Student Achievement

BASIS Independent Manhattan Ranks #1 STEM High School in NY and #3 Private K–12 School in America

September 25, 2026 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

When walking through the doors of our Upper West Side and Chelsea campuses, one immediately encounters a distinct atmosphere: primary students exploring the aerodynamics of paper airplanes, upper schoolers engaged in meaningful literature discussions, and whiteboards filled with advanced multivariable calculus equations. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we believe that students are capable of far more than they can imagine when provided with high support, intellectual freedom, and expert guidance.

That belief lies at the heart of our latest milestone. In the newly released 2027 Niche Best Private Schools Rankings, BASIS Independent Manhattan has earned landmark national, state, and local recognitions:

#1 Best High School for STEM in New York State (up from #12 in 2026)
#3 Best Private K–12 School in America (up from #228 in 2026)
#3 Best Private K–12 School in NYC (up from #57 in 2026)
#3 Best Private K–12 School in NY State (up from #42 in 2026)
#3 Best Private High School in NYC (up from #71 in 2026)
#3 Best Private High School in New York State (up from #52 in 2026)
#4 Best High School for STEM in NYC (up from #17 in 2026)
#8 Best College Prep Private High School in NY State (up from #37 in 2026)
#9 Best College Prep Private High School in NYC (up from #55 in 2026)
#11 Best Private High School in America (up from #391 in 2026)
#21 Best High School for STEM in America (up from #57 in 2026)

While these honors confirm our position among the premier independent educational institutions in the nation, raw statistics only tell part of the story. Behind every ranking is a real story of individual student self-advocacy, faculty collaboration, or community involvement.

Nurturing Fearless Thinkers from the Upper West Side to Chelsea

Educational outcomes are built through intentional, step-by-step progress. From our youngest Wildcats exploring foundational concepts in PreK–grade 5 at our Upper West Side campus to grade 6–12 students engaging in post-AP coursework in Chelsea, the spiraling BASIS Curriculum introduces complex ideas early and revisits them with increasing depth.

This continuum encourages students to be inquisitive, embrace challenging coursework, and develop genuine intellectual agency. Securing the #3 Best Private K–12 School in America spot reflects the strength of this full educational journey, demonstrating how early curiosity develops into college-level mastery.

STEM Excellence Meets Strong Humanities

While being recognized as the #1 Best High School for STEM in New York State is a proud achievement, our academic program extends far beyond science, engineering, and mathematics. We place equal weight and focus on a rich, inquiry-driven humanities curriculum—ensuring that students develop critical analysis, persuasive writing, and creative problem-solving skills alongside quantitative rigor.

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, you do not have to be a “STEM kid.” Whether a student’s passion lies in creative writing, historical research, performing arts, or robotics, our dual emphasis on STEM and the liberal arts gives every child the support and freedom to forge their own path. Read more about how we cultivate well-rounded, versatile thinkers in our feature, More Than a STEM School: Highlighting Our Humanities Curriculum.

Experts in the Classrooms

A key driver of our recognition across all disciplines is our Subject Expert Teacher model. Rather than teaching from pre-packaged scripts, our faculty members hold advanced degrees and industry experience in the disciplines they lead.

Whether breaking down complex physics concepts or guiding students through literary analysis, our teachers bring genuine scholarly passion into the classroom. They serve as mentors who show students that intellectual challenges are opportunities for growth, creating an environment where high academic expectations exist alongside social warmth and support.

Purposeful College Prep

The Niche rankings place significant weight on college outcomes, matriculation quality, and advanced coursework participation. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, college counseling is an individualized, reflective process. We work closely with families to ensure each graduate leaves equipped with the confidence, self-advocacy skills, and academic foundation needed to thrive at top-tier universities.

Our growth in national college prep metrics highlights the work of our recent graduating classes and faculty. Their achievements demonstrate that when students are encouraged to take intellectual risks within a supportive community, exceptional outcomes naturally follow.

A Collective Celebration for Our Community

“Receiving these prestigious rankings is a proud milestone for our community, but what inspires us most is the daily work happening across our classrooms,” shares Head of School LaNette Hodge. “These results validate the dedication of our Expert Teachers, the hard work of our students, and the trust of our families. Achieving this level of national and state recognition reflects the strength of our community and our shared commitment to raising independent thinkers.”

As our sister campuses across the BASIS Independent Schools network—including Brooklyn, McLean, Silicon Valley, and Fremont—continue to earn national honors, we remain focused on our mission in New York City: delivering an advanced education designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, integrity, and joy.

