Academics
Academics
Inspiring Brilliance, Confidence, and Curiosity
When a girl joins The Ellis School, she enters a community of thinkers and doers—guided by faculty who know her, challenge her, and nurture her love of learning.
At Ellis, learning is both rigorous and joyful. Our academic programs give every girl a strong foundation across disciplines—English, history, mathematics, science, world languages, technology, and the visual and performing arts—while empowering her to explore the subjects that spark her curiosity most deeply.
At Ellis, learning is both rigorous and joyful. Our academic programs give every girl a strong foundation across disciplines—English, history, mathematics, science, world languages, technology, and the visual and performing arts—while empowering her to explore the subjects that spark her curiosity most deeply.
We believe that true rigor and genuine balance go hand in hand. Small class sizes ensure that each student is known, supported, and stretched at just the right pace.
Ellis teachers are experts not only in their fields but also in how girls learn best. They design innovative, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning opportunities that invite students to think critically, make connections, and tackle real-world challenges with creativity and confidence.
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Discover the Girls Academies
Launching Fall 2026 – where students turn curiosity into leadership.
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And that’s just the beginning.
At Ellis, girls don’t just excel academically—they grow as thoughtful, confident leaders, developing self-awareness, empathy, and the courage to tackle challenges in and beyond the classroom.
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Growing with Purpose and Confidence
Throughout their time at Ellis, students learn how they learn best. They cultivate strong interpersonal skills, develop healthy relationships, and gain the confidence to advocate for themselves.
Working collaboratively in small classes and challenging projects, girls have ample opportunities to practice leadership and teamwork. By graduation, Ellis students carry a palpable passion for learning, a clear sense of their own voice, and the resilience and confidence to thrive in any academic or professional setting.
Learning Designed for Every Girl
Lower School Snapshot
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Hands-On Math
Lower School girls build a deep understanding of math through concrete, hands-on experiences. Using manipulatives, visual models, and strategies like number bonds and Bar Modeling, students connect concepts, visualize problems, and develop strong problem-solving skills. -
Language Arts
Our program supports each child as a reader and writer at her own pace. Using a variety of teaching methods, students develop strong literacy skills while exploring their unique abilities and learning styles. -
Multi-Sensory Learning
We use multi-sensory techniques—auditory, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic—to make learning memorable and meaningful. Activities like writing letters in sand or skywriting words help students focus, strengthen memory, and engage deeply with concepts.
Middle School Snapshot
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Arts, Science & World Languages
Middle School students engage in visual and performing arts, explore science through inquiry-based projects, and build language skills in French, Latin, or Spanish. These experiences cultivate creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning across multiple disciplines. -
English & History
Through English and history courses, students develop critical reading, writing, and research skills while exploring ancient civilizations, medieval societies, and American history. Integrated projects encourage collaboration and help girls make connections across disciplines. -
Mathematics & Technology
Middle School students deepen their mathematical thinking while exploring concepts from Pre-Algebra to Geometry. Hands-on problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and creative programming help students connect math and technology to real-world challenges.
Upper School Snapshot
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English & History
Students engage deeply with literature and history, from World Literature to American Literature and Poetics of Social Justice, and from World History to AP U.S. History. Integrated projects and electives encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and exploration of diverse perspectives. -
Math & Technology
Upper School students advance from Algebra and Geometry to AP Calculus, exploring complex concepts with real-world applications. Electives in computer science, data structures, and algorithms allow students to combine logical reasoning with creativity to solve modern challenges. -
Science, Arts & World Languages
Upper School students investigate physics, chemistry, biology, and advanced science electives, while developing skills in visual and performing arts. World language study continues through Level III and beyond, supporting communication, cultural awareness, and interdisciplinary thinking.
