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A Day in the Life of a Kindergarten Student – A Reflection From Head of School, Dr. Thies

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At BASIS Independent Bellevue, our Kindergarten students fill our campus with joy, curiosity, and an unmatched excitement for learning. Recently our Head of School, Dr. Thies, spent a full day with our youngest learners to experience the joy first hand. Her experience provides a window into how we develop fearless and confident thinkers from the start of a student’s educational journey with us.

On the day of Dr. Thies’ visit, students had their Engineering class. However, in addition to Engineering, students also take Art, Music, Drama and Mandarin, throughout their week. To view a weekly sample schedule for Kindergarten, click here.

Step inside a dynamic day in Kindergarten with Dr. Thies and experience the creativity, joy, and collaboration that is abundant in Kindergarten at BASIS Independent Bellevue!

Arrival

Suffice is to say that it has been a while since I attended Kindergarten. However, I found myself flooded with the usual kid anxiety as I prepared for my full day in Kinder adventure. 

“What should I wear?”  I asked myself 

“I wonder if the kids will enjoy having me in class?” 

But, as soon as I entered our Kindergarten building my anxiety was put at ease.   

“What greeting would you prefer, Dr. Thies?” Ms. Metrick asked me. Without hesitation I chose a fist bump (and added fireworks for added emphasis). I then found my decorated name tag at Table 3 and began my coloring activity. Can I just take this moment to ask why we don’t all begin our day with an energized greeting and coloring time?  I feel like the world may be a much better place with this one simple adjustment. 

Morning Meeting

Once all of the students had arrived, we moved to the carpet for our Morning Meeting time. We were all told to find our place on the carpet. While I was not sure where I should sit, my Kindergarten friends were very helpful in letting me know where I should not sit. With kindness in their hearts, they told me, “Dr. Thies, that’s where Dhruv sits.”  “Not there, that’s Ethan’s spot.” I eventually landed on the correct spot, sat criss-cross applesauce (that is a little more challenging with age), and prepared for a day of learning. 

My favorite part of our Morning Meeting time was our swimming greeting. I have never actually participated in a greeting like this before and, quite frankly, I now know that I have been missing out. In order to properly execute a swim greeting, you allow someone to introduce themselves and then you respond with a kind hello while also fully committing to a beautiful freestyle swim stroke. Now that I think about it, I believe that any swim stroke will do with the method of greeting. So, if you are more of a backstroke or butterfly aficionado, they will work as well. Saying hello to all of my new classmates in this manner put an immediate smile on my face. So, maybe try it out sometime? I mean, Kindergartners shouldn’t be the ones having all the fun, right? 

Language and Literacy

Once we finished our greeting, reviewed our daily schedule, discussed the date and days of the week, and sang our weather song, we moved on to Language and Literacy. For this portion of the lesson, we got to split into two groups and began our activity. I was lucky enough to work with Ms. Armitage. She handed out plastic covered phoneme handouts and dry erase markers. We practiced our new phonograms together first and then Ms. Armitage let us color in the phonogram that represented the beginning letter of the word she read aloud. Ms. Armitage reminded us of the long, short and shwa sounds as well so that we could be confident in the answers that we chose.   

I loved this activity and was really happy to see my friends practicing their sounds aloud before they made their selection. As I began to color my long “A” phonogram I thought to myself, “Wow, these Kindergartners are pretty smart; I better pay close attention so that I can keep up!” I was happy to discover that my new friends were not only smart, they were kind and happy to help. If I had any questions, they happily demonstrated the sounds for me so that I could be sure that I completed the activity correctly! 

Recess

Don’t even get me started on a mid-morning snack and recess time. I’m not quite sure why this is not a normal part of my work day. But I am missing out! During snack, I returned to my assigned table and got some time to talk with my classmates. I learned a few things about myself at snack and recess. The first is that I am really good at opening things. Before this time, I was not fully aware that I possessed such an important gift, but I feel empowered with my new found strength. The second thing that I learned is that making chalk art is a much better choice than attempting to ride a very small bike. While I was able to make it around the loop, my legs did not thank me Saturday morning. 

Engineering

I took my spot as #19 in the line and followed my classmates from recess to Engineering. I was pleasantly surprised when Ms. DiBattista met me at the door with my very own hardhat, clipboard and title of “Chief Boxitech”. We entered the classroom and Ms. DiBattista reminded us of the importance of working together in a positive manner and communicating respectfully as we worked as a team. My classmates were then divided into groups to create and draw different buildings in a community. My responsibility was to recognize and award those groups that worked well together and give a final sticker of approval when they had finished their design and were ready to build. I am happy to report that all drafts were approved and the finished products were amazing. Several groups also earned PACE passes and additional stickers because of their teamwork and positive problem-solving skills. I eventually had to turn in my hard hat and hang up my clipboard because it was time for PE. 

