- 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 a specially designed process for children to visit at a later date. This process varies a bit based on the age of the child. Preschool through Kindergarten children come for small, playgroup visits. Children in grades 1 through 6 spend a morning in one of our elementary classrooms.
- How old must my child be to enter preschool, prekindergarten, transitional kindergarten, or kindergarten? Preschool children must be 3 by the end of the calendar year they enter school. Prekindergarten children must be 4 by November 30. Transitional Kindergarten children must be 5 by the end of the calendar year 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? Preschool, Prekindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten begin at 8:30 and offer a number of scheduling options. Preschool, Prekindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten hours are from 8:30 - 12:30 or 3:15, with an Afterschool program available until 5:30. Kindergarten - Grade 4 hours are from 8:15-3:15 with an Afterschool program available until 5:30. Grades 5 and 6 are scheduled from 8:15-3:15 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 8:15-4:15 on Tuesday and Thursday, with Afterschool program options daily.
- Do you have early morning drop-off, afterschool, summer and/or vacation programs? Yes we do. Early morning drop-off starts at 8:00 a.m. and afterschool runs until 5:30. We offer 4-day vacation programs for February and April school vacations, as well as for some holidays, and a summer program.
- Does your school offer financial assistance to families? Lesley Ellis strives to provide high-quality education that is accessible to all students. We offer need-based financial assistance and use the School and Student Services (SSS) organization through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Detailed information about the financial aid process can be found on our Financial Assistance page.
- How are decisions about admission made? At Lesley Ellis School, we believe that a school community is at its strongest when it includes the broadest possible range of ethnicities, family structures, interests and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are committed to an admission policy that is fair, nondiscriminatory and welcoming. Our admission goals include diversity, gender balance and a consistent level of enrollment. In making our decisions, we strive to ensure that our program will meet the applicant’s social, emotional and academic needs.
- 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 through Grade 6 students.
