Middle School

Why BASIS Independent Manhattan is the Essential Bridge to High School Success

November 5, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

The transition to middle school is one of the most exciting shifts in a student’s academic life. For our grade 5 Wildcats in New York City, the “Bridge Years” (grades 4–5) have already marked a powerful trajectory toward independence and abstract thinking. By focusing on skills like self-advocacy, growing responsibility, and enhancing a fundamental love of learning, your student is uniquely prepared.

Staying at BASIS Independent Manhattan for grades 6–8 ensures that this momentum continues. Our private middle school in NYC is engineered to be a college preparatory pathway, teaching students to use knowledge as fuel for deeper understanding, unlimited exploration, and a strong basis for high school.

male student holiding up a latin project

The Grade 6 Academic Advantage

Our grade 6 curriculum intentionally introduces a level of rigor and organization that builds the intellectual foundation for our High School Program, which is designed for AP success.

Your grade 6 student’s schedule shifts to a fully departmentalized model guided by our Subject Expert Teachers:

Advanced STEM Curriculum: Students participate in a full course covering biology, chemistry, and physics three days per week. This integrated science sequence gives them a significant head start.
Differentiated Math Daily: Students are placed into either Pre-Algebra or the accelerated Algebra and Geometry I track, ensuring they are challenged at their precise level.
Core Humanities: Students receive daily instruction in English, Latin IB, and World History and Geography I.
Well-Rounded Student Experience: The week includes three days of electives (art, band, or drama), plus Physical Education and Sports at our partner facility Chelsea Piers.

students conducting a hands on activity in grade 6

female student in a lab coat mixing a solution in chemistry

Mastering Executive Functioning and High-Stakes Assessments

Exposure to a challenging curriculum is strategically coupled with intentional lessons that develop critical executive functioning skills. Grade 6 is where students adopt study habits and organization systems that lead to success in high school, college, and beyond.

To prepare students for college-level final exams, our middle school utilizes Pre-Comprehensive Exams (Pre-Comps), which are formative assessments, and Comprehensive Exams (Comps), which are summative. Students learn how to manage and synthesize a large body of knowledge in a supportive environment.

This growth succeeds through our robust student support system, including:

Peer Tutoring: One-on-one study help from experienced high school students who have mastered the material.
Homeroom and Advisory: Structured time for community building and guidance.
Student Hours: Opportunities to meet directly with Subject Expert Teachers for personalized academic support.

Our Middle School is intentionally designed as a safe place to explore, take risks, make mistakes, and find passions, all while gaining exposure to the content and skills that will set them up for future success.

two female students in front of their organized lockers

What Our Parents Say

Word of mouth, online reviews, and parent testimonials are an important part of the search for the best middle schools in NYC. One Wildcat family, who are in their seventh school year with us, shares why they chose BASIS Independent Manhattan middle school for their current grade 9 student, as they prepare for their younger daughter to make the transition to middle school in 2026-27.

“We are so happy we stayed for middle school. Our ninth-grade daughter, Emma, is thriving in high school because of the strong foundation built throughout her school experience at BASIS Independent Manhattan.
While the academics are advanced, I see how students, including my daughter, are now truly ahead of the game in life skills—she’s come a long way and has acquired fantastic organizational systems and time management skills. She takes ownership for her failures as much as her successes, which is huge.
All of this happens in a supportive environment provided by the teachers and staff, but even more so among her classmates. I love seeing how much they root for one another and work to build each other up.”
— Leila G., Parent of Emma (Grade 9) and Lina (Grade 5)

Another middle school parent Alex B., explains why our students are “monumentally more prepared” for high school rigor, AP coursework, and critical thinking challenges—because they’ve been building those skills since middle school. Watch the video:

four students playing chess and socializing on the roof

Introducing the BASIS Independent Dublin Mascot

November 3, 2025 by nathanielyinger Leave a Comment

We are thrilled to announce that our school mascot will be the BASIS Independent Dublin Timberwolves!

A school mascot is much more than a symbol. It represents the heart and spirit of the entire community. It unites students, teachers, and families under a shared identity, creating a sense of belonging and pride that extends far beyond the classroom. The mascot helps build tradition and school spirit, inspiring students to support one another, celebrate achievements, and face challenges together. Whether it’s cheered for at games, displayed in hallways, or worn on school swag, the mascot reminds everyone that they are part of something bigger – a community that values teamwork, perseverance, and pride in who they are.

