At BASIS Independent McLean, we welcome applicants who are curious, motivated, and eager to contribute to our dynamic school community. We seek students who are eager to participate in a culture where academic excellence is celebrated, collaboration is encouraged, and a love of learning is at the heart of 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 through every step of the process.

When applying, families will meet our Admissions Team, who will guide them through every step of the admissions process. Our Admissions Team members are a wonderful resource for families, and our team is eager to answer questions and educate prospective families on the benefits of a BASIS Independent McLean education.

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 Toddlers–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 (Grade 1–Grade 10 Required*)

Students applying 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 grade 1 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 (Grade 2–Grade 10 Required*)

Students applying for Toddlers–Grade 1 may register for an optional in-person Play Date. This 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. Students applying for Grades 2–10 will register for the ISEE (Independent Schools Entrance Exam).

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

At least one parent or guardian is required to attend the Family Meeting, along with the student. 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. Family meetings may be conducted virtually or in-person on campus.

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.

Early Admissions

Deadline to submit an application: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Deadline to complete an application: Monday, December 1, 2025
Notification date: Friday, December 5, 2025, by 5:00 PM EST
Commitment Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026, by 12:00 PM EST

Regular Admissions

Deadline to submit an application: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Deadline to complete an application: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Notification date: Friday, March 6, 2026, by 5:00 PM EST
Commitment Deadline: Monday, March 23, 2026, by 12:00 PM EST

Our BASIS Independent McLean 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 campus 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 McLean-Admissions@basisindependent.com.