Three in Four BASIS Independent Fremont Seniors Earn National Merit Recognition

September 22, 2026 by sarahpeterson Leave a Comment

Thirty-two members of the BASIS Independent Fremont Class of 2027 have been recognized in the 72nd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. That’s 76% of our 42-member senior class: 16 students named Semifinalists and 16 named Commended Students. Behind each of those numbers is a student we’ve watched grow, question, and push themselves for years, and today we get to celebrate each of them.

Last fall, more than 1.2 million juniors across the country sat down for the PSAT/NMSQT. Our Yellow Jackets stood out from the crowd. Semifinalists landed among the very top scorers in California, part of an elite group smaller than one percent of U.S. seniors. Commended Students weren’t far behind, finishing in the top 50,000 nationwide.

Semifinalists

Our 16 Semifinalists, 38% of the senior class, now continue in the competition for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $24 million. Next, they’ll apply for Finalist standing, with results arriving in February.

Meet our 2027 National Merit Semifinalists:

Kshitij B.
Sharanya C.
Ethan C.
Mihir D.
Dhanya G.
Tia S G.
Isha I.
Rusheel K.
Brian L.
Rakhi P.
Sia P.
Spandan P.
Melody W.
Sarah W.
Tycho Y.
Zihan Z.

Commended Students

Another 38% of the class earned Commended Student honors, a national recognition of outstanding academic promise. The honor places them among the strongest students in the country, a distinction earned through years of hard work and curiosity.

Meet our 2027 National Merit Commended Students:

Tara A.
Ishaan B.
Angela C.
Maya C.
Varun D.
Jason L.
Nicole L.
Bowen L.
Vincent L.
Chen M.
Sahitya P.
Neel S.
Jasnoor S.
Alicia T.
Alex W.
Amy Z.

Our High School Dean of Students sees these results as part of a bigger picture of who these seniors are.

“I am incredibly proud of our students’ dedication, perseverance, and ability to achieve at the highest levels while balancing challenging coursework and numerous extracurricular activities,” said Dean Saad. “Their commitment to excellence and their drive to lead and serve others will open countless doors in the years ahead. We look forward to seeing them continue to shine both on our campus and wherever their talents take them.”

The Story Behind the Scores

A test score captures a single morning. What led up to it was a much longer journey: long nights with problem sets, challenges that didn’t have easy answers, and the steady work of balancing demanding classes with everything else our seniors care about. Some of these students found their footing early. Others grew into their confidence one challenge at a time.

Congratulations to our 16 Semifinalists, our 16 Commended Students, and every member of the Class of 2027. We are proud of what you’ve achieved, and even prouder of who you are. We cannot wait to see where your curiosity takes you next!

Curious about our High School Program? Click here to see how our curriculum builds the skills behind results like these.

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

Celebrating Our 2027 National Merit Scholars

September 21, 2026 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, we are proud to celebrate the Class of 2027 students recognized through the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. This year, 35 BISV students have been named National Merit Semifinalists and 38 have been named Commended Scholars, for a total of 73 recognized students. With 94 students in the graduating class, that means approximately 78% of the Class of 2027 has received National Merit recognition.

While the recognition marks an important academic achievement, the stories behind these students are about much more than a test score. They reflect years of curiosity, persistence, challenging coursework, personal interests, and a willingness to take on something new.

“Being named a National Merit Semifinalists is an incredible accomplishment, and we’re excited to celebrate these students,” said Head of School Sara Kolb. “What makes me especially proud, though, is the curiosity, determination, and enthusiasm they bring to their learning every day. They’ve worked hard, challenged themselves, and pursued the subjects and ideas that interest them. That’s the kind of academic excellence we want to see at BISV—not just strong results, but students who are genuinely excited to learn.”

*Our Semifinalists are pictured with Head of Operations Zach Farrell.*

Finding Their Own Challenges

For Jack Zhu, the journey to becoming a National Merit Semifinalist was shaped by preparation and a willingness to challenge himself early.

“I’m most proud of just the sheer amount of work I put into studying,” Jack said. “I took this test while also taking the actual SAT, so I was really grinding with questions.”

Jack also credits his experience at BISV with encouraging him to step outside his comfort zone from an early age. Taking advanced courses in subjects including physics, calculus, and government as a freshman gave him opportunities to encounter challenging material early in his high school experience.

“BISV did really well introducing me to challenging concepts early,” he said. “I think that really let me go outside my comfort zone and learn a lot of things.”

Looking ahead, Jack hopes to carry that same willingness to challenge himself into the next stage of his education. His advice to younger students is simple: “Work hard and start early.”

