BASIS Independent Bellevue Set to Open in Fall 2022

As the world of education prepares to return to full operation, BASIS Independent Schools is excited to announce the opening of BASIS Independent Bellevue, the newest location in the BASIS Independent Schools network of elite PreK–12 private schools. BASIS Independent Bellevue, serving the Seattle metropolitan area, will open in fall 2022 with an initial offering of grades 3–7, and will expand to grade 12 over the next five years. This marks BASIS Independent Schools’ tenth U.S. campus, joining schools in New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Northern Virginia. Application for enrollment for the inaugural 2022–23 school year at the new BASIS Independent Bellevue campus is now open.

Located on an expansive six-acre site, the BASIS Independent Bellevue campus will be transformed into a state-of-the-art educational facility that will include several newly renovated academic and administrative buildings, an athletic center, multipurpose gathering spaces, and outdoor play and recreation areas. The Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle, who are the current tenants, will continue to occupy a separate portion of the campus for the next few years.

Founding Head of School, Elizabeth Thies, is an experienced international educator, serving most recently as the Head of School for BASIS International School Bangkok. Ms. Thies is excited to return to the U.S. and assume her new role as Head of School for BASIS Independent Bellevue. "In my many years working in academia, I strongly believe that learning is a journey, and along the way our students need to feel supported and empowered as they navigate obstacles and grow. While I have been immersed in BASIS Curriculum Schools for a number of years, working overseas for the last three years has given me a better understanding of the importance of developing well-rounded and informed global citizens. I can't wait to get started at BASIS Independent Bellevue!”

BASIS Independent Bellevue will feature the highly acclaimed BASIS Curriculum, which has gained national and international recognition for its well-rounded and advanced liberal arts and STEM approach. Students follow a customizable mathematics track alongside individual biology, chemistry, and physics classes, and a social science program that places an emphasis on critical thinking and global historical literacy. In the primary grades, each classroom is supported by two teachers, a Learning Expert Teacher alongside a Subject Expert Teacher. Having two specialist teachers means that every child can gain individualized support and guidance in the crucial primary years.

“BASIS Independent Schools hold themselves to the very highest international standards and are leaders and innovators in global education,” said Mr. Toby Walker, Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools. “We have had remarkable success at our other campuses, and our vision is to replicate that success right here in the Seattle area and share our exceptional curriculum with more students.”

What attracted BASIS Independent Schools to the Seattle community is its tradition of excellence in education, as well as the increasing demand for high-quality K–12 options as the area continues to attract the world’s leading companies.

"Our schools are thriving in three of the most creative and dynamic education markets in the nation: Silicon Valley, New York City, and Northern Virginia,” said BASIS Independent Schools President, Matt Dick. “Our planned opening in the Seattle Metropolitan Area has already been met with great interest by families in the area, not only because they place significant value on educational excellence, but also because they are seeking an innovative, holistic program with high expectations.”

BASIS Independent Bellevue plans on hiring approximately 35 faculty and staff to start and anticipates growing that number to about 70 in the following five years, as the program expands to High School. Aside from a tradition of excellence in education, BASIS Independent Schools also offer rewarding career opportunities. Whether working in the classroom or in central operations, the BASIS Independent culture is one of continuous learning, mentorship, and professional advancement across the network of schools. BASIS Independent Bellevue will build on the organization’s track record of offering competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement savings. Interested applicants should visit: jobs.basisindependent.com.

BASIS Independent Bellevue will host a number of virtual admission events beginning on Saturday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m. for prospective families. Families interested in attending this upcoming event, or taking a private tour, are invited to join the school’s interest list.

To learn more about BASIS Independent Bellevue, including key admission dates and program offerings, please visit bellevue.basisindependent.com.