The Ellis School

The Ellis School, Pittsburgh’s only age 3 to grade 12 independent school dedicated to the education of girls. The mission of The Ellis School is to prepare, empower, and inspire each and every girl through an excellent education in an all-girls environment. Our vision is to be a leading school for girls, providing an excellent education for every student and continuing to innovate so each girl thrives in school and excels in life. Our values:

• The all-girls educational environment maximizes girls’ intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. Girls are empowered to take risks, work collaboratively, ask questions, and pursue their dreams.
• We seek intellectual, emotional, and physical health for every member of our community. We set priorities and pursue our desire for achievement in a balanced way.
• We work to make a difference in the world. Our relationships are collaborative and responsible, and through our interactions we demonstrate honesty, integrity, and respect.
• We pursue, support, and embrace diversity of all kinds, recognizing the collective strength derived from our individual differences.
• Joyfulness and appreciation of one another are fundamental to our School community. We make time for social interaction and fun.
• As individuals and as a community, we embrace change, pursue new opportunities, and seek continuous improvement.
• We know and nurture every girl through her individual journey. We provide each girl with the support she needs to know herself, to pursue excellence, and to reach her potential, both as a student and as a citizen.
• Our academic program is rigorous, engaging, and forward-thinking. Our faculty promotes critical thinking and creativity, and inspires girls to reach their full academic potential.

“For 100 years, The Ellis School has provided an excellent education to girls and young women. In this girl-​centered, immersive environment, tailored specifically to the development and empowerment of girls, students push the limits of their potential, pursuing a rigorous curriculum that offers a breadth and depth of study that meets their individual interests, talents and goals. Girls hold every leadership position — they captain every team, are the lead in every play, and sit at the head of every class. Guided by expert faculty, Ellis girls are uniquely equipped with the confidence and authority to be well prepared, personally empowered and intellectually inspired to succeed in school and in life. Supported within a diverse community and by an enduring alumnae network of talented and successful women, every Ellis girl develops the skills and sense of self that will propel her ongoing success as a life-​long learner.”

For over a century, The Ellis School has offered unparalleled academic excellence to our students. Ellis is known not only for excellence in the humanities but for outstanding STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) classes and co-curricular offerings. Ellis is recognized by the Stanford University design school as among the leading K-12 programs in the country because we foster creativity, communication, collaboration, and innovation in every subject area.

A certain type of girl emerges from our unique learning environment. She is confident, proud, and courageous. She is an independent thinker, a lifelong learner, and a doer. She has passion and purpose. At Ellis, we empower every girl to thrive—intellectually, physically, and emotionally. We offer a learning experience, and a life experience, that is second to none.

Academic Support Services at The Ellis School are in place to address the needs and concerns of all students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. Our specialized team offers referrals, resources, guidance, and care to ensure the academic success and personal well-being of each and every Ellis girl. This revolving door of support for Ellis students ensures all issues are identified and addressed so students can unlock their unique potential.