For Aaron Cohen, the recognition reflects something he values about his education at BISV: being prepared to take on opportunities when they arise.

“The thing I am most proud of is that everything I needed for the PSAT came from my regular coursework,” Aaron said. “The score just reflected the education I had already been getting.”

That foundation also gave Aaron the confidence to pursue interests beyond the classroom, including physics research and independent projects. He found that having a strong academic foundation allowed him to enter new environments ready to contribute rather than first having to catch up.

“I think the real requirement for thinking independently is that you have to actually be prepared enough to go do something with it when the opportunity is there,” he said.

That mindset has also shaped how Aaron approaches difficult problems. At BISV, he became accustomed to working through challenges without always knowing exactly where they would lead.

“At first that was uncomfortable, but after working through it enough times it became the way I work,” he said. “I expect it will come up constantly in college and in research, and I’m glad I got used to that at BISV instead of having to figure it out for the first time in college.”

Staying Curious

For Melody Dai, being named a National Merit Semifinalist represents a step toward greater independence as she prepares for life after high school. Applying for scholarships has given her an opportunity to think about the practical realities of college while taking greater ownership of her future.

But for Melody, one of the most meaningful parts of her BISV experience has been the community around her.

“BISV has allowed me to take classes with some truly fantastic teachers who not only teach interesting and thought-provoking classes but also are invested in our growth, both academically and personally,” she said.

Her peers have played an important role as well. Surrounded by students who are motivated to pursue their own interests, Melody has been inspired to explore her own passions, contributing to the personal projects and clubs that make up the broader BISV community.

As she looks toward college, Melody hopes to hold onto one quality above all: curiosity.

“I hope I can stay curious and keep learning for the sake of learning,” she said. “While grades and credits are important, the real privilege I’ve had at BISV is taking fascinating classes purely because of my interest in the material.”

For Melody, that includes experiences such as Senior Capstones, which have allowed her to explore subjects because she genuinely wants to learn more about them.

“I plan to continue learning for my personal development both in and outside the classroom, in college and beyond,” she said.

More Than a Recognition

The National Merit recognition is an important milestone for the Class of 2027, but each student’s path to this moment looks different. For some, it has meant pushing themselves through challenging coursework. For others, it has meant pursuing research, independent projects, personal interests, or simply learning to approach unfamiliar problems with greater confidence.

Together, their experiences reflect something at the heart of the BISV community: students who are willing to explore what interests them, challenge themselves, and discover where their curiosity can take them.

We are proud to celebrate the 35 National Merit Semifinalists and 38 Commended Scholars in the Class of 2027 and, most importantly, the individual journeys that brought each of them to this achievement.

Congratulations to our 2027 National Merit Scholars!

View the full list of our 2027 National Merit Semifinalists below and join us in celebrating their achievement.

Aaron Cohen
Melody Dai
Siyu Fan
Jonathan Gao
Nico Gong
Ethan Guo
Garrett Guo
Anusha Hirlekar
Shivani Iyer
Govind Krishnan
Eric Li
Warren Li
Heding Liu
Xinyue (Alice) Liu
Niyantra Mohan Babu
Lucas Quan
Vedh Reddy
Naman Siddheshwar
Carolina Sun
Fred Sun
Elaine Wang
Evelyn Wang
Harrison Wu
Zimeng Xiong
Ethan Xu
Francesca Yang
Liyuan Yang
Brian Yu
Leo Zeng
Yaxin Zheng
David Zhou
Sarah Zhou
Yifan Zhou
Jack Zhu
Lauren Zhuang

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.

BASIS Independent Bothell Student Earns National Recognition in Musical Theatre

August 31, 2026 by abisoyetaylor Leave a Comment

At BASIS Independent Bothell, we love celebrating the many ways our students pursue excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Today, we are proud to recognize an incredible accomplishment by one of our students, Jasper, whose dedication, perseverance, and love of music recently earned him national recognition.

This summer, Jasper traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to compete in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Student Auditions. After advancing through the Puget Sound preliminary round and the Northwest regional competition, he earned a place on the national stage and was awarded First Place in the Children’s Musical Theatre category.

“He truly enjoyed every step of his musical journey.”
Jasper’s family reflected on the dedication, growth, and joy that defined his experience throughout the competition process.

A Journey to the National Stage

Achievements of this caliber require more than talent alone. Throughout the competition process, Jasper devoted countless hours to preparation, refining his performances with commitment and determination. According to his family, he embraced every stage of the journey and found joy in the learning and growth that came with each opportunity to perform.

