BASIS Independent Fremont, a new K-5 private school from the nationally-ranked BASIS.ed network, is opening in time for the 2016/2017 school year and currently accepting applications. We spoke with Head of School, Dr. Ashley Leyba, to understand how BASIS complements Fremont’s already robust education community.

City of Fremont: The BASIS.ed network of schools has more than two dozen schools across the nation, plus one in China. How did the network begin?

Ashley Leyba (AL): Founders Dr. Michael and Olga Block, both of whom were economists and educators, were seeking a school for their daughter that had international curricular standards. They couldn’t find one, so they opened their own charter school in Tucson, Arizona in 1998. They were soon asked to replicate BASIS Tucson’s success, and a second school opened in 2003. Both institutions were quickly among the nation’s best, and opening more charters and independent schools was a natural progression.

Fremont: Why did BASIS Independent decide to establish a school in Fremont?

AL: We were drawn to Fremont as a thriving community for contemporary businesses and families. Also, just as BASIS Independent is an innovator in contemporary education, the people who live in Fremont are innovators, too. They want the best. And BASIS Independent Fremont is that: a small, intimate school for young children that is intellectually and imaginatively open to the world. It’s a perfect fit for BASIS Independent.

Students completing 5th grade at BASIS Independent Fremont will automatically matriculate into BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, which serves middle and high school grades.

Fremont: What makes your academic program unique and how does BASIS prepare the next generation workforce?

AL: What makes us unique is our network of schools, our passionate, expert teachers, and our acclaimed curriculum. In particular, our internationally benchmarked, STEM-focused, liberal arts curriculum has long been lauded as one of the nation’s best. While it’s accelerated, our focus on direct student support helps students finish years ahead of their same-aged peers from across the U.S. And we know that students learn best by “doing” — that’s backed up by loads of research. Our classrooms are places of active engagement for students of all ages — much more than the average classroom.

Fremont: What does community engagement look like for BASIS?

AL: As a long-time Fremont resident, it’s very important to me that our school becomes a good neighbor and an integral part of the Fremont community. We have already started taking steps to ensure that happen by taking part in established events and building partnerships with local businesses. As our students get older, and are seeking out volunteer and mentorship opportunities, these connections are critical. The school is proud to be here, and our school community intends to be a vibrant part of the Fremont community.

Fremont: BASIS.ed schools are consistently ranked among the highest nationally — including U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast, and Newsweek. How does BASIS.ed stay at the top?

AL: Actually, it’s fair to say that we are ranked among the nation’s best by any measure: rankings, college admissions, AP testing and scores, or OECD / PISA testing and rankings.

Boiled down, the BASIS.ed formula is simple: we continually improve our exceptional curriculum; we hire bright, passionate teachers who are experts in their subjects and often have real-world experience; and we teach students to find what inspires them, and to ask and answer questions without hesitations or limits.

Our curriculum in 2016 is not identical to 2011, or 2006, or 1998. We use what’s working, share it across the network, and innovate consistently – all while standing by our students, making sure each is fully supported in the way that an individual needs. It’s what we have perfected, and what our teachers are trained to do.