Why did we choose the Timberwolf?

In many ways, the Timberwolf perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our community — strong, loyal, and united. Timberwolves are known for their teamwork and intelligence. They rely on one another, move together as a pack, and face every challenge with courage and determination.

Just like a Timberwolf pack, our students, staff, and families will support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and grow stronger together. The Timberwolf reminds us that we are bold, resilient, and unstoppable — especially when we move forward as one community, one pack!

Selecting our mascot has been a community effort, with ideas and inspiration coming from future students, families, and faculty alike. This process gave everyone a chance to share what they felt best represented the heart of BASIS Independent Dublin — a brand new school that values curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance. By choosing the Timberwolf together, we’ve taken an important first step in shaping the traditions and shared identity that will define our school for years to come.

In these early years, the Timberwolf will serve as a symbol of pride and unity, inspiring our students to lead with integrity, work as a team, and strive for excellence both inside and outside the classroom. As our community grows, this shared symbol will continue to remind us of where we began — as a small but mighty pack, coming together to build something extraordinary.

What’s next?

As we begin our inaugural school year, students will have the opportunity to name the Timberwolf mascot! This will be an exciting step that will further strengthen our connection to the symbol that represents who we are and who we aspire to become.

A Day in the Life: Grade 7

October 27, 2025 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

Meet Aarohi!

Aarohi A. is a Grade 7 student at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley who approaches each day with curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. She enjoys exploring new ideas, connecting with friends, and challenging herself academically. Today, we had the chance to shadow Aarohi and see what a typical school day looks like, from her first class to the last.

All BASIS Independent Schools follow the BASIS Curriculum, an internationally benchmarked program designed to challenge students while equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and support they need to excel academically, think critically, and succeed in high school, college, and beyond. Continuously refined by curriculum experts, it ensures students like Aarohi are supported in every subject and fully prepared for the academic challenges ahead.

Period 1 | 8:25 AM – 9:10 AM | French I A

Aarohi starts her day in French class, developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while building cultural awareness. Students engage in conversations and practice grammar and vocabulary to communicate effectively in real-world situations. Aarohi enjoys the energy of morning classes and starting her day with something creative and interactive.

Period 2 | 9:15 AM – 10:10 AM | World History & Geography II + Homeroom / Announcements

History is Aarohi’s favorite subject, and it’s easy to see why. During World History & Geography II, she explores the histories of Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania from 1450 to today. “I’ve enjoyed the National History Day project we just kicked off this week,” she shared. “We’ll be creating presentations based on this year’s theme, and I’m hopeful about the possibility of advancing to the competition.” The last 10 minutes of the period are dedicated to homeroom, where students catch up on announcements and connect with classmates.

Period 3 | 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM | Algebra & Geometry II

In Algebra & Geometry, Aarohi tackles equations and problem-solving exercises that build her mathematical reasoning. She enjoys collaborating with peers and exploring creative ways to solve challenging problems.

Period 4 | 11:05 AM – 11:50 AM | Lunch

Aarohi’s favorite part of the day is lunch. “It’s the perfect time to relax and connect with friends from different classes before the afternoon sessions begin,” she said. Her lunch breaks are never dull — she and her friends often play Truth or Dare or, on more adventurous days, “simulate the Hunger Games in a style similar to Dungeons and Dragons!”

Period 5 | 11:55 AM – 12:40 PM | English 7

In English class, Aarohi strengthens her reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. She explores poetry, novels, speeches, and other texts while analyzing literary devices and practicing advanced vocabulary. Outside of class, Aarohi enjoys writing poems and short stories — and one of her biggest goals is to publish her own book or an anthology someday.

Period 6 | 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM | Elective MS: Computer Science II

In Computer Science, Aarohi develops her computational thinking through text-based programming projects. She learns about algorithms, web technologies, and game development while designing her own unique projects that encourage creativity and problem-solving. She’s also part of the school’s Robotics and Algorithm Problem Solving and Data Structures clubs, where she enjoys applying what she learns in class to real-world challenges.

