Outdoor

Costa Rica Term Project Trip 2026

June 26, 2026 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

Somewhere between the roar of white-water rapids and the impossibly slow blink of a three-toed sloth, our students stopped rushing through life and started paying attention to it during our Term Project Trip to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has a way of doing that. For seven days, our group of BASIS Independent Brooklyn High School students and their teacher chaperones, Ms. Nalipinki and Mr. Bedes, traded classrooms and schedules for rainforest canopies, cacao groves, and rivers that had absolutely no intention of going easy on them. They harvested coffee beans, spotted baby crocodiles from a riverboat, and soaked their sore muscles in volcanic hot springs as the sun dipped below the mountains. They stood under waterfalls and found tiny tree frogs hiding in plain sight.

This is the story of that trip from the muddy boots to the many unforgettable moments in between.

Our wonderful trip leaders, Ms. Nalipinski and Mr. Bedes, posed with our high school travelers

Landing in San Jose and Jumping In

After the long flight to Costa Rica, our local guide helped revive our group for a walking tour of San Jose. He helped orient our students and chaperones to the culture of Costa Rica and prepared us for the busy day ahead!

Day two started with an early wake-up and a tour of a coffee farm. Guides spoke about the bean-to-cup journey and exactly how volcanic soil, high altitudes, and microclimates create the country’s special coffee.

Then our explorers took to the zip lines! Thanks to one brave soul with a GoPro, we have a video so you can experience it, too.

https://vimeo.com/1204930772?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Adventure Travel

On day three, our Bears got up early and went white water rafting. The amazing local guides helped spot local wildlife, including a sloth, macaw, and toucan! There were periods of adventure as well as very calm, scenic moments on the water.

Hiking to the Volcano

The next day, everyone drove to Arenal Volcano National Park and hiked for 3.5 miles to see the volcano. Along the way, our team saw colorful snakes, more toucans, and many interesting insects. The day ended with a tour of the small town of La Fortuna.

Waterfalls and Kayaking

On day 5, everyone began the day by driving to La Fortuna’s gorgeous waterfall. There were 502 stairs down to the river for some lovely swimming, and the 502 stairs back up! Consensus was that the trek was well worth it.

After lunch, it was time for kayaking. Then the day ended with a few hours of relaxing in the hot springs.

Vieja National Park

Another amazing stop for spotting animals and being immersed in nature was Vieja National Park, where our team saw white-faced monkeys, sulfur springs, and mud pots.

River Cruise and Snorkeling Adventure

On the last day, we relaxed together and enjoyed a river cruise, where we saw baby crocodiles and so many monkeys. Afterwards, we went snorkeling and saw beautiful wildlife, including pufferfish, turtles, eels, and incredibly colorful fish.

# # #

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.

Term Project Week: Hands on Learning and Discovering Passions Through Multidisciplinary Projects

June 25, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

Term Project Week is a special tradition across all BASIS Independent Schools. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, Project Week is a much anticipated time on campus by teachers and students alike. After a year of learning, studying, and exams, the teachers are eager to create projects around their passions and share them with students. Term Project Week provides a space for students to discover new passions through multidisciplinary projects.

When walking around campus during Project Week you might see students learning how to line dance, while other students are building volcanoes as they learn about Pompeii, and some students may even be designing and building their own race cars. The excitement of Project Week isn’t limited to projects on campus, but expands into the community as well. This year we had students who got to learn about the intertidal zone and explore three different beaches in the Puget Sound. Beyond that we have groups of students who will be traveling to Alaska, France, and Norway for their Project Week.

Take a look at some of the projects we had this year and see what happens when students have the opportunity to explore passions and delve into creative projects.

Wearable Art Studio: Become a Fashion Designer

This project was led by Ms. Tseng and Ms. Haugen for students in grades 3–5. Students got to create custom totes bags, hats, and bandanas using printmaking, fabric paint, and tie-dye techniques. Their project culminated with a runway showcase where the designers got to debut their one-of-a-kind creations!

Chinese Cooking Camp

Ms. Pan and Ms. Chen, two of our Subject Expert Teachers in Mandarin, took students in grades 3–4 on a fun and flavorful journey into the world of Chinese cooking. During this project students used their team work skills to prepare vegetables, meat, and other ingredients. All of the students had a blast growing their confidence in the kitchen. But the best part of this project — trying and sharing the delicious food they created with friends!

