Student Life

Wildcat Voices: Grade 4 Student Shares Life at Top NYC Private School

May 29, 2025 by chriszefferys Leave a Comment

Meet Naiya, a Grade 4 Wildcat who joined BASIS Independent Manhattan this school year. Naiya is a fantastic example of our vibrant Lower School community and had so many wonderful things to share. Our Wildcats are eager to talk about their experiences at BASIS Independent Manhattan—from our inspiring teachers and engaging academic curriculum to the dynamic student life that makes our school so special.

Thank you for your time today, Naiya! Let’s start with some basics—what grade are you in and how long have been a BASIS Independent Manhattan Wildcat?

I am in grade 4 and this is my first year!

What was the transition like from your previous school to BASIS Independent Manhattan?

It was good. I did not feel that behind. I had a shadow day and that helped me get used to what was going to happen in my grade level. I transitioned well from a public to a private school. I kept my grades steady and I think I did a good job.

When I started, I had some trouble with math. Sometimes on Wednesdays, I would go to Student Hours where I worked on math problems with my math teacher so I can get better at math.

Now, I am getting better at math. I am not the top person in my math class, but I think I’m doing pretty good. I still go to student hours sometimes but not as much as I needed to.

Tell me about your favorite subject this school year?

Drama! We are doing a Playwright’s Festival where we are writing a scene in a play, and in class we reviewed and voted on which plays we want to produce. Then we were assigned to groups and had assignments from costume development to theater technology. Ms. Boscolo, the Drama teacher, is very nice and very funny.

Share with us the biggest differences between this school and your prior school?

What they are actually teaching us. In my old school I kept getting straight As, and I felt I wasn’t learning anything new. In this school, I am actually learning things that are new and things that I have not done before. I am learning a lot in many new subjects. I am getting to do science and history classes that I didn’t have often in my prior school.

The teachers at this school they help me with things like organization and responsibility, and they make the subject fun. Today in math class, we had a scavenger hunt. We did the hunt with other classmates together and it was fun way to help us understand the math topic. I really think this school has pushed me to reach my full potential. At my old school, I didn’t learn much or get challenged. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, I can try more challenging things that I didn’t think I could do, and I am doing it! I can be the best person in all subjects.

Families regularly ask about the school community. How would you describe the school community at the Lower School?

Amazing in academics and learning! The teachers are amazing because they are all very kind and helpful and they make classes fun. It’s a friendly community. We work with each other all the time. The entire class is actually a community and the entire school is an actual community. Pep rallies are fun and the events we have I like a lot. It is active here!

On a typical school night, how much time are you spending on homework?

Normally about 30 minutes. On Friday’s I do not have homework. Every single day we have a math homework except for a quiz or test day. English, if reading a book, we will get some homework. Science from time to time we get homework. For history, sometimes we have homework.

After school, what clubs do you participate in at BASIS Independent Manhattan?

Fashion and Photography Club. I love it!

We invite you to learn more about the BASIS Independent Manhattan Wildcat community at one of our upcoming admissions events or on a campus tour. Our Rolling Admissions application cycle is now open for the 2025-2026 school year.

Step Into the Spotlight: Broadway Camp at BASIS Independent Brooklyn

April 10, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

Calling all young performers! This summer, let your child’s star quality shine at our exciting Broadway Camp program led by our beloved performing arts faculty member, Ms. Markel.

Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore their passions, develop new skills, and make unforgettable memories. If you have a budding performer at home, we’re thrilled to announce an extraordinary opportunity that’s sure to make their summer spectacular:

“Step Into the Spotlight” Broadway Camp at BASIS Independent Brooklyn!

Program Details

When: August 18-22, 2025 (Monday through Friday)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: BASIS Independent Brooklyn
Grades: 5th to 8th

A True Broadway Experience

Get ready for an unforgettable summer where young stars shine! For one magical week, campers will be immersed in the exciting world of musical theater, guided by our seasoned performing arts instructor, Ms. Markel. Each day brings new adventures in:

Singing: Learn proper vocal techniques and belt out show-stopping numbers

Dancing: Master fun choreography designed for all skill levels

Acting: Develop character work and stage presence

Performance Skills: Build confidence through solo and group musical numbers

Why Choose Broadway Camp?

