At BASIS Independent Bothell, we seek applicants who have an interest in learning at an international level, a desire to contribute, 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. Our Kindergarten and Grade 1 applicants will participate in an in-person playdate with our renowned Early Learning Expert Teachers as an integral part of the application process.  

What is the in-Person Play Date?

The play-based assessment provides our teachers, administrators, and admissions staff with the opportunity to get to know your child and observe your child’s social-emotional and academic development in a classroom setting. 

The Play Date will take place at our brand-new campus in Bothell.   

Play Dates last approximately 30 minutes and feature time for our teacher or administrator to get to know your child in a small group with a few age-appropriate lessons and activities. 

Who is required to attend the Play Date?

Every applying Kindergarten and Grade 1 student will be required to attend a Play Date. The adult (a parent, guardian, caregiver, or family member) with the student will NOT be authorized to participate in the Play Date with the student. Adults may wait in our waiting area on campus with our admissions team for the duration of the event. Our playground will be open to use for those with additional children not partaking in the Play Date. 

When does the Play Date have to take place?

We are offering Play Dates on November 8, 2025, at 10 AM and 11 AM, December 2, 2025, at 5 PM and 6 PM, and January 24, 2026, at 10 AM and 11 AM. We strongly recommend arriving 15 minutes early to check-in. The Play Dates will start promptly at the start time. Late entries will not be admitted and will have to be rescheduled.   

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 when you apply, you can always log back in at a later date and choose one that is convenient. 

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 that not all students are in the same place.

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. 

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 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.  

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

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