At BASIS Independent Bellevue, we seek applicants who have love learning, have a desire to make a contribution, a willingness to work hard, and an ambition to join a collaborative 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. For students applying to Kindergarten and Grade 1, an In-Person or Virtual Play Date is required.

What is a Play Date?
The play-based assessment provides our administrators and admissions staff the opportunity to get to know your child and observe your child’s social-emotional and academic development in a small group or one-on-one setting.

These assessments may be held virtually or in-person and are conducted by our highly trained admissions and administrative staff. Applicants participating in an In-Person Play Date will be grouped with two to three other similarly aged children and will engage in fun, age-appropriate activities. Applicants participating in a Virtual Play Date will be one-on-one with an administrator and will also engage in fun, age-appropriate activities.

A typical assessment features activities such as looking at pictures, identifying colors, reading sight words, solving basic math facts, and drawing together. We strive to make your child feel as comfortable as possible during the assessment.

How do we register for a Play Date?
Once you have submitted your application, you will be prompted to schedule your Play Date. 

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, there are fewer meeting times available. We would suggest scheduling one as soon as you are able. 

How will the Play Date be held?
If you registered for a Virtual Play Date, you will receive a confirmation and reminder email 24 hours before your meeting time with a Zoom link to your Virtual Play Date. When your meeting time arrives, please log in to your meeting via Zoom. 

If you registered for an In-Person Play Date, please arrive to the Front Office 10–15 minutes before the scheduled time of the assessment.

How long is the Play Date?
Play Dates are generally 30–45 minutes long. Oftentimes, those hosting the Play Date will have back-to-back appointments and will be unable to go over the 45-minute mark. 

What if my child doesn’t speak English?
While we understand not all students will be proficient in English, we are looking for more than a beginner level of English fluency. Students should be able to answer questions from the host about themselves, numbers, colors, a book or toy, etc. in English. The host should not have to speak slowly or repeat themselves for the child to understand. The adult attending the Play Date should also not offer any assistance or translation for the child.

What if my child doesn’t know all the answers?
That’s ok! We are meeting with them to gauge where they are socially, emotionally, and academically. We know and understand not all students are in the same place. 

What if my child doesn’t do well due to unforeseen circumstances?
We know children don’t always have good days, a good night’s sleep, their tummy hurts, they are overly shy – we understand all these things. 

It is the right of the Admissions Office to reschedule if we feel it is necessary, however, we will not offer to reschedule if the adult feels the child did not do well or perform their best. As this is an assessment, only one opportunity for the assessment is allowed.  

Will we know the results of the Play Date?
No, we do not share assessment results with applicants or parents.  

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In-Person Play Dates

Where are the Play Dates held?
In-Person Play Dates are hosted in our Front Office in our Admissions Play Date Room. We recommend arriving 10–15 minutes early to ensure that you have time in to sign in and allow your child to feel comfortable in our school environment.

When it is time to begin, our team member will greet students in the front office and walk together down the hallway to the Play Date Room.

Who is required to attend the Play Date?
One adult (a parent, guardian, caregiver, or family member) is required to be present and remain in the Front Office for the full duration of the assessment.

What if my child doesn’t want to leave the front office?
We aim to finish goodbyes in the front office and hope that students will walk independently with our team member to the Play Date Room. We understand that separation can be difficult and suggest that you speak with your child about what to expect and emphasize that they will be going to a fun activity to play with other children (we leave it up to you to know how to best approach this with your child). If separation from one parent/guardian is particularly difficult, you might arrange for someone else to bring the child to the assessment.

What should my child bring with them?
Applicants are not required to bring any materials with them to an In-Person Play Date. All materials will be provided by our team!

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Virtual Play Dates

Where are the Play Dates held?
Virtual Play Dates are hosted via Zoom. You will receive a confirmation and reminder email 24 hours before your meeting time with a Zoom link to your Virtual Play Date. When your meeting time arrives, please log in to your meeting via Zoom. 

Who is required to attend the Play Date?
One adult (a parent, guardian, caregiver, or family member) is required to be present, but this person is expected to only provide technical support as needed. We hope to interact with your child independently of the adult.

We ask that the adult in the room sit behind and to the side of the child so that our teacher or administrator may be able to effectively conduct this assessment without adult interference. 

What materials should be brought to the Play Date?
Your child should be comfortable and sitting in a chair at a table. Please have these materials ready for your child:

• A recently created piece of artwork
• Several sheets of paper
• Writing or drawing utensils (crayons / color pencils / markers / pencil) 

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We look forward to meeting your student(s) at their Virtual Play Date!

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