Movement Foundation

I will fully admit that I am slightly biased about this class being a former Physical Education teacher. I could hardly wait for PE because I am such a fan of exercise and bodily kinesthetic learning. So, I once again took my place at the end of the line and headed to the gym for another fun-filled adventure. While in PE, my classmates and I warmed up by pretending the floor was lava and sticking to the clearly marked lines to ensure our safety.  We then transitioned to a game called, “What Time is it Mr. Fox?” where we got the chance to practice our counting skills and test our speed and endurance. I worked together with another classmate to make sure that we were not eaten as Ms. Tello (aka Mr. Fox) yelled out “Lunch Time” and chased us back to our line! All this talk of lunch time made me hungry—and good thing because after PE we headed off to lunch.

Lunch and Recess

I thoroughly enjoyed lunch with my classmates. We talked about weekend plans and even got some high five from the high school students before they left the lunchroom. When we returned to class, we reviewed our class rules, talked about how we can be kind to one another, and participated in a highly engaging brain break.   

Math

For math we split into groups again and this time I got the opportunity to work with Ms. Metrick. She taught us about fact families and even sang a song with us to help us remember. When we returned to our tables for independent work, I got the opportunity to work with my tablemates. I was so impressed with their ability to solve problems, write number sentences and check their work. We worked collaboratively to make connections and describe how we had arrived at our answers. I truly enjoyed working through the learning process with the students and witnessing their resilience when they were challenged. To top of a great chunk of learning, we got to color our fact family worksheets after we finished. 

Enrichment

We were rewarded for all of our hard work with enrichment time. Within minutes, the classroom transformed into a plethora of mini projects in the making. I was so impressed with all of the different choices that the students made and the fact that they all seemed to naturally pair up and happily share with one another. There were students using building blocks, practicing math skills with the cash register and play money, developing structures with Magna-Tiles, constructing tubes for marble transport, and so much more. As I looked around the room I was amazed to witness creativity in action and overwhelmed by their use of respectful language as they shared ideas. 

Language and Literacy

For afternoon language and literacy we read The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn and wrote messages for those people in our lives that loved us. All around me, I could hear my Kindergarten friends sounding out words and practicing spelling techniques in order to write a thoughtful message to someone special in their life. Myself and my Kindergarten friends were excited that this writing activity extended into an arts and crafts project that allowed us to add color and a personal touch to our writing activity. 

Civics, History & Science Foundation

We wrapped up our day with a civics lesson on wants vs. needs. Everyone was eager to share their ideas and I loved listening to my Kinder friends share their thinking.

Until Next Time

We have all heard the saying, “everything that I need to know I learned in Kindergarten,” but I don’t think that I truly understood this until I was lucky enough to spend a full day learning such important skills in such a dynamic way.  Kindergarten learning is intentional and so important but what struck me the most about the day was the fact that I had so much fun!  The teachers were exceptional and my classmates added to the joy of the learning process.  The only part of the day that I did not enjoy was dismissal because it meant that this incredible experience had come to an end. The next time I am in need of collaborative classmates, creative ideas, or dynamic learning songs, I know just the place to go!

A huge thank you to Dr. Thies, our wonderful Kindergarten teachers, Ms. Metrick and Ms. Armitage, Ms. Dibattista, Ms. Tello, and of course our incredible Kindergarten students for being a part of this blog!

Welcome Back Mountaineers! – Orientation and the First Day of School

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It is hard to beat the energy of a new school year. Students running to hug their friends they have not seen all summer, empty desks now filled with smiling students, and the unmistakable anticipation of what the new school year will hold.

At BASIS Independent Bellevue we are thrilled to be staring the 2026–2027 school year as it marks a special milestone for our campus—this is our first year with a full primary program and our very first class of Kindergarten students! We have long been anticipating the arrival of our youngest learners on our campus and could not be more thrilled with the warmth, joy, and curiosity they bring to our Mountaineer Community. We were equally as eager to welcome new and returning mountaineers to our campus from grade 1 all the way to grade 11!

BASIS Independent Bellevue’s first Kindergarten class!

Orientation

In order to set our students and families up for success, we always kick off the school year with a Student and Parent Orientation.

During Orientation students had the opportunity to meet their teacher and classmates through introductions and ice breakers, participated in team building exercises, discussed the importance of respecting the learning process, and of course got their picture taken!

While the students were with their teachers, families met the Administration Team who will be supporting their child’s learning throughout the year, had time to mingle with one another to build community within their child’s grade level, and wrote an encouraging first day of school note for their child.

The First Day of School

After a good night of rest, our students and teachers returned to campus for the first day of school!