His path to the national competition was marked by perseverance and a willingness to challenge himself. Advancing through multiple rounds of competition provided opportunities to grow as a performer while sharing his passion for musical theatre with audiences and judges from across the country.

Supporting Student Passions at BASIS Independent Bothell

What makes this accomplishment especially meaningful is the passion behind it. Whether in academics, the arts, athletics, or personal pursuits, BASIS Independent Bothell students are encouraged to explore their interests deeply and pursue opportunities that inspire them.

Jasper’s success serves as a wonderful example of what can happen when talent is paired with hard work, resilience, and a genuine love for learning. His achievement reflects not only individual excellence but also the value of fostering curiosity, confidence, and personal growth beyond the classroom.

His family also expressed gratitude for the encouragement and support they have received from the school community throughout his musical journey. We are honored to celebrate this milestone alongside them and are thrilled to see Jasper’s talents recognized on a national level.

Watch Jasper’s Award-Winning Performance

Jasper’s musical theatre performance helped earn him First Place in the Children’s Musical Theatre category at the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) National Student Auditions. We invite you to experience his talent firsthand by watching his performance below.

🎥Watch the Performance

Congratulations, Jasper!

Congratulations, Jasper, on this remarkable achievement. Your dedication, perseverance, and love of performing have earned well-deserved national recognition. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to seeing where your passion for music takes you next.

From Dream to Reality: Aditya N.’s Football Journey to the University of Rochester

July 24, 2026 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

For many student-athletes, the idea of playing at the collegiate level begins as a dream. For BASIS Independent Silicon Valley graduate Aditya N., that dream became a reality through persistence, discipline, and a willingness to bet on himself—even when the path forward was uncertain. This fall, Aditya will continue his academic and athletic journey at the University of Rochester, where he plans to study finance while contributing to the football program.

Like many young athletes, Aditya’s football journey began with a dream of competing at the highest level. Over time, that dream evolved into something deeper, with football becoming a source of growth, discipline, and life lessons. “My goal now is to use football as a means to be successful in any career path that I take,” he shared.

That mindset guided him throughout the recruiting process and ultimately led him to the University of Rochester, where the program’s C.L.I.M.B. philosophy—Commitment, Little Things, Intensity, Movement, and Belief—aligned closely with his own values. Rochester’s emphasis on balancing academics and athletics also stood out, reflecting the same priorities Aditya maintained throughout his time at BISV.

His path was not without challenges. During his sophomore and junior years, Aditya continued training despite not having a team to play for, staying committed to his goal even when the opportunity ahead was uncertain. That resilience also shaped his experience at BISV, where he helped establish the school’s football program. Through that process, he learned the importance of taking initiative, embracing challenges, and believing in what is possible.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s inaugural tackle football team.

Behind his success is a strong support system that helped guide and motivate him throughout his journey. He credits his parents, coach, and close friends for shaping both his character and work ethic. From long drives to practices to demanding training sessions, their consistent support played a critical role in his development both on and off the field.

Aditya and his parents celebrate his signing to the University of Rochester.

Looking ahead, Aditya is focused on making an immediate impact at Rochester. On the field, he aims to contribute wherever the team needs him, with the goal of earning playing time early in his collegiate career. In the classroom, he is eager to take advantage of Rochester’s open curriculum to explore different academic paths while building toward a future in finance.

Reflecting on his journey, Aditya hopes others understand what it truly takes to reach this level. “Seemingly impossible things are never out of reach,” he said. “Anything remarkable is characterized as rare or unlikely—that’s what gives it value. My advice… would be to tune out the noise, throw the statistics in the trash, and bet on yourself.”

Aditya’s story is one of determination, initiative, and belief. The entire BISV community is proud to celebrate his accomplishments and looks forward to all he will achieve at the University of Rochester and beyond.

Class of 2026: Graduation Reflections

June 26, 2026 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

On June 16th, family, faculty, and students of BASIS Independent Brooklyn gathered together at the Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden to celebrate the accomplishments of our Class of 2026. Our twenty-five graduates are now poised to continue their academic careers in top colleges and universities in both the U.S. and abroad.

During the ceremony, Co-valedictorians Gregory G. and Nate C. captured their time together as a class and inspired their fellow graduates to look ahead to all that is in store for them. We wanted to share their speeches with our community since their words reflected the joy, humor, and honor at the heart of the celebration.

Gregory S. ’26 Co-valedictorian
*Photo by Danny Dolan (www.dannydolan.com)*

Address by Class of 2026 Co-valedictorian Gregory S.

Hi everyone. I can’t believe our time in high school is coming to an end, so with that, I have some words to say.

