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National Junior Honor Society at BASIS Independent Bellevue

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The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) plays an integral role in building up the students in our Middle School Program as young leaders. As one of the premier student organizations in the nation, NJHS empowers members to contribute meaningfully to their communities while excelling academically. This year, our NJHS chapter has been busier than ever as our school continues to grow. 

Character, Citizenship, Leadership, Scholarship, and Service. 

The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) pillars—character, citizenship, leadership, scholarship, and service—align with BLV’s mission to foster well-rounded students. NJHS encourages students to pursue academic projects and take the lead on initiatives that benefit their community. In grade 10, students transition to the National Honor Society (NHS), which introduces additional requirements to further their growth. This progression reflects BLV’s commitment to teaching foundational skills and guiding students toward confidently reaching higher levels of achievement. 

The number of members fluctuates yearly depending on the number of applicants. The admittance process is rigorous, and students must re-apply annually.  Students need to have earned high marks in school, complete the application questions which show examples of how they work to achieve the pillar characteristics, and write an essay based on the chosen topic. Once they have submitted their application, it is looked over by the Chapter Head and by the faculty committee which is made up of teachers from our school. 

Currently, our chapter has 30 students, each doing their best to stay committed to upholding NJHS’s principles. Becoming a member of NJHS at BASIS Independent Bellevue is an honor and a responsibility. Membership requires ongoing dedication. Students must maintain strong academic standing, contribute 15 volunteer hours, and participate in NJHS activities. Students have done many creative projects such as cleaning up parks and leading informational lessons at libraries. These expectations and activities of NJHS ensure that members remain engaged and committed to their personal growth and community impact.  

NJHS at BASIS Independent Bellevue: This Year so Far  

At the beginning of the school year, students who had been accepted into the BASIS Independent Bellevue NJHS chapter joined the organization during our Induction Ceremony. During this event, select students read passages relating to the five pillars. Students then took their NJHS oath and received their certificate from Head of School, Dr. Thies.   

In the months of November and December, BASIS Independent Bellevue hosted a food drive in partnership with Renewal Food Bank. During this time, NJHS students had the opportunity to volunteer with counting, storing, and organizing the food and hygiene products that were donated. At the end of the food drive, NJHS students went to deliver the food to the bank and received a tour to learn more about the food bank process and the communities impacted by the donations. 

Lending support to our on campus community is also a passion for many of our NJHS students. For example, four grade 8 students from NJHS are currently working on a student-led project. To help support their peers in grades 6 through 8 who are taking their Pre-Comprehensive exams at the end of January, they have partnered with the primary students to create encouraging notes. The primary students wrote personal messages of support which the grade 8 students then attached to folded origami cranes that they had hand-crafted.

As our learning community grows further, NJHS is becoming a force that strengthens our student body. Through their dedication to service, leadership, and character, NJHS members set an example for their peers.  

Moving Mountaineers – Celebrating our Athletic Department!

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It is an exciting year for BASIS Independent Bellevue athletics! The Mountaineers are making waves in the world of middle school sports after being officially accepted into the prestigious Cascade Middle School League (CMSL). This is the first school year that students who participate in our competitive athletic offerings are able compete alongside other private school teams in the Bellevue and Redmond area. The league emphasizes sportsmanship as its top priority, and we’re committed to ensuring every athlete experiences a positive and uplifting environment while competing. With a variety of sports offered from soccer and volleyball in the fall, to basketball in the winter and track and field in the spring, there is never a dull moment for our student athletes!

Our Physical Education SET and Athletic Coordinator, Mr. Shelp, is particularly passionate about the integration of our sports and athletic programs at BLV.

“I believe the world of sports reveals the finest qualities of humanity. The unwavering grit, sportsmanship, discipline and competitive spirit of athletes inspire us all, bringing the world together in ways that surpass boarders. I am confident that establishing a robust sports program at BASIS Independent Bellevue will likewise inspire excellence and unity within our school community. It is a joy to be part of building something so meaningful.” – Mr. Shelp

This school year is only the beginning of competitive athletics for BASIS Independent Bellevue, and all of our teams have already shown a great deal of promise.

Our soccer team’s inaugural season in 2024 —2025 was a huge success, finishing with a .500 record – an impressive feat for a team mostly made up of 6th and 7th graders! Our Head of School, Dr. Elizabeth Thies, is particularly passionate about the soccer team. She served as their head coach last year, while this year she stepped into the assistant coach role.

