BASIS INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS CELEBRATE 2026 NICHE RANKINGS AND RECORD NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR ACHIEVEMENTS

Campuses Across New York, California, and Virginia Continue to Climb National and State Rankings, Reflecting Academic Excellence and Student Success

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --BASIS Independent Schools, a recognized leader in private education from Preschool through grade 12, is proud to announce exceptional results in the 2026 Niche Best Schools Rankings, alongside a record-setting number of National Merit Scholar Semifinalists.

This year's rankings demonstrate BASIS Independent Schools strengthening its position among the top schools in the nation, with significant year-over-year improvements across campuses. At the same time, students in the Class of 2026 have set a new milestone in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program.

"We are immensely proud of our students and faculty for their continued excellence," said Toby Walker, Vice President of BASIS Independent Schools. "Our Niche rankings and National Merit results are not just achievements, they reflect the strength of our curriculum, the dedication of our expert teachers, and the hard work of our students. These results reaffirm our mission to educate students to the highest international levels with an advanced curriculum benchmarked to the best education systems in the world."

Niche 2026 Rankings Highlights

• BASIS Independent McLean (VA): Rose to #4 Best High School for STEM in America, ranked #1 Best High School for STEM in Virginia, and named #1 Best College Prep High School in Virginia.
  
  
• BASIS Independent Brooklyn (NY): Achieved a #5 ranking as Best Private High School for STEM in New York, and #1 Best Private High School for STEM in Brooklyn
  
  
• BASIS Independent Silicon Valley (CA): Earned recognition as #3 Best High School for STEM in America, continuing its national leadership in STEM education.
  
  
• BASIS Independent Fremont (CA): Ranked among the top 10 STEM schools in California, reinforcing the Bay Area campuses' collective strength in STEM.

These achievements underscore BASIS Independent Schools' unwavering commitment to excellence and reflect consistent upward momentum across its campuses nationwide.

Record National Merit Scholar Results
Students at BASIS Independent Schools set a new record this year, with 67% of its Class of 2026 named Semifinalists and Commended Scholars in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. This achievement represents nearly one-third of the combined graduating class across the five high schools in California, New York, and Virginia — up from 25% last year.

These exceptionally talented students now have the chance to advance in the competition for approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth nearly $26 million. National Merit Finalists will be announced in spring 2026.

About BASIS Independent Schools
BASIS Independent Schools offers the high-achieving BASIS Curriculum, serving students from preschool through grade 12. With campuses in New York, California, Northern Virginia, and Washington, BASIS Independent Schools is recognized for its rigorous liberal arts and sciences program, expert faculty, and outstanding student outcomes. BASIS Independent Schools is part of Spring Education Group, a network providing superior private education across the United States and internationally. Visit basisindependent.com for more information.

SOURCE BASIS Independent Schools