This program is perfect for everyone—from dedicated theater enthusiasts to curious newcomers just dipping their toes into the performing arts. Our supportive environment ensures that every child:

Builds confidence and self-expression

Makes new friends who share similar interests

Develops teamwork and collaboration skills

Experiences the joy and magic of musical theater

Creates lasting memories in a fun, engaging setting

The Grand Finale

The week culminates in a special camper performance where students will showcase everything they’ve learned! This is a wonderful opportunity for parents, family, and friends to see the amazing progress made in just one week. Watch as your child steps into the spotlight with newfound confidence and skills!

Meet Your Instructor

Ms. Markel brings her passion and expertise to the program, creating a nurturing environment where every camper can thrive. With experience in directing, choreography, and vocal coaching, she guides students through all aspects of musical theater performance.

Ms. Markel joined BASIS Independent Brooklyn nearly eight years ago after establishing the drama program at BASIS Scottsdale, where she has taught middle and high school theatre classes for seven years. Ms. Markel has studied with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s education programs. Ms. Markel previously trained and worked as a singer and actor in Colorado, Montana, and Arizona.

Register Today!

Spaces fill quickly for this popular summer program! Don’t let your child miss this chance to experience the thrill of Broadway right here in Brooklyn.

Step Into the Spotlight Broadway Camp: Where young performers discover their star quality!

Find out more about our summer programs, and register today: https://basisindependent.com/schools/ny/brooklyn/student-life/summer-programs/

The New Works Arts Festival and Spring Showcase: A Celebration of our Fine Arts Department

April 3, 2025 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

This week BASIS Independent Bellevue hosted the annual New Works Arts Festival and Spring Showcase! This event is meant to celebrate our Fine Arts Department and creativity of our students in grades 2 – 8 through dramatic works, musical performances, and the visual arts. The event was four evenings of planned artistic showcases, allowing students to explore their own creative voices and present their perspectives to our community.

Our Fine Arts Subject Expert Teacher, Ms. Carter, teaches grades 2 – 4 in Performance Arts, Music and Visual Art, giving her the unique ability to work with these students across several artistic disciplines. Since the beginning of the school year, Ms. Carter has been working with our primary students on body percussion and control. This skill has allowed students to develop more focus and mindfulness in the classroom, and has been especially helpful in preparing for their Spring Showcase performance. In January, students began using their body percussion skills to rehearsal the musical they would perform in March. Students in grades 2 and 3 were ensemble cast members, singing and dancing during the show, while students in grade 4 were assigned lines and learned blocking techniques on the stage. It came together beautifully!

“Giving the students the opportunity to blend theater, music, and the visual arts created a flow for me to be able to recognize their individual strengths, help direct their energies, and learn what each grade level was truly capable of. Working with these kids brings me such joy because I get to see them set aside their inhibition and come to life. They’re not afraid to be goofy, but and even the ones that are, learn quickly to break down those walls. I love the way they work together. We are a family in that classroom and I think the performance showed that.” – Ms. Carter

In grades 5 – 8, preparation for the New Works Festival began all the way back in August when students in drama classes learned that they would be asked to craft and perform their very own script, adapted from a piece of literature. This required students to look at themes of text, character and story development, and even write their own scripts. This cross-curricular method allows students to rely on skills learned from classes like Classics, English, and Literature and Composition.

Our Drama Subject Expert Teacher, Mr. Mullens, agrees that the integration of Humanities in our curriculum is crucial to the ongoing holistic growth of our students:

“Our students are highly academically motivated, which can mean that they are often very focused in their learning of academic content. In the drama room, I have the pleasure of seeing students truly enjoy the learning process in a non-traditional way. While we incorporate valuable skills, it is also a time for them to laugh, be silly, and bring levity into their day. It’s so important for our students to have these moments of ownership over their creativity, while having a lot of fun.” – Mr. Mullens

Each night kicked off with a visual arts showcase, highlighting art made by students in grades 2 – 8 throughout the course of this year in their classes with Subject Expert Teachers Ms. Carter and Ms. Dreskin. Families were able to enjoy refreshments and begin the evening by appreciating the work of our students.

