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BASIS Independent Schools
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BASIS Curriculum students attend prestigious colleges and universities and grow into participants, not spectators, in their academic and professional lives.
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Our curriculum provides students opportunities to demonstrate excellence in and out of the classroom.
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Creativity, innovation, and disciplined experimentation powered by traditional content knowledge is the signature of our worldwide learning community.
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The foundation of our culture and the success of our students lies in the hands of our teachers. Our administration exists to support our teachers.
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We offer plenty of opportunities to discover the difference of a BASIS Independent McLean education. We look forward to meeting you!
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Our International Student Program offers a world-acclaimed program and the experience of a lifetime for F-1 international students.
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From traditional day camps to virtual academic programs, BASIS Independent offers more ways for your child to shine than ever before!
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Our comprehensive sports & athletics program ranges from interscholastic, competitive team sports to individual, movement-based after school activities. Go Red-Tailed Hawks!

Frequently Asked Questions

We are excited to work with you and your family throughout the admissions process! Below are some of the most common and frequently asked questions about our program. We know that you are bound to have more questions—please contact us. We're here to help.

  • What is the application process?

    Our admissions process is holistic and comprehensive. We are now accepting applications for Toddlers through Grade 10. Read more about our admissions process here.

  • What are your age requirements for students in Early Learning?

    Toddlers must be two years old before they can begin the program.

    For applications to the 2022-23 school year: PreK-1 applicants must be three years old by September 30, 2022, and PreK-2 applicants must be four years old by September 30, 2022. Kindergarten applicants must be five years old by September 30, 2022.

  • The curriculum is challenging; how do I know my child will succeed?

    Our mission is to create a love of learning in all students and our curriculum is carefully calibrated so that in every discipline and at every grade level, students are appropriately challenged and excited by their learning.

    Each year builds for the challenges to come in a supportive and joyful classroom. We are all a team—your child, other students, teachers, deans alike—and the team works together to ensure the success and empowerment of each student. Teachers provide office hours throughout the school week, where students can ask quetions or seek extra support.

    Read more about student services.

  • What type of extracurricular activities do you offer?

    With over 50 clubs and organizations and over 80% of students participating in extracurricular activities, we are a vibrant and fun community where students are encouraged to expand and complement their academic programs. Our offerings are based on student interests and teacher expertise in sports, music, humanities, competition clubs, and sciences clubs, to name a few. For a more complete list of the offerings available, explore our sports and athletics and clubs and activities.

  • Do you offer financial aid?

    At this time, we do not offer any financial aid. We do offer tuition payment plans in one, two, or ten installations. Read more about our tuition and fees for each grade.

  • Do you have a referral program?

    Yes, we appreciate your help in building our school. Your family will receive a tuition credit for each new family referred to and enrolled at BASIS Independent McLean. The new family will also receive a tuition credit. Learn more.

  • What resources will you have in your school for students with special needs?

    BASIS Independent will not have resources on campuses for many special needs, and we will also not maintain a school psychologist; however, our teachers and administrators have a long and successful record of supporting, challenging and inspiring students who require various learning accommodations.

    Ask any experienced BASIS Independent teacher what a BASIS Independent student looks like and they will give you this very straightforward answer: a BASIS Independent student works hard, asks questions, and helps other people.  All we ask is that the student is willing to work. At BASIS Independent Schools, we build on that educational competency. Above all, our strong and results-oriented support team of teachers and administrators never gives up on a student.

    For questions regarding your student’s specific situation, please contact your Head of School.

  • Do you offer transportation?

    We are not offering transportation for the 2021-22 school year. However, we have offered transportation in previous school years.

    BASIS Independent McLean is committed to ensuring that getting to and from school is as safe and convenient as possible. Our fee-based transportation program in the past included morning and afternoon bus service throughout the DC metro area for students in kindergarten and above. Our bus service will not be available for children in our PreK-1 and PreK-2 classes. Our bus routes attempt to accommodate the majority of students who are interested in the service, but due to the growing nature of our school are subject to change annually.

  • What distinguishes BASIS Independent Schools from BASIS Charter Schools?

    BASIS Independent Schools and BASIS Charter Schools are a part of the BASIS Curriculum Schools Network- featuring the proven educational philosophy and learning approach that has been developed and refined since 1998.

    However, BASIS Independent McLean is distinctive in our lower student-to-teacher ratio, cutting-edge academic facilities that include labs, a theater, collaboration rooms, and fine arts and music facilities.

    We also have a selective admissions process and do not engage in fundraising.