May 8, 2026
In the world of New York City private schools, success is often measured by numbers—test scores, GPAs, and matriculation lists. We are proud of our nine seniors whose collective impact resulted in monumental success.
Our Class of 2026 finalized their plans for the fall, and the results tell a story of intellectual curiosity, resilience, and the power of a personalized education. From the historic campuses of the Ivy League to the nation’s premier research hubs, our seniors are headed to institutions that reflect their unique passions and the high-rigor college-prep they received at BASIS Independent Manhattan.
Redefining Elite Results in NYC
When looking at the landscape of a private school in Manhattan, it is rare to see such a high density of elite placements within a single graduating cohort. While larger institutions may celebrate dozens of acceptances, the statistical acceptance rate for our nine seniors is extraordinary. Among this year’s Class of 2026:
- 100% gained acceptance and enrolled in schools ranked in the Top 50.
- 33% secured spots at Top 15 universities (as ranked by U.S. News & World Report).
- 56% received offers from institutions within the Top 25 nationally, including prestigious names like Yale University, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan.
This is a testament to the BASIS Curriculum, our scaffolded college prep that starts in grade 9, and the dedicated teachers who know each student so they can excel no matter the competitive landscape.
The Privilege of Options and the Right Fit
While our seniors ultimately chose eight world-class institutions for their next chapter, their collective List of Acceptances (found at the end of this post) afforded them the comfort of selecting the “perfect fit” for their next ambitious pursuits.
- The Ivy League: Students will be heading to Yale University and Columbia University, continuing our legacy of placement in the world’s most storied academic environments.
- The Public Ivies: The University of Michigan and the University of Virginia—two of the most selective public institutions in the world—will welcome our graduates this fall.
- Specialized Excellence: With enrollments at Carnegie Mellon University, Northeastern University (two students), George Washington University, and American University, our students are pursuing careers in everything from cutting-edge tech and engineering to global policy and international relations.
*See the full list of College Acceptances for the Class of 2026 at the bottom of this blog.
The BASIS Curriculum: Prepared for Any Path
What makes a BASIS Independent Manhattan student stand out in a sea of thousands of applications? It begins long before the college essay. From the Middle School Program through our specialized High School offerings, students are asked to take ownership of their learning. By the time they reach their senior year, they have already mastered collegiate-level discourse and advanced STEM concepts.
This preparation allows our seniors to approach the admissions process with a level of confidence and agency. Whether they are discussing social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives or presenting their Senior Projects, they attract admissions officers because of their high achievement and because they are ready to contribute meaningfully to a campus community.
Looking Ahead
As the Class of 2026 prepares to walk across the stage and head to New Haven, Ann Arbor, Charlottesville, and beyond, they leave behind a legacy of excellence. They have proven that a PreK-12 education in New York City doesn’t have to be a “one-size-fits-all” journey. At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we remain committed to ensuring that every student who walks through our doors is given the tools to find their own version of a Top 50 success story. We look forward to seeing how these nine individuals change the world. After all, if they could achieve this much in a class of nine, there is no limit to what they will do on the global stage.
Curious about how our High School program prepares students for the Ivy League and beyond? Visit our school to experience BASIS Independent Manhattan firsthand or explore our academics page to learn more about the BASIS Curriculum.
BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2026 College Acceptances
American University
Amherst College
Babson College
Binghamton University
Bocconi University
Carnegie Mellon University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Denison University
Drexel University
Fordham University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Indiana University-Bloomington
Ithaca College
James Madison University
Northeastern University
Purdue University (Main Campus)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Skidmore College
Stony Brook University
SUNY University at Buffalo
Syracuse University
The Ohio State University
The University of Warwick
Tulane University of Louisiana
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis
University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Maryland-College Park
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Southern California
University of St Andrews
University of Toronto
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Vassar College
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Yale University