Splish Splash

Ms. E-E and Ms. Rieger left campus behind for Project Week and took a group of grade 6–8 students to explore different forms of outdoor exercise, including hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. This group of students loved immersing themselves in nature for the week and admiring the beauty of the lakes and forests that are in their own backyard. A highlight of this project was getting to see a turtle in its natural habitat!

Rome 3-D Model Lab

In this project students in grade 7–10 became Roman architects and city planners for the week, as they reconstructed the monuments of the ancient world. Students learned how the Romans designed their cities and the engineering and architectural techniques that made Rome famous. Students then worked in teams to create detailed models of famous Roman monuments, using physical materials and digital tools.

Fiber Arts

Many students in grades 5–10 chose to explore the colorful world of weaving, led by Ms. Dreskin. Students got to explore texture and pattern as they built their own unique woven pieces with yarn and other creative fibers. Artists got to learn weaving techniques, as wells as knotting, fringe, and mixed-material details.

Erupting History: Build a Volcano and Discover Pompeii

Another group of grade 3–5 students explored the history and science behind the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Students analyzed archaeological evidence and created their very own working volcano models of Mount Vesuvius. Getting to make the volcanoes erupt was a highlight for all!

Term Project Week is a cherished tradition at BASIS Independent Bellevue that highlights the joyful learning culture we nurture on our campus. We are grateful for our teachers who work hard to create engaging projects and our students who consistently bring their passion, innovation, and creativity into each project.

Day Camps: Where Adventure Meets Imagination!

February 10, 2026 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

Get ready to redefine summer! Our Day Camp Team at BASIS Independent Brooklyn is gearing up for nine weeks of pure excitement, exploration, and fun that will have your kids counting down the days until camp begins.

Every Week is a New Adventure

Our Day Camps will dive headfirst into themed weeks packed with hands-on science experiments, nature explorations, creative arts, sports, and games. With a unique selection of indoor and outdoor activities, every day brings something new to discover!

Our Junior Day Camp is specifically designed to engage and support rising PreK to Kindergarten campers. Our School Age Day Camp paves the way for Rising Gr. 1-5 campers to jump into real-life adventures every day. All of our campers will enjoy programming organized around exciting weekly themes.

Summer 2026 Weekly Themes & Field Trips

Week 1 (June 22-26): Wild West
Saddle up, partners! We’re heading to the American Museum of Natural History to explore the frontier.

Week 2 (June 29-July 2): Bear Investigation Bureau
Junior detectives will crack cases at the Spy Museum in this mystery-filled week.

Week 3 (July 6-10): Year 3000: Brooklyn Expo
Discover futuristic fun at the NY Hall of Science and end the week with a Spirit Day, asking our campers to think ahead about their future selves!

Week 4 (July 13-17): Safari
It’s a wild adventure at Prospect Park Zoo as campers explore the animal kingdom.

Week 5 (July 20-24): Step into a Story
Stories come alive with a special trip to the NYC Children’s Theater, and campers will dress up as their favorite storybook character.

Week 6 (July 27-31): Color Games
A rainbow of creativity awaits at the Sloomoo Institute! Our spirit day will encourage campers to dress up in their favorite color head-to-toe.

Week 7 (August 3-7): Case of the Bear Bandit
Another thrilling mystery to solve with an exciting visit to Ferox. We will end the week with a Masquerade!

Week 8 (August 10-14): Fun in the Sun
Cool off and splash around at LeFrak Splash Pad, and end the week with a Mismatch Spirit Day.

Week 9 (August 17-21): Carnival
End the summer with a bang at LEGOLAND and the excitement of carnival games!

Camp Details

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET

Extended Care Available:

Early Bird: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. ($55/week)

Late Bird: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. ($130/week)

Both Early + Late Bird: $170/week

Pricing:

Junior Campers (Rising PreK-K): $730/week

School Age Campers (Rising Grades 1-5): $665/week

Half-Day Add-On for Specialty Camps: $330

Registration: Choose from any of our 9 one-week sessions running June 22 through August 21!

