Parent Community
Building Our Community Together
We believe the best learning environment flourishes when families get involved and collaborate with educators to shape the school community together. From the outset, parents are invited to participate and contribute to the fabric of school life, ensuring that every student and every family feels welcome and belongs. We offer many ways to engage, and what matters above all is the spirit of collaboration—ongoing family-educator partnerships rooted in mutual respect, trust, and a commitment to every student’s growth. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, because of our unique model, we do not fundraise or ask families to make donations as a regular part of participating in our school community. This deliberate approach keeps parent involvement refreshingly uncomplicated and strengthens the integrity of the relationship between families and the school.
Get Involved
Parent Ambassadors
Parent Ambassadors can serve in two distinct roles. Admissions Ambassadors partner with our Admissions team, acting as champions of the school for prospective families at open houses, information sessions, campus tours, and other events. Link Families participants connect with new families and welcome them to our community.
Parent Committees
Our Parent Committees range from grade-specific committees to school-wide event planning committees. The community-led Wildcat Family Committee (WFC) works collaboratively with the school to foster connections, build community, and promote a positive school culture. Other outreach opportunities include organizing school-wide activities, events to welcome new families, celebrations, community service opportunities, and much more. Class Parents (Grade Representatives) welcome and act as resources for new families, mostly on ParentSquare, our parent community portal. The Community Outreach Committee connects with nonprofits to organize local service opportunities. The Teacher and Staff Appreciation Committee oversees regular appreciation events and gifts for teachers.
Events
Should they choose, parents can immerse themselves in the school community by participating in, helping organize, and volunteering at signature school events: the parent-led World Fest, seasonal traditions, arts and performance showcases, Color Games (a sports event at Chelsea Piers), and celebrations for Lunar New Year, Diwali, Holi, Ramadan, Chanukah, and more.
Event programming for parents includes coffee sessions with school leadership and other parents to stay informed and connected, share feedback, and shape school priorities and decision-making; monthly First Fridays; Parent Socials and Mixers, adult-only gatherings for parents to connect with one another outside of school events or activities; school-wide family social events (bowling, ice skating, and more); and our free, virtual Speaker Series & Webinars from thought leaders and experts in their fields.
Career, Academic & Extracurricular Engagement
There are numerous structured opportunities for our parents to participate in broadening the aperture of our students' academic and career explorations, including career days, career shadowing, Senior Projects and milestone events, mentorship, and guest speaker series.