There’s one question I get more than anything when people find out where I go to school. They say how is BASIS Independent Brooklyn? And my answer has always been the same: it’s small.

For a long time, I said that like it was a complaint. But now I realize it was a blessing and the best thing that ever happened to us.

It’s all about perspective.

When I got to BASIS, I noticed pretty quickly that a lot of things just didn’t exist yet. No club for this, no group for that. And at first, I thought that was a problem. But then I realized — that’s actually the opportunity.

Think about it. Amazon didn’t start because Jeff Bezos had everything handed to him. It started because there was no good way to buy books online, and he went and built it. Some of the greatest companies in the world exist because somebody looked at something that wasn’t there and decided to go build it themselves.

We did the same thing. If the East Asian Club didn’t exist, someone in this room would have built it. The Jewish Affinity Group, the Motorsport Engineering Club, and DECA — all started by people in this room. BASIS Independent Brooklyn, being small, meant the opportunity was wide open. We just had to be willing to step up and take it.

BASIS being small also meant there weren’t a lot of people in the class. You look around, you’ve got 25 kids in your grade, and you think: this is it? So, there were definitely some moments where we all felt like we were missing out. Brooklyn Tech has a thousand people in its class.

Meanwhile, we’ve got 25.

But those 25 people were in every single class with you. They were there stressing over the same deadlines, praying for the AP curve to save everyone’s grade, having fun in Spanish together, and chilling at lunch. You didn’t get a thousand acquaintances. You got a handful of people who actually know you.

I’ll take five people who know me completely over a hundred people who don’t know me at all. Every single time.

Before I close, I need to thank some people.

Mom, Dad — thank you. For everything. To my older brother —thank you for screaming at me when I needed it. To my younger brother — sorry for screaming at you. You probably needed it too.

To my teachers, thank you for all the care and effort you put into this school.

And to my class — you shaped me more than you know. I went through all of it with you, and I genuinely hope our paths keep crossing.

So, here’s what I actually want you to walk away with today. Not that BASIS is small. Not that we missed out on the massive homecoming. But that didn’t stop us from going out and being great. From building things, to showing up for each other, to becoming genuinely amazing people.

That’s perspective. Taking what you have, not using it as an excuse, and making something out of it anyway.

Don’t let the small stuff stop you. Don’t let what’s missing define you. Look at what’s in front of you and ask what you can build with it.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Go be great.

Nate C. ’26 Co-valedictorian
*Photo by Danny Dolan (www.dannydolan.com)*

Address by Class of 2026 Co-valedictorian Nate C.

Good morning, everyone. I want to thank everyone for attending this highly anticipated yet mandatory event. Whether you are excited to be here or one of the siblings who was dragged here against your will, I hope my words will resonate with you today.

Thank you to parents, teachers, administrators, family members, esteemed guests, average guests, and of course, the Class of 2026.

I am honored to serve as your co-valedictorian. So let me briefly introduce myself. People know me as Nate the Great, Nate Dogg, the old man, the guy who sleeps too much, the guy who doesn’t sleep enough, and, for a certain few teachers, the traitor who didn’t take their capstone course this year.

Regardless of how you know me, I want you to know that I entered BASIS [Independent Brooklyn] in 9th grade as someone who had never been in such a close-knit and supportive environment. I had never seen such dedicated teachers, flexible schedules, and clean restrooms in my life. To be honest, I was quite terrified and overwhelmed, but BASIS took me in without a second thought.

Of course, I wouldn’t have gotten here without the support of the people around me. As much as I hate to admit it, I wouldn’t be standing here without my family’s support. I specifically want to thank my parents for encouraging me to leave my room and be “more social”, my grandparents for bringing an absurd amount of food to increase my “brain power,” and my brother for keeping me up during late-night study sessions with his superb singing and guitar skills. I also want to thank my friends and classmates for putting up with my sarcasm and constant exhaustion.

We have all grown over the last four years at BASIS. We have all grown as readers, writers, mathematicians, scientists, and emerging scholars. While we have improved in many ways, we must acknowledge room for improvement, whether it’s only showing up late twice a week rather than four times or only falling asleep in class once rather than twice a day.

Throughout these past four years, we have truly gone through it all. We memorized countless literary devices, trig functions, the entire unit circle, the periodic table, and every major war between 1600 and 2000. And we couldn’t have done it without our supportive yet at times overly zealous teachers. Whether it was trying not to blow up the classroom during our chemistry labs, rewriting history in AP world, or channeling our inner acting talent during AP literature plays, our teachers supported and encouraged us.