As students arrived onto campus they were greeted by smiling teachers and staff members to help them find their way to class. Ms. Metrick and Ms. Armitage were especially eager to greet our first class of kindergarten students at BASIS Independent Bellevue!

The first day of school focused on building community, getting to know the campus, and learning important expectations and procedures.

Campus Tours

All students got to take a campus tour to see important places they may need to navigate to throughout the year. An important stop on the tour was the SCC (Student Support Center) where students can go to, to see our School Counselor, Ms. Olivia, update their schedule with Mr. Pitak the Director of Academic Programs, or meet with their Director of Student Affairs, Ms. Hinton or Ms. Rakotz. The tour also took a stop at the Main Office where students learned how to check in if they are late, where the Health Office is, or where to turn in their P.A.C.E. passes. Students can earn P.A.C.E passes through demonstrating our community values of Perseverance, Active, Community, or Empathy. Each week students turn in their P.A.C.E. passes for a chance to win a prize in their grade level raffle.

Communication Journals

Students also learned about their Communication Journals or CJs. Students in all grade levels utilize CJs to keep track of what they learned in class each day and any homework they might have. CJs are one way we build up student’s responsibility in the learning process and a great tool for parents to see the learning that is going on in the classroom each day.

Community Building

Additionally, students participated in team building exercises to build community within their class. In grade 6 students worked together to brainstorm unique ideas of how they would survive in different wilderness scenarios. The classroom was alive with unique ideas, passionate plans, and collaboration. In grade 3 students played a silly game where they copied the leaders sound our gestures. Students who were shy at the start of this game were quickly participating in the laughter and fun.

Lockers and Procedures

Part of a launching a new school year is ensuring students know emergency procedures, dismissal expectations and also learning new skills, like how to open a locker. Students who were learning how to use a lock for the first time got support from classmates, teachers and even our Head of School, Dr. Thies! This was the perfect example of how our Mountaineer Community supports each other in the small and big ways.

Dr. Thies helping students with their locks.
History SET Mr. Tyler bringing added excitement to reviewing rules and procedures!

We are so grateful to our Mountaineer Community—students, families, teachers, faculty, and administration—who all worked together to make the start of the 2026–2027 school year a success. We are confident that our students are going to have a year full of inspiring challenges, curiosity, and discovering that they are capable of more than they can imagine!

What’s New at BASIS Independent Bellevue? Construction Updates From Our Head of Operations, Ms. Cardenas and Monty the Mountaineer!

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If you have visited BASIS Independent Bellevue this summer then you may have heard the drumming of nails, the smell of fresh paint, or felt the excitement when the first row of new grass was rolled out onto our field. In the 2026–2027 school year, BASIS Independent Bellevue will grow from offering Grade 3–Grade 10, to offering Kindergarten–Grade 11! With the growth of our campus, it was time to update certain parts of our campus to ensure that our spaces are ready to support students as they grow into fearless and confident thinkers.

Ms. Cardenas, our Head of Operations, has been working hard to oversee the numerous updates that are happening across our campus. Ms. Cardenas and Monty the Mountaineer took a recent walk around our campus to check in on the progress of each project.

Field Renovations

Our field is at the heart of our school. It is where we have recess, host our annual teacher-versus-student kickball game, and is where our soccer team dominates the competition. Over the summer, our construction crew has been hard at work installing new grass and a new sprinkler system.

Some of the benefits of our grass field include improving the air quality, maintains a cooler temperature than artificial turf, prevents erosion and filters rainwater, and provides a natural cushioning when our athletes play on the field.

Gym Renovations

Our state-of-the-art gymnasium has received brand-new hardwood flooring! Hardwood, which is a gold standard of flooring options, is the best for providing critical cushioning, ball bouncing, and protects athlete’s joints.

Best of all, we have replaced our old logo and now proudly display our Mountaineer logo in the middle.

We can’t wait to see our badminton team, volleyball team, and basketball team thrive in the new gym!

Classroom Renovations

Our world-class education begins in the classroom. Our newly acquired classroom buildings are undergoing the largest change this summer. Some of our changes to these new buildings are installing a new roof, creating a new ramp to our kindergarten classrooms, and redoing the flooring and ceilings. We have also painted both the exterior and interior of these rooms. 

Last but not least—we have also installed an entirely new HVAC system which will increase oxygen circulation in the classrooms and provide both heating and air conditioning.

We are excited to see these new classrooms filled with students who are eager to embrace challenges with open minds and determination.

As our construction projects wrap up, one can sense the feeling of our campus being ready to welcome our learners back at the end of August! We can’t wait to see our Mountaineers building community in their fresh classroom spaces, playing soccer on the new field, or learning about teamwork during PE in their new gym space!