“Standing on the sidelines and acting as a coach in any capacity gives me an opportunity to work with my students in a different way. I absolutely love that!” – Dr. Thies

The head coach for this season was Chemistry SET, Ms. Abele!

“Being a student athlete is about more than the game – it is about teamwork, trust, and pushing your limits for something bigger than yourself. The bonds and lessons you build with your peers last a lifetime. It was a pleasure to watch our soccer players build these bonds this year. They showed grit and determination in so many ways and I know they will only continue to grow in the next season” – Ms. Abele

Our track and field team has also seen remarkable success in the 2024 — 2025 season, with multiple athletes claiming 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes in events such as long jump, the 400 meter, and shot put. The head coach, Science SET Ms. Bryant, is very proud of their hard work this season.

Meanwhile, in volleyball, our team tied for first place in the season-ending Jamboree tournament, proving they are a force to be reckoned with in the CMSL. The head coach, English SET Ms. Fischer, was delighted by their performance this year.

“Our first official year as a competitive volleyball team was amazing! Our team was young, but so quick to learn the fundamentals of the sport and the rules of the court. Each player showed tremendous growth over the course of the season. I was particularly impressed with how cohesive our team became, and how much support the athletes showed each other in practices and games. I look forward to another great season!” – Ms. Fischer

Ms. Fischer is delighted to share that she is going to be coaching a volleyball camp this summer, on campus here at BASIS Independent Bellevue. This will be a great opportunity for students to work on their skills for the 2025 — 2026 school year. For more information about our summer programs, click here!

Last year, in the 2023 — 2024 season, our basketball team showcased their talent and determination, finishing with a stellar 7 – 2 record. Their performance showcased impressive wins and brought the school community closer with a thrilling Blackout Game. With the band playing, foam fingers waving and our Sasquatch mascot making an appearance, the energy was electric as we celebrated a victory. The Mountaineers are a force to be reckoned with and the excitement continues as they have just kicked off the 2024 — 2025 basketball season!

As we near the end of the 2024 — 2025 athletic season, it’s clear that BLV’s sports teams have left their mark both on and off the field. From thrilling victories to hard-fought battles, each team demonstrated unwavering determination, teamwork, and school pride. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our athletes, coaches, and supporters who make every game and practice count. We send a special thank you to our athletic coordinator, Mr. Shelp, for his endless dedication to the growth of our athletic department and we cannot wait to see that continue for many seasons to come. Go Mountaineers!

Our Grade Span: Student Learning and Leadership Opportunities

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BASIS Independent Bellevue first opened its doors in 2022, offering classes for grades 2 through 7. Since then, we have continued to expand our program offerings and as of the 2024–2025 academic year, our campus now has students in grades 2 through 9.

Looking ahead, our learning community plans to branch off into two distinct campuses. The current campus will ultimately be an Upper School, serving grades 5 through 12, housing both our Middle and High School programs. Plans are in motion to build a Lower School across the street. This brand-new facility will be dedicated to our Primary Program where students learn within our celebrated SET/LET co-teaching model.

While our current span of grade 2 to grade 9 might seem unconventional, it gives our current students the chance to cultivate learning and leadership opportunities. Older and younger students on our campus get to work together in meaningful ways, enriching the educational experience for all involved.

Head of School Dr. Thies emphasizes the value of this collaboration: “I love the fact that our grade span allows our younger students to work closely with our older students. It creates unique leadership opportunities and allows our high school students to learn more about what we offer as part of our Primary Program.”

Community Through Collaboration

BASIS Independent Bellevue strives to connect students of various grades through creative, fun, and meaningful avenues. When students have positive interactions with one another it creates a culture of trust, mentorship, and positivity. Examples of this collaboration can be seen across our campus at varying grade levels.

Working on Basketball Fundamentals in Physical Education  

Adham is a Grade 9 student who gets involved in our community by taking time from his Academic Enrichment sessions to help with physical education classes.

Adham recently helped grade 3 students improve their basketball skills by focusing on basketball fundamentals. Physical Education instructor Ms. Ziolkowski enjoys having the younger students work with a positive role-model who can not only teach them about how to play sports but also emphasize values such as respect and sportsmanship. Ms. Ziolkowski states, “Adham is a huge help! He did not need any guidance in managing a gym full of energetic third graders. His positive attitude and encouragement create an uplifting atmosphere, and he is always ready to assist students who need help with instructions or activities. His friendly demeanor and leadership skills make him a fantastic role model for younger students. He has been a wonderful addition to my classes.”

