November 30, 2025
At BASIS Independent McLean, we seek applicants who are interested in learning at an international level, eager to contribute, willing to work hard, and ambitious to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers and Learning and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! To both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.
What is the Family Meeting?
The Family Meeting is an essential part of the admissions process at BASIS Independent McLean (BIM) and is part of our final admissions decision. This 30-minute meeting is the school’s opportunity to learn more about your child and your family’s interest in BIM.
While we are happy to answer questions about our program, the Family Meeting is not the best time to learn about our offerings. We strongly encourage families to visit our website and blog, attend an Admissions Event, or speak with a member of the Admissions Team before their Family Meetings.
When are the meetings held?
Family Meetings are held virtually Monday–Friday at various times throughout the day and can be booked through your application portal after you apply.
Who is required to attend the Family Meeting?
The prospective student and at least one parent or guardian are required to attend the Family Meeting. If your child is unable to attend the Family Meeting, you will be asked to reschedule.
What if we are applying for more than one student?
Please register for a separate Family Meeting for each child who is applying for admission.
When does the meeting have to take place?
Those applying through Early Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline on Monday, December 1, 2025. Those applying to Regular Admissions must complete their Family Meeting by their Completion Deadline, Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
How do we register for a Family Meeting?
Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Family Meeting.
If you’re not ready to choose a date and time, you can always log back in at a later date and choose one that is convenient. Please note: As we get closer to the Completion Deadline, fewer meeting times are available. We would suggest scheduling one as soon as you are able. If you wait and are unable to schedule a Family Meeting for one of our offered times, your application will be incomplete, and you will be moved to the next application cycle.
How long is the Family Meeting?
Family Meetings are generally 30 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Family Meeting will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to extend the meeting beyond 30 minutes.
Who will we be meeting with?
Our Family Meetings are hosted by members of the School Administration and Student Affairs team! You never know who will be hosting, but you’ll always get to speak with a member of the BIM Family!
What questions will we be asked?
The meeting is our chance to get to know you and your child more in a one-on-one setting. We may ask you questions about why you’re interested in BIM, your child’s academic and non-academic interests, and even what they like to do with their free time.
We discourage any formal interview prep, as it tends to make students more nervous when we are just trying to get to know them. We want all students to feel comfortable and be themselves.
How will the Family Meeting be held?
You will receive a reminder email 24 hours before your meeting time with a Zoom link to your virtual meeting. When your meeting time arrives, please log in to the Zoom meeting.
Can we ask questions at the end?
If there is time, yes! But always note who you are speaking to. Whoever hosts your meeting will always introduce themselves and let you know their role at the school. If their role is not in relation to your question, they will let you know and encourage you to reach out to the Admissions Team for an answer.
We look forward to meeting you and your student(s) at your Virtual Family Meeting soon!
The Admissions Team is looking forward to connecting with you! If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions team by e-mail, or speak with an admissions representative at 703.854.1253
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.