Don’t let your kids miss out on the summer adventure of a lifetime. Sign up today and give them memories they’ll treasure forever! Register by February 20^th to receive a 10% discount on all camp programs. Visit Summer Programs | BASIS Independent Brooklyn Camps for more information and to register today!

Every day at our summer camp brings a new adventure, filled with opportunities for your child to create lasting memories and develop new skills.

Summer Buzz: What to Expect for BASIS Independent Bellevue Summer 2026!

February 6, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

As sunshine stretches a little longer into each day, excitement starts to bubble up across our Mountaineer community—summer is almost here! Once the school year comes to a close in June, students may say goodbye to regular classes until August, but the fun and learning doesn’t have to stop on campus. All summer long, BASIS Independent Bellevue will be buzzing with energy as we host a variety of engaging summer programs.

Designed by our Auxiliary Department, Summer 2026 is packed with opportunities for students to explore passions, try something new, and make memories with friends along the way. Summer is the perfect season for creativity, curiosity, and discovery, and our programs are built to embrace all three. Whether students are creating, coding, collaborating, or staying active, our summer offerings reflect the vibrant interests of our community and promise something exciting for every camper.

Day Camp

Day camps offer students an exciting blend of learning and play through flexible, theme-based programming. To reflect the wide range of interests within our community, the Auxiliary Department has designed a rotating schedule of weekly themes that bring each camp experience to life.

Campers will explore different eras in Time Travel Trek, blast off to different planets in Space Explorers, connect with nature in Wild World Adventures, or tap into their superpowers in Superhero Academy. Each day features activities aligned with the weekly theme, balanced with both indoor and outdoor fun. Every session wraps up with a celebratory Fun Friday, often highlighted by special guest experiences tied to the theme. Families are welcome to enroll campers in multiple weeks, giving students the chance to enjoy every adventure our campus has in store.

Specialty Camps

Our specialty summer programs offer students a dynamic space to build friendships, explore new interests, and challenge themselves. From creative, hands-on activities to athletic options like Archery and Sports Menagerie, these camps reflect the diverse passions of the Mountaineer Community. Beyond summer fun, families can expect programs that support learning, social growth, and essential life skills, all while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and exploration at BASIS Independent Bellevue.

Specialty Camp Focus

While our summer day camp is highlighted by fun explorative learning, we’d be remiss if we did not mention some of the other areas BASIS Independent Bellevue Summer Camps shine! We know while the school year may contain multitudes of differing subjects, BLV Summer strives to offer campers a wide range of intellectually stimulating courses. For example, our Latin Immersion Course and Latin Boot camp offer not only an introduction to the language, but also opportunities to further build upon information already learned.

Children can also explore their creative side with one of our art focused specialty courses. Such as; DJ Camp that introduces campers to professional remixing software, helping them craft their own mixes while learning about audio editing and beat production. Jazz Camp offers instrumentalists the chance to refine their technique, explore improvisation, and collaborate in ensemble settings. Creative Writing Camp gives campers the opportunity to expand their writing skills and creative story telling. Or perhaps your child is interested in theatre then, Play Creation Theater Adventure could be the right camp for them, here campers get to explore the process of scription, designing, and preforming their own play!

Sign Up Today!

Spanning a wide range of interests, our summer programs keep the campus energized and engaged long after the school year ends. These experiences encourage students to explore new interests while developing valuable skills. To learn more, view our complete Summer 2026 Camp Brochure here and register below! For additional questions you can contact the organizing team at blv.summercamp@basisindependent.com.

Summer Camp Sign Ups

The Importance of Unstructured Play: Daily Recess Enriches Student Life at BASIS Independent Bellevue

December 5, 2025 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

Why Recess Matters

Families often ask what recess looks like at BASIS Independent Bellevue. With our school’s reputation for academic rigor, it’s natural to wonder whether students still have time to move, play, and unwind. The answer is a definite yes. Recess is an intentional and consistent part of every school day. Across grade levels, students step away from academics to reset, recharge, and enjoy unstructured play. An article published by the American Psychological Association(2023) stated, “A wealth of research shows that unstructured play—play that isn’t organized or directed by adults or older peers and that generally doesn’t have a defined purpose or outcome—is a fundamental necessity for children to thrive physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.” These breaks support their physical health, social development, and overall readiness to learn when they return to class.

