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Hello Autumn – Join Us For An Open House!

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Autumn days are here again! Hints of fall are starting to peek out from around the corner here in Brooklyn. I grew up in New Hampshire, and fall has always been my favorite time of year – cool breezes, apple picking, Halloween decorations, and auburn leaves all appearing once again.  
 
The other special part of the fall is that school admissions events are in full swing. This means one thing for BASIS Independent Brooklyn – our Fall Open Houses! Fall Open Houses are considered the greatest way for your family to get to know our BASIS Independent Brooklyn community, making them some of the best events of our year. 

Please join us in-person at one of our Open Houses on Saturday, October 19 (PreK-Grade 2) or Saturday, October 26 (Grades 3-12). Click here to register!
 

General Open House Structure: 
For both Open Houses, doors will open at 9:40 AM, and the event will last approximately until 12:00 PM. We welcome you to register and attend even if you are not able to participate in the entire event. Students are encouraged to join us, as well. 

Open Houses begin with an Introduction and an Open House Overview. They include a Parent Panel where you will be able to hear from current BASIS Independent Brooklyn families. Families will also be able to tour the campus while visiting classrooms. 

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

PREK–Grade 2: Saturday, October 19 at 10:00 AM 

PreK & Kindergarten  
Saturday, October 19  
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 19 
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 of 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 conclude with a Q&A panel that consists of BASIS Independent Brooklyn parents and school leadership.   

Activities and Refreshments 

A Fun Zone will be hosted in one of our classrooms. You are welcome to bring your student(s) and have them play with our team and their peers while you explore our school. We will have light refreshments for the whole family at the Open House. After the Open House, we invite you to enjoy our Back to School Bash alongside our whole school community. There will be food trucks, face painting, a magician, games, and other treats!  

GRADES 3-12: Saturday, October 26 at 10:00 AM 

The Primary Program: Grades 3-5 
Saturday, October 26 
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 of 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, October 26 
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 our many athletic and academic competition teams, clubs, international trips, and more. 
 
The High School Program: Grades 9-12
Saturday, October 26 
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 conclude with 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 at the Open House. After the Open House, we invite you to stop by our Primary School Fall Harvest Festival alongside our Grades 3-5 students and families.

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Don’t miss this interactive experience! Click here to register for our Fall Open Houses. 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.  

I look forward to meeting you soon!

Warmly,
Ms. Thea LaCrosse
Director of Admissions | BASIS Independent Brooklyn
thea.lacrosse@basisindependent.com

Empowering Parent-Teacher Partnerships: Tips for a Successful School Year

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At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe that strong parent-teacher partnerships are essential to student success. Our dedicated teachers are passionate about providing a nurturing and supportive learning environment and are committed to open communication and collaboration with parents.

In this blog post, our teachers offer experiential advice on how to start the school year off right. Building lasting relationships is possible with these top three tips for parents of students at any age:

  1. Attend events
  2. Reach out
  3. Meet in person

Tips for Parents: Start Strong with Effective Communication from Day One

  1. Attend back-to-school events to establish initial connections with teachers.
meet the teacher night

At the start of the year, we emphasize relationship-building within our Wildcat community! In addition to Meet the Teacher nights, we also have welcome-back carnivals at both the Upper and Lower Schools for socializing in a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Attending parent events has been a game-changer for me. It’s great to get to know parents and build a personal connection. This has really strengthened my relationships with families and helped me better support their children.
    Mr. Smith Visual Arts SET, Upper School
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  1. Proactively reach out to teachers with questions or concerns, especially at the beginning of the year. You can share your child’s strengths, interests, and any challenges they may be facing, but be prepared to work in partnership with the teacher. Math Subject Expert Teacher, Ms. Perez remembers when a parent reached out to share that their upper school student struggles with math even though they put in a lot of effort. Establishing that connection early opened up so many options for support.
  • This insight helped me better prepare for supporting the student, ensuring I worked with the parent to address difficulties before they became overwhelming. It also allowed me to be more understanding and patient with the challenges the student faced.
    Ms. Perez Math SET, Upper School
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Our Learning and Subject Expert Teachers subscribe to this trust-building type of collaboration that requires impactful two-way communication. In our experience, a strong teacher-parent partnership addresses specific student needs, increases learning, and benefits the child’s well-being.

