This year marks a historic moment for BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu as its inaugural graduating class crosses the commencement stage. The 17 seniors in this cohort make up the first graduating class from a campus that brings together both an international and bilingual curriculum in one location within the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools network.
Students earned admission offers from leading universities around the world, demonstrating the strength of the academic foundation built since the campus first opened in 2022. Their achievements not only celebrate years of dedication and growth, but also establish a lasting legacy for future generations of students to follow.
Admission Results
The Class of 2026 received 117 admission offers from more than 65 universities worldwide and earned nearly US$892,000 in scholarships.
Among the 17 graduates,
- 65% earned admission to Top 30 U.S. Universities, Top 10 U.S. Liberal Arts Colleges, Top 5 U.K. Universities, Top 2 Canadian Universities, or the top university in Hong Kong (China),
- 94% secured admission to Top 50 U.S. Universities, Top 20 U.S. Liberal Arts Colleges, Top 10 U.K. Universities, Top 3 Canadian Universities, or Top 3 Hong Kong Universities.
The first graduating cohort achieved numerous highlights in Ivy League and top-tier admissions. One student secured an Early Decision offer from Cornell University in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, claiming the first Ivy League admission in the school’s history, another student received an offer from the University of Cambridge in History and Politics, and one student received an offer from Swarthmore College, ranked fourth among U.S. Liberal Arts Colleges, in Environmental Studies. The school’s performance in the U.K. direction was equally remarkable, with a total of 7 offers from Top 5 U.K. Universities, among which one student received offers from both Imperial College London and University College London in Biological Sciences.
A Week of Celebration
Graduation week was filled with new traditions designed to honor both the class of 2026 and celebrate their successes. It began with a drum ceremony in the campus garden, where graduating students joined school leaders in striking a traditional drum to symbolize the transition from one chapter of life to the next. The resonating drumbeats echoed throughout campus and set the tone for the celebrations that followed.
Inside the senior room, graduates discovered a space transformed by younger students and teachers. Artwork, handwritten notes, photographs, and decorations filled the walls, creating a visual reminder of the relationships and memories that shaped their years at the school. Throughout the week, the room became a gathering place where students reflected on their journey and prepared for what lay ahead.
One of the most memorable traditions was the Senior Walk. Dressed in blue graduation gowns, graduates made their way through hallways lined with cheering students and faculty members. Younger students reached out for high-fives and hugs while teachers celebrated with applause, bells, music, and confetti. The walk served as a powerful reminder of the impact these students had made across the school community and allowed the entire campus to celebrate their accomplishments together.
Graduates also shared the results of their Senior Projects, presenting months of work spanning technology, architecture, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, community service, research, and the arts. The presentations highlighted the diversity of student interests and demonstrated how learning can extend beyond the classroom to create meaningful real-world impact.
Throughout the week, students and teachers gathered for special events including faculty-athlete competitions, a senior luncheon, and a graduate panel discussion. During the discussion, members of the Class of 2026 shared lessons learned throughout the university application process, offering advice and encouragement to younger students preparing for their own journeys. Their stories reinforced that success is not defined by a single path, but by growth, resilience, and a willingness to pursue individual passions.
Among the most emotional moments of the week was the time capsule ceremony. Graduates filled a capsule with photographs, letters, keepsakes, and messages to their future selves before gathering in the school garden to bury it together. As students reflected on friendships, memories, and the experiences that brought them together, they made a promise to return in five years to reopen the capsule and revisit this important chapter of their lives.
Building a Legacy
As the schools’ first graduating class, the Class of 2026 also became the first group of students to be honored on the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu Alumni Wall. Each graduate unveiled a personalized plaque featuring their photograph, signature, university destination, and a meaningful quote. The wall serves as a lasting tribute to the students who helped shape the identity of the school and establish traditions that future classes will follow.
The unveiling symbolized something larger than an individual achievement. It represented the beginning of an alumni community and the lasting connection graduates will continue to share with the school long after they leave campus.
Graduation Ceremony
Families, faculty, and students gathered in the theater for the Graduation Ceremony, where students officially became the first alumni of BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on the significance of the moment. Executive Head of School, Dr. Kevin Jaramillo reminded graduates that while many classes will follow, this ceremony belonged uniquely to the students who helped build the school’s culture and traditions from the beginning. Head of School, Mark Sylte encouraged students to appreciate the value of time and the importance of embracing life’s opportunities with purpose and gratitude.
Student speakers reflected on the friendships, challenges, and experiences that defined their high school years. Teachers shared messages of encouragement and wisdom, while musical performances added moments of celebration and reflection. One particularly memorable moment came when English teacher Mr. Doyle surprised the audience with a live guitar performance, bringing the entire theater to life.
As each graduate crossed the stage to receive a diploma and move their tassel from right to left, years of dedication, perseverance, and growth were recognized. Families captured the moment through photographs and applause, while teachers celebrated the accomplishments of students they had guided throughout their educational journeys.
The ceremony concluded with graduates gathering together one final time as blue-and-gold confetti filled the air. In that moment, the Class of 2026 officially transitioned from students to alumni, carrying with them the knowledge, friendships, and experiences that shaped their time at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu.
Congratulations Class of 2026!
The accomplishments of the Class of 2026 extend far beyond university admissions results. As the first graduating class in the schools history, these students helped define the culture, traditions, and spirit of BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Chengdu.
To the Class of 2026, congratulations! Your achievements have left a lasting impact, and we are excited to see all that you will accomplish in the future.
For more information on teaching with BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, visit our careers website.
