BASIS Independent Schools, a globally recognized network of private schools celebrated for exceptional outcomes, is proud to announce that Ms. Apra Singh will lead BASIS Independent Dublin as its founding Head of Operations. Ms. Singh strives to prepare well-rounded, curious, and thoughtful students – students who advocate for themselves and others, contribute meaningfully to the community at large, and are well-equipped to succeed in college and beyond.

We sat with Ms. Singh to discuss her vision and goals for the future BASIS Independent Dublin community.

What is your vision for BASIS Independent Dublin, and how do you plan to implement it?
My vision for BASIS Independent Dublin is to create and foster a school culture rooted in collaboration, respect, academic rigor, and excellence.

Bringing this vision to life will require a team effort. Our goal is to hire exceptional Subject Expert Teachers and staff, enroll enthusiastic students, and foster strong partnerships with families. I believe that through hard work, collaboration, and adaptability—and by staying committed to our true north of student-centered decision making—we will achieve this vision together. 

My hope is that BASIS Independent Dublin becomes a landmark in the community and is a space for all stakeholders – students, staff, and families to feel like they belong.  

You’ve held this role before. What does a typical day look like for a member of Operations?
The truth is, there is no such thing as a “typical day” in Operations. The work is dynamic, fast-paced, and ever-changing—no two days are exactly alike. As Head of Operations, you serve as the figurative “person behind the curtain,” ensuring that every aspect of the school runs seamlessly. While every day is different, what remains the same is my connection and commitment to being a supportive presence in the lives of our students.  

The Operations Team oversees a wide range of critical functions, including human resources, staff recruiting, health and safety, facilities management, campus maintenance, tuition and finance, re-enrollment, and the day-to-day logistics that keep the school functioning smoothly. It’s a role that requires adaptability, strategic thinking, and a constant focus on supporting the broader mission of the school as well as every individual in our community.  

How do you define operational excellence in a school setting?
Operational excellence in a school setting means creating and maintaining systems that allow every member of the community to thrive. It is defined by the ability to deliver consistent, efficient, and proactive support across all areas of school life, including facilities, staffing, safety, communication, finance, and daily logistics. 

At its core, operational excellence means a commitment to continuous improvement, responsiveness, reliability, and collaboration. When operational excellence is achieved, it’s often invisible because everything simply works. But its impact is deeply felt in the learning environment it helps create. 

What role do extracurriculars play in the social and emotional wellness of our students?
Extracurricular activities are an essential part of student life and play a significant role in supporting students’ social and emotional well-being. They provide an opportunity for connection, self-expression, and personal growth outside the classroom.  

At our schools, we offer a diverse range of opportunities, including academic, athletic, artistic, leadership-focused, and everything in between. Whether a student likes to build robots, debate the pros and cons of Daylight Saving time, or paint a mural for the drama club’s latest production, there truly is something for everyone! 

Through these programs, students build friendships, develop confidence, strengthen communication and teamwork skills, and often feel a sense of belonging and purpose.  

Additionally, many of our clubs are student-initiated and student-led, providing valuable leadership and organizational experience. By empowering students to design and manage their activities and events, our extracurricular program becomes a true reflection of the passions, interests, and personalities of our student body. 

How do you plan to ensure that staff and families feel supported by your Operations Team?
To ensure that staff and families feel supported by the Operations Team, my approach will be rooted in proactive communication, responsiveness, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I believe that the primary purpose of Operations is to support the broader school community, and that begins with building trust through transparency, consistency, and follow-through. 

Strong relationships with students, staff, and families are the foundation for creating and implementing effective systems—whether for ordering supplies, aftercare, clubs, or daily arrival and dismissal. My goal is for the Operations Team to foster a collaborative, solution-oriented culture and to be a reliable, approachable resource that families and staff feel confident turning to for support. 

I also recognize that with any new school or initiative, there is always room to grow. I am committed to partnering with families and staff to reflect, adapt, and improve as we shape a thriving school community together. 

This past year, you were part of Spring Education Group’s Leadership Academy. How do you feel this experience prepared you for this new role?
The Leadership Academy was a transformative experience that challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone. The academy allowed me to explore the intricacies of running a school within our organization and provided me with the knowledge and tools to do so successfully.  

Through this experience, I gained valuable insights into important areas of operational excellence, including human resources, finance, communication, leadership, talent acquisition, data analytics, enrollment, legal compliance, and more. 

The Academy provided me with a strong foundation, a practical roadmap for success, and I’m very excited to apply what I’ve learned as we launch BASIS Independent Dublin. 

Tell us of your proudest moment during your time with BASIS Independent Schools. 
The past five and a half years have been the most rewarding of my career, filled with countless proud moments shared alongside my fellow educators. One moment that stands out above all others was the graduation of our first-ever cohort of seniors at BASIS Independent Fremont, a milestone that represented more than four years of preparation, perseverance, and collective effort. 

I remember sitting on stage, looking out at our graduates, many of whom I had known since middle school, and feeling overwhelmed with pride and love. It was an incredibly emotional day for all of us, and the joy we felt in celebrating their achievement was truly unparalleled. Every time these students come to visit us from their prestigious college programs, we are reminded of how far they have come and all the work they put in to get there! 

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