Fall 2027: The BASIS Independent Bellevue Admissions Process

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At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we believe students are capable of more than they can imagine. We seek applicants who embrace challenge, have a desire to make meaningful contributions to their community, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture of academic excellence, where learning is celebrated and students have fun!

We are excited to know you are considering BASIS Independent Bellevue as the next step in your child’s journey. For the 2027–2028 school year, we are accepting applications for Kindergarten through Grade 9. In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

When applying, each family will work with members of the Admissions Team whose role is to welcome new families to our program and educate them on the benefits of a BASIS Independent Schools education. They are the guides through the application and admissions process.

Admissions Cycles

This year, we will offer two admissions cycles: Early and Regular Admissions. Early Admissions is open for Kindergarten only while Regular Admissions is open for Kindergarten–Grade 9.

Early Admissions: If BASIS Independent Bellevue is your top choice for Kindergarten, we recommend you apply in our Early Admissions cycle. You will receive an admissions decision this December and you will also have an earlier commitment date if your child(ren) are accepted and you decide to enroll. Additionally, your private school search is completed by December instead of March! We will reserve a select number of seats in Kindergarten for Regular Admission applicants. 

Regular Admissions: Families of students applying in Regular Admissions are notified of an admissions decision in March, which aligns with decisions from other private schools in the Seattle and Bellevue area.

Key Admissions Dates

Early Admissions: Kindergarten Only

Deadline to submit an application: Thursday, November 12, 2026

Deadline to submit required materials: Thursday, December 3, 2026

Notification date: Thursday, December 10, 2026

Commitment deadline: Thursday, December 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM

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Regular Admissions: Kindergarten–Grade 8

Deadline to submit an application: Friday, January 15, 2027

Deadline to submit required materials: Friday, February 12, 2027

Notification date: Friday, March 19, 2027

Commitment deadline: Friday, March 26, 2027 at 12:00 PM

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Regular Admissions: High School

Deadline to submit an application: Friday, January 15, 2027

Deadline to submit required materials: Friday, February 12, 2027

Notification date: Monday, February 22, 2027

Commitment deadline: Monday, March 1, 2027 at 12:00 PM

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The Admissions Process


Step 1: Attend an Admissions Event (Optional)

Though not required, we strongly recommend you attend one of our Admissions Events to learn about our program before applying. We offer both in-person Open House events and Virtual Information Sessions.

To view our upcoming Admissions Events, click here. 

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Step 2: Submit an Online Application

You will submit an application with general student information through the online platform Ravenna. This will officially start the application process! After your application is processed, you will be able to send Teacher Recommendation Forms, Transcript Request Forms, and schedule your Student Evaluation and Family Meeting.

Please note: Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be done in any order, but must be completed after the application is submitted and before a family is issued an admissions decision.  

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Step 3: Teacher Recommendations

Kindergarten–Grade 1 applications require an Early Learning Teacher Recommendation. Grades 2–9 applications require English and Math Teacher Recommendations.

You will be able to provide the recommendations directly to your child’s current teacher. We do not accept recommendations from past teachers, only current ones. As listed in the instructions of the recommendations, we do not accept documents from parents. All recommendations must be sent from the teacher to the Admissions Office directly. This process is best done directly through our application tool, as parents can easily request a link sent directly to their child’s current teacher through Ravenna.

*We understand some schools do not allow their teachers to write recommendations for students that are leaving their program. In these circumstances, the requirement can be waived. 

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Step 4: Transcripts (Grades 2–9)

You will be able to submit a Transcript Request Form directly to your child’s school* after submitting your application. This form requests your child’s current school send us a current-year report, along with the last two years. As listed in the instructions of the request form, we do not accept documents from parents. All transcripts must be sent from the school to the Admissions Office directly. 

There are no transcript requirements for Kindergarten–Grade 1 applicants.

*If your child has been enrolled in more than one school district, you may need to submit this form more than once.

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Step 5: Student Evaluation

Students will register for a BASIS Independent Schools Virtual or In-Person Play Date (Kindergarten–grade 1) or Independent School Entrance Exam (grades 2–9). These evaluations allows us to meet and interact with your child and determine if they are ready – academically, socially, and emotionally – to join our program in the grade for which they are applying. 

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Step 6: Virtual Family Meeting

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend this 20–30 minute Virtual Family Meeting. Students applying for grades 2–9 are required to attend. This meeting is a chance for us to meet your family, and your student, and learn a bit more about them in a personalized setting. 

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Common Questions

Will you have seats available for the 2027–2028 school year?

We expect to have seats available in every grade level. If you are interested in BASIS Independent Bellevue, we recommend you apply!

How can I learn more about your program?