Moving past academics, we have started so many clubs and greatly improved our local Red Hook community. I have honestly lost count of the number of awards we have earned over the years. We have become leaders and have shaped our school in just as many ways as it has shaped us.

Throughout our time together, we have created many fond yet, at times, embarrassing memories. From getting sunburnt and taking the wrong ferry to our high school retreat, to taking our local trash pickup too seriously by collecting an absurd amount of questionable items, we have done it all. I still remember stuffing my face with unknown delicacies during World Fest and being forced to take a photo with my four favorite teachers during Prom (you know who you are).

As we prepare for the next chapter ahead of us, we need to remember what we will be leaving behind. We will miss having a welcoming student lounge all to ourselves, accessible student hours, and of course, free food. These everyday moments, the ones we barely noticed at the time, are the ones we’ll miss the most. However, we will not be missing the numerous post-AP projects, college essays, or times the vending machine scammed us.

I also want to take the time to congratulate you all on your college acceptances. Whether you are attending your dream school or simply trying to get as far away from your parents as possible, I’m confident it will work out. We will carry the values BASIS instilled in us to college and beyond, including hard work, perseverance, and the courage to negotiate every and any assignment we find unfair.

I look into the crowd, and I see future doctors, engineers, lawyers, entrepreneurs, and many other successful professionals. I hope we all stay in touch in the future, whether as friends or as simply colleagues, we call for investment advice.

I’m sure you’re waiting for a cliche ending or overused quote, but we’re innovators here, so you’re going to have to keep on waiting forever. I also know many of you have been impatiently waiting at the finish line for the past three months now. Well, guess what, we’re all caught up now, so are you ready to graduate?

Thank you, Class of 2026, and good luck.

# # #

Thank you to Gregory, Nate, and our entire Class of 2026 for leaving their mark on our school community! We will be cheering you on these next few months during the transition to college, and remember, you will always have a home here.

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.

From Page to Carnegie Hall: Celebrating Kurn S., Class of 2026

June 24, 2026 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

For many students, writing is an assignment. For Kurn S., it has always been something deeper—a way to understand the world, and himself within it.

That passion culminated this year in one of the highest honors a young writer can achieve. Kurn was named a 2026 National Gold Medal Portfolio Award recipient in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, placing him among just 16 students nationwide selected from over 10,000 submissions. The award represents the highest distinction in the competition and is awarded to only 16 high school seniors each year—8 artists and 8 writers. As part of this recognition, Kurn received a $12,500 scholarship and traveled to New York City, where he was honored on stage at Carnegie Hall.

Kurn S. holds his National Gold Medal Portfolio Award at Carnegie Hall, honoring his achievement as one of just 8 writers nationwide selected for this distinction.

His winning portfolio, Cosmology of My Second Spines, explores themes of identity, memory, and reconstruction. Rather than building a perfectly cohesive collection, Kurn leaned into something more authentic.

“My portfolio existed less as a curation of connected works and instead displayed the real, live way the human mind moves through memories the body refuses to remember,” he shared.

This willingness to embrace complexity—and even fragmentation—is part of what defines his voice as a writer. His English Subject Expert Teacher, Hal Hansen, describes his work as “sincere, personal, and very intuitive,” noting that “he’s very creative and original.”

In addition to his Scholastic recognition, Kurn was also named a 2026 YoungArts Winner with Distinction, placing him among the top 150 young creatives nationwide. Earlier this year, he traveled to Miami for National YoungArts Week, where he collaborated with peers across disciplines and performed his work at the historic Lyric Theater. He also served as the 2025–2026 Santa Clara County Youth Poet Laureate, acting as a literary ambassador and working with local schools and organizations to expand access to creative writing.

Kurn S. performs his spoken word poetry at the historic Lyric Theater during National YoungArts Week in Miami.

Behind these accomplishments is a process grounded in observation and patience. Kurn describes constantly capturing small, fleeting moments—details that might otherwise go unnoticed—and later transforming them into layered imagery and metaphor. His work often evolves over time, revisited and refined with fresh perspective.

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, he credits his growth in part to his AP English Literature experience, where he was able to put language to instincts he had developed on his own. Through studying poetic structure, sound, and technique, he strengthened both his analytical and creative confidence.

Still, sharing deeply personal work has not always come easily. Writing, for him, is often an act of vulnerability—one that requires both courage and acceptance.

“It’s most important for me to be proud of what I have created, and to know that it is brave to share my work with the world,” he reflected.

This mindset has shaped not only his success, but also his perspective on achievement. While recognition has been meaningful, he remains grounded in the purpose behind his work.

