What is the first step in the process of applying to Lesley Ellis School?
After we receive an initial inquiry, we send prospective families an admission packet and invite them to come in for a visit. Complete details about the admission process are available on our admission pages.
Can my child come to the visit?
We prefer that children do not come to the first parent visit, so we can share information freely. We have specially designed programs for children to visit at a later date.
- Preschool, prekindergarten, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten applicants are invited to a small playgroup session.
- Grade 1-4 applicants are invited to spend a morning in one of our classrooms.
- Middle School applicants spend a full day in the classroom.
How old must my child be to enter preschool, prekindergarten, transitional kindergarten, or kindergarten?
- Preschool, prekindergarten, and transitional kindergarten students must turn 3, 4, and 5 respectively by the end of the calendar year in which they enter school.
- Kindergarten students must be 5 by August 31st of the year they enter Lesley Ellis School.
What are your school’s regular hours?
Early Childhood Program (preschool, prekindergarten and transitional kindergarten): 8:30 AM–12:30 or 3:15 PM, with an afterschool program available until 5:30 PM.
Elementary Program (kindergarten–grade 4): 8:15 AM–3:15 PM with an afterschool program available until 5:30 PM.
Middle School Program (grades 5–8): 8:15 AM–3:15 PM on Monday–Friday, with optional afterschool Club House daily until 5:30 PM. Throughout the year interscholastic sports and theater is offered after school until 4:30 PM.
Do you have early morning drop-off, afterschool, summer and/or vacation programs?
Yes! Early morning drop-off starts at 7:30 AM and afterschool runs until 5:30 PM. We offer 4-day vacation programs for February and April school vacations, as well as for some holidays, and a summer program with a variety of educational and recreational activities.
Does your school offer financial assistance to families?
Lesley Ellis strives to provide high-quality education that is accessible to all qualified students. We offer need-based financial assistance and use the School and Student Services (SSS) organization through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) to evaluate each family’s need. Detailed information about the financial aid process can be found on our Financial Assistance page.
How are admission decisions made?
Lesley Ellis School is committed to a fair, nondiscriminatory, and welcoming admission process. We believe that a school community is strongest when it includes the broadest possible range of ethnicities, family structures, and socio-economic backgrounds. The school does not discriminate against any child or family because of race, religion, cultural heritage, national origin, gender, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.
Lesley Ellis considers each student based on an objective individualized assessment about whether the school can meet the particular needs of the child without fundamentally altering its program. Lesley Ellis cannot accept students whose presence poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others unless the direct threat can be removed with a reasonable accommodation. Our admission goals include diversity, gender balance, and a consistent level of enrollment. Lesley Ellis School gives preference to eligible siblings of current students and eligible faculty children, although acceptance is not guaranteed. Enrollment of a student in the school carries with it the expectation of a cooperative parent-school partnership.
When do families find out if there is a space for their child(ren)?
We notify families in writing on February 15 for preschool students and March 10 for prekindergarten–middle school students. Families applying at a later date are notified on a rolling admission basis.