We are gearing up for a lively admissions season with many different opportunities for families to connect and learn how we develop fearless thinkers at BASIS Independent Bellevue. Throughout the admissions season we will have Open Houses, Virtual Information Sessions, and host Campus Tours. The best ways to stay up to date on upcoming Admissions Events is by reading our Admissions Newsletter, checking on our website, or following us on Instagram. We look forward to sharing our program with you and answering your questions.

What are the tuition and fees for the 2027–2028 school year?

Tuition for the 2027–2028 school year is expected to be released by the end of September, 2026. There is a small tuition increase every year. For reference, the tuition for the current school year (2026–2027) is listed below.

2026–2027 Kindergarten–Grade 4: Tuition and Fee Schedule

2026–2027 Grade 5–Grade 8: Tuition and Fee Schedule

2026–2027 Grade 9–Grade 12: Tuition and Fee Schedule

Does BASIS Independent Bellevue offer before or after school care?

Yes! We offer both before and after school care through our Early Bird and Late Bird programs.

Early Bird is an extension of the school day available to all students before the start of school from 7:00 AM until class starts. This hour provides a place for students to complete homework or quietly socialize with friends in a supervised environment. There is no fee for Early Bird.

Late Bird is a fee-based after-school extension available to all students from the end of the dismissal window until 6:00 PM. We provide students with a quiet academic environment to complete homework, engaging activities, and an opportunity to socialize with friends in a supervised environment.

Your Admissions Team

The Admissions Team’s role is to welcome new families to our program and educate them on the benefits of a BASIS Independent Bellevue education. We look forward to meeting you and partnering with you throughout the application process.

Ms. Grear, Director of Admissions
Ms. Hughes, Associate Director of Admissions

If you have any questions, please contact us at blv.admissions@basisindependent.com.

Go Mountaineers!

Your Guide to the Fall 2027 BASIS Independent Manhattan Admissions Process

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Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family can make.

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we welcome students who are curious, motivated, and excited to challenge themselves in a supportive academic community.

As one of New York City’s leading private schools, we look for students who are eager to learn, embrace new ideas, and contribute positively to our incredible school culture. Our classrooms foster intellectual curiosity, meaningful collaboration, and a genuine love of learning. Students thrive in an environment where academic excellence is balanced with creativity, character development, and opportunities to explore their passions.

Whether you are applying to private school for the first time or are already familiar with the independent school admissions process, our Admissions Team is here to guide your family every step of the way.

Grade 1 Engineering

Grade 6 Bridge Mandarin

Two Campuses Designed for Student Success

BASIS Independent Manhattan serves students from PreK through Grade 12 across two purpose-built campuses in NYC.

Lower School (PreK–Grade 5)
795 Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10025

Upper School (Grades 6–12)
556 West 22nd Street
New York, NY 10011

Each campus is intentionally designed to meet the developmental needs of its students while providing access to exceptional academic programs, dedicated faculty, and engaging extracurricular opportunities.

795 Columbus Ave – Lower School

556 W 22nd St – Upper School

Step 1: Attend an Admissions Event

One of the best ways to discover whether BASIS Independent Manhattan is the right fit for your family is by attending an admissions event.

Throughout the admissions season, we offer opportunities to:

  • Tour our campuses
  • Meet members of our Admissions Team
  • Learn about our academic program and curriculum
  • Hear from school leaders, teachers, students, and current families
  • Ask questions about the admissions process

Attending an event provides valuable insight into daily life at BASIS Independent Manhattan before you begin your application.

Register Here

Step 2: Submit Your Online Application

Applications open on August 1 and are submitted online through Ravenna. Review our Regular Admissions application process here to prepare you and your family for the application steps and requirements.

The application includes:

  • Basic family and student information
  • A non-refundable application fee
  • A Parent Questionnaire for families applying to PreK–Grade 1

Once your application has been submitted, you will gain access to your admissions checklist, where you can:

  • Request teacher recommendations
  • Request report cards or transcripts
  • Schedule your Family Meeting
  • Register your student for their required evaluation (Entrance Exam or Play Date)
  • Track the status of your application

After your application is submitted, you may complete the remaining admissions requirements in any order before the application completion deadline.

Apply Now

Step 3: Teacher Recommendations (PreK–Grade 10)

Teacher recommendations help us better understand each applicant as a learner and classroom community member.

  • PreK–Grade 1 applicants: One Early Learning Teacher Recommendation
  • Grades 2–10 applicants: One English Teacher Recommendation and one Math Teacher Recommendation

Recommendations must come directly from a student’s current teachers through the admissions portal.

Recommendations from former teachers or submitted by parents or guardians cannot be accepted.

Step 4: Submit School Records (Grades 1–10)

Applicants for Grades 1–10 are asked to submit current and recent academic records.

