VISION

To inspire and prepare students to positively contribute to their local and global communities.

MISSION

Lesley Ellis School fosters an environment of self-discovery, kindness and belonging through our engaging and challenging curriculum, as well as our anti-bias approach. Our students are inquisitive and inspired learners, prepared for every step of their educational journey.

A DIVERSE AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY

Lesley Ellis School is an independent preschool through grade 8 school in Arlington, Massachusetts, serving students and families from across Greater Boston. Founded in 1949, Lesley Ellis provides a progressive education grounded in academic excellence, creativity, kindness, and anti-bias learning.

Our mission is to foster an environment of self-discovery, kindness, and mattering through an engaging and challenging curriculum and a school-wide anti-bias approach. Students are encouraged to become inquisitive, inspired learners who are prepared for each step of their educational journey.

As a small school, Lesley Ellis is able to know students deeply. Teachers work closely with students and families to support academic growth,
social-emotional development, creative exploration, and a strong sense of community.

At Lesley Ellis, students learn about themselves, practice kindness, include one another, and develop a lasting love of learning. These values guide classroom life, community expectations, and the way students learn to participate in the world around them.

At Lesley Ellis, community is intentionally built and carefully nurtured. Our anti-bias curriculum guides the tone of our school culture and ensures that values of equity, inclusion, and respect are woven into everyday learning. Students learn to listen thoughtfully, exchange ideas openly, and care for one another. This is a place where differences are explored with curiosity, and where students develop the critical thinking, creativity, and compassion needed to thrive in a diverse world.

As a progressive private PK–8 school serving Arlington and the Boston area, Lesley Ellis balances strong academics with meaningful social-emotional development. Our program supports the growth of confident, ethical learners by integrating rigorous skill-building with opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and character development.

Our small class sizes and intentionally small school community allow teachers to know every student deeply and provide the personalized attention that helps each child flourish.