Peer Support in Mandarin Class

In Ms. Pan’s Mandarin class, collaboration extends to language learning. Cindy in grade 9 is another student at BASIS Independent Bellevue who takes time during the week to help younger students work on their Mandarin skills. On Tuesdays, you can find Cindy volunteering during Academic Enrichment sessions, helping younger students refine their language skills. Her efforts not only reinforce her own understanding of the language but also provide invaluable support to younger students who are taking on the often-challenging task of learning how to learn a new language in an academic setting.

Ms. Pan says, “Cindy is an exceptionally responsible student who demonstrates remarkable dedication. She attends Chinese class every Tuesday to assist the grade 2 students in learning Mandarin. Cindy’s kindness and commitment to her work are truly commendable. She skillfully teaches the students how to write Chinese characters accurately, making a significant impact on their learning experience. The students greatly enjoy having Cindy in the classroom, and every Tuesday, they eagerly anticipate her arrival. Through her consistent efforts and dedication, Cindy has earned the respect and admiration of everyone.”

Making a Learning Community Across Grades

One of the greatest benefits of our unique grade span is building comradery at our school while preparing students for real world scenarios. When students get older, and eventually enter college and the workforce, they will interact with people from various age groups and backgrounds. Traditional academic experiences often silo students into working exclusively with peers of their age and a handful of select individuals who are older or younger. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, students gain early exposure to collaboration with people who are at different ages and stages in their educational journeys, a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Building community requires working with people who are at various stages in life—our students are not only learning to meet people where they are at but also are gaining valuable insight to support others in their individual journeys. We are proud of the opportunities our students have and the work they do to support one another. By fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration, we are not only enriching their academic experience but also preparing them to thrive as leaders and lifelong learners.

Top Five Blogs of 2024

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2024 has been quite a year! As we continue to build our community, be sure to check back regularly for articles on student life, BASIS Independent Schools accomplishments, and more to both celebrate and highlight our Orca community.

We look forward to 2025, and all that we will accomplish in the new year. 

#1 An Exclusive Look at Our Campus Renderings

With the rising demand for a Kindergarten—Grade 12 liberal arts curriculum with advanced STEM offerings in the Pacific Northwest we are pleased to reveal our latest expansion will be nestled in the Canyon Park neighborhood in Bothell, WA. BASIS Independent Bothell will provide families a supportive learning environment for an even greater number of young learners.

As we eagerly prepare for our anticipated opening in fall of 2025, it is with great excitement we offer an exclusive glimpse into the student experience at BASIS Independent Bothell with the unveiling of our stunning campus renderings!

Keep Reading Here!

#2 The Class of 2024: Achieving New Heights and Redefining Success

We take immense pride in the achievements of our seniors who now embark on the next phase of their exciting academic journey. As they prepare to enter the world’s top colleges and universities this fall, we are confident in their readiness to excel, their determination to distinguish themselves, and their ability to thrive given the thorough preparation of the BASIS Curriculum. 

The Class of 2024 comprises five high schools: BASIS Independent Brooklyn, Fremont, Manhattan, McLean, and Silicon Valley, and they have yet again set the standard in national and international college acceptances. The past school years for our graduates have been filled with countless hours of community building, essay writing, test preparation, campus visits, and more. Their hard work and determination are indicators that they are well-prepared to thrive in world-renowned higher education institutions.

Keep Reading Here!

#3 Head of School Announcement

I am excited to announce that Mr. Robert Runyon has been named the Head of School of BASIS Independent Bothell. Mr. Runyon is an experienced school leader and respected educator within BASIS Independent Schools, and he has shaped the trajectory of both new and established schools since joining the network eight years ago.

Mr. Runyon will be the inaugural Head of School at BASIS Independent Bothell after serving as the Associate Head of School at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, a Preschool-Grade 12 private school with a lower and upper school campus. 

Keep Reading Here!

#4 2023 – 2024 Startups at Spring Competition: Creativity

Thinking of a creative and unique business idea is a challenge for even the globe’s most talented and proven business professionals. Give that same challenge to a group of high school students all attending exceptional schools and the results are sure to impress. How could students in Grades 9 – 12 create a start-up idea, product, or service from inception to implementation? One that would also impress a panel of judges made up of industry professionals? That’s what a group of educators discovered at the Startups at Spring Competition. 