Recess in Action

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, recess takes place in a safe and varied space. There are many different activities for students to choose from. There are four four-square courts and one gaga ball area. We have a full soccer field, a basketball area with hoops, and movable volleyball nets. There is also a large swing set with four swings. For younger students, there is a climbing set with monkey bars and another with a slide. We also see students using their creativity to create games of their own or explore in the nature around them. These spaces give every child a safe place to play and enjoy.

Grade 3 students experimenting with leaves.

During recess, three teachers walk across the whole field to keep students safe and help solve problems quickly. At the same time, other staff members, including the health coordinator, the school counselor, and the Dean of Students, are always available if extra support is needed. This system makes sure students get the right help, should they need it.

Our rules are clear but also flexible. When students have different ideas about the rules, teachers set a time to meet with them. We listen, discuss, and make changes together. For example, we recently observed students having some disagreements on the basketball court. Students sometimes could not agree on which exact rules to follow. Some wanted to play by NBA rules, while others preferred the youth league rules they knew from practice. Instead of stopping the play, we helped them organize a team meeting. Together, they chose leaders, drafted rules, and later discussed the details during their Academic Enrichment time. Soon, the new rules were printed and shared with everyone. Now the basketball games run more smoothly, and students know they built the system themselves. This gave them a sense of empowerment, because the solution came from their own voices!

The way recess is organized allows students of different ages to play together. Many families have siblings in our school, and it is also common to see older students connecting with their younger brothers or sisters. They let them take turns, show kindness, and include them in games. These small moments make our recess warm and welcoming, and helps students grow in friendship and care.

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, all grade levels have recess built into the school day, from Kindergarten through grade 12. In the Primary grades, students might be found exploring nature or playing on the playground structure. In the Middle and High School grades, students often engage in games of soccer, football, or basketball. No matter the grade level, the purpose of recess remains the same—providing unstructured time for students to connect with their peers and develop physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.

Recess plays a meaningful role in daily school life. Over the years, it has shown itself to be more than playtime. In these valuable breaks, students practice perseverance as they keep trying in games, show active learning when they create and adjust rules, strengthen community through teamwork, and demonstrate empathy when they support classmates. The lessons learned at recess promote the well-being and success of all students, both in the classroom and beyond, by fostering resilience, building social connection, and renewing engagement in learning.

References:

The Many Wondrous Benefits of Unstructured Play. American Psychological Association (CLAY). (2023, September 26). https://www.apa.org/topics/children/kids-unstructured-play-benefits

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!

Beyond the Classroom: BASIS Independent Manhattan’s Project Week in NYC

July 21, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe that education extends beyond advanced academics. Our commitment to fostering well-rounded, engaged, and globally-minded individuals is exemplified through unique and impactful initiatives like Project Week, which range from domestic and international trips to immersive experiences at school and around NYC.

What is Project Week?

A BASIS Curriculum Schools tradition, this fun week of learning takes place the last week of school. Students have the opportunity to engage in an exciting and new activity, working together with faculty members from various grade levels. Teachers also have the opportunity to show off their skills and interests outside of their normal classroom expertise. The goal of the projects is to challenge students to be cooperative learners and function as a team to work towards an end product.

This year’s Upper School Project Week for students in grades 6–11, led by our Dean of Students, Ms. Friederike Williams, focused on the vital theme of community service, where their collective work would make a tangible difference across four of New York City’s iconic islands.

“Project Week is a cornerstone of our curriculum,” says Ms. Williams. “It’s where our students actively apply their learning in real-world contexts and have an opportunity to collaborate across grade levels toward a mutual goal.”

After a successful week of hands-on activities, we are pleased to share the details of how these students connected with their city, transformed some of nature’s spaces, and had fun while exploring the beauty and significance of our local environment.

Making a Difference, One Island at a Time

Roosevelt Island: Cultivating Green Spaces & Community

Our Wildcats kicked off the week by partnering with the non-profit organization iDig2Learn at Coler Hospital. They painted benches, prepared arboretum plaques, and revitalized gardens by removing invasive species and planting new flowers. Beyond the physical transformation, students gained a powerful understanding of how local organizations like iDig2Learn empower communities and the lasting impact of nurturing urban green spaces.

