Advantages

From the beginning, we emphasize foundational knowledge, critical inquiry, and opportunities for hands-on exploration, along with community. Our expectation of mastery is reflected in the breadth of courses offered and required, like Connections and engineering in grade 1, to Advanced Placement® courses starting day one of grade 9, and the Senior Project.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn is a vibrant, diverse community offering a spiraling program starting in early learning and continuing through high school. There are many advantages of a PreK through grade 12 program, including the development of lasting friendships, stability, and familiarity in your student’s academic environment. Our school offers leadership and mentorship opportunities across age bands that helps build a collaborative culture encouraging students to be role models and learn through teaching others. Conversations around differentiation, learning needs, elective course selections, AP course options, and college placements become highly informed and personalized when your student is surrounded by educators who have witnessed their educational trajectory for years.

Our new, state-of-the-art facilities are built for our programs. From the full-size gym to the auditorium and specially outfitted science classrooms, our facilities are the perfect home for top-notch educators and insatiable learners. New York City, with all of its cultural richness, is also an invaluable extension of our campus (not only can you see the Statue of Liberty from our Upper School campus lounge, but all of our students have memberships to the Brooklyn Public Library!)

Our Subject Expert Teachers often have both real life expertise and advanced degrees in their chosen field, from engineering to physical education, which brings content to life in tangible ways for students. Learning Expert Teachers are masters in the art and science of pedagogy and managing students’ different learning styles and social-emotional needs. Our Head of School herself has a master’s degree in English and Master of Science in Education and Social Policy; before coming to BASIS Independent Brooklyn she led BASIS Scottsdale, one of the top-ranked STEM-focused schools in the U.S.

Our teacher retention is far above industry averages for private schools. Teachers cite their professional autonomy and freedom in the classroom, competitive salaries and benefits, and the many benefits of working for a network of schools (like the opportunity to transfer to a BASIS International School!) as reasons why they stay part of the BASIS Independent Brooklyn community.

We’re home to thirteen network-wide Subject Advisors (SADs): educators who advise on best practices and teaching techniques for teachers throughout our entire network.

Teachers are required to have a set number of hours each week to support students outside of class. Our deans and directors create, calibrate, and maintain student support plans and social-emotional development. We even have peer tutoring programs, which often prove to be the most beneficial resource for students. We know the BASIS Curriculum is unique in its focus on high-achievement and rigor; that’s why we brace it with coordinated, systemic support.

BASIS Independent Brooklyn students learn to be self-advocates and proactively engage with their education. A Communications Journal (CJ) is given to every student and promotes ownership over coursework and class progress. We encourage entrepreneurialism with after school activities ensuring students have the avenues to create programs and make sure their voices are clearly heard in shaping our school culture.

It is our goal to inspire students to find their interests and give them opportunities to hone those passions as they grow confidence, become effective leaders, and learn new skills. We seek out interscholastic competition opportunities for our students and are proud to be home to some of the best teams and academic competition groups in the borough!

Instead, we channel our efforts into supporting local organizations and charities in the area, allowing students and families to focus on causes in need of support and witness their impact directly within local communities. Our social events are for enjoyment only. If parents do want to give back, we ask them to focus on providing unique internships and shadow programs for our students to see the many opportunities open to them in the world.