship two years in a row. Building on that momentum, the team has now transitioned into an Upper School club, expanding its scope and ambition. This year, they are preparing to travel to prestigious institutions such as Columbia.

three middle school students hold up their championship trophies at the ESU USA speech and debate tournament in new york city

Competitive Athletics:

Building Teamwork and Discipline

Our middle and high school student-athletes participate in a robust lineup of competitive sports. This year’s offerings include High School Boys Soccer, High School Girls Volleyball, Middle School Girls Volleyball, and Middle School Basketball.

Philosophy:

Our growing competitive athletics program centers on developing the whole student through sport. We aim to foster:

- sportsmanship,
- teamwork, and
a competitive spirit that pushes students to strive for excellence while embracing both victory and defeat as opportunities for growth.

the middle school girls vollebyall team poses with their championship trophy, holding up the number one with their fingers, and biting their medals like olympians

Program Expansion:

Our athletics/sports offerings are experiencing exciting growth, particularly in volleyball and soccer.

After the middle school volleyball team secured a championship win last fall, enthusiasm for the sport has continued to build, leading to the launch of a brand-new high school volleyball team this fall.
- Additionally, our high school soccer program is kicking off its inaugural season this year by joining a new competitive league.

Cultivating Well-Rounded Wildcats

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, our extracurricular and athletic programs are integral to our mission of educating students to the highest international standards. They are designed to complement our rigorous academic curriculum, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and a sense of community. We encourage both prospective and current families to explore these incredible opportunities.