The competition is open to high school students attending a Spring Education school and focuses on a specific type of business start-up. This year’s theme was creativity and it allowed the students to think outside of the box and present their ideas, first to their local school, and then one team from each school was selected and invited to attend a network-wide competition. Students then made the same presentation but, instead of it being in front of their peers and school administration, it was in front of industry professionals. 

Keep Reading Here!

#5 Introducing the BASIS Independent Bothell Orcas!

We are excited to introduce BASIS Independent Bothell’s mascot — the Orca! Taking into consideration our region and our mission, we think the Orca will represent our school community in so many ways. 

Keep Reading Here!

BASIS Independent Bothell, a Kindergarten–Grade 12 private school, opening fall 2025.

To learn more, join our Interest List by clicking here.

A Day in the Life of a Grade 9 Student – Claire!

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Meet Claire, grade 9, class of 2028! Claire has been a student at our campus since our inaugural year in 2022. She has the unique privilege of being a member of BASIS Independent Bellevue’s first graduating class.

Claire is a pillar of this campus. Like many of our students, she is extremely dedicated to her studies, already taking three AP level classes and working diligently in each of them. But beyond academics, Claire is deeply involved in the fabric of our school community. She is a member of our Student Ambassador Program, Peer Advisory Council, National Junior Honor Society, Advanced Chamber Music Club, Biochemistry Club and will be a co-founding member of our upcoming Red Cross Club. Outside of school, Claire has been playing classical guitar for seven years and enjoys to read and play table tennis. We were delighted to spend the day with Claire to provide a glimpse into a Day in the Life of a grade 9 student at BASIS Independent Bellevue.

Claire begins her day with her World Language class. Beginning in grade 7, our students have the choice between four different World Languages – Latin, Spanish, Mandarin or French. Claire has opted to take French as her World Language and is currently taking French II. In more specialized classes, such as World Languages or Electives, our students begin to explore their individual interests. As a result, our students sometimes find themselves in classes with a very small teacher to student ratio. In Claire’s first period French II class, she is only one of three students! This allows each of the students to build meaningful connections with their teacher, Ms. Chaffee, while studying the language to advanced levels. During this class, we found that students are almost completely immersed in the language – we saw Claire and Ms. Chaffee having a conversation completely in French!

Second period, Claire heads to her Honors English Literature and Composition class, with Ms. Fischer. This is one of two English classes our grade 9 students have in their day, both of which are taught to the Honors level. Our Honors classes are designed to prepare students to take AP classes. Honors Literature and Composition is aimed at strengthening the foundational skill of textual analysis. In this course, students analyze various literary forms, including short stories, poetry, plays, novels and nonfiction. Ms. Fischer helps students dive into questions like “What makes literature meaningful?”, “How do we assign meaning to text?”, and “What messages are being conveyed by text?” Through these essential questions, students learn to develop their own voice as they construct arguments supported by textual evidence.

For third period, Claire is off to Pre-Calculus! By grade 9, all of our students have completed Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II. Some students have even completed Pre-Calculus in grade 8 and take AP Calculus in grade 9. While we are very proud of our students who are on this advanced math track, it is so important to acknowledge that all of our students are working at advanced levels already. Claire is a great example of a student who is on our ‘standard’ math track which means taking Pre-Calculus in her first year of high school. This course provides an in-depth coverage of 12 major functions their graphs and applications, including Polynomial, Power, Rational, Exponential, Logistic, and Logarithmic functions. The detailed study of trigonometric functions and analytic Trigonometry are emphasized. The course also introduces Matrices, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics with Probability. Next year, Claire will go on to take Calculus at the AP level!

Fourth period, Claire attends AP Physics, her first AP class of the day. This course is an algebra-based, introductory college-level physics course that explores topics such as Newtonian mechanics (including rotational motion); momentum and systems; work, energy, and power; and simple harmonic motion. Students develop scientific critical thinking and reasoning skills through a hands-on approach. As is sometimes the case, today was a quiz day so our observers saw students working hard on a quiz. On non-assessment days, students in AP Physics can often be found engaging in experiments as this class spends 25% of class time on labs.

Next, Claire is off to lunch! Our grade 9 students have open campus privileges, which means they have the ability to choose where they would like to have lunch on campus. After the first trimester of the school year, our grade 9 students also have the opportunity to leave campus during lunch. These lunch privileges allow our high school students to develop their autonomy while learning to manage their time effectively. On this day, we found Claire hanging out with her friends in a Mandarin classroom having lunch and working on homework.

