At BASIS Independent McLean, we believe students are capable of more than they can imagine. Our advanced, thoughtfully designed PreK–12 education inspires students to think independently, embrace challenge, and find joy in learning. With expert teachers, a globally recognized, spiraled curriculum, and a warm, welcoming community, students develop the knowledge, confidence, and independence to become fearless thinkers prepared to explore, question, and shape the world.

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision. Understanding the admissions process should be the easy part.

Whether your family is just beginning to explore BASIS Independent McLean or already taking the next step and applying, our Admissions Team is here to guide you along the way. We are now accepting applications for the 2027-28 school year for families considering Age 2 through Grade 10. Below is your roadmap to fall 2027 admissions.

Step 1: Explore — Visit with Us

The best way to begin your admissions journey is to experience BASIS Independent McLean for yourself.

Our Admissions Team has created a variety of virtual and in-person opportunities for families to learn more about our school. From Information Sessions and campus tours to Open Houses and Shadow Days, each experience offers a different way to explore our thoughtfully designed curriculum, meet members of our community, and discover what makes BASIS Independent McLean unique.

To explore all visit options and find the experience that is right for your family, visit the Admissions Events section of our website.

Upcoming Events

• Virtual Information Session — Thursday, September 3 at 12:00 PM | Age 2–Grade 4
• Virtual Information Session — Friday, September 4 at 12:00 PM | Grades 5–12
• In-Person Fall Open House — Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 AM | Age 2–Grade 12

Save the date! Registration for our Fall Open House will be available soon.

Step 2: Apply — Submit Your Online Application

Once you are ready to take the next step, begin your fall 2027 application through our online application portal, Ravenna.

The initial application collects basic information about your student and family. Depending on the grade to which your child is applying, additional questionnaires or materials may also be required.

Once the application is submitted, your admissions journey officially begins! Your Ravenna dashboard will help you keep track of the remaining requirements and important next steps.

Please note: The remaining application steps may be completed in any order but must be finished by the applicable completion deadline.

Step 3: Complete — Submit Supporting Materials

Depending on the grade level, your child’s application may require teacher recommendations and school records.

Teacher Recommendations

For applicable grades, families will delegate recommendation forms through the application portal to their child’s current teacher(s). Recommendations must be submitted directly by the teacher to the Admissions Office and cannot be submitted by parents or guardians.

Transcripts and School Records

Families applying to applicable grades will also request school records through the application portal. Current and, when required, previous schools should submit these records directly to our Admissions Office.

We understand that younger applicants, especially for families applying to our Early Learning Program, may not have the same formal academic records as older students. Our Admissions Team is always happy to help families understand the specific requirements for their child’s grade level.

Step 4: Get to Know Your Student — Student Evaluation

The student evaluation is an opportunity for us to get to know your child beyond the information included in the application.

The evaluation format varies by grade level. Younger applicants may participate in an age-appropriate, in-person Play Date experience, while older applicants complete the required admissions assessment, including the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) or the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test).

These experiences help us learn more about each applicant and their readiness for the academic and classroom experience at BASIS Independent McLean.

Specific evaluation requirements and scheduling information will be available through your application portal.

Step 5: Connect — Family Meeting

The Family Meeting is one of the most personal parts of our admissions process.

At least one parent or guardian attends along with the applicant. During the conversation, we want to learn more about your child’s interests, experiences, and approach to learning, as well as what your family is looking for in a school community.

It is also an opportunity for you to get to know us. We welcome your questions and want families to leave the conversation with an even clearer understanding of our program and community.

For families applying for more than one child, only one Family Meeting is required. Meetings may be conducted virtually or in person on campus.

Fall 2027 Admissions Timeline

We have two admission cycles: Early Admissions and Regular Admissions. The applications for both cycles are now open, and the requirements for both cycles are the same. The main differences are the application deadlines and notification and response timelines. If you know that BASIS Independent McLean is your top choice, we encourage you to apply during Early Admissions to secure your child’s place as quickly as possible.

We encourage families to begin the process early so there is plenty of time to explore our school, attend an event, ask questions, and complete each part of the application.

Your Journey Starts with a Visit

At BASIS Independent McLean, admissions is more than completing a checklist. It is an opportunity for your family and our school to get to know one another.

Our Admissions Team is committed to making that experience clear, welcoming, and personal. Whether you are wondering which event is right for your family, have a question about an application requirement, or simply want to learn more about life at BASIS Independent McLean, we are here to help.

We believe students are capable of more than they can imagine. We invite you to visit our campus, meet our community, and discover what your child’s educational journey could look like at BASIS Independent McLean.

Questions? Contact the BASIS Independent McLean Admissions Team at BIM.Admissions@basisindependent.com or 703.854.1253.

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BASIS Independent McLean is an Age 2–Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Red-Tailed Hawks community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.