An Independent School of Schools for Children

ACCEPTING

Lesley Ellis is an open and accepting community. A place where everyone feels at home.

THOUGHTFUL

We make our decisions based on what is best for each child.

COLLABORATIVE

We work together to create an environment where each child’s potential is reached.

THE ARTS PROGRAM

Students of all ages participate in our music program.

RESPECTFUL

We respect each others differences and unique qualities.

THE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

Early childhood students build, hop, and explore.

CREATIVE

Learning is fun. Our teachers are passionate and creative.

CARING

We are caring and supportive. We take time to nurture and know each other.

CONNECTION.

Community is foundational to the Lesley Ellis experience.

INCLUSIVE.

We are a diverse, welcoming community.

WHY LESLEY ELLIS

Here at Lesley Ellis, learning is joyful, personal, and purposeful. In our vibrant, inclusive community, every child is seen, known, and celebrated for who they are—and who they’re becoming. We blend academic excellence with creativity and compassion, helping students grow into confident, ethical learners. With small class sizes and a deep commitment to kindness, respect, and social justice, we foster curiosity, courage, and a true sense of belonging. This is a place where children love to learn—and where learning goes far beyond the classroom.

Early Childhood

Preschool, Pre-K, Transitional Kindergarten

Our emergent curriculum is grounded in the understanding that all children are naturally curious, capable learners.

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Elementary

Kindergarten - 4th Grades

Elementary students experience exciting academic and social trajectories as they begin to see themselves in broader contexts.

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Middle School

5th - 8th Grades

Middle Schoolers at Lesley Ellis are immersed in a community of serious learners, who work hard with peers and teachers in pursuit of academic, social, and emotional growth.

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OUR PROGRAM

From the moment your child walks through the doors at Lesley Ellis—whether as an intrepid preschooler, eager to spread sprouting wings, or as a recently minted middle schooler, ready to dig deep into bold new ideas—your child will know what it means to belong. The faculty at Lesley Ellis enliven an intentional program and community that embraces each child’s unique path, fosters individual and collective growth at every level, and celebrates all manner of achievement. We love that children thrive at different paces and how every student contributes differently to our vibrant community of learners.

EXPLORE LESLEY ELLIS

smiling first grade boys
WHY LESLEY ELLIS?

Since 1949, Lesley Ellis School has committed to creating an environment of self-discovery, kindness and belonging through our engaging and challenging curriculum, centered around our anti-bias approach. From preschool through eighth grade, Lesley Ellis centers its vision around preparing students to positively contribute to their local and global communities. Our students are inquisitive and inspired learners, prepared for every step of their educational journey.

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LIBRARY

The Lesley Ellis School Library program builds students’ curiosity and wonder through engaging, interactive learning and access to high-quality literature and nonfiction resources. Through the weekly classes the library program fosters a love of story and a culture of independent reading. Students also develop media literacy skills beginning from an early age so that they become critical thinkers interrogating sources to assess reliability, bias, accuracy, and relevance.

Library
ANTI-BIAS CURRICULUM

The anti-bias curriculum at Lesley Ellis is the heartbeat of our community. Inspired by the Learning for Justice framework, students from preschool to grade 8 learn to understand themselves, value differences, and engage in meaningful conversations about fairness and equity. Through reflection and action, they gain the courage and compassion to stand up for justice and make a positive impact in their everyday lives.

Anti-bias Currciulum
AUXILIARY PROGRAM

Learning doesn’t stop at the end of the school day. Nor does the fun. At the end of the school day, Lesley Ellis offers Clubhouse, an optional program with plenty of activities that allow our students to pursue a favorite interest or discover new ones. In addition, kids may enroll in Vacation Clubhouse or our summer program. In a comfortable and relaxed setting, all of these programs offer children the opportunity to socialize, learn something new, and most importantly, have a great time.

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MEET OUR DIRECTORS

MEET Tischa

Early Childhood Program Director

MEET Jenn

Elementary Program Director

MEET Anne

Middle School Program Director

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NEWS AND EVENTS

A Welcome from Head of School Rhiannon McElwee

As I enter my first year as head of school at Lesley Ellis, I have been reflecting this summer on the theme of mattering. Inspired by several articles (linked below) …

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Stop by for a Visit!

Curious about Lesley Ellis? Join us for a Discovery Morning and explore our classrooms and our new Library & Performing Arts Center, a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and community. February & March dates available …

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Discovery Mornings at Lesley Ellis!

Join us for one of our Discovery Mornings. Learn about our programs, meet the teachers, and chat with the head of school and admission director. Email Josh Horwitz, Admission Director, …

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Students Recognized for Science Achievements

Big congratulations to Georgio (Grade 8) and Josh (Lesley Ellis Class of 2025) — both named among the Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, the nation’s …

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Discover the magic of Lesley Ellis!

Whether you’re exploring school options for the future or looking for a fun activity to share with your little one, we’ve got something for you! Tour Tuesdays give you a …

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Summer Camp Fun at Lesley Ellis!

We’re deep into summer and LOVING every minute of it at Lesley Ellis Summer Camp! From hot sunny days to nonstop smiles, the fun just keeps coming. Today we got …

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Congratulations Graduates!

Last night, our 8th graders crossed the stage and into the next chapter of their journeys. Some have been here just a year or two. Others—our beloved “lifers”—have called Lesley …

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Join us for our School and Summer Showcase!

Thinking about the 2025–2026 school year? Making plans for this summer? Come see what makes Lesley Ellis different! On Saturday, May 31 from 10–12, we’re opening our doors so you can: …

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Construction Update

 Spring Is Sprouting… and So Is Our Library! Things are really taking shape over here—and fast! Builders are going full steam ahead with double crews on site: framers, welders, carpenters—you name it! Next …

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar
Monday

02 Feb

Cabin Fever Week

All Day

Wednesday

04 Feb

Basketball: Grades 7/8

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Wednesday

04 Feb

SEED

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Friday

06 Feb

Early Release, K – 8, 1:00

All Day

Friday

06 Feb

Early Release EC 12:30/K – 8, 1:00

All Day

Friday

06 Feb

Discovery Morning

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Friday

06 Feb

6th Grade Play Rehearsal

1:00 pm - 3:15 pm

Friday

06 Feb

Grades 1-4 Fun Night

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Monday

09 Feb

Basketball: Grades 5/6

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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FAST FACTS

1949

Year Lesley Ellis was founded

30%

Students of Color

10-1

K – Grade 8 Student / Teacher Ratio

70

Faculty and Staff

70%

Faculty hold advanced degrees

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