Period 7 | 1:35 PM – 2:20 PM | Physics 7

In Physics, Aarohi explores motion, forces, energy, momentum, and waves. She applies math to real-world scenarios, conducts experiments, and learns how physical laws govern the world around her.

Period 8 | 2:25 PM – 3:10 PM | Biology 7

Aarohi ends her academic day in Biology, studying the diversity of life from cells to ecosystems. She investigates natural selection, classification of organisms, and interactions between living things and their environments. During class, a group of Aarohi and her classmates were working on a biology simulation game, which made learning the concepts interactive and fun.

Office Hours | 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM

Teachers hold Office Hours throughout the week, providing flexible one-on-one or small-group support. During this time, students can ask questions, review challenging material, or dive deeper into subjects that interest them. This extra support helps students strengthen their understanding, build confidence, and stay on track with their learning.

In Middle School, students take three separate science classes: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. On the day we shadowed Aarohi, she had Biology and Physics, while Chemistry is scheduled on other days of the week. Health and PE & Sports are also held on select days throughout the week. Taking science as three distinct courses allows students to focus on each discipline in depth, make connections across concepts, and build a strong foundation for high school science.

Beyond her academic life, Aarohi enjoys playing tennis and piano and takes pride in her leadership roles on campus. “This year, I’m proud of two particular accomplishments: speaking as a Student Ambassador at the Middle School Curriculum Night and being selected for this Student Spotlight,” she said. When asked what she loves most about being a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Bobcat, she shared, “The amazing teachers and the supportive environment created by the staff.”

Looking ahead, Aarohi hopes to continue nurturing her creativity through writing and says her best advice for younger students is: “Study hard and do what you know you’re going to like and excel at!”

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

Head of School Reflections: The Top 7 Questions Families Ask at BASIS Independent Dublin

October 17, 2025 by chriszefferys Leave a Comment

As excitement builds for the opening of BASIS Independent Dublin, a private school serving grades 6–12, I know many families are eager to learn what to expect—from the look and feel of our modern campus to our Subject Expert Teachers, the BASIS Curriculum, and the admissions process.

Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many families in person who share in this excitement about the launch of our campus. As Head of School, I’d like to take a moment to answer some of the most common questions about our facilities, academic programs, safety measures, and what makes joining our founding year such a unique and incredible opportunity.

#1: What will the campus be like? When can we see it in person?

The campus is currently under construction and will be finished in the spring of 2026. We intend to host campus tours at that time. We are also excited to see the incredible facilities upon completion! Some of the exciting features of our campus include a large outside field for sports and recreation, a full-size and competitive gym, separate biology, chemistry, and physics labs, dedicated art and music labs, and a multipurpose room that is also a theater. In the meantime, you can view the renderings on our website that show images of how the completed school will look. You can also view more detailed floor plans here to get a better sense of the student experience during and after the school day.

#2: How secure and safe will the campus be for students?

As with all our BASIS Independent Schools campuses, each entrance will have dual entry points, meaning that a person will go through two secured and keyed doors. We will also have a locked fence along the outside perimeter of the school and an on-campus security guard during core hours. In addition, we have ongoing practice for students and staff to respond to different situations involving potential safety issues (i.e. regular earthquake drills). Safety is also a focus of ongoing staff and teacher training.

#3: My child would be joining from another school (private, public, or charter). Will they be prepared for the BASIS Curriculum and for the transition?

Joining BASIS Independent Dublin in the founding year is a wonderful opportunity as all students will be new to our program, and a unique chance for these students to build friendships, create traditions, and build the culture and community of the school. We have students who enroll in BASIS Independent Schools from all types of schools, and they join typical entry grades such as grade 6, 9, and 10, and all grades in between. Students are able to transition successfully for many reasons, including our dedicated leadership team and robust school staff who guide both academic and social-emotional support. Each Subject Expert Teacher offers two hours per week of office hours, giving students the opportunity to receive extra help—whether with homework or a deeper understanding of the content taught in the classroom. In addition, Subject Expert Teachers and school leaders are available to meet individually with parents to discuss student progress and growth. Our goal is to set up students for success, and our approach allows students to excel. When it doesn’t, we also teach students how to manage when something doesn’t go right or as expected. We learn and grow together!

#4: I am worried that BASIS Independent Dublin will be a new school campus. Isn’t it better to wait another year?

