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 (2025)
- Top Ranked MA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 251 students
- Yearly Tuition: $26,765
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 15 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Lesley Ellis School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1886
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Tue. Sep 9, 2025
Student Body
Total Students
251 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
22%
State avg.: 29%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
18 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.: 81%
Admissions Director
Tricia Moran
Application URL
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
- School Motto: The journey is as important as the destination
- 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.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Lesley Ellis School cost?
Lesley Ellis School's tuition is approximately $26,765 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Lesley Ellis School?
The acceptance rate of Lesley Ellis School is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 71%.
What sports does Lesley Ellis School offer?
Lesley Ellis School offers 3 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country and Soccer.
What is Lesley Ellis School's ranking?
Lesley Ellis School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Massachusetts for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Lesley Ellis School?
The application deadline for Lesley Ellis School is Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
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 | 338 students 2.3 miles 55 Day School Lane
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 484-3078
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 484-3078
2.3
PK-8
338
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 | 140 students 1.5 miles 5 Cadbury Road
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 354-3880
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 354-3880
1.5
PK-8
140
Grades: PK-8 | 531 students 2.5 miles 178 Coolidge Hill
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 520-5200
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 520-5200
2.5
PK-8
531
St. Agnes School
(Catholic)
Grades: PK-8 | 317 students 0.7 miles 39 Medford Street
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 643-9031
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 643-9031
0.7
PK-8
317
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
Is It Easier to Land a Private School Job When You're Already Employed?
Is it easier to land a private school job when you're already employed? This article breaks down employer biases, networking advantages, and negotiation leverage—plus the latest hiring trends in independent schools. If you’re considering a move, here’s how to maximize your position.
How to Secure a Private School Job When You're Unemployed Without the Stigma
Finding a private school job while unemployed can be tough, but it doesn't have to hold you back. This article breaks down networking strategies, ways to stand out, and smart approaches to keep your confidence strong. Learn how to turn setbacks into strengths and secure the right opportunity—without the stigma.
The Private School Job Hunt: Insider Tips for Employed & Unemployed Educators
Navigating the private school job market? Whether you're employed or unemployed, the right strategy can make all the difference. This article breaks down essential steps to keep your resume sharp, expand your network, and stay visible in the education community. Learn insider tips to position yourself for success in private schools.