After lunch, Claire heads to Honors English Language and Composition. This class, taught by Ms. Ward, provides students with an introduction to rhetoric, research, and composition. While reading works drawn from a range of disciplines and historical periods, students acquire foundational knowledge and skills related to the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts. As writers, students gain practice in the development and revision of evidence-based analytical and argumentative writing, and learn to locate, evaluate, and cite a range of sources in support of their arguments. The course deepens students’ understanding of how and why communicators make choices based upon the rhetorical situation and audience. While observing, we saw Claire working on the first outline of an essay. Students had previously participated in a murder mystery game where they were presented with various clues and evidence about a “murder” that had taken place. Using the evidence provided, they began crafting thesis statements as the start of their essay. These thesis statements were then used to create the outline we saw Claire working on.

Next, Claire has a 20-minute Academic Enrichment period that we call AE. AE provides students with quiet time for them to work on homework or study. AE is also utilized by staff members to convey important announcements or work on Social Emotional Learning strategies. For example, every Monday, all students have Mountaineer Monday activities, which are developed by our School Counselor and focus on our Character Themes of the Month. On other days, our College Counselor uses the AE period as a touchpoint with high school students, sharing leadership opportunities with them and checking in about upcoming events.

Once AE is over, it is time for Claire to attend AP United States Government and Politics. This course is designed to give students an analytical perspective on government and politics in the United States, and it includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret U.S. government and politics and the analysis of specific examples. On the day prior to our observation, students had worked in groups to complete an activity called hexagonal thinking, which acted as a review for their most recent unit. Each group of students was asked to choose 25 terms, documents or quotations from the most recent unit and make connections between each of them. Of those 25 items, they needed to create a detailed explanation for six of their connections. During our observation, we were able to see Claire and her group present their six explanations to the class! This type of work is designed to prepare our students for their upcoming AP exams in May.

Finally, Claire is off to her last class of the day, AP Computer Science. This class is Claire’s elective class and is currently one of our most popular electives on campus. This course introduces students to computer science with fundamental topics including problem solving, design strategies and methodologies, organization of data, approaches to processing data, analysis of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing. It includes the study of common algorithms and the use of some of Java’s built-in classes and interfaces for basic data structures, as well as a structured lab component with of a minimum of 20 hours of hands-on lab experiences integrated throughout the course. On this day, students were working on a project focused on creating a text-based adventure game!

After school, Claire heads home to practice her guitar and get some well-deserved rest! She is an excellent representative of BASIS Independent Bellevue and we are so proud to have had the opportunity to share a day of learning with Claire. We extend our thanks to Claire and her family for allowing us to highlight her!

Leadership Spotlight: Middle School Dean of Students Patrick Russell

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The Middle School Program at BASIS Independent Brooklyn aims to build strong foundational knowledge across subjects while also nurturing student autonomy and self-discipline needed for advanced critical inquiry important for high school and college. Two Deans of Students help guide that growth and advancement in the critical middle school years at the school. Today we wanted to feature Dean Patrick Russell, who focuses on academic student support in the Middle School years, since prospective families often have questions about the transition to our Middle School Program. Who better than Mr. Russell to speak to the support and best practices brought to help students transition to and thrive at our school.

After graduating from Cornell University in 2016, Mr. Russell joined our team first as a Teaching Fellow. During this time, he shadowed Subject Expert Teachers to learn about the BASIS Curriculum and grow teaching skills and understanding of classroom management. His passion for teaching, skill in connecting with students, and ability to bring subject matter to life was quickly evident. He moved into a Subject Expert Teacher role for both English and French instruction in our Middle and High School Programs. Mr. Russell is a beloved teacher and now a rising star in administration. He is the Coach for our Cross Country and Track Teams, and he has led conditioning and weight training programs for our students.

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

I was inspired to go into education by my high school English teacher. I was one of the kids not always succeeding in middle school and high school, since the school I attended was very rigid and had a very specific way of doing things. I needed something a little bit different.

My high school English teacher constantly sat me down and we would debrief after difficult lessons or disappointing grades. He would ask what happened, and he listened and made the content more accessible to me. He was also one of those teachers who would assign somewhat non-canonical material that he knew we would read. At the end of the day, this teacher being able to give students challenging material and provide it in such a way that they care, showing up every day with the enthusiasm that he brought, completely turned around my high school experience. He created a course that made every student care.

