Head of School Named for BASIS Independent Bothell Campus

In fall 2025, the private school BASIS Independent Bellevue will open its doors under the leadership of Mr. Robert Runyon. Mr. Runyon is an experienced school leader within the BASIS Independent Schools network, after serving as the Associate Head of School at BASIS Independent Brooklyn in New York City. His year as Associate Head of School also happened to be the same year the school was ranked the top K–12 private school in Brooklyn by Niche.com, a leading U.S. educational rankings and reviews site. Previously, Mr. Runyon was the Director of Academic Programs at both BASIS Independent Brooklyn and Manhattan.

“Curiosity is essential in creating a positive school environment,” said Mr. Runyon. “The BASIS Curriculum encourages curiosity from an early age, as inquiry is at the center of everything done throughout the primary years. Then, we provide the opportunity for students to dive deeply into their interests as they progress through middle and high school. However, it is only through rigor, joy, and support that our students can thrive. Those elements working together are the engine of our curriculum. That connects to what I want to do here in Bothell. I want this to be a place where students and educators come to grow and reach their potential.”

Mr. Runyon received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon with a focus on journalism and languages. He went on to receive his Master of Science in Education in Independent School Leadership from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. “My experience at Penn has broadened my vision of what a school can be to its community. I am excited to bring what I have learned to help make BASIS Independent Bothell into one of the best schools in Washington.”

Applications for the 2025–2026 school year open today for grades K to grade 9. Visit basisindependent.com for more information on curriculum, school leadership, tuition, and planned student clubs and sports.

BASIS Independent Bothell is a 123,000-square-foot campus situated on 6.2 acres of land in Canyon Park. The campus will boast state-of-the-art labs, a full-size gymnasium to host league sports games as well as sizable outdoor space with a sports field, a playground, and outdoor basketball courts. BASIS Independent Bothell also boasts classrooms specially designed for drama, music, visual arts, and engineering instruction.

Outcomes for BASIS Independent Schools across the U.S. reinforce the network vision to raise the bar in education to the highest international levels. Twenty-three percent of students in the Class of 2024 were admitted to a top 10 university and 56% were admitted to a top 25 university (based on U.S. News & World Report rankings).

Families can learn more about BASIS Independent Bothell and register for an Information Session by visiting their website at basisindependent.com.