BASIS Independent Manhattan has a unique system that replaces traditional parent-teacher conferences, typically hosted twice for only 15-20 minutes, with weekly parent hours. Teachers are accessible to parents to discuss their child’s progress, set goals, and identify a support plan if needed.

Our teachers have found that it is best when parents come prepared to ask specific questions and follow up on any action items discussed during these meetings. Mr. Smith also notes, “Parents play a huge role in keeping students accountable outside the classroom, which ensures that when they are at school, we are able to be as productive as possible.”

By fostering a team sensibility, we create a supportive and collaborative learning environment that benefits our students. Remember, open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to your child’s success are key to building lasting relationships.

Thank you to our amazing teachers for their dedication and passion. We are grateful for your commitment to our students and our school community.

If you are interested in this kind of parent-teacher relationship or would like to meet our incredible teachers, please attend one of our Fall Open Houses.

School Counseling and Self-Care

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BASIS Independent Bellevue is committed to nurturing our hard-working students using our internationally benchmarked curriculum. While academic success is a cornerstone of our institution, students also need to gain a sense of wellness that is crucial to their current and future success. With holistic wellness in mind, self-care practices are essential for scholastic excellence. 

BASIS Independent Bellevue’s new counselor places a strong emphasis on self-care as vital for the well-being of students. Our School Counselor, Ms. Olivia Bryant, is a useful resource for students and can help them on their self-care journey. She states, “Learning how to cultivate resilience and manage the bumps in the road of life is one of the most foundational gifts we can give young people. That is why self-care is so important.” 

But what does self-care look like for today’s students?  

Our new School Counselor, Ms. Olivia, is a valuable asset to the students and our overall learning community.

Understanding Self-Care 

Self-care encompasses various aspects of a student’s life, including physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Nurturing oneself in these areas takes time but helps young people achieve a balanced and healthy lifestyle. 

Physical Self-Care 

Physical self-care involves maintaining health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep.  

  • Exercise Regularly: Engage in physical activities like sports, yoga, or even a brisk walk. Staying physically active helps reduce stress and improve mood. Make sure to check out the sports and other Enrichment Opportunities we are offering this year. 
  • Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Try to avoid excessive caffeine and sugary snacks.   
  • Sleep: Ensure you get 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Establish a consistent sleep schedule to help your body regulate its internal clock.  

Emotional Self-Care

Managing emotions is crucial for overall well-being. Ms. Olivia recommends: 

  • Stress Management: Practice stress-relief techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or listening to music. 
Ms. Olivia having fun with students at our recent celebration of Hispanic/LatinX Heritage Month. Getting outside, enjoying arts and crafts, and having fun with friends are all great ways to manage stress and practice self-care.
  • Emotional Awareness: Recognize and express your emotions. We want our students to know it is okay to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 
  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Incorporate mindfulness exercises or meditation into your daily routine to stay grounded and present. 
  • Practicing Gratitude: One strategy to improve happiness and combat stress is through consistently highlighting the things that bring us gratitude each day. Daily gratitude journaling is proven to improve well-being. 

Caring for Mental Health

Ms. Olivia wants to remind our learning community that “Mental health is health. Just as we prioritize going to the doctor for check-ups and physicals, it’s important to tend to our mental well-being too.” She encourages seeking mental health support in both the large and small stressors of life because it can be transformative to simply have a supportive person to talk to. It is a sign of strength to be able to ask for help, and Ms. Olivia encourages our families to reach out to her if your student is struggling. Together, she hopes that our students receive the support they need at school and at home to manage feelings of stress.   

Parents also play a crucial role in supporting their children’s holistic well-being: 

  • Supportive Environment: Create a supportive home environment where self-care is encouraged and practiced. Allow your student time to take brain breaks and find ways to help your student live a balanced life.  
  • Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your children about their feelings and challenges. Taking the time to simply listen to their perspective and validate their feelings can make all the difference.  

