BASIS Independent Schools

BASIS Independent Schools
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Preschool

Our high-quality preschool program lays the foundation for becoming curious, confident, Fearless Thinkers.

The earliest years of a child’s education are full of meaningful discoveries and “lightbulb” moments. Our Preschool program is built around these moments. From toddler classrooms through Pre-K, children learn to balance natural curiosity with intentional, age-appropriate academic learning. Above all, we want every child to delight in learning, a foundation that leads to lifelong success in school and beyond.

The Preschool Curriculum

We take a developmentally appropriate approach to building academic, social, and emotional growth in the early childhood years.

Our Discovery Blocks of Learning curriculum offers a rich set of courses that foster early numeracy, literacy, and awareness of ideas and topics children will explore in later grades. Children learn through age-appropriate play, music, and hands-on exploration, helping make high-level material feel natural and accessible. The Discovery Blocks of Learning include:

• Social & Emotional Development and Self-Care Skills
• Language & Literacy
• Math Discovery
• Expressive Arts: Art, Music & Drama
• Mandarin
• Movement & Physical Education
• World Discovery
• STEM Discovery

Why Families Choose Preschool at BASIS Independent
Two-Teacher Model

Every preschool classroom has two teachers: an Early Learning Teacher and an Early Learning Teaching Fellow, each bringing deep knowledge of effective early childhood teaching techniques. Together, these teachers help children make meaningful connections, spark engagement, and develop a genuine love for learning.

Two-Teacher Model
Social-Emotional Growth

While academics are a priority, so is social-emotional learning. Our teachers pay close attention to every child’s individual needs, helping them feel safe to explore, take risks, and face challenges with confidence. Our students grow into curious, creative learners who feel supported every step of the way.

Social-Emotional Growth
A High-Quality, Hands-On Curriculum

Our Discovery Blocks of Learning curriculum brings together math, literacy, STEM, and the arts into one connected early childhood education program. Children build academic skills early, in a classroom built for lightbulb moments.

A High-Quality, Hands-On Curriculum
Outcomes and Milestones

From day one, children build the skills and confidence to reach important milestones, including fine motor skills, phonological awareness, and social-emotional growth. They leave our preschool program with the curiosity and independence of a Fearless Thinker, ready for elementary school and every challenge ahead.

Outcomes and Milestones
Toddlers
Pre-Kindergarten
Transitional Kindergarten
Toddlers

Our Toddler program (2 year olds) is a supportive, nurturing environment for growing minds. It lays the building blocks for physical, social, emotional, and language development. This year sets the foundation for later literacy learning as our teachers support oral language development and phonemic awareness.

Through STEM, movement, and the arts, children build motor skills, develop problem-solving and social skills, and experience the joy of creating. Consistent routines and strong relationships with teachers help children feel secure and confident in the classroom.

Campuses offered: McLean
Pre-Kindergarten

In PreK-1 (3 year olds) and PreK-2 (4 year olds), our Preschool program offers a thematic, hands-on, content-rich curriculum. Math, reading, STEM, and the arts come together in a classroom that fosters curiosity and mutual respect between teachers and students.

We focus on instilling intellectual curiosity early. As children are introduced to new concepts, they learn how to set and reach goals, both individually and as a class.

Campuses offered: Brooklyn, Manhattan, McLean
Half-Day PreK-2 offered: Bothell
Transitional Kindergarten

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) offers a comprehensive, content-rich curriculum for children who are not yet ready for kindergarten, but for whom a traditional PreK curriculum wouldn’t offer enough social-emotional and academic challenge.

TK gives children extra time to build the confidence and skills they need before kindergarten. Teachers focus on strengthening early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills at each child’s own pace.

Campuses offered: Fremont, Silicon Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age for Preschool at BASIS Independent?

Children must turn two years old before starting in our toddler classroom. Cut-off dates vary by age group and campus. Contact us for more information.
What’s the difference between Pre-Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten?

Pre-Kindergarten is designed for 3- and 4- year olds building foundational academic and social-emotional skills. Transitional Kindergarten is a bridge year for children who aren’t quite ready for kindergarten, but need more challenge than a traditional preschool curriculum offers.
What does the two-teacher model mean for my child?

Every preschool classroom is staffed by an Early Learning Teacher and an Early Learning Teaching Fellow, so children benefit from two adults who know them well. In addition, our Subject Expert Teachers lead specials, such as Mandarin and P.E.
How does Preschool prepare my child for the transition to Kindergarten?

Our Preschool program is designed to lead directly into Kindergarten and Elementary School, so the transition feels seamless rather than a fresh start. By the time children move on to Kindergarten, they carry the curiosity, confidence, and independence they’ve built since their first year with us.
See Where Fearless Thinking Begins

Come experience a preschool classroom filled with curiosity, connection, and the joy of learning.

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Sample Daily Schedules

Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
Kindergarten