The gallery of student artwork was on display for all four days of the festival!

Night One – The Spring Showcase

Students in grades 2 – 4 came together to present a musical performance. In grades 2 and 3, students were mice and princesses, while our grade 4 students each dressed up as a fairy tale character of their choice. The theme of the musical focused on building character and kindness.

Night Two – The New Works Festival

On Night Two, Grade 5 Oxygen students performed three adaptations from their chosen works with musical accompaniments, highlighting the flute, piano and vocals! Student performers stayed in their performance spaces, while the audience was rotated throughout the campus to see each of the shows in the theater room, amphitheater and music room.

Night Three – The New Works Festival

On Night Three, the Chamber Music Club hosted a pre-show while families enjoyed refreshments and viewed the gallery of art that surrounded them. Then, Grade 5 Nitrogen students performed their three adaptations while the audience rotated through each show in the theater room, amphitheater and music room.

Night Four – The New Works Festival

On the final night of the event, our grade 6 – 8 students enrolled in the drama elective courses performed their adaptations of literary works. These students collaborated with the grade 8 Creative Writing class for peer mentorship and support in their writing. The results were resounding. They even had a special guest appearance by our Social Studies SET and basketball coach, Mr. De Monnin! The middle school students performed their three adaptations while the audience rotated through the theater room, amphitheater and music room.

From start to finish, this event was almost completely student-led, from the writing of the productions, to acting and performing their words. Even our stage crew each night were student volunteers from the National Junior Honor Society!

“I love that the adults are standing back and letting this be as student-led as possible. It’s a pleasure to watch them taking agency over their work and see the months of effort finally coming to fruition. “– Mr. Mullens

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of those involved in making this even a success, specifically our Operations Team, Ms. Dreskin, Mr. Mullens, and Ms. Carter. The work that was required to pull off this event was immense and it is greatly appreciated by our students and community!

Nine BASIS Independent Seniors Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates

March 28, 2025 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

External recognition reinforces the accomplishments BASIS Independent School educators see each day inside their classrooms. Today, we are incredibly proud to share the news that nine seniors across our network of schools have been recognized as 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars candidates. The Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Each year approximately 4,000 candidates across the country are selected based on outstanding performance on the SAT and ACT assessments. This distinction not only showcases students’ exceptional abilities but also highlights the advanced, globally benchmarked BASIS Curriculum that helped foster their critical thinking, problem-solving, and deep content mastery.

Presidential Scholar Candidates Named Across BASIS Independent Schools:

BASIS Independent Brooklyn – Gustavo P.

BASIS Independent Fremont – Atharv D., Aditi K., Luoxi W.

BASIS Independent McLean – Caden Z.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley – Nicole L., Andrew L., Antony W., Olivia Z.

All candidates will now be reviewed based on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership, and service activities. Candidate essays are also reviewed and factor into the selection. Approximately 650 candidates are named semifinalists and forwarded to the Commission for further review. In April, up to 161 U.S Presidential Scholars are selected and honored for their accomplishments.

In the more than 60 years since the United States Presidential Scholars Program was established, approximately 8,000 U.S. Presidential Scholars have been named based on demonstrated leadership, scholarship, and contribution to school and community.

The BASIS Independent Schools Legacy

At BASIS Independent Schools, we empower students to push boundaries and achieve their highest potential. Our challenging curriculum, expert educators, and dynamic learning culture ensure that students cultivate their interests and are set up for success in college and beyond.

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Presidential Scholar Candidates! You are an inspiration to us. We look forward to celebrating your continued success as you move ahead to the next stage of your academic journey.

Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate these exceptional scholars and their accomplishments!

