Eureka!

BASIS Independent Manhattan's expansion to include an Upper School Campus will open in fall 2021 in Chelsea (556 W. 22nd St) and will serve grades 6-12. The Upper School Campus, specifically, is a harmonious dichotomy of a historic and modern facility with an established yet innovative approach. This can be seen in the exterior and interior renderings shared below, as well as understood through an introduction to the leadership and culture that is being built. 

Stepping Up

This Upper School Campus extension provides our students with a complete academic journey at a cohesive PreK–12 school. After BASIS Independent Manhattan students discover the wonder and joy of learning at Mr. Han Lee’s Lower School campus, they will embark on a thoughtfully curated transition into the Upper School building, led by Head of School, Mr. Brandon McNeice. Joining us from BASIS Independent Fremont, Mr. McNeice spent the past two years opening and growing their Upper School Campus as Associate Head of School. He brings with him a dedicated focus on building a robust middle and high school culture and community characterized by empowering student independence. To foster this vision of personal responsibility for our grade 6-12 students, the Chelsea campus has been designed to include state-of-the-art labs, classrooms conducive to group collaboration, and student lounge spaces dedicated to forging deep social connections. 

Campus Building

The 34,000 square foot building will be outfitted with 21st-century state-of-the-art interiors while preserving the exterior's elegant and historic character. Instructional spaces have access to natural light but also will receive modern LED lighting, display technology, acoustical treatment, and all infrastructure to support science laboratories and art studios. Flexible spaces offer the configuration of various areas into a place for music/drama performances, informal or formal study groups, and community gatherings. 

A comprehensive middle and high school experience is not lived within the walls of classrooms alone. Students will be able to congregate at the skylight-capped open central staircase, which is the social core of our school building. They also will gravitate to the rooftop terrace, with stunning Hudson River views, for recreation time and socialization. 

Culture & Support

As our Wildcats journey through their advanced BASIS Independent Manhattan curriculum, they’ll be supported by an array of social and recreational offerings, designed to instill the values of character, teamwork, service, and community. From our qualified student support staff to our student clubs and advocacy groups, to our new partnership with Chelsea Piers that gives our students access to the finest recreational facilities in New York City. Students at the Chelsea campus won’t merely have the opportunity to grow through the exploration of diverse extracurricular activities, they’ll be part of a school culture that subtly and organically demands their engagement. Mr. McNeice’s vision is to grow our new Upper School into the finest private middle and high school in Manhattan by ensuring, for every student, that their educational journey is never a spectator sport.

If you would like to  learn more about our program, you are invited to attend one of our upcoming information sessions.