While BASIS Independent Dublin is a new campus, we are not new to education. BASIS Independent Schools currently has 11 schools in operation, educating over 4,000 students, and setting a new standard in learning and educational outcomes each and every school year. We are in the ideal position of building upon an existing and established school program and the BASIS Curriculum. We not only have seasoned Subject Expert Teachers on our immediate school site staff but also have a wealth of experience in our larger leadership team behind us, who work across school campuses to ensure that all of our schools are running efficiently. We are excited to have families join our school and help create and foster a supportive, collaborative, and vibrant community.

#5: How and when will you hire teachers? How will you ensure that you hire quality teachers?

Teachers are indeed one of the most essential components of a strong and effective school program; therefore, hiring and retaining quality Subject Expert Teachers is one of our top priorities. Just like with the academic school year, school year hiring also follows its own calendar. Recruitment of our Subject Expert Teachers is a national and international approach. We look for subject expertise first and foremost in a specific discipline. Many teachers at BASIS Independent Schools have Master’s degrees in their field of study or even a Ph.D. Every time we open a BASIS Independent School, we have some Subject Expert Teachers join us from our BASIS Curriculum Schools network. We will also have teachers join us from local public and private schools, from around the U.S., and even internationally. Once teachers become part of BASIS Independent Dublin, they will actively participate in teacher professional development, including ongoing mentorship, coaching, and training in effective pedagogy. Families will soon be able to meet some of our educators from the BASIS Curriculum Schools network who will be teaching at BASIS Independent Dublin!

#6: What kind of students are you looking for at BASIS Independent Schools? What type of students do well, and what should I do to prepare my child for the steps in the application process?

While BASIS Independent Schools is often known for our math and science offerings, we also have a rigorous and exceptional liberal arts program. Students who are curious and engaged learners do well, but we also support students who are still discovering their personal interests and want to explore a variety of topics to discover what they want to pursue and delve into as they move toward high school graduation and beyond. We seek students who are motivated to learn, ask questions, are creative and critical thinkers, work hard, have fun, and want to learn at an international level. In terms of the application process, we can help guide you through if any questions come up, but no preparation is necessary. However, feel free to ask questions along the way!

#7: How can I connect with the BASIS Independent School leadership to ask questions or gather more information?

Please check our website for more information on upcoming events. Once you join our interest list, we will continue to keep you informed about opportunities to attend virtual and in-person events. We are also available to talk with you more one-on-one, don’t hesitate to reach out!

To stay connected with us as we share news about our campus and upcoming events, we invite families to submit an inquiry form to join our interest list.

A Day in the Life: Uma V., Grade 6

October 16, 2025 by sarahpeterson Leave a Comment

What does a typical day look like for a grade 6 student at BASIS Independent Fremont (BIF)? We followed Uma through her day to find out—and to hear how she navigated the transition from her previous private school to BIF’s rigorous academic environment.

Meet Uma

Uma joined BASIS Independent Fremont in grade 5 after moving from another private school in the area. Like many students who join in middle school, she had questions about what the transition would be like—and whether she’d find her place in a new academic community.

Today, Uma is thriving. Outside the classroom, she balances swimming (breaststroke is her specialty), soccer, piano, and will soon add fencing to her roster. She loves spending time outdoors and has built strong friendships across campus.

But the beginning of her journey looked different. “At first, I did not want to come to BIF. I didn’t want to leave my old school,” Uma remembers honestly. The first day felt overwhelming—until a classmate extended a hand. “This girl came up to me and said, ‘Hey, I’m Sunny. Do you want to sit with me at lunch tomorrow?’ I was just kind of keeping my head down the whole day, but then all of a sudden someone in my class just came up to me.”

That moment changed everything. “Actually, quickly, I really liked it. I met different people, some were from my old school, and I was able to make new friends.”

The academic adjustment took focus and effort. “Classes were obviously harder than in my old school. I struggled a little bit, but I got up to speed after about a month. My teachers were good, and they helped me, and there were Office Hours. Office Hours really help.” With the right support systems in place, Uma found her footing—and then some.

Her advice to families considering BIF? “It seems hard at first to change schools, but you know, BIF has a lot of really nice people. The teachers are kind, they’re supportive, and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”

So what does a day in grade 6 actually look like? Let’s walk through Uma’s schedule—from Latin translation to physics experiments—and see how the combination of challenging coursework and strong support systems helps students like Uma succeed.

