Open House: Discover a School for Fearless Thinkers

Experience a school where students are challenged to think deeply, grow with confidence, and discover they’re capable of more than they can imagine.

Age 2–Grade 12: Saturday, October 24 at 9:00 AM

Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2027

Fearless Thinkers Start Here. Where students build the confidence to think independently, embrace challenges, and pursue their highest potential.

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We Believe

We believe classrooms should feel alive with curiosity, discussion, and discovery.

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Nationally Recognized Results

Our students’ curiosity and hard work are earning recognition nationwide, from top Niche rankings to National Merit results.

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Outstanding Student Achievements

99%

BASIS Independent students’ Advanced Placement Exam Pass Rate for 2026

1514

Average SAT score out of 1600

for Class of 2026

61%

BASIS Independent students were admitted to a top 25 school*

*Based on U.S. News & World Report Best National Universities and/or Best National Liberal Arts Colleges from 2026.

Cultivating Fearless Thinkers

At BASIS Independent McLean, we believe students are capable of more than they can imagine, and that the most powerful education inspires them to think for themselves. With expert teachers, a thoughtfully designed curriculum, and a warm, welcoming culture, students grow into fearless and confident thinkers prepared to explore, question, and contribute with purpose.

Explore Our Programs

Preschool

Our Toddler through kindergarten program is carefully designed to encourage a child’s natural tendencies to question, to create, and to discover. This is where we lay a solid foundation for academic success.

Preschool

Elementary School

Through classes led by expert teachers, students study a well-rounded, integrated curriculum that inspires connections and application of knowledge.

Elementary School

Middle School

These grades are designed to foster student independence, self-motivation, confidence, and curiosity; the academic and organizational skills that will prepare them for high school and beyond.

Middle School

High School

Beginning with Advanced Placement® (AP) coursework and ending with college-style capstone courses and a Senior Project, the BASIS Curriculum in grades 9–12 develops fearless thinkers, consistently ranked among the nation’s best.

High School

Follow Us on Social Media

Congratulations to these nine Red-Tailed Hawks! T

Congratulations to these nine Red-Tailed Hawks! These seniors have earned the distinction of being named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship award competition. We could not be prouder of their unmatched dedication to their studies. In order of appearance from left to right: Cindy Y. ’27 Chloe T. ’27 Ann H. ’27 Giorgio T. ’27 Suraiya F. ’27 Naomi L. ’27 Harry X. ’27 Colin B. ’27 Eli T. ’27 (Ms. Reynolds, Head of School) #BASISIndependentMcLean #NationalMeritScholarship #SeniorYear

September 30, 2026

Join us at the BASIS Independent McLean Fall Open

Join us at the BASIS Independent McLean Fall Open House. Here, we believe students are capable of more than they can imagine. Discover our warm, welcoming community and how our thoughtfully designed curriculum and expert teachers foster an environment where students become fearless thinkers with a genuine joy of learning. Visit BASIS Independent McLean at its October 24 Open House: Saturday, October 24 at 9:00 AM 8000 Jones Branch Dr., McLean, VA 22102 Learn more and register at the link in bio @basisindmclean

September 29, 2026

Let us give a round of applause to Evelyn Z. ’28

Let us give a round of applause to Evelyn Z. ’28 for bringing home not just incredible honors, but also a story that reflects perseverance! In the highly competitive Gold Solo Pattern Dance event, she delivered a remarkable performance and earned a silver medal. In the Junior Solo Combined Dance event, Evelyn overcame an initial mistake in the Rhythm Dance round, which brought her down to the 10th place, and delivered a strong performance that earned her 5th place in Free Dance and 7th place overall! We are incredibly proud of the resilience, perseverance, and sportsmanship she has demonstrated throughout her skating journey, and we wish her all the best in her next challenges—whether in her studies or another competition. #StudentAccomplishment #RedTailedHawk #EPIC #BASISIndependentMcLean

September 23, 2026

After graduating from BASIS Independent McLean in

After graduating from BASIS Independent McLean in 2023, Benjamin W. is now a senior at Williams College, double-majoring in political science and Spanish. From a small, tight-knit community to a school where each class consists of over 500 students, Benjamin had plenty to adjust to, but eventually thrived. Read about his experiences at BIM and Williams College, and the advice he has for current high school students preparing to apply to college, in our latest blog. Link in bio!

September 21, 2026