The Ellis School

Why Choose Ellis?

The Ellis School is Pittsburgh’s leading age 3 to grade 12 private school dedicated to the education of girls.

Why All-girls?

The Ellis School is a place where girls take center stage. And we think that's just where they belong.

  • Vibrant Intellects

    We embolden girls to be intellectually vibrant and ambitious. In the company of other genuinely curious, diverse students, and guided by gifted and committed teachers, girls thrive in our forward-thinking, progressive academic environment.

  • Changemakers

    We empower girls to be courageous changemakers. Ellis girls are comfortable tussling with complex problems and are eager to solve them. They develop into brave, bold young women who are ready to use their powerful minds and voices to change the world.

  • Secure & Confident

    We develop young women who are secure in themselves. Ellis girls grow remarkable confidence and a strong voice—they hold fast to what they believe, know their own strengths, and speak up for themselves and others.

  • Positive Community Members

    We believe learning is enhanced by the remarkable diversity of our school community. At Ellis, every girl is invited to bring all aspects of her identity into our shared space. Ellis students are caring and empathetic individuals who make deep, authentic connections with others.
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Campus News

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What Our Graduates Say

  • Marsha BROWN, Ph.D. ’97 Marsha BROWN, Ph.D. ’97
    “I will always remember Ellis’ supportive environment where learning, reasoning, and intellectual curiosity were encouraged. Not many environments are as intellectually stimulating as Ellis.”
  • Lauren BYRNE Connelly ’02 Lauren BYRNE Connelly ’02
    “Ellis helped me find my own voice and taught me to use it confidently and effectively. At Ellis, I learned how to really think about all aspects of an issue in order to come to a conclusion.”
  • Ramita RAVI '13 Ramita RAVI '13
    “What differentiates Ellis girls from others is our confidence and ability 'to be rather than to seem'... Ellis shaped us into strong willed and strong minded young women who can conquer the world—remember that; let it inspire you and others!”
  • Marina LORENZINI ’12 Marina LORENZINI ’12
    “The diversity at Ellis truly impacted me. I came with my own Italian background and fellow students came with their own cultural backgrounds. My worldview began to expand: global topics were more relevant to my life, my classmates were politically engaged, and I felt confident in exploring uncharted territory.”
  • Julie STRICKLAND-Gilliard '02 Julie STRICKLAND-Gilliard '02
    “The Ellis School is a family that will be with me for the rest of my life. I didn’t need to join a sorority in college—my 2002 classmates and every class from Ellis is my sorority. I know I always have a home with them, and that gives me strength to take risks.”
  • Bonnie WEST ’09 Bonnie WEST ’09
    “At Ellis, I was encouraged to be creative in my own way and take pieces in my own direction. I could explore my own creative inquiries and desires, because I learned the correct techniques and design skills to back them up.”
  • Jennifer L. CARTER, Psy.D. '92 Jennifer L. CARTER, Psy.D. '92
    “After attending Ellis—where girls ran everything—I felt empowered. In college, graduate school, and the workforce I never second-guessed my ability to compete or perform in any situation.”
  • Jo LANG Kim, Ph.D. ’90 Jo LANG Kim, Ph.D. ’90
    “Ellis taught me how to think critically and how to communicate effectively. Those skills have helped me in numerous ways throughout college, graduate school, and my career.”
  • Colleen DAILY Simonds '95 Colleen DAILY Simonds '95
    “At Ellis, I never hesitated to get involved, and instead of shying away from opportunities, I seized them.”
  • Sage LINCOLN '12 Sage LINCOLN '12
    “Ellis taught me to be authentic and true to myself, which is an incredibly important core value of mine.”
  • Heidi HOLZAPFEL '97 Heidi HOLZAPFEL '97
    “I liked acting and loved the fact that Ellis was supportive of any outlet you wanted to pursue. I had so much fun on the stage, and the best friendships I formed, and still maintain, from Ellis were made in the theater.”