Lesley Ellis School

Lesley Ellis School is an independent, progressive school in Arlington serving children from preschool through eighth grade. Families choose it for a combination of academic excellence with kindness, creativity and a strong sense of community. Teaching is built around an anti-bias approach and an emergent curriculum that starts from the idea that children are naturally curious, capable learners, and the school aims to prepare students to contribute to their local and global communities.

Young children in the early childhood program learn by building, moving and exploring, while elementary students begin to see themselves in broader contexts. Middle schoolers work closely with peers and teachers toward academic, social and emotional growth. The school stresses that children develop at different paces and tries to shape the program around each child’s path. Music is part of the experience at every age, and the community describes itself as diverse and welcoming.

What to Know

• Lesley Ellis has been operating since 1949.
• Prospective families can submit an inquiry form to be contacted by the admission team.
• The school is a nonprofit organization and a member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.