What appealed to you about joining BASIS Independent Brooklyn first as a teaching fellow then teacher and now Dean?

I wanted to focus on the parts of my job that were the most fulfilling, which were helping students overcome challenges, facilitating their growth as students, and making real connections with people. While I do love the disciplines that I taught, the Dean role allowed for more of those rewarding moments and the opportunity to make a bigger impact on the entire Middle School Program rather than in just my disciplines.  

Through the years, I have seen many different teaching styles that have different impacts on students, and I have seen the benefits that all of them can bring. I have also seen where different learning styles work differently for different students. It is so important to give kids the opportunity to figure out what works best for them, which also involves giving them space to experiment through trial and error and fail safely, build back up, and have moments of self-reflection. The pedagogical autonomy afforded to BASIS Independent Brooklyn teachers allows them to provide multiple differentiated routes to the same learning outcomes, which in turn increases content accessibility for students.

You taught middle school English and French before moving into the Dean of Students Role. How did that experience inform your new position?

Coming from a teaching role to administration, I have seen the positive culture and genuine joy around learning at the school. I have seen first-hand also how what works for one student might not work for every student, which reinforced to me the importance of being able to meet students where they are to create a differentiated, supportive approach to instruction.

Tell us about the support in place for students transitioning into the Middle School Program.

We understand that every student is unique—each adjusts to change differently, has their own approach to learning, and defines success in their own way, which is why personalized Student Support is essential to the process of learning and to academic success. Essentially, we provide a range of support to our new students, and we know some students will need more supervision and guidance through a formal program. The first few months of school entail students getting used to their daily and weekly schedule of classes and homework, which may feel overwhelming at first. Our team is present to help students adapt to changes and reestablish positive habits.

Another important skill we prioritize developing is self-advocacy. When students advocate for themselves, they feel empowered to ask for help, take academic risks, and make mistakes in a supportive environment. It involves learning from mistakes and failing safely, knowing that failure is not permanent but an opportunity to grow.

Overall, finding the best way to study and approach academic challenges is a trial-and-error exercise. Our team works with students alongside their Subject Expert Teachers to build work and study habits as well as develop effective time management and organization skills. These skills are incredibly important in Middle School as we prepare students over time for our High School Program and beyond.

You just worked to establish both track and cross country teams at our school. Have you always enjoyed running and being a coach?

Yes, when I grew up cross country and track were my off-season sports. I’ve had a running club at our school as long as I’ve been here. Over time with our revamped ethos on sports where it is a greater part of the holistic student experience, we were able to evolve that club into a competitive team. Also, I recently received my USA Track and Field Level One coaching certification, and I’m excited about it.

Do you mind sharing some fun facts that families might not know about you?

When I was younger, I played hockey in the World Junior Championships for Great Britain. I had to stop playing after graduating college and moving to Brooklyn, but I would love to have time to start again!

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. 

Celebrating Gratitude – Our November Character Theme of the Month

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The PNW rainy season is upon us at BASIS Independent Bellevue, which means fall is officially in the air! The weather may be gloomy, but we are taking time this month to celebrate our Character Theme of the Month – Gratitude! The American Psychological Associate defines this phenomenon as a sense of happiness and thankfulness in response to a fortunate happenstance or a tangible gift. Some additional research describes gratitude as the willingness to expand our attention so that we perceive more of the goodness we are always receiving (Pratt, 2022)

Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”; it is about appreciating the big and small moments that make life special. Studies show that practicing gratitude can improve our physical health, calm our nerves, strengthen our relationships and generate greater happiness in life (Pratt, 2022). This month, we are excited to create opportunities for students, staff, and families to embrace gratitude in meaningful ways.

On – Campus Gratitude

  1. Mountaineer Mondays

Each Monday, during our Academic Enrichment periods, our students participate in Mountaineer Mondays. Mountaineer Monday is a time for students to start their week by reflecting on important topics and learning what it means to be a Mountaineer. This month, the focus of Mountaineer Mondays is Gratitude! Students will be engaging in grade–level activities such as writing a letter expressing gratitude for themselves and creating a tree filled with drawings of what they are grateful for.

