At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative, supportive, and joyful community of peers, Learning Expert Teachers, and Subject Expert Teachers. Be ready to participate in a culture where academics are encouraged, learning is celebrated, and students have fun! In order to both ensure student success and manage the popularity of our program, admissions is a selective process.

This year, BASIS Independent Bellevue will no longer be administering our school’s internal Entrance Exam. Instead, we will require students to submit scores from the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE).

What is the ISEE?
The ISEE is a comprehensive admission test accepted by over 1,200 independent schools. Used for students entering grades 2-12, the ISEE offers valuable insights to both schools and families.

Why is BASIS Independent Bellevue using ISEE this year instead of the internal exam?
After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to adopt the ISEE for the following reasons:

• Consistency and Equity: The ISEE provides a standardized and widely recognized measure of academic readiness, ensuring a consistent and equitable evaluation process for applicants.
• Comprehensive Insights: The ISEE assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, and mathematics achievement – giving us a well-rounded understanding of each student’s academic strengths.
• Flexibility for Families: The ISEE is offered at numerous testing locations, allowing families to choose a date, time and, setting that works best for them.
• Alignment with Peer Schools: Many of our peer institutions also use ISEE, which helps streamline the process for families applying to multiple schools.

We believe this change will enhance the admissions experience for families, while providing us with valuable insights to ensure a strong academic match for our incoming students.

What does the ISEE assess?
At the Primary level, which encompasses applicants to grades 2-4, the ISEE assesses students in two categories: reading and mathematics.

At the Lower, Middle, and Upper levels for applicants to grades 5-12, the ISEE assesses applicants on four interconnected categories: quantitative reasoning, mathematics achievement, verbal reasoning, and reading comprehension. The comprehension and achievement section measure knowledge, or what students have learned. The reasoning sections measure students’ logical thinking skills and their capacity to learn. There is also an essay component to the ISEE, which allows students to showcase their writing abilities.

Will families have access to the results of the exam?
Yes, families will receive a scored report from ISEE. To view a sample of a score report and to learn more about how to understand the report, click here.  

How is the writing sample of the ISEE scored? 
Local Admissions Teams score the writing sample. Teams will assess the student’s ability to express their ideas clearly, their mastery of English grammar and spelling, their vocabulary/word choice, voice, sentence fluency, and usage of conventions.

Will families have access to the results of the writing sample?
No.

How often can my child take the ISEE?
ERB allows your child to take the ISEE once per testing season, up to three times per school year. The seasons include Fall (August-November), Winter (December-March) and Spring/Summer (April-July).

How many sets of scores can I submit to BASIS Independent Bellevue?
For Early Admissions (current siblings only), students can submit one set of scores from an ISEE taken between Augusts 2025 and November 2025. For Regular Admissions, students can submit one set of scores from an ISEE taken between August 2025 and February 2026. Noe scores from before August 2025 will be accepted.

Additionally, BASIS Independent Bellevue will only accept and consider one set of admission test scores per applicant. If we receive more than one set of test scores, we will only review the test scores from the chronologically earliest test date.

How much does it cost to take the ISEE?
The cost to take the ISEE varies based on both the testing method, and your student’s grade level. Review full pricing details here. BASIS Independent Schools has no control or influence over the pricing of the ISEE.

Does BASIS Independent Bellevue offer fee waivers?
No. 

How long is the ISEE?
For Primary level applicants (grades 2-4), the total test times are 53, 54, and 60 minutes respectively with one short break.

For Lower level applicants (grades 5 and 6) the exam lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes with two breaks.

For Middle and Upper level applicants (grades 7 and 8, and grades 9-12), the exam duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes, also with two breaks.

What materials should my child bring to the test site on exam day?
Students are allowed to bring a small snack and drink (not in a glass bottle) to have during their break.

They are required to bring four #2 or HB pencils, four erasers, and two black or blue ballpoint pens. Testing sites do not provide students with writing materials.

What forms of identification should my child bring to the test site on exam day?

All students will be required to present their Verification Letter from ISEE to confirm the student’s name and ISEE ID Number in addition to one of the approved forms of student identification below.

Applicants to Grades 2-8

• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• School Report Card
• Health Insurance Card

Applicants to Grades 9-12

• School ID
• Passport or Green Card
• State-issued ID
• Driver’s License or Learner’s Permit
• Military Dependent ID
• Visa
• Global Entry Card
• National Identity Card
• Employment Authorization Card
• Tribal Card

Are there any items my child is not allowed to bring?

Items not allowed include books, rulers, calculators, scratch papers, electronic games, smartwatches, smart eyeglasses, and mobile devices. Non-compliance may lead to test invalidation without a refund.

How can my child prepare for the ISEE?

ERB provides free online sample tests to help students familiarize themselves with the exam portal and question types.

When and where can I access my child’s ISEE scores?

Your child’s ISEE scores will be available at iseeonline.erblearn.org. You will receive an email notification when the Individual Student Report (score report) is posted to your account.

How does BASIS Independent Bellevue recieve my child’s ISEE score report?

Parents will elect to share the score report with BASIS Independent Bellevue through their ERB Parent Portal.

Will BASIS Independent Bellevue accept a digital or printed version of my child’s ISEE score report?

No, only documents sent directly through the ERB Parent Portal will be accepted.

Will BASIS Independent Schools accept the SSAT instead of the ISEE?

No, only the results of the ISEE will be accepted.

Can students take the ISEE at at different location and share the results of the exam with BASIS Independent Bellevue?

Yes, if more convenient, students can take the exam at another testing site and parents can share the results of their exam directly with us in their ERB Parent Portla.

When are the In-Person ISEE dates at BASIS Independent Bellevue?
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Sunday, February 1, 2026

If you have any questions, email us at blv.admissions@basisindependent.com.