Period 1 (8:25–9:10 AM): Latin IB with Mr. Baldwin

Uma’s day begins with Latin, where students build vocabulary, grammar, and translation skills while exploring life in the Roman Empire. Through Latin texts and historical sources, they investigate how different people—citizens, immigrants, enslaved individuals, and women—lived and contributed to Roman society.

Today, students worked in their “Legions”—collaborative small groups—to answer comprehension questions before sharing insights with the class.

Academic Enrichment (9:15–9:25 AM)

This brief period gives students time to prepare for their day—finishing assignments, studying for tests, connecting with friends, or simply taking a mental break. Academic Enrichment is held outdoors in our Quad and is monitored by a combination of teachers and administrators, specifically our Student Affairs team, ensuring students have a safe and supportive environment to start their morning.

Period 2 (9:30–10:15 AM): PE & Sports 6 with Mr. Mosley

Physical education for grade 6 emphasizes communication, perseverance, and learning to respond constructively to both success and setbacks. Students explore the FITT principle and develop healthy habits that extend far beyond middle school. FITT stands for Frequency (how often), Intensity (how hard), Time (how long), and Type (what kind).

This week introduced flag football, with students learning gameplay fundamentals and building teamwork skills on the field.

Period 3 (10:20–11:05 AM): Pre-Algebra with Ms. Yaru

Pre-Algebra bridges arithmetic and higher-level mathematics, preparing students for Algebra I and Geometry. The curriculum covers essential concepts, including fractions, decimals, proportions, algebraic expressions, scientific notation, and real-world problem solving.

Today, students worked through algebraic equations—and Uma has discovered something unexpected. “My favorite class is Math. I never thought I’d say that, but Ms. Yaru makes it nice and easy. I like the way she teaches.”

*Grade 6 students take either Pre-Algebra or Algebra I and Geometry as their math course.

Period 4 (11:10–11:55 AM): Lunch

BIF offers a hot lunch service that caters from several local restaurants, providing multiple menu options from each. The restaurants rotate throughout the year, giving students variety in their daily choices.

During lunch, Uma plays four-square with friends. The competitive game sometimes brings intense moments, but she’s developed perspective. “I think I’ve just gotten a little bit more mature since coming to BIF. I’ve learned how to deal with situations and just go on with it.”

Period 5 (12:00–12:45 PM): Middle School Art with Teacher Danae

Students in grade 6 select a fine arts elective. Uma’s is Art. In this elective, students develop 2-D and 3-D art-making skills through traditional and contemporary techniques. The course emphasizes individual expression, historical perspective, and art as communication, with projects inspired by both contemporary and historical artists.

Students are completing their Album Cover Portraits, creating transformative works based on reference photos of subjects meaningful to them. Uma’s portrait features her older sister.

Period 6 (12:50–1:35 PM): English 6 with Mr. Gailliard

English 6 develops lifelong communication skills through five core components: conventions, reading, writing, scholarship, and reasoning. Students strengthen their command of grammar and punctuation while building critical thinking abilities and foundational research skills that support learning across all disciplines.

Today’s focus was on identifying helping verbs—fundamental building blocks of effective writing.

Period 7 (1:40–2:25 PM): Physics 6 with Ms. Yaru

Physics introduces students to the language that describes the physical world around them. Through core topics including motion, forces, energy, and electricity, students learn to apply mathematics to physical relationships. Hands-on demonstrations and laboratory sessions help students investigate everyday physics—from how bicycles work to what happens inside a battery.

Today, students learned to calculate speed using the gradient of a distance-time graph, connecting mathematical concepts to physical motion.

Period 8 (2:30–3:15 PM): World History & Geography I with Ms. Sagal

This course traces global human history from the Paleolithic Era through the Renaissance, examining major events and civilizations across Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Students develop historical thinking skills—comparing civilizations, analyzing causes and effects, and constructing arguments from primary and secondary sources.

Today’s lesson explored the social and political characteristics of the Norte Chico civilization, one of the earliest complex societies in the Americas.

Office Hours (3:20–4:00 PM)

Teachers hold Office Hours throughout the week, for both students and parents, offering flexible one-on-one and small group support. Students use this time to ask clarifying questions, work through challenging material, or explore subjects more deeply. One day each week, grade 6 students enjoy unstructured outdoor time during this period.