Practical Resources at School

At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we offer various resources to support our students’ well-being: 

  • Counseling Services: Our school counselor is available to provide guidance to students through individual school counseling meetings. During this time, Mountaineers are provided a safe and supportive space to express feelings, problem-solve, and work towards individualized goals.  
  • Small Groups: In addition, Ms. Olivia offers small group meetings with students aimed at fostering a sense of belonging in our community while learning practical skills to enhance their overall social and emotional well-being. 
  • Character Themes of the Month: As a school community, we are also focusing on investing in students through monthly character education lessons. Each month, students will have opportunities to discuss and reflect on topics related to growth mindset, respect, gratitude, empathy, and more. Every Mountaineer Monday, students build these skills through classroom discussion and reflection. Additionally, our school counselor will be offering cookies and guided activities related to each theme of the month in her monthly event, Cookies with the Counselor.  

Self-care is essential for students to thrive both academically and personally. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we are dedicated to supporting our students’ well-being. We encourage students to prioritize their self-care and reach out for support when needed. Our school counselor, Ms. Olivia, is here to partner with parents to provide students with support when facing both successes and challenges. Our school community wants to make sure students connect with our counselor and engage with topics like self-care during their educational journey. Ultimately, directing energy toward self-care as a school community helps our Mountaineers find balance, strength, and acceptance in their daily lives. 

Leadership Spotlight: Associate Head of School Leo Yoon

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Before the annual summer Teacher training, BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s leadership team welcomed Leo Yoon to campus as Associate Head of School. He brings years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the private school world. He also joins our community at an exciting time – our community just celebrated 10 years of educating students in Brooklyn, and our school was recognized as the Best K-12 Private School in Brooklyn, Best Private High School in Brooklyn, and Best Private College Prep High School in Brooklyn according to Niche.com’s 2024 rankings.

Most recently, Mr. Yoon led the Upper School Program at The Wilberforce School in Princeton, New Jersey, where he served as Head of Upper School for eight years. He has been dedicated to educating young people throughout his career. He brings with him almost two decades of experience in education, having served in a variety of roles, including math teacher, student dean, director of middle school, and head of upper school. Mr. Yoon holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from SUNY Binghamton as well as graduate degrees from Westminster Theological Seminary and Teachers College, Columbia University. To help families get to know more about Mr. Yoon, we asked him about his background and ideas as he moves into the Associate Head of School for BASIS Independent Brooklyn. Below is an interview that has been edited for length and clarity.

Can you share what drew you to a career in education?

While I studied electrical engineering in college, I spent my college summers helping out at a youth education center. During my senior year of college, a close friend (who would one day be my wife) asked me what I would do as a career if I could do anything. This led to some honest thinking. I liked engineering, but I loved what I did during the summers–teaching and working with middle and high school students. This probably sounds cliché, but I loved and honestly still love the potential that educators have in making a positive difference in kids’ lives during some of their most formative years. I find it a great privilege and responsibility to be in such a position.

What appealed to you about joining BASIS Independent Brooklyn?

Two things appealed to me most about the school: its commitment to academic excellence and the school environment. The material that’s taught at BASIS Independent is at the highest levels of academic rigor that I’ve seen as an educator. But what’s more impressive is how effectively this challenging material is taught at the school and how students are encouraged and pushed to learn at their highest potential, which leads to the second thing that appealed to me…the school environment. I love that the school is committed to creating an environment where students feel valued and supported to think freely and creatively and, at the same time, are challenged to excel.

Tell us about some of your plans or priorities in the year ahead?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the school leaders, teachers, and some families during the last few weeks and am very much looking forward to meeting the rest of the community. I’m especially excited to get to know the students! Teachers are, of course, fundamental to a school, and one of my main goals for this year is to support them in a way that allows them to further develop their craft as educators.

We understand you are not just a new member of school leadership, but you are also a parent at our school. What difference does that second perspective bring?

As a parent, I understand firsthand many of the hopes and concerns that parents have regarding their child’s education. Having such a perspective allows me to approach decision-making with a deeper understanding and sensitivity toward the potential effects the decisions will have on both students and their families.

Do you mind sharing a fun fact that families might not know about you?