See what sets our students apart—explore our High School Program today!

Finding an Elementary School in NYC: The Checklist for Parents

March 6, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

Finding the right NYC private school is challenging, especially on the Upper West Side. With a myriad of options, it is no wonder parents seek guidance. To help you find the perfect Manhattan elementary school for your child, we have created a comprehensive checklist.

As a top independent school in Manhattan, we offer a challenging and enriching curriculum led by expert educators.
Our approach to lower school education equally emphasizes social-emotional learning, including critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Our convenient UWS location provides a unique and supportive learning environment for families.

Review this checklist to see how BASIS Independent Manhattan checks all the boxes!

Teachers: Passion and Expertise

We believe in the power of expert-led instruction. Our students in grades 1-4 benefit from 50-minute classes in core subjects like math, science, English, and Social Studies/History, taught by passionate Subject Expert Teachers (SETs). These experts bring their deep knowledge to the classroom, igniting a love of learning. Complementing the SETs is our Learning Expert Teacher (LET), a dedicated educator who is the guiding force for students, providing personalized support and ensuring each child thrives. This unique model allows for both expert instruction and individualized attention, a hallmark of our world-acclaimed primary program.

An Advanced Curriculum with Essential Enrichment

Beyond the core subjects, our curriculum includes essential classes: engineering, Mandarin, visual arts, drama, and music, fostering well-rounded development. Our commitment to comprehensive liberal arts-focused education with STEM offerings ensures that students are challenged and engaged.

Social-Emotional Learning: Nurturing the Whole Child

We believe academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with social-emotional growth. Our PurposeFull People curriculum, powered by Character Strong, develops essential soft skills, executive functioning, and emotional regulation for students in PreK-Grade 5. Our dedicated Student Affairs team delivers these lessons, supports students, and guides parents throughout their child’s academic journey.

Active Learning and Play

We cater to the age and stage of children while providing them with what they need — physical activity and outdoor play. They have periods of study and focus, which are broken up by three 20-minute recesses during the school day. Our daily schedule also includes P.E., ensuring students have ample opportunities for play and movement. After-school clubs, ranging from soccer and tennis to arts and STEM, further promote active engagement.

Transparency and Community: A Different Approach

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, transparency and community are at our core. Unlike many NYC private schools, we do not engage in traditional fundraising. We believe in providing an exceptional education without the added pressure of constant requests. This empowers families to invest in our vibrant community in ways that are meaningful and aligned with their commitments, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

Get Parent Reviews

Nowadays, more and more families scour the internet for school recommendations to find the perfect fit. Sites like Niche.com use anonymous reviews and rankings to provide “the good, the bad, and the honest.”

Here are a few excerpts from recent BASIS Independent Manhattan reviews written by our current families:

“A great school which balances out an academic focus with play and creative time for the kids.”
“A hidden gem in NYC, that’s for sure.”
“A great choice for families seeking a rigorous academic program with amazing support.”
“Academics are second-to-none, teachers are caring and helpful, kids are challenged and happy.”
“I would recommend attending an info session. If it doesn’t seem right for your kid, you will know it. If it does, apply, you won’t regret it!”

Visit Our School

Experience BASIS Independent Manhattan firsthand. Meet our passionate teachers, interact with current students and parents, and learn more about our unique approach. Discover why we are among the best schools in Manhattan for grades PreK-5 and a leading choice for UWS families seeking exceptional education.

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

Virtual Campus Tour

February 12, 2025 by mallorykilbreath Leave a Comment

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

The Campus

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

The Gym

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

The Theater

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

The Classrooms

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

The Common Areas

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

The Fields

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

The Playground

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

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

Moving Mountaineers – Celebrating our Athletic Department!

January 13, 2025 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

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

January 6, 2025 by michaeldiambri Leave a Comment

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.

Redefining College Prep at BASIS Independent Manhattan

December 16, 2024 by christopherrosenbal Leave a Comment

Early applications are in, the first decisions are coming out, regular deadlines are approaching, and the long college checklist doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter. Thankfully, our seniors are balancing any anxiety with confidence gained from BASIS Independent Manhattan’s college prep programs and supportive environment.