  1. Renewal Food Bank Food Drive

To express our gratitude to our local community, the staff and students at BASIS Independent Bellevue are holding a Food Drive for Renewal Food Bank.  We are collecting nonperishable food and hygiene items to give back and help others. With the support of our School Counselor and Student Affairs team, our teachers will be having meaningful discussions with students about food insecurity and empathy during this month. Additionally, members of our National Junior Honor Society will have the opportunity to visit the Food Bank and volunteer while bringing in our school donations. We are so proud of our students for their dedication to showing compassion and care for others!

  1. Cookies with the Counselor Notes

Every month, our School Counselor, Ms. Olivia, hosts a Cookies with the Counselor event during recess periods. This is an opportunity for students to come by and have a sweet treat with our Counselor while engaging in an activity aimed at developing Social-Emotional Wellness. This month, students will be writing cards of well wishes to accompany our donation to the Food Bank.

  1. Staff notes

Our reflection on gratitude does not only come from our students. In the staff lounge this month, teachers have been writing down what they are grateful for on leaves and posting on the wall as a reminder to stop and reflect. Additionally, we will be hosting a Staff Potluck and providing an opportunity for the staff to gather during lunch while sharing a delicious meal.

  1. Coffee and Cocoa

As a final show of gratitude to our campus, our Operations Team organized a “Coffee and Cocoa” event for both students and staff. A barista was sourced to come in and provide delicious, caffeinated beverages for our teachers, and yummy hot cocoa for students. It was the perfect event for the chilly fall weather!

What is our community grateful for?

We surveyed our staff to discover what our community members are grateful for this year, and to get to know them better. Check out their responses!

Ms. Grear, Director of Admissions – “I am so grateful to live in the beautiful PNW for most of the year, while having the opportunity to return home to Buffalo, NY and spend time with my loved ones for the holiday season.”

Ms. Chaffee, French Subject Expert Teacher – “I am so grateful for our students because they are energetic, motivated, and always on task. They give me new perspective when it comes to approaching culture and languages. I feel like I learn from them as much as they learn from me!”

Mr. Tyler, History Subject Expert Teacher – “Our Mandarin Expert Teacher, Ms. Pan is the best cook! She is always bringing food for the staff and I am grateful for that.”

Ms. Rakotz, Director of Academic Programs – “I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Mountaineer community. Throughout the hardships of the most recent big storm, our community came together to support one another by reaching out to each other, opening up our homes and making sure we were all safe and supported. The Mountaineer community feels like a true family that always supports each other. It is a privilege to be able to watch our students do the same.”

Mr. Pitak, Auxiliary Programs Coordinator – “I am thankful for my fiancé. We recently got engaged and we are looking forward to a bright future together.”

Ms. Campos, Front Desk Coordinator – “I am so thankful for my family. They are always there for me and support me in any way that they can. I saw them recently and we had a movie night, did puzzles and colored together. I feel grateful to have such a strong support system.”

Mr. Diambri, Associate Director of Admissions – “I am grateful for loving friends, good health, and a great place to work!”

Ms. Rieger, History Subject Expert Teacher – “I’m thankful for my coworker, Mr. Hui-Peterson. We share a room and he has been so supportive of me in my first year here. He always answers all my questions and helps in anyway that he can. It is great to have that support”

Mr. Hui-Peterson – “I am thankful for power and the internet! You don’t realize how much you take it for granted until you don’t have it anymore. The recent storm was hard on everyone and I’m so grateful we all got through it.”

Ms. PV, Math Subject Expert Teacher – “I am grateful that my extended family is coming to visit for the holiday season. We are going to have the usual holiday celebrations, but this year is extra special because I am hosting a baby shower for my sister-in-law. I can’t wait to be an auntie!”

Gratitude teaches us to focus on the good in our lives, even during challenging times. By practicing gratitude, students learn resilience and empathy—essential skills for personal growth and success. At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we’re proud to nurture these qualities by modeling it in our own lives to help our students become thoughtful, compassionate individuals.

Introducing the BASIS Independent Bothell Orcas!

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We are excited to introduce BASIS Independent Bothell’s mascot — the Orca!

Taking into consideration our region and our mission, we think the Orca will represent our school community in so many ways. 

Did you know that orcas…

  • …are extremely social, and live with their pods?
  • …travel more than any other animal on the planet, except for humans?
  • …have their own distinct languages and dialects?
  • …have an IQ that is the equivalent of a 15/16 year-old human child?
  • …coordinate and plan as a team when hunting?
  • …have evolved through culture?
  • …own the most developed insular cortex in the world?
  • …play?!