My two daughters, Zoe and Isobel, love rollerblading, and since we recently moved to a place just a few blocks from Prospect Park, I decided to take up rollerblading again to join them on the trail. So, if you see a middle-aged Asian man with two girls rollerblading at the park, feel free to say hello…but only if he looks like he knows what he’s doing (if he looks like he has no business on rollerblades, please assume it’s not me and save me an embarrassing encounter!).

You just moved from New Jersey to Brooklyn. What are some of your favorite things about the borough so far?

THE FOOD! My family and I have really enjoyed trying new foods and restaurants. On the recommendation of one of our administrators, we found our favorite dessert spot in Brooklyn so far: Culture (frozen yogurt)! Besides the food, I love that we can walk everywhere! We’ve doubled our daily steps, which bodes well for us since we’ve probably doubled our calorie intake with all the good food!

The Yoon Family on vacation this year.

Fall 2025: Top 10 Questions Asked Every Admissions Season

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Every admissions season we field hundreds of questions about the admissions process, our program, the transition, student life, electives, extracurriculars, and so much more! 

While we are happy to speak to every one of our families, we notice the same questions being asked consistently. 

Keep reading below to learn more about the top ten questions asked every admissions season. 

#1 – How many students will be admitted in each grade? 

Our most commonly asked question! Seat capacity changes from year to year depending on the reenrollment of our current families and our graduating class. We also have the ability to shift how many sections of classes we offer based on the total enrollment of the school. As this is an ever-changing number, we aren’t able to determine seat capacity until around February, after the reenrollment deadline of our current families, which is why we make the majority of our admissions offers (Regular Admissions) in March. So, though we cannot provide you specifics of exactly how many seats are available “this year” and in “this grade”, we encourage you to apply as we will have available seats in all grades every year.

If you are interested in a BASIS Independent Silicon Valley education, apply!

#2 – What is the difference between Early Admissions and Regular Admissions? 

We offer two application cycles during our core season. Early Admissions will require families to complete their application, receive an admissions decision, and accept their seat earlier. Regular Admissions will have all the same requirements but at a later date.

For current families with siblings or families whose first choice is BISV, we encourage them to apply in Early Admissions. For families who are looking at other schools or are unable to commit early, we encourage them to apply in Regular Admissions.


#3 – How do you help students transition into the program? 

From their very first day, all new students are placed on an academic support plan. At the start of the new school year, your student meets with his or her dean once a week to ensure a smooth transition. Sometimes this is an individual meeting, and sometimes it is all new students together. Teachers provide office hours throughout the school week for students and parents and are available to talk through concerns or questions. Depending on the grade we offer a student-led Peer Tutoring program, which operates after school and is there to help expand their networks and become comfortable asking for help. We also offer Summer School along with JumpStart Packets before the start of the school year. 

We enroll new students every year. For students to achieve the results that they do in our program, they must have the necessary support along their academic journey, from both the school and at home. While we encourage families to join our program sooner rather than later, students can still join in later grades and be incredibly successful.

#4 – Can a student successfully transition from a public school to your program? 

Every year, we have students join us from multiple public schools. Any motivated student can excel in our program. We have a strong support network to ensure a student has the toolkit to succeed. In the beginning, there is always some adjustment for students from both public and private schools. Workloads may be higher than the averages in the beginning as students adjust to the structure and practices of our day-to-day program and classroom experience. However, we see time and again, that students adjust and learn how to utilize their resources to thrive in their school life.

School administration, faculty, and staff are always present to participate in supporting and guiding students, as well as helping develop good work and study habits, along with time management skills.

#5 – How much homework should students expect in middle school and high school?

This depends on the student, their core classes, electives, after-school activities, and even what time of year it is, especially in high school. Grade 5 students will typically see 45 minutes to an hour of homework every night, but that depends on the day and the student. Grade 6 students will have one to one and a half hours of homework. Grade 7 students will have one to two hours of homework. Grade 8 students, as they prepare for our high school program, could have two to three hours of homework each night, but that once again depends on the student and their schedule. Our Student Affairs Team assists in monitoring homework but since each student, their work ethic, and their schedules can vary, it is hard to say an exact time for each grade.

#6 – With such high academics, do students even have time for clubs and sports?