With personalized guidance from our dedicated faculty, expert resources, and custom events, the Class of 2025 is not only applying to the finest educational institutions but also cultivating resilience and independence – qualities that will serve them well in their future academic journeys.

Here’s a glimpse into the incredible work our students have been doing.

Personalized Preparation

While traditional high school students might begin preparing for college in grade 11 or 12, our students begin their college preparation in grade 9. This early start allows our College Counselor, Mr. Tejada, to take the time to get to know each student’s interests and strengths.

He says, “I ask students about their career interests, potential major, passions, and hobbies and work with them on ways they can demonstrate them in meaningful ways.”

For Mr. Tejada, it’s not just enough that our students are prepared to apply to college. They must understand the connection between their strengths and the varying opportunities that each university has to offer.

To help students uncover this connection, Mr. Tejada works with seniors in a daily 45-minute College Counseling class to learn practical skills, such as navigating the application process, resume building, and essay writing, while also having them explore future degrees that might be a good fit.

A Standout Program

At many other schools in NYC, college counseling is part of a general guidance counseling program where the onus is on the student to ask for support and meet application deadlines. At BASIS Independent Manhattan there is a balance of independence and accountability. The College Counselor works one-on-one with juniors and seniors on a weekly basis, challenging them to complete goals and following up on their weekly progress.

Another factor that has empowered the older students at BASIS Independent Manhattan is our commitment to small class sizes and expert educators. This model has made it possible for our teachers to really impart a deep understanding and mastery of content in the sciences, mathematics, literature, history, world languages, and AP Courses. Personalized teaching makes for proficient learning and is one of the contributors to our legacy of outstanding test scores.

Bringing Experts to You

BASIS Independent Manhattan is committed to sharing what we know with parents, recognizing the significant role they play in their children’s educational journey. Our insightful “College Admissions 101” classes are a series of monthly workshops for high school parents/guardians hosted by Mr. Tejada. Each of these exclusive virtual sessions features knowledgeable panelists who provide valuable insights into various steps or specific topics within the college application process. Topics covered include:

The benefits of pre-college programs

Testing with the SAT & ACT and using those tests in the college application process

A guide to University of California Admissions

Financial aid

The benefits of public honors colleges and programs

And so on. Below is a simplified list highlighting some of the more impactful elements of our college preparation program.

Grades 9 & 10	Grade 11	Grade 12
College Counseling Newsletter	College Counseling Newsletter	College Counseling Newsletter
Encouraged to attend college rep visits	Required to attend college rep visits	Encouraged to attend college rep visits
Open access to counselor	Open access to counselor	Open access to counselor
Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians	Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians	Monthly Virtual Workshops for Parents/Guardians
Student “Boot Camp” Workshops (Spring)	Weekly one-on-one scheduled meetings with counselor (Spring)	Weekly one-on-one scheduled meetings with counselor
		Daily College Counseling Class for two trimesters in length
		Life-Skills Mentoring

Cornell University Acceptance — Congratulations on your Early Decision at Cornell!

Impressive Results

Already, there is good news to celebrate. Four of our seniors received Early Decision acceptances, and we are thrilled to announce they will be attending:

Columbia University
Cornell University
Lehigh University
Babson College

One could attribute success in the college application process to our advanced curriculum, your child’s innate talents, or a myriad of other factors. However, the effectiveness of the approach at BASIS Independent Manhattan truly stands out, showcasing the remarkable results we achieve together.

Setbacks are inevitable, but our students are well-equipped to overcome them with the right mindset. Our robust college counseling program plays a crucial role in this process. With personalized support, dedicated resources, and daily classes, our students confidently navigate obstacles and are empowered to make informed decisions about their future.

Interested in learning more? Schedule a tour of our Upper School campus to witness firsthand what sets our programs apart!

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

December 10, 2024 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

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!