Athletics
Our Philosophy
At Lesley Ellis School, athletics grows directly out of our core values of kindness, inclusion, self-awareness, and belonging. From early childhood through the elementary years, movement is woven into daily life in ways that feel joyful, natural, and developmentally aligned.
There are many opportunities to engage in indoor and outdoor activities and, regardless of aptitude, skill acquisition goes hand-in-hand with developing a positive attitude. Our physical education program serves children who might already be skaters, gymnasts, dancers, hockey players or little league stars, as well as those still learning the power and magic of their own bodies.
We challenge our students with activities they may never have tried before—scooter hockey, ballroom dancing, or yoga, for example—giving children the chance to test their coordination, balance, strength and flexibility. As emerging athletes garner new skills like shooting a free throw or hitting a tennis ball, they develop more than just physical aptitudes. They also learn to translate abstractions into action, to play hard and fair, to lead and support each other, and to take turns. Our goal is to help children develop positive attitudes about themselves, their abilities, and physical activity, as well as to lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy lifestyle choices.
Early Childhood Movement
Our youngest students spend time each day on the playground and in the outdoor classroom, where open-ended play, exploration, and movement games build confidence, cooperation, and a love of physical activity.
elementary Athletics
Elementary students deepen these foundations through skill-building, teamwork, and community traditions like our annual Field Day, where students come together across grades to play, cheer, and celebrate one another. By the time they reach middle school, these experiences evolve into a more formal athletics program, still grounded in the same belief that sports are a meaningful way to discover personal strengths, practice fair play, and belong to something bigger than yourself.
Middle School Athletics
Middle school is a natural moment for students to stretch themselves physically, socially, and emotionally, and our athletics program is designed to help them do exactly that. Our middle school athletics program blends skill-building with teamwork and sportsmanship, encouraging students to take healthy risks, try new roles, and support one another. Rooted in our school’s values, the program prepares students for future athletic experiences while nurturing character, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
Students have the opportunity to participate in soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, and cross-country in the spring. Through team practices and interscholastic games, students learn the fundamental skills and strategies of these sports.
Lesley Ellis School competes in the Big MAC (Montessori Athletic Conference), playing similar middle schools throughout the Boston area.
Competition is introduced in a supportive environment promoting fair play and sportsmanship. The middle school athletics program seeks to develop character, build self-confidence, and promote physical wellness in each and every student.
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.