Absolutely! Over 80% of our student body participates in at least one extracurricular activity at our school every year. But our answer to this is, “it always depends on the student.” We have Upper School students taking two to three AP courses and they participate in one to two clubs or more, but we also have Lower School students that take their required coursework and only have time to participate in one club.

Students are given the tools to learn and practice organization, time management, and work and study habits. But no two students are alike. It is more important to us that our students learn to take on only what they can handle, challenge themselves when appropriate, and learn when and if they need to turn their focus elsewhere. Many students may play a sport or participate in a club on campus but also engage in an activity outside of school such as ballet or martial arts. Our students learn to manage their time while exploring and enjoying their extracurricular interests and passions.

#7 – What is your teacher hiring process?

We believe academic degrees or experience in the disciplines taught, and passion for that subject are the most important tools for inspiring deep content understanding in students. Our selective hiring process screens for candidates who are committed to sharing their expertise and helping students become the best versions of themselves. All final candidates are invited to conduct a Teacher Demo, where Heads of School assemble classes of our students, and candidates are given the opportunity to teach a lesson, challenge students, show their subject expertise, as well as show their ability to communicate high-level subject matter to young students. Our students take these sessions seriously; they know their feedback weighs heavily in our hiring decisions. Some new faculty members have been teaching for years in college preparatory or university settings. Others are leaving a research lab or corporate job to leap into a new career and share their experience and applied knowledge with BASIS Independent students.

#8 – What is your student-to-teacher ratio in the classroom?

TK and Kindergarten will have around 20 students to two teachers per classroom. Grades 1 – 4 will have around 25 students per class with a Learning Expert Teacher (LET) that stays with them throughout the day and an individual Subject Expert Teacher (SET) that joins their class for each subject. Grade 5 and above will also have around 25 students but have an individual Subject Expert Teacher for each subject. 

#9 – How do you teach soft skills such as confidence, self-control, and self-awareness?

Obviously, these skills are taught in conjunction with the home and parents. On the school side, students are a part of a learning community, one that gives the opportunity for young adults to better themselves, take risks, have achievements, have failures, learn lessons, etc. Through the natural course of a school day, students are partaking in that community and are not only learning these life skills, and respecting themselves, but also others.

Whether it be their behavior in the hallways, participating in class discussions, or connecting with friends during lunchtime or after school, they are learning these lessons through their relationships with their teachers and fellow students. It’s a daily journey and one that sometimes requires students to be reminded of the community they are a part of, the respect they require, and the respect we require them to show other people. This is where their relationships with their teachers, fellow students, and Dean of Students really come into play.

#10 – How does the school work with families in helping push their students to achieve more? 

It’s all about striking the right balance, which is different for every student, even students in the same household. At home, we hope parents and students are having a constant dialogue on how they are doing, handling stress, what new passions and interests they want to pursue, how they want to challenge themselves, and even what they need to cut back on. Having “too much on your plate” is a good life lesson in balancing personal life, social life, responsibilities, school, work, etc. but also being able to acknowledge when you need to take a step back and reevaluate what you can and cannot do, is just as worthy.

We don’t believe changing course means failure, you’ve just learned a different lesson than you thought you would. At school, we help students feel supported and encouraged to pursue something, whether it be starting a club, taking two electives, or planning a Senior Project. If they succeed, we are celebrating with them. But far more is probably learned in those times when a student realizes they pushed themselves too hard, stretched themselves too thin, and did not accomplish what they initially intended to. Even in those times, in partnership with their home, we are there to help them learn those important lessons as well.

Bobcat Bytes: Isha T., Grade 12

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This blog series aims to offer a glimpse into the student life of our Student Ambassadors. The BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Student Ambassadors play an important role by representing BISV throughout the academic year in many ways. From cherished memories, to conquering challenges, from time management to immersing themselves in clubs and activities. 

Meet Isha T., Grade 12, class of 2024. Prior to attending BISV, Isha attended a private school. Since joining our school in Grade 5, she has been a fantastic member of our school community. Isha’s favorite soccer clubs are FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. She says, “I went to both home stadiums when I visited Spain for my 18th birthday!”

Isha loves to travel with her family and has been to several other countries as well. She is also a valuable member of our dynamic Bollywood Dance Team at BISV, where she embraces her heritage and nurtures her love for dance. One standout memory for her last year was attending the Taylor Swift Eras Tour with her best friend!