While today is an outdoor day, Uma typically spends Office Hours with Ms. Yaru, working on math. “I did not want to do Office Hours at first, but this year, I’ve gone to all the math office hours, and it’s really helped me. I was not good at math before, but now I think I’m doing pretty well.”

After school, Uma heads to swim practice to work on her breaststroke technique, soccer training, or piano lessons. With fencing starting soon, she’s adding another dimension to her already active schedule—proof that rigorous academics and rich extracurricular experiences go hand in hand at BIF.

Learn more about our Middle School Program 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.

New Teacher Feature – Introducing Ms. Baseman!

October 10, 2025 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

This school year, we’re excited to introduce Ms. Baseman as a new member of our BASIS Independent Bellevue faculty!

Ms. Baseman joins us as the Grade 5 English teacher and the Grade 7 Creative Writing teacher. She brings a strong academic background and a deep passion for student engagement and creativity.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities with a minor in Anthropology from San Jose State University and went on to complete her Master of Arts in Anthropology at Western Washington University. We recently sat down with her to learn more about her passion for education, teaching philosophy, and her experience joining the BASIS Independent Bellevue community.

Professional Background and Experience

What inspired you to become an English and Creative Writing teacher?

Books have always been my first, and preferred mode of travel. As a kid I would stay up way (way) past my bedtime to finish the book I had started that afternoon, or scribble down dialogue for a novella I was drafting. Books were a ticket to another place, access to a new perspective of the world previously unknown, and that is something I have continued to love about literature throughout my life. Reading and writing were always an outlet for me to process, plan, aspire, and imagine. As an educator, I hope to give students the tools to immerse themselves in stories with more depth and complexity through small and large group discussion and multimodal activities.

What are you most excited about in joining this new school community at BASIS Independent Bellevue?

I love working with bright, motivated students. There is a different energy in the room when students are excited to engage in their learning process, there are so many more opportunities to try something new!

What do you hope your students take away from your class?

I hope students leave my class feeling confident. Even if they struggled with a skill or assessment, I want them to leave the classroom knowing how to make the appropriate adjustments to be successful. The skills we are practicing now will set them up for fluency later in their academic career, I want them to know how to be successful as students, and as kind humans.

Writing Focus

How do you help students tap into their creativity in writing?

I feel like I always get my best ideas when I am moving around, though we are limited in space in a classroom, we do our best to get up and move at least once during the class period. This could be for an activity on the board, a gallery walk, or a flash art piece; anything to shift the system!

What’s one of your favorite writing prompts to use — and why?

Oh, I have some creative ones, a few of my favorites are: “Pencil Perspective” where students write from the perspective of their pencil (hilarious what their poor pencils endure in a day), “500 dollars and a Prius” (students plan a cross-country road trip with 500 dollars and a Prius), or playing a few different songs and having students write a setting description or sketch a plot outline.

What advice do you give students who feel “stuck” as writers?

Shift your perspective! Write from a different character point-of-view, get up and physically move somewhere else, or read.

Personal Life and Passions

What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy outside of teaching?

I love being outside, take me somewhere lush and green and I am happy! Anything hiking, camping, moving-around-outdoors I have probably tried. I have had a consistent yoga practice for over a decade, and love to paint. I also love animals and would adopt every cat, dog, cow, horse, rabbit, and lizard available if possible.

What is one personal goal you hope to achieve this year?

Honestly, to make a lunch for work. This has been an unattainable goal for most of my professional life so I am hoping to put together more consistent lunch meals this year!

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I lived in Madrid, Spain for a year as a teaching assistant in a bilingual school!

A Mountaineer Welcome!

We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Baseman to our BASIS Independent Bellevue community!

If you have the pleasure of being in her class, you’ll likely see her greeting students with enthusiasm, meeting them at their level, and inspiring creativity through engaging writing activities. Ms. Baseman brings a dynamic energy to the classroom, supporting student ideas and encouraging expression in meaningful ways.

Ms. Baseman’s welcoming spirit and positivity shine through in the classroom and around campus, making her a wonderful addition to our Mountaineer family. Let’s give Ms. Baseman a warm Mountaineer welcome as she joins our incredible team!

