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Welcome to BASIS Chandler, home of the Bobcats!

Our tuition-free, public charter school serves students in grades 5–12. We are proud to be part of the BASIS Charter Schools network which has been providing world-class education since 1998. Each of our campuses follows a STEM-infused, liberal arts program designed to guide your student farther than they ever thought possible.

Everyone at the Chandler campus is here to cultivate a love of learning, natural curiosity, and a desire to excel in your student. Their success is our success.

U.S. News & World Report: 2023–24 Best U.S. High School Rankings

  • #6 Charter High School in the U.S.
  • #5 STEM High School in the U.S.
  • #30 Best High School in the Nation
BASIS Chandler Bobcat

4825 S. Arizona Ave.
Chandler, AZ 85248
Google Map
(480) 907 6072
[email protected]

Office Hours: M-F, 7AM - 4:30

School Leadership

Matthew FitzMiller, Head of School
Matthew FritzMiller
Head of School

Matt was raised in Tempe and has been with BASIS Charter Schools since 2014. He has over 20 years' experience in education, and has taught English, math, Spanish, and a capstone class called Self Reliance. Matt has also coached varsity softball, cross country, and ultimate Frisbee.

  • MEd, Curriculum, Arizona State University
  • BS, Spanish, Wheaton College, 1999

[email protected]

Karen Bryson
Karen Bryson
Head of Operations

Originally from California, Karen has taught in higher education and has worked in retail operations management. She joined BASIS Phoenix as the College Counselor, in 2021, before transferring to Chandler as the Director of Operations, and then Head of Operations.

  • MS, Music, University of Illinois
  • BS, Music, University of Michigan

[email protected]

Kaylee Gengler, Director Of Academic Affairs
Kaylee Gengler
Assistant Head of School

Kaylee is an Arizona native and has 10+ years of experience in education. She has taught Math and acted as a Literacy Coach before joining BASIS Charter Schools as a Dean in 2018. She also held the Director of Academic Programs position before transferring back to student affairs and then Assistant Head of School.

  • BA, Elementary Education, Northcentral University

[email protected]

Kerkman-Staff-Photo-2023
Liane Kerkman
Assistant Director of Upper School
Liane started her 10+ years in education as an English teacher overseas before moving back to her home state of Texas and teaching high school social studies. Since joining BASIS Chandler in 2021, she has taken on the roles of College Counselor, Dean, and now Assistant Director of Student Affairs.
  • MEd, Curriculum & Instruction, West Texas A&M University
  • BA, International Relations, Texas State University

[email protected]

brandi-emory-staff-photo
Brandi Emory
Assistant Director of Lower School

Brandi is an Arizona native with over 12 years of experience in education. She began her career teaching Physical Education for grades K-4 and 7-12. She then transitioned to teaching Middle School Science, High School Anatomy & Physiology, and Biology. She joined Basis as a Dean in 2022 before becoming the Assistant Director of Student Affairs.

  • MEd, Secondary Education, Arizona State University
  • BS, Kinesiology, Arizona State University
Char Johnson
Char Johnson
Director of Academic Programs

Originally from Michigan, Char was an engineer for the U.S. government for 12 years and before transferring her skills to teaching and tutoring math and the sciences. Char has been with BASIS Charter Schools since 2016.

  • BS Physics, Central Michigan University

[email protected]