Below are some of the most common questions about our program. We know that you are bound to have more questions—please contact us. We’re here to help.
Cut-off dates vary by grade level. See our Admissions overview for full details.
School hours at BASIS Independent Brooklyn vary by grade.
PreK: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kindergarten: 7:55 AM – 3:05 PM
Grades 1–3: 7:55 AM – 3:50 PM
Grade 4: 7:55 AM – 3:40 PM
Grades 5–7: 7:55 AM – 3:10 PM
Grades 8+: 7:55 AM or 8:50 AM – 3:10 PM or 4:05 PM
The BASIS Curriculum is intentionally challenging because we believe every child is capable of more than they may realize. Students are encouraged to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and tackle complex ideas with confidence. They don’t do it alone. Every student has access to teacher office hours, peer tutoring (Monday–Friday), and a community of faculty, staff, and families committed to helping them grow. From their very first day, students learn that challenge is paired with support—and that persistence, curiosity, and resilience are just as important as achievement.
Great teaching starts with genuine expertise and a passion for helping students grow. That’s why BASIS Independent Brooklyn hires subject-matter experts who bring deep knowledge of the disciplines they teach—from Calculus to Mandarin—along with a commitment to inspiring curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Many of our teachers come from university, college-preparatory, research, or professional backgrounds, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. Just as importantly, we look for educators who connect with students, encourage thoughtful questions, and challenge them to think deeply while providing the support they need to succeed.
Our hiring process reflects those high standards. Final candidates teach a live demonstration lesson, giving students an opportunity to experience their teaching firsthand. Student feedback is an important part of our evaluation because meaningful learning begins with strong relationships between teachers and students.
Learn more about our faculty at BASIS Independent Brooklyn.
We don’t offer traditional financial aid, but we do offer tuition installment payment plans. We also award a small number of academic merit scholarships to select grade 8 students planning to stay at our school for high school, based on academic record, teacher recommendations, and demonstration of leadership. Unlike many private schools, we don’t rely on fundraising or donations to fund aid or scholarships.
Yes. When you refer a new family who enrolls, both families receive a tuition credit for BASIS Independent Brooklyn. Learn more about our referral program.
“While BASIS Independent Brooklyn does not offer a dedicated special education program, we work closely with families to understand each student’s individual needs. Our school counselor, teachers, and administrators have experience supporting students with appropriate learning accommodations and are committed to helping every student succeed within our academically ambitious program.
Because every child’s situation is unique, we encourage you to contact our Admissions team to discuss your student’s needs and whether BASIS Independent Brooklyn is the right fit.”
Our student take the College Board’s AP® exams and the PSAT®. The SAT® and ACT are optional but strongly recommended. We do not administer Common Core assessments, Regents exams, or other state-mandated tests.
The AP® Scholar with Distinction is an award granted by the College Board to students who score a 3 or higher on at least five separate AP exams and achieve an average score of 3.5 or higher on all AP exams taken throughout their high school career. At BASIS Independent Schools, 100% of our 2025 graduates earned an AP Scholar with Distinction award. Learn more about our AP achievements.
“BASIS Independent Brooklyn stands out among New York private schools for how thoughtfully it integrates AI into student learning. Rather than treating AI as a shortcut, the curriculum’s focus on deep conceptual understanding teaches students to use AI tools to boost efficiency without losing comprehension.
This approach extends beyond the classroom through the school’s Future-Ready Mentor Program. The program pairs personalized assessments of student strengths and interests with leadership development, helping students stay ahead of evolving, AI-influenced career paths.”
Families choose BASIS Independent Brooklyn because our academically ambitious program helps students discover what they’re capable of. Expert teachers challenge students to think critically, solve complex problems, and develop the confidence to take on new ideas at every stage of their education.
From our Early Learning Program, where curiosity and joyful discovery lay the foundation for learning, to our High School program, where students pursue advanced coursework and complete a Senior Project, every experience is designed to help students grow intellectually and personally. Explore why New York families choose BASIS Independent.