At BASIS Independent Manhattan, we welcome applicants who are curious, motivated, and eager to contribute to our dynamic school community. As one of New York City’s top private schools, we seek students who are not only academically driven but also well-rounded—students who are excited to engage in a culture where intellectual curiosity is celebrated, collaboration is encouraged, and a love of learning is central to everything we do. Our students thrive in an environment where hard work is valued, learning is exciting, and school is both challenging and fun.

For families new to the admissions process, we want to provide a clear overview of what to expect. BASIS Independent Manhattan is a PreK–Grade 12 private school with two distinct campuses, each purposefully designed for the age group it serves.

PreK–Grade 5: 795 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY  10025
Grades 6–12: 556 West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10011

When applying, families will meet our Admissions Team, who are here to guide them through every step of the admissions process. As a leading New York City Independent School, we take pride in our team’s commitment to providing a supportive, transparent, and welcoming experience. Whether you are new to private school admissions or navigating it again, our team is eager to answer your questions and share what sets BASIS Independent Manhattan apart.

Read below to learn more about the admissions process.

Step 1: Attend an Admissions Event 

We strongly recommend prospective families attend one of our Admissions Events to learn about our program and meet some of our staff, students, and family community members before applying. We host events for the Regular Admissions season from August to December.

To view and register for upcoming Admissions Events, click here. 

Step 2: Submit an Online Application

Families can submit an application by filling out an Application Form, which covers basic information, and paying a non-refundable deposit. Families applying for PreK–Grade 1 will also need to complete a Parent Questionnaire. Once you submit the application, application fee, and, if applicable, Parent Questionnaire, you officially start the application process!

In your application, you will be able to request teacher recommendations, report cards/transcripts, schedule your Family Meeting, and your student’s Play Date or Entrance Exam. Families can also keep track of their application process on their Ravenna dashboard. 

Please note: Steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 can be done in any order but must be completed after the application is submitted and before the deadline to complete an application.  

Step 3: Teacher Recommendations (PreK–Grade 10 Required*)

Students applying for PreK–Grade 1 will have their current teacher fill out the Early Learning Program Teacher Recommendation. For Grades 2–10, your child’s current teacher(s) will fill out the English Teacher Recommendation and the Math Teacher Recommendation.

You will be able to delegate the recommendations directly to your child’s current teacher. We do not accept recommendations from past teachers. As listed in the instructions for the recommendations, we do not accept documents from parents or guardians. All recommendations must be sent directly from the teacher to the Admissions Office. 

Step 4: Transcripts (Grades 1–10 Required*)

You will be able to delegate a Transcript Request Form in your application. This form requests that your child’s current school send us a current-year report, along with the last two years. If you’ve attended more than one school within the past three years, you may need to provide a Transcript Request Form to any prior school(s). As stated in the request form instructions, we do not accept documents from parents or guardians. All transcripts must be sent directly from the school to the Admissions Office. 

We understand that some applicants to grades 1 and 2 may not have formal transcripts from their early childhood programs, such as PreK or daycare. In these circumstances, the requirement of three years of transcripts can be waived.

Step 5: Student Evaluation (PreK–Grade 10 Required*)

Students applying for PreK–Grade 1 will register for a Play Date. Students applying for Grades 2–10 will register for the ISEE (Independent Schools Entrance Exam). Both of these evaluations allow us to meet and interact with your child and determine their readiness to join our program academically, socially, and emotionally in the grade they are applying for.

Step 6: Family Meeting (PreK–Grade 10 Required*)

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend the Family Meeting. Students applying for PreK–Grade 1 are not required to attend. Students applying to Grades 2 – 10 are required to attend. For families applying for multiple students, only one family meeting is required. This meeting is a chance for us to meet your family, ask your student(s) questions about their specific interests in school, and get to know them a bit more in a one-on-one setting.

Once all supplementary materials are received and required meetings are attended, your application is complete! If you complete your application by the completion deadline, you will receive an admissions decision on the notification day. See below for more details. 

Our BASIS Independent Manhattan Admissions Team prioritizes a spirit of collaboration and accessibility to new families, demystifying the application process as much as possible. They work hard to ensure anyone interested in our program can tour the campuses and meet our staff. To that end, parents, guardians, and students are encouraged to come to campus and see our school in action. We hope to see you at an upcoming event soon!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact our Admissions Team at Manhattan-Admissions@basisindependent.com.