What have been some of your most memorable moments or experiences at BISV and why?

One of my favorite experiences at BISV was being selected to be a Student Ambassador! As a Student Ambassador, I got the wonderful opportunity to welcome prospective students to BISV and show them around our campus. I also got to speak to prospective students and parents during Open Houses and Information Sessions. I answered any questions that they had and shared all of my amazing experiences at BISV, including the joy I got from representing my school. I’m proud to say that I have been a Student Ambassador for all 7 years that I’ve been at BISV and have truly enjoyed being able to show families how warm and welcoming our community is.

This year we have over 90 clubs at BISV! What are the benefits of participating in our extracurriculars?

Everyone has a variety of interests, whether it be the arts, academics, or sports. One of the things I appreciate most about BISV is how they celebrate students’ individuality by offering a wide variety of clubs. With such a varied group of club topics, it really feels like there’s something for everyone. Participating in clubs and organizations at BISV not only allows you to pursue your passions, but also allows you to form close bonds with club members who have the same interests as you.

How do you manage your time and balance academic, extracurricular activities, and free-time?

One of the most effective ways that has helped me balance my academics, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments was using my Communication Journal, or CJ. I would write down all of my school reminders and events that I had outside of school in order to keep track of everything. Just like I used my CJ to help me manage my time and balance my academics, extracurriculars, and personal commitments, it also came in handy for staying organized. Writing things down in my CJ allowed everything to be in one place, so it became easy for me to keep track of assignments and deadlines.

What are some ideas you had about BISV that you found out to be true or false once you joined the school?

Since BISV is such an academically rigorous school full of high-achievers, I thought I would be surrounded by a competitive environment where I would feel insecure and less accomplished than my peers. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Everyone in BISV is so humble about their accomplishments and best of all, everyone here supports and lifts each other up. The students here are not afraid to ask for help or admit their weaknesses, creating a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts and feelings.

Finally, what advice would you give for incoming students to make the most of their year?

One piece of advice I would give to prospective students is that even though the curriculum at BISV is rigorous, just continue to work hard and seek the help of your friends, parents, and teachers. Also, make sure you use your CJ! It helps a lot when you have several upcoming assignments, tests, and events.

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. 

A Total Eclipse Adventure: Mr. Chris’s Journey to Totality

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Mr. ChrisOur very own 4th Grade Learning Expert Teacher (LET), Mr. Chris, recently embarked on an astronomical adventure! Traveling with his family to Gatesville, Texas, he experienced the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total solar eclipse and shares it with us here. Mr. Chris’s dedication to this experience reflects his passion for learning and exploration. He brings this same energy to the classroom every day, inspiring his students and colleagues.

A Glimpse Through Mr. Chris’s Lens

A passionate amateur astronomer, Mr. Chris meticulously planned this trip for a year. Witnessing totality for a breathtaking 4 minutes and 15 seconds was an experience he won’t soon forget. While we can’t fully replicate the magic of the moment, Mr. Chris brings his infectious enthusiasm to life through incredible photos and an engaging video. Read on to hear his first-hand account.

This week, a rare celestial event cast a shadow over our part of the world – the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse of 2024! I hope everyone had a chance to safely observe this remarkable phenomenon.

For me, the experience transcended mere observation. I had the incredible fortune of traveling with my family to Gatesville, Texas, where we witnessed totality unfold on a quiet country road, nestled between a cow farm and an army base. Being just outside the direct path, we were still treated to an unforgettable 4 minutes and 15 seconds of complete darkness.

I’m excited to share some photos and a video with you, including some stunning close-ups captured by my dad’s telescope. You’ll see details like Baily’s Beads and the sun’s corona, which the telescope rendered in an almost mythical green hue, although that is not the actual color.

In the video, you might hear us mention seeing solar flares. While scientists haven’t recorded any flares during this eclipse, what we witnessed were actually solar prominences – massive, long-lasting structures on the sun’s surface. The largest one in our photos is a staggering 3.5-4 times the diameter of Earth!

