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Welcome to BASIS Flagstaff, home of the Yetis!

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

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

U.S. News & World Report: 2022 Best U.S. High School Rankings

  • #7 in Charter High Schools
  • #77 in STEM High Schools
  • #42 in National Rankings
National rankings: BASIS Ahwatukee: #56, BASIS Chandler: #11, BASIS Flagstaff: #42, BASIS Mesa: #66, BASIS Oro Valley:  #27, BASIS Peoria: #30, BASIS Phoenix: #58, BASIS Prescott: #81, BASIS Scottsdale: #29, BASIS Tucson North: #54, BASIS Washington, DC: #274
National Charter Rankings: BASIS Ahwatukee: #10, BASIS Chandler: #2, BASIS Flagstaff: #7, BASIS Mesa: #13, BASIS Oro Valley: #4, BASIS Peoria: #6, BASIS Phoenix: #12, BASIS Prescott: #19, BASIS Scottsdale: #5, BASIS Tucson North: #9, BASIS Washington, DC:  #68
National STEM Rankings: BASIS Ahwatukee: #64, BASIS Chandler: #4, BASIS Flagstaff: #77, BASIS Mesa: #187, BASIS Oro Valley: #12, BASIS Peoria: #5, BASIS Phoenix: #16, BASIS Prescott: #14, BASIS Scottsdale: #3, BASIS Tucson North: #15
BASIS Flagstaff mascot Yeti

1700 N. Gemini Dr.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Google Map
(928) 774 5502

Office Hours: M-F, 7AM - 5:30PM
Summer Hours: 7:30AM - 2:30PM

Upcoming Tours

Please reserve your place by registering for any upcoming tour/event.

School Brochure

Learn more about the BASIS Flagstaff grades K-12 program including sample course listings and extracurricular activities.

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School Leadership

Steve Vandalen
Steve Van Dalen
Head of School

Steve joined BASIS Flagstaff in 2017. He has served as an ESS paraprofessional, a teaching fellow, a history teacher and Director of Student Affairs for the upper school before moving into the role of Head of School.

  • BS, Political Science and Government, Northern Arizona University

steve.vandalen@basised.com

Thomas Carpenter
Thomas Carpenter
Head of Operations

Thomas Carpenter taught high school chemistry at BASIS Phoenix from 2017 to 2021 before joining the BASIS Flagstaff family.

  • PhD, Analytical Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
  • BS, Chemistry, Butler University

thomas.carpenter@basised.com

Emily Swain
Emily Swaine
Director of Student Affairs (Grades 6–12)

Emily Swaine began their career in education in 2008 as a Latin and Greek teacher. They joined BASIS Flagstaff in 2017 to teach upper and lower school Latin. Emily moved into the role of Director of Student Affairs in the 2021–22 school year and finds the work to be immensely important and tremendously rewarding.

  • MS, Clinical Mental Health and Counseling, Northern Arizona University

emily.swaine@basised.com

Trent McDowell
Trent McDowell
Director of Academic Programs

Trent McDowell joined BASIS Flagstaff in 2017 as the eighth grade, honors, and AP biology Subject Expert Teacher. He took over the role of Director of Academic Programs in 2021.

  • MA, Geology, Vanderbilt University
  • BA, Geology, Millersville University

trent.mcdowell@basised.com

Kellie Hintze
Kellie Hintze
Director of Student Affairs (Grades K–5)

Kellie began teaching primary grades in 2016 and joined BASIS Charter Schools in 2020. Since joining BASIS Charter Schools, Kellie has taught grades 1 and 2 and held the role of Director of Student Affairs.

  • BA, Psychology, Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University
  • BS, Health Promotion, Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University

kellie.hintze@basised.com

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