Manhattan: Local Stewardship in Chelsea

Back in our own neighborhood, students felt as a sense of ownership and pride by cleaning up litter in the local area of Chelsea. Their dedication quickly caught the attention of local residents, who offered words of encouragement and appreciation, underscoring the students’ emerging role as active and responsible citizens within their own community. This hands-on service was balanced with opportunities for connection and recreation in nearby parks, reinforcing the vital link between community service and enjoying one’s community.

Governors Island: Unearthing History & Protecting Nature

Even under typical New York skies, our students enthusiastically explored Governors Island, unlocking layers of the city’s rich past. With energy and curiosity, they began with an insightful historical tour of significant landmarks like Fort Jay and Castle Williams. In the afternoon, students engaged in environmental stewardship by collecting litter and then enjoyed some well-deserved free time, showcasing their camaraderie and teamwork through spontaneous games and exploration. A visit to the Urban Farm, guided by Earth Matter experts, provided practical insights into composting and its crucial role in fostering sustainable environmental practices.

Coney Island: Ocean Conservation & Coastal Cleanup

Our students enjoyed more than just a day at the beach! A highlight was the unique opportunity to meet with a curator from the New York Aquarium, learning about the importance of ocean conservation and the impact of pollution on our local beaches. This engaging presentation reinforced their understanding of critical environmental issues.

Following the talk, they participated in a brief beach cleanup and then enjoyed classic Coney Island activities, from volleyball to simply enjoying the ocean breeze. This final day perfectly blended environmental awareness, community engagement, and the joy of shared experiences.

The Transformative Impact of Project Week

Project Week at BASIS Independent Manhattan is more than just a series of activities; it’s an embodiment of our commitment to providing a transformative educational experience. It’s about fostering critical thinking, promoting collaboration, and nurturing a deep sense of civic responsibility in our students from PreK through grade 12. By actively engaging with their community, our students learn valuable lessons about empathy, leadership, and the power of making a positive impact.

Does an education that extends beyond traditional academics, fostering real-world impact and deep community connection, resonate with your family’s vision? We invite you to explore how BASIS Independent Manhattan‘s unique curriculum empowers students to become thoughtful, knowledgeable, and engaged citizens, ready to make a positive difference in the world.

Summer Programs at BASIS Independent Bellevue

April 16, 2025 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

When the days get longer and the sun shines a bit brighter, members of our Mountaineer community begin to plan for the summer months. After the last day of school in June, classes will be out of session until late August; however, BASIS Independent Bellevue’s campus will remain open, and our team will host various summer programs!

Organized by our Auxiliary Department, our campus will be offering exciting opportunities to explore interests, connect with peers, and engage in learning while school is out. Summer sessions are a great time to pursue interests and sharpen skills while creating lasting memories in the process. This year, our summer programs offer engaging experiences designed to meet the interest of our learning community. Whether diving into art, technology, or athletics, there is something for everyone in our summer programs.

Spending Summer 2025 with BASIS Independent Bellevue

In summer 2025, programs will run between the weeks of June 24 to August 15. Programming offered includes day camps, academic camps, specialty camps, and even sports.

Summer programs mean opportunities to engage with friends, try new challenges, and discover interests in an environment that celebrates curiosity. Some might explore dynamic arts programming or delve into an athletic interest in our sports camps like Beginner’s Basketball. Our camps reflect our Mountaineer community’s wide array of interests and help campers get deeper into the topics and activities that fuel their passions with offerings that focus on fashion, chess, archery, sewing, entrepreneurship, engineering, and more. For parents, our diverse offerings not only promise an exciting break but also support academic growth, social development, and the building of life skills. Summer programs at BASIS Independent Bellevue are designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and encourage exploration.

