At Lesley Ellis School, a progressive preschool through eighth-grade independent school in Arlington, MA, the arts are not an add-on, they are a central part of how students learn, think, and express themselves. Within our close-knit community and small class sizes, students receive personalized guidance from dedicated arts educators and visiting professional artists, giving them the time, space, and encouragement to explore their creativity with confidence.

Through our signature Arts Block, electives, and artist-in-residence programs, students engage in a rich range of creative disciplines including film, animation, poetry, ceramics, dance, visual art, and music composition. This hands-on, studio-based learning invites students to experiment, collaborate, and take creative risks while developing important skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-expression.

As part of our inclusive independent school community, student artwork and performances are regularly shared and celebrated across the school. Exhibitions, performances, and collaborative projects honor student voice and creativity while reinforcing a core belief of a Lesley Ellis education: that the arts cultivate confidence, curiosity, and compassion, empowering students to see themselves as creative thinkers, makers, and contributors to the world around them.

Arlington Children’s Theater (ACT) has a new home! Right here in Lesley Ellis School’s new theater, creating a shared home for creativity, performance, and community.

Lesley Ellis School and Arlington Children’s Theatre (ACT) are proud to announce a transformative partnership that brings one of Arlington’s most respected youth arts organizations into Lesley Ellis School’s newly constructed theater. 

Rooted in a shared commitment to education, creativity, and the development of young people, this partnership creates expanded opportunities for students, families, and community members to engage with the performing arts through productions, classes, camps, workshops, rehearsals, and other educational experiences.

Founded in 1991, Arlington Children’s Theatre has spent more than three decades enriching the lives of young people through theater. What began as a volunteer-led organization producing a single annual show has grown into a thriving arts organization that presents multiple productions each season while offering workshops, vacation programs, and a fully enrolled summer program that serves children and families throughout Arlington and the greater Boston area.

At Lesley Ellis School, the arts have long been a cornerstone of the school’s educational philosophy. Through visual arts, music, theater, and creative expression, students are encouraged to explore new perspectives, develop confidence in their voices, and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

“At Lesley Ellis, we believe the arts are not simply something students do, they are an essential part of how students learn, grow, and understand themselves and the world around them,” said Rhiannon McElwee, Head of School at Lesley Ellis. “Arlington Children’s Theatre has been enriching the lives of young people through theater for more than three decades, and we are honored to partner with an organization whose mission aligns so closely with our own. Together, we are creating a welcoming, inspiring space where creativity flourishes and community comes together.”

The partnership reflects a natural alignment between the missions of the two organizations. Arlington Children’s Theatre uses theatre as a vehicle for youth development, empowering young people to grow as artists, leaders, collaborators, and engaged community members. Similarly, Lesley Ellis School nurtures curious learners, confident thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and compassionate citizens through an educational experience that places equal value on academic excellence, the arts, community, and social responsibility.

“We are incredibly excited to have this relationship with Lesley Ellis School,” said Emily Garven, Artistic Director of Arlington Children’s Theatre. “Both of our organizations believe in the transformative power of the arts. Theater gives young people the opportunity to take risks, build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and discover strengths they may not have known they possessed. We are grateful to partner with an institution that shares those values.”

Neva Corbo-Hudak, President of Arlington Children’s Theatre, added, “For more than thirty years, ACT has been a place where young people come together to create, learn, and grow. This partnership allows us to build on that legacy while expanding opportunities for the children and families we serve. We are excited to be a part of the Lesley Ellis community and to welcoming audiences, students, and families into this beautiful new space.”

In addition to providing a new home for ACT’s programs and productions, the partnership establishz the Lesley Ellis theater as a vibrant cultural resource for Arlington and the surrounding communities. Through public performances, educational programming, camps, workshops, and special events, the space welcomes audiences and participants from across the region while strengthening access to arts education and creative experiences for young people.

Together, Lesley Ellis School and Arlington Children’s Theatre foster creativity, learning, belonging, and the belief that the arts have the power to transform lives.

About Lesley Ellis School

Lesley Ellis School is an independent school in Arlington, Massachusetts, serving students from preschool through grade eight. Through rigorous academics, an award-winning anti-bias curriculum, a rich arts program, and a strong sense of community, Lesley Ellis helps students become curious learners, confident thinkers, and compassionate citizens.

About Arlington Children’s Theatre

Founded in 1991, Arlington Children’s Theatre is dedicated to creating equitable, high-quality theatrical events, workshops, and experiences that educate, inspire, and enrich the lives of children ages 7–18, their families, and the community. ACT produces a variety of plays and musicals each season and offers workshops, camps, and educational programming that support both theatrical and personal growth.