The BASIS Independent Bothell community will embrace the Orca in many ways:

  • Already enrolled families will be receiving BASIS Independent Bothell Orca gear in the next few weeks
  • Early in our first year, students will name the Orca mascot
  • Participation in Orca-focused events including:
    • Orca Recovery Day – October 19
    • World Orca Day – Mid-July
  • Creating school-wide pods to develop connections between older and younger students
  • Adopting an Orca

BASIS Independent Schools Solidify Position as Leading K-12 Network

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The 2025 Niche private school rankings are here, and BASIS Independent Schools has once again secured its spot as one of the nation’s top, private K–12 institutions! This year, five of our seven campuses were eligible for ranking, and all of them received high honors: BASIS Independent Brooklyn, McLean, Silicon Valley, along with Fremont and Manhattan, which were eligible for rankings for the first time this year. BASIS Independent Bellevue and Bothell, our newest schools, will be eligible for ranking in the next few years.

2025 Rankings: BASIS Independent Schools


National Achievements



State and Region Achievements

Top Rankings by Campus

BASIS Independent McLean: A+ Grade

#1 Best Private K-12 Schools in Virginia

#1 Best High Schools for STEM in Virginia

#1 Best College Prep Private High Schools in Virginia

#1 Best Private High Schools in Virginia


BASIS Independent Silicon Valley: A+ Grade

#3 Best High Schools for STEM in California

#5 Best High Schools for STEM in America


BASIS Independent Brooklyn: A+ Grade

#9 Best College Prep High Schools in New York 

#11 Best Private K-12 Schools in New York

#20 Best Private K-12 Schools in America


BASIS Independent Manhattan: A+ Grade
(First year eligible for Rankings)

#15 Best High Schools for STEM in New York 

#20 Best Private K-12 Schools in New York 


BASIS Independent Fremont: A+ Grade
(First year eligible for Rankings)

#6 Best High Schools for STEM in the San Francisco Bay Area

#9 Best High Schools for STEM in California

#13 Best Private K-12 Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area

Niche, a trusted leader in K–12 school rankings, provides detailed profiles for schools across the U.S. using comprehensive search and data tools. The 2025 rankings are based on an in-depth analysis of key data points and millions of reviews from students and parents. Factors such as SAT/ACT scores, the quality of colleges students pursue, student-teacher ratios, and private school ratings are considered. Data is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Niche users, and the schools themselves.

“We are both extremely proud and also not surprised by this recognition and attention for BASIS Independent Schools,” says Toby Walker, Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools. “This year, two additional schools were eligible to be ranked and the impressive rankings for BASIS Independent Fremont (CA) and BASIS Independent Manhattan only goes to show the consistency of excellent across our network of schools.”

These exciting achievements further highlight our continued excellence and commitment to delivering world-class education year after year, and further demonstrates the dedication of our Learning and Subject Expert Teachers, and their unwavering commitment to helping students achieve success at the world’s leading colleges and universities. The strength of our network is evident from coast to coast, consistently delivering outstanding results.

Explore Admissions at a BASIS Independent school today. Find your school.

BASIS Independent Schools offer the high-achieving BASIS Curriculum, which was developed in 1998 and serves students from preschool through Grade 12. BASIS Independent Schools educates students to the highest international levels with a spiraling liberal arts and sciences curriculum benchmarked to the best education systems in the world. Our advanced curriculum, unmatched in breadth and depth, prepares students to be innovative, well-rounded leaders across disciplines. BASIS Independent Schools currently offers private school campuses in California, New York, Northern Virginia, and Washington State.

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

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If you are in the process of looking for the perfect school 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.

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

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

Upper School (Grades 6 – 12) Open House
Saturday, October 26 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
556 West 22nd St., New York (Chelsea)

Lower School (PreK – Grade 5) Open House
Sunday, October 27 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
795 Columbus Ave., New York (Upper West Side)

Our Fall 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 demos with our talented, and dedicated Learning Expert 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.

  • A short Information session and welcome by our Head of School, Ms. Hodge, and the Admissions Team to introduce you to our program.
  • Mini demo lessons led by our Subject Expert and Learning Expert Teachers
  • Q&A Panels with our Parent and Student Ambassadors
  • College Counseling Overview at our Upper School Open House
  • Face Painting and a Balloon Artist at our Lower School Open House

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

Register for our Fall Open Houses today!