Day camps are a great way for students to engage with versatile programming where they will have fun while learning. In order to meet the interests of our community, the Auxiliary Department has created a schedule of weekly themes to engage students in unique and fun ways. Campers who join our day camps will solve mysteries during The Great Camp Caper, explore everything about space in Calling Mission Control, appreciate the natural world in The Wilds Beyond, or ignite their inner superhero in Earth’s Mightiest Camper. The daily camp schedule includes activities specifically tailored to fit those themes while mixing indoor and outdoor play. Each week will come to an end with a Fun Friday event. Campers can look forward to exciting special guests that relate to the week’s theme. Parents can register their child for multiple weeks to experience all the adventures our campus has to offer!

Camps highlighting the fundamentals of reading and writing also prove popular amongst members of the intellectually aspirational learning community at BASIS Independent Bellevue. For example, our Creative Writing camp is a standout in this year’s summer lineup. Students in this program will explore how to write characters, build an exciting plot, enrich setting, and engage prompts in meaningful, innovative ways. Creative Writing will enable campers to work independently but also in a small group setting so that they can share work and refine key skills that can invigorate their craft. For those looking to dive deeper into language and literary expression, our Poetry Camp also invites students to experiment with form, tone, and performance in a fun, low-pressure space. Whether students are seasoned writers or a lover of reading and writing, our programs offer the tools and encouragement to develop their unique voice, increase fluency, and craft impactful work

Music is another area where our Auxiliary Department has expanded offerings, with several exciting new options. DJ Camp introduces campers to professional remixing software, helping them craft their own mixes while learning about audio editing and beat production. Jazz Camp offers instrumentalists the chance to refine their technique, explore improvisation, and collaborate in ensemble settings. Our new Music & Sound Production Camp goes even deeper, giving students hands-on experience in storytelling and worldbuilding through audio, including sound design and film production.

Across various fields of interest, our summer programs keep our campus community alive and thriving when school is out of session. These programs help students discover new passions and build essential skills. For more details, check out our full summer guide and register today. If you are interested in learning more about our 2025 Summer programs, please check out our program guide, or feel free to reach out to the organizing team at: blv.summercamp@basisindependent.com.

Beyond the Classroom: Exciting New Outdoor Space Rendering Revealed

April 1, 2025 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

In addition to providing students with a rich academic experience, we recognize that academics and school enrichment activities are integrally connected to one another and are mutually beneficial. Enrichment opportunities not only help meet students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical needs but they also offer a balanced learning experience that provides numerous opportunities for students to develop into whole, responsible, and enthusiastic learners.

Our approach to sports promotes healthy competition and empowers students with the discipline, grit, and persistence to become leaders on and off the court. It is mastery of these skills that has led many of our student athletes to victory in a variety of competitions, large and small.

Students will have access to not only the gymnasium, but also a multi-use outdoor space between the academic building and the gym.

Virtual Campus Tour

February 12, 2025 by mallorykilbreath Leave a Comment

Since our campus is currently an active construction site, we are unable to offer campus tours until Fall 2025. In the meantime, let’s take a virtual tour of the brand-new campus opening in Fall 2025!

The Campus

BASIS Independent Bothell is nestled in the Canyon Park neighborhood in Bothell, WA. It is 123,000 sq. ft. on 6.2 acres to fit all of our Kindergarten – Grade 12 families. This acreage includes a full-sized competition regulation playfield, outdoor sport court, and a brand-new playground!

The Gym

The gymnasium will be fully equipped and will hold up to 600 guests! We expect to host many sporting and large school events in this space.

The Theater

The brand-new theater is a great space for students to express their creativity and put on many different types of performances for an audience.

The Classrooms

Our campus will be equipped with dedicated state-of-the-art laboratories for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, designed for grades 6—12 students. Other classroom types not pictured here will also be brand new and intentionally designed for student and faculty collaboration.

The Common Areas

While our athletic and outdoor play facilities allow students to move their bodies and burn energy, our common areas provide a safe environment for students to read a book, work on their studies, and collaborate with their peers.

The Fields

This amazing space will allow for multiple sports to be taking place at the same time, further driving that ability to host and hold many different sporting events. Additionally, it makes for a great space for students to burn off some energy!

The Playground

The play area will be a great way for our younger grades to enjoy getting outdoors. It’s a very large area that contains three main zones with active spaces in between as well as a track that can be utilized for Movement and PE classes and recess fun.

Thank you for taking this tour with us! To submit an application for Fall 2025, click here.