“Art should always be written first for the self and second for the audience.”

Hansen sees this dedication as something lasting well beyond high school. “I think Kurn is going to be writing for the rest of his life,” he shared. “He’s a natural born writer, and writers tend to write.”

This fall, Kurn will attend Stanford University, where he plans to major in Symbolic Systems, an interdisciplinary field combining neuroscience, linguistics, computer science, and philosophy. While he does not plan to pursue writing professionally, he intends to continue engaging with poetry through spoken word groups, student publications, and research exploring the intersection of neuroscience and creative expression.

Kurn celebrates a milestone moment, holding his diploma at graduation as he closes one chapter and begins the next.

“In a lot of ways, this recognition feels like a simultaneous cap on my high school creative writing career and a stepping stone for the next era of my life,” he said. “I will always consider myself a poet.”

His achievement also reflects a broader culture of writing at BISV. As Hansen noted, “There are more young writers at BISV than you’d maybe think… and Kurn did really well this year.”

From the classroom to the stage at Carnegie Hall, Kurn’s journey reflects the power of authentic expression and the impact of pursuing one’s passions with intention. As he begins this next chapter, his voice—and the stories he tells—will undoubtedly continue to evolve.

Accepted: BASIS Independent Fremont’s Class of 2026 College Results

June 11, 2026 by sarahpeterson Leave a Comment

We are delighted to share the college acceptances of BASIS Independent Fremont’s Class of 2026! Our seniors have earned offers from a remarkable and diverse array of institutions, spanning top universities across the United States and reaching prestigious schools in the United Kingdom and Europe. These outcomes reflect not only their academic excellence but also the curiosity, empathy, and character they brought to everything they did at BIF. We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this milestone with them.

“The BASIS Independent Fremont Class of 2026 has grown from joyful, mischievous children into intellectually curious, empathetic, and inspiring leaders who face challenges head-on with humility and strength. Throughout their journey, they pushed boundaries, advocated for improved learning experiences, and built a genuine partnership with the school community. Known equally for their phenomenal academic accomplishments and creative teamwork, this unique group is leaving the school better than they found it. As they step into their next chapter, I want to remind them to choose justice and kindness, travel far, and invest wisely in the three things that can never be taken away: family, education, and reputation.”

—Mariam Abodouma, Head of School

The college admissions landscape continues to grow more selective each year, and the Class of 2026 navigated it with maturity, purpose, and a clear sense of who they are. Their acceptance results speak to both the rigor of their preparation and the depth of their individual stories.

Acceptance Highlights

35% of students were accepted to their first-choice school
22% of students were accepted to Top 15 Schools
54% of students were accepted to Top 20 Global Schools
95% of students were accepted to Top 50 Schools
100% of students were accepted to Top 100 Schools

*Based on U.S. News & World Report rankings of National and Global Universities

This year’s class reflects an exciting breadth of academic interests and ambitions, from a growing number of students pursuing pre-med to others drawn to traditional disciplines like pure mathematics. Two students earned particularly notable recognition: Xun Z. received a full scholarship to architecture school, and Yagnik C. earned a full scholarship to The Ohio State University, where he is ranked among the top 25 students in their prestigious Honors Program. The class also made a strong showing internationally, with acceptances from UK universities including Oxford and Imperial College London, as well as students pursuing opportunities at universities in Germany and beyond.

“I feel truly blessed to have worked with such a motivated, dedicated, and lively group of students this year. They brought a wide range of interests, talents, backgrounds, and perspectives to our community. Throughout the stressful college application journey, they consistently showed resilience and self-reflection. We shared moments of excitement, anxiety, uncertainty, and joy together, and it has been incredibly meaningful to watch them learn, grow, and support one another along the way. I am so proud of everything they have accomplished, and I can’t wait to see them continue to thrive in their next adventures.”

—Julia Ye, College Counseling

As our third graduating class, these seniors have left a mark on this community that will be felt long after they walk out the door. They came in as students and left as leaders, curious, empathetic, and ready to take on the world. Congratulations, Class of 2026. Choose kindness, travel far, and know that we’ll be cheering for you every step of the way.

