At Lesley Ellis School, a progressive preschool through eighth-grade independent school in Arlington, MA, athletics and movement are an important part of how students grow, learn, and build confidence. Rooted in our core values of kindness, inclusion, self-awareness, and belonging, our athletics and physical education program encourages students to explore movement in ways that feel joyful, supportive, and developmentally appropriate.

Within our close-knit school community and small class sizes, students receive the personalized attention and encouragement that allows them to develop physical skills while building teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence. Our program welcomes children of all abilities—from experienced athletes already involved in sports like hockey, gymnastics, dance, or Little League to students who are just beginning to discover the strength and potential of their own bodies.

Through a wide range of activities, students are invited to try new forms of movement and challenge themselves in creative ways. Whether experimenting with scooter hockey, ballroom dancing, yoga, or traditional sports, children build coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility. As students learn new skills, such as shooting a basketball, hitting a tennis ball, or working together in team activities, they also develop important life skills such as fair play, leadership, collaboration, and perseverance. Our goal is to help students develop positive attitudes about physical activity while laying the foundation for lifelong health and wellness.

Early Childhood Movement

In our early childhood program, daily movement is an essential part of learning. Young children spend time each day on the playground and in our outdoor classroom, where play-based exploration and movement games help build confidence, cooperation, and a love of active play. These experiences support physical development while reinforcing the joy of movement within a supportive community.

elementary Athletics

Elementary students continue building these foundations through structured physical education classes that emphasize skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students participate in a variety of activities designed to strengthen coordination, cooperation, and confidence. Community traditions such as our annual Field Day bring students together across grade levels to play, cheer, and celebrate one another.

Middle School Athletics

By middle school, students are ready for new athletic challenges. Our middle school athletics program offers opportunities for students to deepen their athletic skills while continuing to emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth.

Students may participate in soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and cross-country in the spring, learning the skills and strategies of each sport through team practices and interscholastic competition. Lesley Ellis teams compete in the Big MAC (Montessori Athletic Conference), playing other small middle schools throughout the Boston area.

Competition is introduced in a supportive environment that prioritizes fair play, character development, and mutual respect. Within our inclusive independent school community, athletics help students develop leadership, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging—skills that extend far beyond the playing field.

Fall – Soccer

September – October
Head coach: Nick Romeo

Soccer teams are divided by grade level.

Grades 5 and 6 practice and play games on Tuesdays starting in mid-September and ending in mid- November.

Grades 7 and 8 practice and play games on Thursdays starting in mid- September and ending in mid-November.

Each team will have 15 roster spots.

There will be an additional optional practice day on Mondays 3:00 – 4:00. This practice is a combined practice with both teams, 5/6 and 7/8. Players must be signed up through our online registration.

Winter – Basketball

November – March
Head coach: Nick Romeo

Basketball is divided by grade level.

Grades 5 and 6 practice and play games Monday and Tuesday starting late November and ending mid-March.

Grades 7 and 8 practice and play games Wednesday and Thursday starting late November and ending mid-March.

Each team will have 15 roster spots.

Spring – Cross Country

April – June
Head coach: Nick Romeo

Cross-country will begin early April and ending early June. The roster will be open to Grades 5 – 8. There will be a maximum of 20 roster spots.

Cross-country will practice and race Tuesdays and Thursdays from  3:15- 4:30. Race start times vary, with 4:00 p.m. being the latest start time.

The Lesley Ellis home course is the block around the school. Running around 3 laps, which is 1.98 miles.