Families will request transcripts through the admissions portal, allowing the student’s current school to send:

  • Current-year progress reports or report cards
  • Academic records from the previous two school years

If a student has attended multiple schools during that time, records may be requested from each institution.

We understand that applicants entering grades 1 or 2 may not have formal transcripts from preschool or early childhood programs. In those cases, transcript requirements may be adjusted accordingly.

Step 5: Student Evaluation

Student evaluations help us better understand each applicant’s academic readiness and developmental stage.

Evaluation requirements vary by grade:

  • PreK–Grade 1: Play Date
  • Grades 2–10: Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) or Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)

These evaluations allow our team to get to know students while assessing their readiness for our academic program.

Step 6: Family Meeting

The Family Meeting is an important part of our holistic admissions process.

At least one parent or guardian participates in every Family Meeting.

  • Students applying to PreK–Grade 1 are not required to attend.
  • Students applying to Grades 2–10 attend alongside their parent or guardian.
  • Families applying with multiple children only need one Family Meeting.

This conversation gives us the opportunity to learn more about your family’s educational goals, your student’s interests, and what you’re seeking in an independent school community.

Grade 9 Students

After You Complete Your Application

Once all required materials have been received—including recommendations, transcripts (where applicable), student evaluation results, and the Family Meeting—your application will be considered complete.

Applicants who complete all requirements by the published admissions deadlines will receive an admissions decision according to the schedule for their entry grade.

Because admissions dates may vary slightly from year to year, families should refer to the current admissions calendar for the most up-to-date deadlines, notification dates, and enrollment commitment dates.

We Are Here to Help

Applying to private school can feel overwhelming, but are here to help you navigate the process.

Our Admissions Team is committed to making the experience welcoming, transparent, and informative for every family. We encourage prospective parents and students to visit campus, attend an admissions event, and experience firsthand what makes BASIS Independent Manhattan unique.

If you have questions at any point during the admissions process, our team is happy to help.

We look forward to meeting your family and welcoming you to the BASIS Independent Manhattan community –

home of the Wildcats.

Why Latin? More than just an Ancient Language

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Unlocking the Foundations of Modern Society

When many parents hear the word Latin, they picture an ancient language with little relevance to modern life. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, Latin is far more than an ancient language, it is a powerful tool that strengthens reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. By connecting learning across subjects such as history, government, science, and modern languages, Latin helps students build the intellectual foundation for long-term academic success.

The ancient world is closer than many students realize. The influence of Rome can still be seen in our laws, government, language, architecture, and cultural traditions.

By studying Latin:

  • students gain a richer understanding of the ideas that shaped the world they live in today.
  • helps students develop a deeper understanding of the ideas and institutions that have shaped today’s world.
  • provides valuable historical context that supports learning across multiple subjects, including history, literature, and civics.

At BASIS Independent Manhattan, students begin studying U.S. Government and Politics in Grade 9. Their Latin background helps them better understand the origins of democratic institutions, civic leadership, and political systems. Students learn to make meaningful connections between historical events and modern society.

Why Latin At BASIS Independent Manhattan

Latin is often called the “parent language” of many modern languages, including Spanish and French. Our students study Latin in Grade 5 and Grade 6. In Grade 7 students have the opportunity to choose between Latin, French, Spanish or Mandarin and work their way up to taking a language AP.

Students who study Latin:

  • develop a deeper understanding of how languages function, making it easier to learn additional languages later on.
  • can easily identify scientific terminology. Here at BASIS Independent Manhattan students take Biology, Chemistry and Physics throughout Middle school. Latin provides them with the important foundations to understand the challenging terminology.

Mr. Kittle Kamp our Upper School Latin teacher remarked that:

“Students quickly discover that the knowledge they gain in Latin class reaches far beyond the classroom.”

National Latin Exam: The Language Awards

Mr. Kittle-Kamp our wonderful Latin teacher here at BASIS Independent Manhattan Upper School has discussed the importance of Latin and how it Latin encourages students to engage thoughtfully with literature and language.

“Every sentence presents students with a challenge to solve.”

The National Latin Exam (NLE) is a wonderful example of this. The NLE is a test given annually to Latin students across the United States and in 22 countries around the world. The NLE is not meant to be a competition but rather an opportunity for students to receive reinforcement and recognition for their accomplishments in the classroom. This was our school’s seventh time participating in the NLE. EUGE et gratulationes!

Special Book Award:

The National Latin Exam recognizes students who have earned remarkable achievements on exams with special book awards. Students receive this special book award if they have earned:

  • A Gold Medal on three exams and 
  • A fourth gold medal on the Advanced Prose Exam 

Congratulations to Kaylee H. (Gr. 10), who has received three gold medals previously, earned a Gold Summa Cum Laude on the Advanced Latin Prose Exam and received this special award with a medal, her certificate, and a Loeb Commentary of Livy.

