Lesley Ellis School
Lesley Ellis serves children in Preschool (2.9) to Grade 8 in a welcoming, diverse independent school community.
Lesley Ellis offers outstanding, innovative academic programs for Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School students which emphasize critical thinking.
We value what makes our children unique, and we encourage them to apply their own talents and passions to their learning.
Our community is centered on the values of mutual respect and global citizenship.
Lesley Ellis School prepares accomplished, inquisitive and inspired learners by providing a challenging, student-centered, and anti-bias curriculum within a tightly connected community.
Quick Stats (2021-22)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Students: 225 students
- Yearly Tuition: $26,765
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
Top Rankings
Lesley Ellis School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1886
Summer School Offered
Yes
Student Body
Total Students
225 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
22%
State avg.: 28%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
16 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 15 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$26,765
Tuition Notes
Early Childhood Tuition starting at $10,701 depending on individual schedule.
% on Financial Aid
25%
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Tricia Moran
Sports
Total Sports Offered
3 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
2 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Middle School Clubs
Arts and Music Programs:
Arts Block and Arts Apprenticeship
Middle School Clubs
Arts and Music Programs:
Arts Block and Arts Apprenticeship
School Notes
- Accreditations: Lesley Ellis is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England and the National Association of Independent Schools.
- Philosophy: Independent elementary/middle school. Individualized, developmental teaching practice with strong academics and an award-winning anti-bias curriculum
- Teachers: 43 teachers; most have advanced degrees; 90 percent have 5 or more years of experience. Several teachers are affiliated with graduate schools of education.
- Specialists: Music, reading, Spanish, library, physical education, art, theater
- Features: Experiential learning incorporating regular field trips. Multi-age classrooms in elementary and middle school programs. Spanish beginning in Preschool. Music, physical education and middle school athletics. Early drop-off available at 8:00 a.m. Afterschool program until 5:30 p.m. Vacation program. Summer program.
- Hometowns: Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Cambridge, Lexington, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Somerville, Watertown, Winchester, and surrounding areas.
- Resources: Large, sunlit classrooms, art studio, library, makerspace, music classroom, Spanish classroom, gymnasium for sports, special events and performances. Two outside playgrounds, an Outdoor Classroom, tennis courts, basketball court, playing fields. Computer lab; extensive children's library collection. Regular use of community and greater Boston resources.
- Application deadline is January 15. Rolling admission is available after that date as spaces remain.
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Lesley Ellis School also viewed these schools: Belmont Day School, Fayerweather Street School, Cambridge Friends School, Shady Hill School and St. Agnes School.
The nearest high school, elementary school and preschool to Lesley Ellis School is International School Of Boston (0.6 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-8 | 328 students 2.3 miles 55 Day School Lane
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 484-3078
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 484-3078
2.3
PK-8
328
Grades: PK-8 | 205 students 1.3 miles 765 Concord Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 876-4746
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 876-4746
1.3
PK-8
205
Grades: PK-8 | 136 students 1.5 miles 5 Cadbury Road
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 354-3880
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 354-3880
1.5
PK-8
136
Grades: PK-8 | 542 students 2.5 miles 178 Coolidge Hill
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 520-5200
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 520-5200
2.5
PK-8
542
St. Agnes School
(Roman Catholic)
Grades: NS-8 | 204 students 0.7 miles 39 Medford Street
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 643-9031
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 643-9031
0.7
NS-8
204
School Reviews
5 1/24/2020
We have been at Lesley Ellis School for two full years now (my oldest transferred from a public school in the middle of 1st grade). We have just been so incredibly impressed with our children's school experience at LES (our younger two started in preschool and kindergarten this year). The focus on social-emotional learning has been amazing for all three of my kids, as well as the hands-on learning and balanced curriculum that allows them to explore many interests. We love the outdoor time (4x as much recess time as there was in our previous school) as well as an outdoor classroom and walks around the neighborhood that mesh with the learning to go on inside the building). The school is really a thought-leader in anti-bias education as well, something our family thinks is so critical in the 21st century — we love how the teachers delve into important issues in age-appropriate ways.
5 1/1/2020
What a wonderful school. The middle school experience is paradise. Or child has grown so much here, intellectually and personally.
5 5/18/2013
We have had a wonderful experience at Lesley Ellis. The teachers and administrators are so talented and caring. It is a great group of parents accomplished in the arts and non profit institutions. Small classes, lots of enrichment offerings. Highly recommended.
5 12/11/2012
Our family has been so happy at Lesley Ellis. The faculty are dedicated, talented and really know the children as individuals. The innovative curriculum is challenging yet fun and the students are being well prepared to be life-long learners and responsible, caring members of society.
Endorse Lesley Ellis School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
How Exposed Is Your School?
There's much more to running a small private school than offering great academics and teaching. Be sure to check under the hood regularly to make sure everything keeps running smoothly.
Teen Travel In Uncertain Times
Most adults find traveling more complicated and challenging that it was pre-pandemic. We offer some suggestions for safe teen travel in these uncertain times.
Using Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest to Promote Your School
Social media is an effective marketing tool for your school. Here are some suggestions for using Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest.