Guides Who Inspire
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Jenn Moynihan, Head of Middle School
When she moved across the country to start her position as Ellis’ new Middle School Division Head, Jenn Moynihan’s arrival didn’t feel quite that distant. A native of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Ms. Moynihan’s return to the Keystone State came after living in Los Angeles, California, and working at The Archer School for Girls for the past ten years. At Archer, she served as an Upper School English Teacher and then as Dean of Students, witnessing for herself the power of an all-girls education firsthand. -
Brianne Kelly, Middle School Physical Education Teacher
They say you have to see it to be it, and that’s exactly what Brianne Kelly, new Middle School Physical Education Teacher, is doing for Ellis girls. A former Division I athlete, Ms. Kelly is modeling to her students how teamwork and perseverance can take you places both on the court and off. Prior to Ellis, Ms. Kelly spent six years overseas playing professional basketball in Germany, Slovakia, and Italy. She was also a four-year letter winner on Penn State’s women’s basketball team and earned Big Ten Conference honors each year of her collegiate career. Now in her first year of teaching, Ms. Kelly is sharing the lessons she’s learned about being active, committed, and determined through sports with Ellis girls. -
Jack Gaddess, World Languages Department Chair
Whether he’s introducing students to a human rights activist from Argentina or sharing a story about his eventful weekend bike ride, Upper School Spanish Teacher Jack Gaddess never fails to find a way to bring a dose of excitement and fun to his Spanish classroom. An adventurous educator who has led Ellis girls on trips to Spain, Costa Rica, and Mexico, Mr. Gaddess proudly shares his love of the Spanish language and its culture with his students through interactive learning opportunities and experiences. From joining the faculty number in the Upper School musical to blocking and serving in the annual winter volleyball game, Mr. Gaddess brings his unwavering enthusiasm for learning, and having fun while doing so, to Ellis every day. -
Sara Sturdevant, Performing Arts Department Chair
A dynamic and beloved member of the Upper School community for the last two decades, Sara Sturdevant is a teacher that has inspired hundreds of Ellis students with her passion for the arts, and in turn, sparked their creative careers and endeavors after commencement. A stalwart supporter of the performing arts, Ms. Sturdevant has directed, choreographed, staged, and produced hundreds of Ellis productions and performances over the last 23 years. Her commitment to her craft and can-do attitude energizes and ignites students’ independence and individuality on and off stage as they’re pushed to believe in themselves, their abilities, and their potential. Whether she’s teaching a cast how to perfect Fosse jazz hands or leading a discussion from the halls of Carnegie Museum of Art, Ms. Sturdevant’s gusto, charisma, and dedication to the School and her students is evident in everything she does. -
Amy Sidari, English & History Teacher and Grade 5 Dean
Grade 5 Dean and English and History Teacher, Amy Sidari, has been welcoming Ellis girls to the Middle School for the last 17 years. In her classroom, you’ll find her teaching students about the wonders of Greek mythology and ancient civilizations, and holding dynamic discussions on dystopian tales like The Giver and classic coming of age stories like Bridge to Terabithia. An avid reader and bibliophile, Mrs. Sidari brings her lifelong love of literature (her mom owned a bookstore) to not only her students, but the entire Middle School as she leads Ellis’ Battle of the Books challenge. An enthusiastic teacher, Dean, and CrossFitter, Mrs. Sidari shares her favorite book to teach to her students and what she loves most about her job. -
Kassie Wadsworth, Science Teacher
Science Teacher Kassie Wadsworth has brought inquiry and discovery-based learning to Ellis students in the Upper School for the last four years. A University of Pittsburgh alumna who originally planned to become a research scientist, Mrs. Wadsworth integrates her extensive experience from Pitt’s state-of-the-art labs into her biology and anatomy courses so students can garner a meaningful understanding of textbook lessons via active, experiential engagement. This fall, Mrs. Wadsworth’s students will take on their most high-profile and real-world experiment yet as they join the Small World Initiative, an innovative program that crowdsources budding scientists from across the nation to address the diminishing supply of effective antibiotics. -
Tim Israel, Visual Arts Teacher
After spending his third year in the photo studio with Ellis girls, Visual Arts Teacher Tim Israel headed across the country this summer to be an Artist-in-Residence at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in eastern Washington state. A road warrior in endless pursuit of exploring and finessing his craft, Tim’s Pacific Northwest adventure marks the second time he’s made art at the invitation of the National Park Service. His interest in film, old cameras, and alternative techniques brings a dose of nostalgia to his digital age student photographers and filmmakers, and challenges them to remix and reimagine their own unique perspectives behind the lens.
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