The sudden drop in temperature and the eerie darkness during totality were truly striking. We had planned to observe the cows’ reactions, but once it hit, we were too busy being awestruck! It was an experience filled with pure wonder and excitement.

Sharing this experience isn’t just about how amazing it was, but also about encouraging you to chase your own astronomical adventure. While total eclipses are rare in North America, they occur more frequently elsewhere. Check out this website to explore the next 15 total solar eclipses. If you ever get the chance to witness totality, don’t hesitate! It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Happy stargazing!

You can meet passionate teachers like Mr. Chris at our upcoming Open Houses and admissions events – learn more. He is also hosting a Nature & the City summer program at BASIS Independent Manhattan Lower School – view details and register here.

Wildcat World Fest: Celebrating Our School’s Culture and Community

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Our recent World Fest was an unparalleled success, and we can hardly wait to take you through the highlights of this unforgettable event. Wildcat families led this galvanizing celebration, showcasing the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and heritages of our community through food, performances, and activities.

A Feast for the Senses
World Fest’s crowning component and main attraction was a bountiful buffet of foods from around the globe. 

In addition to the feast of flavors, our fabulous lunch partner Butter Beans hosted a sushi-making.

Exploring the World Through Culture

But the fun didn’t stop with food! Attendees were treated to interactive experiences like Masala Bhangra dance lessons, a bindis and bangles table, and even workshops on Chinese calligraphy and paper cutting. Performances of Bharatanatyam (classical Indian dance) and piano playing highlighted the talent of our student body as well. All of these activities plus the display tables were a fantastic opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions in a hands-on way.

A Celebration of Our Diverse Community

One of the most heartwarming aspects of World Fest was seeing the incredible diversity of our Wildcat community represented. We were thrilled to have families share their heritage from countries and regions including China, the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Israel, Jamaica, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Russia, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and more.

Building Bridges and Looking Forward

World Fest was more than just a fun event; it was a celebration of the rich tapestry that makes our school community so unique. Staff, students, and families came together to share their cultures, build bridges of understanding, and create lasting memories. The buzz is already building for next year’s World Fest! Our families are brimming with fantastic ideas to make this event even bigger and better. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this cherished tradition.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Wildcat Family Committee, every single family, student, and staff member who participated, and all the parents who worked tirelessly to bring back this amazing event for the first time since 2020. Your dedication, effort, and commitment to this event was impressive and highly appreciated!

Considering joining our Wildcat family? World Fest is just a glimpse of the vibrant and inclusive community we’ve fostered here. We invite you to explore our website, visit our school, or contact our Admissions team to learn more about what makes our school so special.

BASIS Independent Manhattan, a private school offering PreK through Grade 12, is based in Manhattan, New York. Students thrive alongside Subject Expert Teachers as they engage in a liberal arts program with STEM offerings. 

Bobcat Bytes: Ruhi M., Grade 9

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This blog series aims to offer a glimpse into the student life of our Student Ambassadors. The BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Student Ambassadors play an important role by representing BISV throughout the academic year in many ways. From cherished memories, to conquering challenges, from time management to immersing themselves in clubs and activities.

Meet Ruhi M., Grade 9, class of 2027. Prior to attending BISV, Ruhi attended a public school. Since joining our school in Grade 6, she has been a fantastic member of our school community. This year, she joined the BISV Rock Climbing Club. She says, “Nothing beats the feeling of successfully finishing a hard climb!”

Outside of school, Ruhi enjoys engaging in activities that bring her joy, such as playing competitive table tennis. She feels playing sports teaches her how to not give up even in the prospect of failure. She also loves singing and cats!

What have been some of your most memorable moments or experiences at BISV and why?

One of my most memorable school experiences was performing as a part of the BISV choir. I chose choir as my elective in Grade 8 as I have always enjoyed singing. I got to sing every day alongside the rest of the choir. During my time in choir, not only did I become a much better singer, I made some great friends as well. Over the school year, we worked incredibly hard in preparation for our choir performance. Prior to this event, I have performed onstage many times as I also play piano, but I found this performance to be rather different. There was still the anticipation, excitement, lights, and audience, but this time I was able to share this experience with my amazing friends. I am incredibly grateful to our music teacher, Ms. Jay!