More Than an Ancient Language

At BASIS Independent Manhattan Upper School, Latin is much more than a window into the ancient world, it is a powerful foundation for lifelong learning. Latin helps students develop curiosity, confidence, and intellectual agility. Whether they go on to pursue careers in science, law, business, medicine, public service, or the arts, the skills they build through Latin will continue to serve them for years to come.

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

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

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

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

Wearable Art Studio: Become a Fashion Designer

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

Chinese Cooking Camp

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

Splish Splash

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

Rome 3-D Model Lab

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

Fiber Arts

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

Erupting History: Build a Volcano and Discover Pompeii

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

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

Student Ambassadors: Creating Community at BASIS Independent Manhattan

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Welcoming Students and Families from Day One

The Student Ambassador Program is a key component of how BASIS Independent Manhattan helps welcome new students and families who are looking to find the best private school on the Upper West Side. 

  • Welcoming prospective families: Greeting visitors during school tours and helping them feel comfortable and informed.
  • Answering questions: Sharing firsthand experiences and insights with families at admissions events and school programs.
  • Supporting new students: Helping classmates navigate their first weeks and settle into the school community.
  • Building connections: Creating opportunities for new students to meet peers and feel included.

Leaving a Lasting First Impression

After interacting with our student ambassadors, families share their positive experiences with us. One prospective parent described them as:

“Kind, caring, thoughtful, and genuinely enthusiastic about their school.”

One family reflected on the genuine pride students had in our community sharing they:

“Could not believe so many students volunteered their time to help their school on a Saturday.”

For new students, having a peer connection can make all the difference during a transition. Through our Link Family Program, new families are paired with a current family and student who can answer questions, share experiences, and provide support before and during the first weeks of school. This connection gives parents a trusted resource and helps students begin their journey with confidence and a sense of belonging.

Their positivity helps prospective and new students feel comfortable, confident, and excited about joining BASIS Independent Manhattan, offering a firsthand glimpse into the welcoming culture of our community.

Why Students Love Being Ambassadors

What makes the Student Ambassador Program especially meaningful is the authenticity of the students involved.

“I like bringing new families and students into the community.”

Ambassadors enthusiastically share why they love representing their school, it is a chance to:

  • Build friendships and meaningful connections within the school community.
  • Grow academically through the opportunities and challenges they encounter.
  • Develop leadership and communication skills through their ambassador responsibilities.
  • Help new families feel welcome and connected from the very beginning.

Their passion shines through in their own words:

“Being a student ambassador has given me the freedom to present what I love about my school alongside my peers.”

“I love meeting new people and making new friends.”

A Reflection of the BASIS Independent Manhattan Community

The Student Ambassador Program is more than just a leadership opportunity; it is a reflection of the values that make BASIS Independent Manhattan such a special place. Through compassion, positivity, and courage, these students help ensure that every new family and student feels welcomed into a community that truly cares.

Taste the Creativity at Our Grade 3 Food Truck Fair!

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As a PreK–Grade 5 school on the UWS, BASIS Independent Manhattan provides authentic learning experiences that connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. Learning comes to life through engaging, hands-on experiences that inspire students to think creatively, collaborate with their peers, and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. One of the most anticipated highlights of the grade 3 curriculum is the annual Food Truck Project, an interdisciplinary unit that transforms students into young entrepreneurs and culminates in a vibrant Food Truck Fair.

Families researching private schools often seek opportunities that combine rigorous academics with hands-on learning experiences. The Food Truck Project is a signature component of the grade 3 curriculum NYC families appreciate for its blend of academics, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

How Grade 3 Students Become Entrepreneurs

The Food Truck Project exemplifies the dynamic learning experiences that make grade 3 such an exciting year. Working in teams, students take ownership of creating and launching their own food truck businesses from the ground up. From brainstorming concepts and conducting market research to designing branding materials and developing menus, students experience the many steps involved in building a successful business.

As they bring their ideas to life, students develop valuable entrepreneurial skills including financial literacy, branding and design, persuasive writing, public speaking, collaboration, and problem-solving. They learn how to evaluate customer interests, make strategic business decisions, communicate ideas effectively, and work as a team toward a shared goal. These authentic experiences help students understand how the skills they learn in the classroom can be applied in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Bringing Learning to Life

Students apply concepts from multiple subject areas:

Mathematics

  • Create budgets
  • Calculate expenses and profits
  • Make financial decisions

Geometry & Engineering

  • Design scale models
  • Calculate area, perimeter, and volume

Research & Writing

  • Investigate global cuisines
  • Analyze information
  • Create persuasive marketing materials

Branding & Design

  • Develop logos
  • Design menus
  • Create advertisements

Public Speaking & Collaboration

  • Present ideas
  • Pitch concepts
  • Work toward shared goals

A Showcase of Imagination and Innovation

This year’s Food Truck Fair featured a wide variety of imaginative concepts, each reflecting the creativity and unique interests of its student team.

