VISION

To inspire and prepare students to positively contribute to their local and global communities.

MISSION

Lesley Ellis School fosters an environment of self-discovery, kindness and belonging through our engaging and challenging curriculum, as well as our anti-bias approach. Our students are inquisitive and inspired learners, prepared for every step of their educational journey.

A DIVERSE AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY

At Lesley Ellis School, an inclusive preschool through eighth-grade independent school in Arlington, MA, every child is part of something larger than themselves. In our close-knit school community, every student belongs. We value each child as a unique individual while also nurturing their role as a thoughtful, contributing member of our community. Every student has something meaningful to offer—and every voice matters.

Our community is strengthened by the wide spectrum of experiences and perspectives our families bring. As a progressive Boston-area independent school, Lesley Ellis welcomes families from many cultural and ethnic backgrounds, embracing diverse identities, family structures, and belief systems. Through our hands-on, anti-bias curriculum, students actively explore ideas of diversity, equity, and social justice in age-appropriate ways. In classrooms and throughout the school, children learn how to:

• resolve differences with empathy and respect

• think critically about the meaning of community

• support and advocate for one another

At Lesley Ellis, community is intentionally built and carefully nurtured. Our anti-bias curriculum guides the tone of our school culture and ensures that values of equity, inclusion, and respect are woven into everyday learning. Students learn to listen thoughtfully, exchange ideas openly, and care for one another. This is a place where differences are explored with curiosity, and where students develop the critical thinking, creativity, and compassion needed to thrive in a diverse world.

As a progressive private PK–8 school serving Arlington and the Boston area, Lesley Ellis balances strong academics with meaningful social-emotional development. Our program supports the growth of confident, ethical learners by integrating rigorous skill-building with opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and character development.

Our small class sizes and intentionally small school community allow teachers to know every student deeply and provide the personalized attention that helps each child flourish. This approach allows us to:

• understand each child’s strengths, talents, and interests

• support individual learning goals while cultivating new skills and confidence

• create flexible, responsive learning experiences that engage students in meaningful ways

• challenge students who are ready for accelerated learning

• provide thoughtful support for students who benefit from additional guidance

• model and cultivate respectful, kind, collaborative, and inclusive behavior

Through this personalized, hands-on education, Lesley Ellis students grow into curious thinkers, creative problem solvers, and compassionate community members—prepared for success in high school and beyond.