This year we have over 90 clubs at BISV! What are the benefits of participating in our extracurriculars?

Joining a club at BISV has a lot of benefits. Clubs are an easy way to try something new. There are a lot of academic-related clubs such as Science Olympiad, Robotics Club, and DECA that compete in competitions. Last year, BISV hosted 40 teams for the Silicon Valley Robotics League Finals. There are also volunteering clubs such as Key Club, Paws, and the NJHS/NHS (National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society). Personally, as a member of the NJHS, I believe joining clubs like these can give you a very rewarding experience. Joining allowed me to give back to the community in fun ways that I might not have tried if I didn’t join the club. There are also a lot of clubs related to art or sports such as NJAHS (National Junior Art Honor Society), Digital Art, Rock Climbing, Cross Country, and many more. I enjoy these clubs because, after a long day of school, these can be a great part of the day to look forward to. For me, I am a co-secretary of the BISV Table Tennis Club and a coach. I’ve found that being a coach has given me a lot of confidence in myself and my ability to help others. Having these roles in the club has allowed me to find a community of people at BISV who also share an interest in table tennis.

How do you manage your time and balance academic, extracurricular activities, and free-time?

As the school day goes by, I make additions to my To-Do List. I make sure the list is easily accessible, so I can look at it and edit it anytime. After school, I reorganize the list in order of how long how they will take to complete. For me, this helps because I prefer to get smaller tasks out of the way first to clear my mind for bigger tasks. I also utilize my time at school the best that I can. At BISV, there are office hours in which teachers hold sessions after classes where students can go and ask their questions. I have met multiple teachers who have spent hours throughout the year helping me as best as they can to understand concepts and I am very grateful to them.

What are some ideas you had about BISV that you found out to be true or false once you joined the school?

Before I joined BISV, I had heard it would be much more challenging than my current school. However, I wanted to join BISV because I wanted a challenge and that is what I got. Initially, I had the idea that the rigor would lessen my love for learning, but this was not true at all. It is the most amazing feeling to reflect on how much I have learned and grown since joining the school three years ago. One of the biggest differences I saw between my old public school and BISV is the quality of teachers. Teachers here are not only passionate and knowledgeable in their field but also teach very well. I truly believe that BISV can help reveal to you your true capabilities.

Finally, what advice would you give for incoming students to make the most of their year?

For any newcomers with an idea to start a club, it is worth it to pitch in your ideas as running your own club can become a valuable part of your time here at BISV! In addition, it’s important to not get stuck on what you can’t change. If you messed up on a test, don’t let that failure affect the future. If you are taking a break to relax, don’t stress by thinking of past mistakes or possible future outcomes. Don’t take on more extracurricular activities than you can handle or you might find yourself getting burnt out during the year. Do what makes you truly happy and can give a boost to your day. This is also an important message for parents deciding what classes to put their students in. Remember, your time is precious, so choose what you do wisely. Last, it is important to stay in the present and focus on what is in front of you. Keep going and always have faith in yourself!

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. 

Project Week: World Travel Club Explores Europe

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The last week of school means Term Project Week at BASIS Independent Bellevue! Term Project Week is an opportunity for students in all grades to work with their peers on multidisciplinary projects and to engage in a fun, new activity or trip with various grade levels. Students are grouped with Term Project Teachers for each project.

These projects challenge our students to be cooperative learners and to function as a team. We offer a variety of options, and strive to add new projects each year based on both faculty and student interest.

This summer, members of World Travel Club embarked on a voyage to England, France, and Italy. World Travel Club is led by our Latin and Classics Subject Expert Teacher, Mr. Hui-Peterson. Over the course of nine days, our students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in various European destinations. This expedition marked the inaugural European journey for many, making it a truly memorable experience.

“We visited many historical sites, which provided a hands-on experience not only in history but also in cooking, customs, and more,” said Mr. Hui-Peterson. “Our BASIS Independent Bellevue Mountaineers enjoyed the time they had to indulge in food and culture, and explore stumbling upon these magnificent sites as they walked through cities.”

The trip to Europe included six of our Subject Expert Teachers and several of our parents who helped guide our students around three different countries.

We look forward to the trips in 2024!