  • Breakfast Bank invited visitors to explore breakfast favorites from around the world, offering a menu inspired by global morning traditions.
  • Slurping Ramen celebrated the comforting flavors of noodle dishes while introducing customers to different styles of ramen and Asian cuisine.
  • Fry-Days embraced everyone’s love of crispy treats, serving up a creative menu dedicated to all things fried.
  • Europe from East to West took guests on a culinary journey across the continent, showcasing foods and flavors from a variety of European countries.

Each food truck demonstrated not only creativity but also thoughtful planning, teamwork, and attention to detail. Students proudly shared their concepts, explained their business strategies, and presented the hard work they had invested throughout the project.

Building Confidence Through Experience

Beyond academics, the Food Truck Project helps students build confidence in their abilities. By navigating challenges, making decisions as a team, and presenting their work to an audience, students gain meaningful experience in leadership, collaboration, and public speaking. They learn how to advocate for their ideas, respond to feedback, and adapt when plans change—skills that will benefit them both inside and outside the classroom.

The project also fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate both individual and team accomplishments. These experiences help students develop resilience and independence while cultivating a lifelong love of learning.

A Project That Evolves Every Year

One of the strengths of the Food Truck Project is that it continues to grow and evolve each year through the creativity and dedication of our teachers. Guided by their Learning Expert Teacher (LET), Ms. Arlinda, and the Grade 3 Subject Expert Teachers (SETs), the project regularly introduces new opportunities for creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation, ensuring that each year’s experience is fresh and engaging.

In recent years, students have explored modern marketing concepts by creating mock social media content for their businesses, including developing Instagram profiles that reflect their brand identity and target audience. Other additions have included designing branded merchandise featuring their logos, helping students further explore the connections between marketing, design, and entrepreneurship. These enhancements ensure that each year’s Food Truck Project builds on previous successes while providing new opportunities for creativity and innovation.

A Memorable Grade 3 Tradition

The Food Truck Project is more than a classroom activity—it celebrates creativity, curiosity, and interdisciplinary learning at BASIS Independent Manhattan. At this year’s fair, Grade 3 students proudly showcased their food truck businesses, demonstrating the skills, knowledge, and confidence they built throughout the year. A beloved tradition, the project creates lasting memories while inspiring deeper learning and engagement.

Ready to Experience the Magic of Grade 3 at
BASIS Independent Manhattan?

Our Rolling Admissions application cycle is now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications for the 2027–2028 school year open August 1. We invite prospective families to connect with our Admissions team and discover how our engaging, interdisciplinary curriculum helps students grow as confident learners, fearless thinkers, and future leaders.

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

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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 CollegeSanta Clara University
Baylor UniversityStanford University
Boston UniversityStony Brook University
Brown UniversityTexas A&M University
Cal Poly HumboldtThe Ohio State University
Cal Poly Maritime AcademyThe University of Texas at Austin
California Institute of TechnologyUniversity 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 UniversityUniversity of California (Riverside)
Case Western Reserve UniversityUniversity of California (San Diego)
Chapman UniversityUniversity of California (Santa Barbara)
Cornell UniversityUniversity of California (Santa Cruz)
Drexel UniversityUniversity of Colorado (Colorado Springs)
Duke UniversityUniversity of Colorado Boulder
Emory UniversityUniversity of Connecticut
Georgetown UniversityUniversity of Florida
Georgia Institute of TechnologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Harvey Mudd CollegeUniversity of Maryland (College Park)
Hofstra UniversityUniversity of Massachusetts (Amherst)
Imperial College LondonUniversity of Michigan
Indiana University (Bloomington)University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)
Johns Hopkins UniversityUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Lehigh UniversityUniversity of Pennsylvania
Loyola Marymount UniversityUniversity of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyUniversity of Rochester
New York UniversityUniversity of San Diego
Northeastern UniversityUniversity of San Francisco
Northwestern UniversityUniversity of Southern California
Oregon State UniversityUniversity of the Pacific
Penn State University (University Park)University of Washington (Bothell Campus)
Pepperdine UniversityUniversity of Washington (Seattle Campus)
Purdue University (Main Campus)University of Washington (Tacoma Campus)
Reed CollegeUniversity of Wisconsin (Madison)
Rice UniversityWashington University in St. Louis
Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyWorcester 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.

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.