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

Galapagos Adventure: BASIS Independent Manhattan Students Explore Ecuador

September 8, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

As our BASIS Independent Manhattan students settle into the new school year, we’re taking a look back at one of the most incredible experiences of their summer: the Project Week trip to the Galapagos Islands.

During the final week of the school year, BASIS Independent Manhattan and BASIS Independent Brooklyn students had time set aside for Project Days, a period when they can collaborate on multidisciplinary projects and engaging activities or trips without the stress of exams or assessments. This year, we hosted two international trips for Middle School and two for High School during Project Week. Relive the unique travels through their seven-day itinerary, as shared by their BASIS Independent Schools teacher chaperones!

Day 1: Arrival in Quito, Exploring the Equator

BASIS Independent Manhattan students posing at the Intiñan Equator Museum in Quito, Ecuador

After a long and eventful day of travel, the group arrived safely in Ecuador. They met their tour director, who took them to explore the city of Quito and the Intiñan Equator Museum. Photo opportunities on the equator were a great way to start the trip, and students even sent a special Father’s Day message home. Mr. Chen reported that they were not just learning about the culture and environment, but also about how to adapt to new ways of doing things, like not drinking tap water and disposing of toilet paper in bins. These adjustments were all part of the adventure.

Standing in the middle of the world, BASIS Independent Manhattan middle school students arrived at the equator.

Day 2: Encountering Giant Tortoises and Lava Tunnels on Santa Cruz Island

The group traveled to Santa Cruz Island, the second-largest in the Galapagos. Their adventure began with an exploration of the misty highlands, where they saw a diverse range of ecological communities. They paused at a ranch to witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Later, they explored lava tunnels, learning about volcanic landforms and tectonic plate dynamics. The day ended with a visit to the Darwin Research Center, where they deepened their understanding of the islands’ climate, geography, and ecology.

The giant tortoise on Santa Cruz Island made the BASIS Independent Manhattan students stare and marvel at their greatness.

Day 3: Snorkeling with Sea Lions and Penguins on Isabela Island

Students explored Isabela Island, focusing on its wetlands and mangroves. Their first stop was Playa de Amor, where they observed flamingos and learned about Darwin’s finches. Next, they visited the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, dedicated to safeguarding the species. There, they conducted species differentiation studies and engaged in ecological relationship activities. The day concluded with a snorkeling experience at Concha Perla, where they swam among fish, sea lions, and even the Galapagos penguin.

Sea lions posing for photos on the dock.

Day 4: Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano

The students went on an immersive excursion to explore the Sierra Negra Volcano area. They hiked along the six-mile crater rim, viewing lava fields and fumaroles up close. Their guide educated them on the unique ecological terrain and how to identify various types of volcanic rock. Following the exploration, the group headed to Las Tintoreras to enjoy some time in the water and snorkel.

Day 5: Face-to-Face with Unique Wildlife

The students got up close with Galapagos penguins on Isabela Island.

Students spent the day on Isabela Island, where they came face-to-face with some of the Galapagos’ most intriguing residents, including marine iguanas, penguins, lightfoot crabs, green sea turtles, and resting whitetip reef sharks. After exploring the island and its wildlife, they returned to Balta on Santa Cruz Island by boat.

Day 6: Unforgettable Memories

Mr. Chen shared a lovely recap with families at this point in the trip. He noted that the students were exhausted “in the best way possible” from the speedboat rides and scenic treks. He described the “sheer amazement” of seeing enormous sea turtles, colorful parrotfish, playful sea lions, and the famous blue-footed boobies. He also expressed pride in the young travelers, who pushed their limits by walking over 26,000 steps in one day and connected deeply with nature and each other.

Hiking through volcanic rock and giving thumbs ups and smiles.

Day 7: A Taste of Otavalo and the Journey Home

On their last full day, the group had a busy day in Otavalo, Ecuador. They explored a lively open market in the morning before visiting Cuicocha Volcanic Lake and Peguche Waterfall. For lunch, they experienced a unique Pachamanca ceremony, helping to cook food underground. Afterward, they headed to the airport for their flight back to JFK.

Want to learn more about Project Week at BASIS Independent Manhattan? Join our Interest List to hear about all of our upcoming events and opportunities!

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!

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, please click here.