Middle school is a time of substantial transition—academically and emotionally—for students as they leave the more nurturing elementary years and begin their preparation for high school and beyond. Because these years are filled with increasingly complex content, it is critical for students to build and fortify their foundational knowledge across a wide variety of disciplines.
This is the first in a three-part blog series that will provide an in-depth look into the BASIS Independent Middle School Program, which is designed to ready students with the knowledge, confidence, and independence needed to excel inside and outside the classroom, as well as provide them ample opportunity to discover their passions. This first blog post will focus specifically on the BASIS Curriculum in the middle school years, which has been honed and optimized to reflect today’s growing expectations in education.
Walk down any of our campus hallways and you will experience wonderful views of student artwork, rich in creativity and passion. This fall, students across all grade levels have brought their exploration of the arts to life, with support and guidance from our two Subject Expert Art Teachers, Dr. Charuhas and Ms. Jones.
We invite you take a virtual walk-through of just a sampling of some Bobcat creations.
Grade 5 Studio
Students in grade 5 began the year with inspiration from Aboriginal dot paintings to practice the use of color schemes. They used watercolor, acrylic paint, and q-tips to form their Australian animal of choice.
The Admissions Team offers a number of events throughout the admissions season. We provide a variety of opportunities, different in scope, so that families can experience a broad overview of the BASIS Independent experience and difference.
A favorite Bobcat annual tradition: The Fall Enrichment Faire
On the court, the stage, and at the podium, our Bobcats participate in a variety of clubs, athletics and competitions.
The Enrichment Faire is the kickoff for the year and our Bobcat community turned out, last Friday, with great excitement to preview the variety of clubs and athletics offered for the 2019-20 school year. The gymnasium was a packed house as students met with club and athletic team leaders, and joined their classmates to learn more about each activity prior to registering for an enrichment activity.
This annual and exciting tradition showcased returning clubs such as Speech and Debate, National Honor Society, and Drama Club, with new clubs as well. The Athletics stations also saw a big turnout as students met with coaches to discuss Middle School and High School Volleyball and Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing and more.
We are excited to launch Fall 2020 admissions for grades 5-9!
Admissions is now open and you may click here to submit your application for either our Early or Regular Admissions cycles.
At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, students and subject expert teachers engage in a spiraling liberal arts and sciences curriculum benchmarked to the best education systems in the world. We believe in setting a higher standard for students and promoting self reliance and accountability in an environment where learning is encouraged and celebrated.
Outside of the classroom, students explore their interests in nearly 70 club and athletic offerings.
Early and Regular Admissions
This year, we have two admissions cycles: Early and Regular Admissions. Early Admissions is only open for Grade 5-7 while Regular Admissions is for grades 5-9.
Why do we teach Latin in 5th and 6th? What's the benefit?
Students at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley study Latin in 5th and 6th grade because it helps shape them into well-rounded students with a good knowledge of western history, literature, and language. Western society has been shaped by Roman ideas and ideals for two millennia, and learning the language, history, and mythology of the Romans helps our students to see the traces they've left behind in our own society.
The last week of school means Term Project Week at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley! Term Project Week is an opportunity for students in all grades to work with their peers on multidisciplinary projects and to engage in a fun, new activity or trip with various grade levels. Students are grouped with Term Project Teachers for each project.
The last week of school means Term Project Week at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley! Term Project Week is an opportunity for students in all grades to work with their peers on multidisciplinary projects and to engage in a fun, new activity or trip with various grade levels. Students are grouped with Term Project Teachers for each project.
The last week of school means Term Project Week at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley! Term Project Week is an opportunity for students in all grades to work with their peers on multidisciplinary projects and to engage in a fun, new activity or trip with various grade levels. Students are grouped with Term Project Teachers for each project.
These projects challenge our students to be cooperative learners and to function as a team. We offer a variety of options each year, and strive to add new projects each year based on both faculty and student interest.
Trips, both domestic and international, are offered every year. This year we had a group of our Bobcats journey to Hawaii!
The last week of school means Term Project Week at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley! Term Project Week is an opportunity for students in all grades to work with their peers on multidisciplinary projects and to engage in a fun, new activity or trip with various grade levels. Students are grouped with Term Project Teachers for each project.
These projects challenge our students to be cooperative learners and to function as a team. We offer a variety of options each year, and strive to add new projects each year based on both faculty and student interest.
Trips, both domestic and international, are offered every year and one of our most popular trips is to Catalina Island!
Forty 6th and 7th grade students, along with five teachers, journeyed together for our annual BASIS Independent Silicon Valley Catalina trip. This trip is a popular one. Every year our students and staff enjoy fun, challenging, and motivating experiences.
Our students did everything from night snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking, to ultimate frisbee and campfire skits. They were fed delicious, freshly prepared food and slept in tents! Our students braved it all and came home with wonderful stories and unforgettable memories.
Inspired by the blissful feeling of uncovering connections, our blog Eureka! Silicon Valley is about sharing moments that capture the essence of what it is to be a BASIS Independent student, teacher, administrator, or family.