CLASS OF 2026 ACCEPTANCES

Arizona State University (Downtown Phoenix)	San Francisco State University
Arizona State University (Tempe)	San Jose State University
Babson College	Santa Clara University
Baylor University	Stanford University
Boston University	Stony Brook University
Brown University	Texas A&M University
Cal Poly Humboldt	The Ohio State University
Cal Poly Maritime Academy	The University of Texas at Austin
California Institute of Technology	University College London
California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo)	University of Arizona
California State Polytechnic University (Pomona)	University of California (Berkeley)
California State University (Chico)	University of California (Davis)
California State University (East Bay)	University of California (Irvine)
California State University (Monterey Bay)	University of California (Los Angeles)
California State University (Sacramento)	University of California (Merced)
Carnegie Mellon University	University of California (Riverside)
Case Western Reserve University	University of California (San Diego)
Chapman University	University of California (Santa Barbara)
Cornell University	University of California (Santa Cruz)
Drexel University	University of Colorado (Colorado Springs)
Duke University	University of Colorado Boulder
Emory University	University of Connecticut
Georgetown University	University of Florida
Georgia Institute of Technology	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Harvey Mudd College	University of Maryland (College Park)
Hofstra University	University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
Imperial College London	University of Michigan
Indiana University (Bloomington)	University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
Johns Hopkins University	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Lehigh University	University of Pennsylvania
Loyola Marymount University	University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	University of Rochester
New York University	University of San Diego
Northeastern University	University of San Francisco
Northwestern University	University of Southern California
Oregon State University	University of the Pacific
Penn State University (University Park)	University of Washington (Bothell Campus)
Pepperdine University	University of Washington (Seattle Campus)
Purdue University (Main Campus)	University of Washington (Tacoma Campus)
Reed College	University of Wisconsin (Madison)
Rice University	Washington University in St. Louis
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology	Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Rutgers University (New Brunswick)	York University
San Diego State University

Click here to learn more about our High School Program and discover how BASIS Independent Fremont prepares students to thrive in college and beyond.

Spring Sports Recap: Continuing to Build a Strong Tradition of Mountaineer Athletics

June 4, 2026 by emilyhughes Leave a Comment

The Mountaineers wrapped up another successful spring season filled with hard work, growth, and outstanding performances. From an undefeated tennis season to record breaking results on the track, our student athletes gave us plenty to celebrate.

Tennis Continues Its Winning Tradition

The Mountaineers Tennis Team enjoyed an excellent season under the leadership of Coach McGrain. The team of 11 athletes worked hard throughout the spring, sharpening their skills and challenging one another to improve each day.

After finishing undefeated during the program’s inaugural season, the team continued that tradition by completing its second consecutive undefeated season with a perfect 7-0 record.

The team earned victories over Bear Creek, Brighton, Eastside Prep, and Eastside Christian. While many matches were decided comfortably in the Mountaineers’ favor, Eastside Prep provided some of the toughest competition of the season and pushed our athletes to play their best tennis.

Special recognition goes to Lydia Z. (5Rh) and Jonathan P. (5Cr), who both completed the season without losing a match. In addition to their success on the court, they consistently demonstrated exceptional effort in practice and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the season.

Congratulations to Coach McGrain and the entire tennis team on another undefeated season.

Track and Field Athletes Reach New Heights

The Mountaineers Track & Field team competed in five meets this spring and produced several memorable performances.

One of the season’s biggest highlights came from Brian Z. in grade 8, who set a new school record in the long jump with a leap of 15 feet, 2 inches. Brian finished his season by earning second place in the long jump at the CMSL (Cascade Middle School League) Final Meet.

Another standout performer was Jason Z. in grade 6. Competing against older athletes throughout the season, Jason showed tremendous improvement across all of his events. His hard work paid off with an impressive third place finish in the 100-meter dash at the CMSL Final Meet, despite competing primarily against grade 7 and 8 students.

Ivy Z. in grade 8, once again delivered an outstanding season in the middle and long distance events. At the CMSL Final Meet, she earned second place in the 400-meter run and first place in the 800-meter run. Ivy currently holds school records in the 400m, 800m, and 1600m, cementing her place among the most accomplished track athletes in program history.

These accomplishments reflect the dedication and perseverance shown by our student athletes throughout the season.

Congratulations to all of our spring athletes and coaches on another successful season. Whether setting records, earning victories, or supporting teammates, our Mountaineers represented BASIS Independent Bellevue with pride throughout the spring.

Looking Ahead

As we turn the page to a new school year, we are excited for the return of Girls Volleyball, Co-ed Soccer, and Swim this fall. We look forward to welcoming both returning and new athletes as we continue building a strong tradition of Mountaineer Athletics. More information regarding fall athletics will be shared later this summer. Until then, have a wonderful summer and “Go Mountaineers!”

Global Finance And Fearless Curiosity Collide: Brookfield Investors Visit Our Upper School

May 29, 2026 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

What happens when some of the world’s leading institutional investors step inside an NYC private school powered by fearless, independent thinking?

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