The Ellis School

A Strategic Planning Process Shaped by Our Community

"Esse Quam Videri," to be, rather than to seem, is the standard we're holding ourselves to. It's how we're approaching a new strategic planning process for Ellis, and why we're building it in the open, with you, from the very first step.
We've chosen to partner again with Concentrics, a firm that specializes in helping schools build plans that are ambitious, actionable, and shaped by the people who live them out every day. Together, we'll spend the coming months examining where Ellis stands, where we want to go, and how we get there, with the same honesty we ask of Ellis girls every day.

Why Now?

Ellis is investing in its future on several fronts at once: a renewed campus with the playground and main entrance renovations underway, new leadership across our learning, culture, marketing, and enrollment teams, and a growing story to tell about what girls' education looks like in this next era. Strategic planning is how we make sure all of that momentum points in the same direction, with a shared plan the whole community helps build.

How to Get Involved

List of 5 items.

  • Community forums

    • Faculty & Staff: Mon., Sept. 28, 3:30–4:30 PM or Tue., Sept. 29, 10:30–11:30 AM — RSVP
    • Family: Mon., Sept. 28, 6:00–7:00 PM or Tue., Sept. 29, 9:00–10:00 AM — RSVP
    • Student: Tue., Sept. 29, 12:00–1:00 PM – Core Team Selects students
    • Alumnae (virtual) Wednesday, Sept. 30, 7:00 PM: RSVP 
    • All forum sign-ups in one place: here

  • Community survey

    A confidential survey open to the full Ellis community will follow the forums, takes about 10 minutes, and directly informs the plan. Separate links will go out for faculty/staff, students, and families. This survey will open on Mon., Oct. 5 and run through Fri., Oct. 16. 

  • Community Advisory Conference

    On November 6, a representative group of about 40 to 60 community members will gather for a day-long conference to help interpret what we've heard and shape what comes next.

  • Questions and ideas

    Have a thought to share or a question to ask any time? Submit it here. While we may not be able to respond to every submission individually, all input will be reviewed as part of the planning process.

  • Scheduled one-on-one conversations

    Concentrics is speaking with members of our community, outside thought leaders, and Pittsburgh-based partners to ground the plan in a wide range of perspectives. Conversations are confidential, findings are shared only in aggregate, and each takes about 30–45 minutes.

Timeline

01
Early September

We Begin

The strategic planning process launches with the Ellis community.

02
September 28–29

Community Forums

Faculty and staff, families, students, and alumnae come together to share perspectives and ideas.

03
Early October

Your Voice

A community-wide survey gives everyone an opportunity to help shape Ellis' future.

04
November 6

Advisory Conference

Community voices come together for a focused conversation about Ellis' future.

05
Winter

Building the Plan

The core team and Concentrics continue developing the plan, informed by what we've heard.

06
Spring

Looking Ahead

The Board reviews the plan, followed by a community-wide rollout of what's next for Ellis.

Stay Connected

There are many ways to follow the process, share your perspective, and stay informed as Ellis’ strategic plan takes shape. Catch up by reading our updates below and learn more about how Ellis is beginning the process of shaping its next chapter—together.

Our Core Planning Team

List of 14 items.

  • Alexis Allen, Board Member and Parent

  • Sarah Bumsted McSorley '95, Board Member and Parent

  • Elyse Castellano, Assistant Head of School for Strategy, Finance, and Operations

  • Sharae Curd, Board Member, Parent, and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee

  • Ashley Dotson, Head of Upper School

  • Dr. Christine Herring, Director of Culture and Community Life

  • Vanessa Jameson, Board Member

  • Eleanora Kaloyeropoulou '12, Board Member and President of Ellis Alumnae Alliance

  • Gina Kilpela, Upper School Faculty

  • Christine Nalitz, Board Member and Parent

  • Gary J. Niels, Head of School

  • Jessica Nolan, Lower School Faculty

  • Joe Schmid, Board Chair and Parent

  • Erica Tryon, Middle and Upper School Faculty

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

  • Why is Ellis creating a strategic plan now?

    Strategic planning is a natural part of how Ellis prepares for the future. Our last strategic plan, Ellis on the Move, launched in 2019. The unprecedented years that followed shifted the school's focus in ways no one could have anticipated, and this process is a chance to return to that long-term thinking, this time with the benefit of everything we've learned since. Strategic planning gives us the opportunity to step back, listen to our community, consider what's changing around us, and make thoughtful choices about Ellis' future: building on what's working while identifying the priorities that will guide our next chapter.

  • What could change as a result of the strategic plan?

    That's what the planning process is designed to explore. Over the coming months, we'll gather input from Ellis girls, families, faculty, staff, alumnae, trustees, and other members of the Ellis community to better understand our strengths, opportunities, and aspirations for the future.

    The strategic plan may shape how we invest in academic programs, student life, campus facilities, technology, and enrollment and advancement efforts. Ultimately, the process will help identify the priorities that have the greatest impact on strengthening the Ellis experience for future generations of Ellis girls.

  • Have decisions already been made?

    No. We're beginning with questions, not predetermined answers. The process is designed to gather perspectives, examine data and trends, identify opportunities and challenges, and determine which priorities will have the greatest impact on Ellis' future.

  • How could the strategic plan affect students, families, faculty, and staff?

    The strategic plan will establish Ellis' long-term priorities rather than prescribe immediate changes to daily school life. Over time, it may influence decisions about academic programs, student opportunities, campus improvements, technology, and other investments that support our mission. As priorities are identified and implemented, the goal is to strengthen what makes Ellis distinct while meeting the evolving needs of future generations of Ellis girls.

  • Who will be involved in the process?

    The future of Ellis is shaped by the people who know and love the school best. Throughout the process, Ellis girls, families, faculty and staff, alumnae, trustees, and other community members will be invited to share their perspectives through forums, a community survey, one-on-one interviews, and a community advisory conference

    A core planning team is helping guide the work and consider the feedback gathered along the way, which includes teachers, administrators, trustees, alumnae, and families.

  • How will priorities be chosen?

    Priorities will emerge from what we learn through forums, interviews, and the community advisory conference, combined with research and data about Ellis' future. Guided by our mission, we'll focus on the opportunities that best build on Ellis' strengths and position the school for continued success.

  • When will we see the strategic plan?

    We'll share updates and opportunities for engagement throughout the process. Once the plan is finalized and approved by the Board of Trustees, it will be shared with the broader Ellis community.

  • What happens after the plan is approved?

    Approval is the beginning, not the end, of the process. The strategic plan will guide decision-making and investment in the years ahead, with progress tracked and shared regularly so Ellis stays focused on its priorities and goals.

    Have a question or idea? Submit it here. While we may not be able to respond to every submission individually, all input will be reviewed as part of the planning process.
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992   |   admissions@theellisschool.org
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992
admissions@theellisschool.org