Admission
Admission
Discover Your Place at Ellis
Whether your daughter wants to be an astronaut, ambassador, or an accountant, girls need to know—not just think, but really know, deep down in their gut—that nothing can stand in their way. The Ellis School sends this message to girls every day.
At Ellis, girls take center stage. Guided by expert faculty, they develop the confidence, curiosity, and authority to excel—not just in school, but in life. In our immersive, girl-centered environment, every student is empowered to reach her full potential. Here, a rigorous curriculum meets individual passions, talents, and goals, inspiring girls to push boundaries, think boldly, and embrace challenges with courage.
Because at Ellis, girls aren’t just participants—they lead, create, and thrive.
The Pillars of an Ellis Education
At Ellis, girls are challenged to be intellectually vibrant, ambitious, and creative thinkers. They grow to become confident, brave changemakers committed to making the world a better place for themselves and others.
But what really makes The Ellis School distinctive?
List of 4 items.
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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.
Why Choose The Ellis School?
Meet Our Team
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Michelle Rust, Associate Head of School/Director of Enrollment Management
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Indea Herndon, Assistant Director of Admissions, Middle & Upper School
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Kerry Byrne, Assistant Director of Admissions of Lower School
We are delighted that you are considering The Ellis School!
Ellis has an unparalleled commitment to girls' education in an environment that maximizes intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. At Ellis, girls of all ages learn to take risks, work collaboratively, ask questions, and pursue their dreams. There is simply no place else like Ellis anywhere in our region. Here girls are free to know themselves, discover their gifts, and find their own voice, whether through robotics, or performing arts, or sports.
- Michelle Rust, Associate Head of School/Director of Enrollment Management
- Michelle Rust, Associate Head of School/Director of Enrollment Management
Frequently Asked Questions
List of 8 frequently asked questions.
Meet Ellis Families
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Carrie Sparks and Christopher Palmer, Class of 2029 Parents
Carrie Sparks and Christopher Palmer were not familiar with all-girls education until they started looking at schools for their daughter. After seeing the differences in how their son and daughter learned, they decided to look at The Ellis School and ultimately enrolled Edie, Class of 2029. Firm believers that Ellis cultivates girls to be lifelong, confident learners, Christopher and Carrie share how Ellis has fostered Edie’s individuality and encouraged her growth. -
Denise LaRosa, Class of 2030 Parent
Determined to give her daughter access to the best education in Pittsburgh, Denise LaRosa knew that The Ellis School was the only place for her daughter, Gianna, Class of 2030. A pre-kindergarten teacher at Ellis as well as a parent, Denise saw firsthand how transformative all-girls education could be for girls and chose to enroll her daughter in kindergarten so she could get the full Ellis experience beginning in Lower School. Now in first grade, Gianna is thriving in her class—proving to Denise and her husband, Jason, every day that they made the right decision. -
Elaine Musgrave and Michael Wood-Vasey, Class of 2032 Parents
Elaine Musgrave and Michael Wood-Vasey first heard about the transformative power of an Ellis education from their friends, and soon enough were experiencing it for themselves through their daughter, Ella, Class of 2032. Attracted to Ellis’ emphasis on community and responsibility, Elaine and Michael wanted to send their daughter to a school where her voice would be respected, heard, and valued from a young age. -
Priyanka Jhala, Class of 2030 Parent
The stories Priyanka Jhala heard about The Ellis School from other families in her community stood out to her as she considered where to send her daughter, Saira, to pre-kindergarten. After speaking with Ellis parents and the Enrollment Management team, Priyanka and her husband, Sameer, decided Ellis was the right place for Saira. It was Ellis’ global focus, nurturing faculty members, and commitment to celebrating each individual girl that drove their investment—and they haven’t looked back since. -
Sarah Bumsted, Class of 2027 and 2029 Parent
When Sarah ALTMAN Bumsted ’95 moved back to Pittsburgh, there was one decision that she didn’t give a second thought to—sending her two daughters, Kit, Class of 2029, and Annie, Class of 2027, to Ellis. An alumna of the School herself, Sarah knew firsthand the value of an Ellis education and wanted her daughters to have the same experiences and opportunities she had as an Ellis student. From the invaluable role modeling girls witness in older students to the incomparable teachers who truly know, support, and care for them, Sarah chose Ellis for her daughters because she believes wholeheartedly that Ellis is the best educational experience for any child in Pittsburgh. -
Tara and Patrick McElfresh, Class of 2024 Parents
When Tara and Patrick McElfresh sought out a new school for their daughter, Liadan, Class of 2024, they wanted a place that would not only challenge her academically, but personally as she moved from elementary to middle school. A place that would encourage her to be an independent thinker, confident student, and compassionate friend. A place that would provide unrivaled educational opportunities in a supportive, safe, and diverse environment. A place where their daughter could truly thrive. After Liadan visited Ellis for a shadow day—and left beaming ear-to-ear—it was clear to them that The Ellis School was that place for Liadan and the right place for them as parents.
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Culture & Community Life
The Ellis School does not discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation in employment. We do not discriminate in student recruitment, admissions, financial aid, or any other aspect of the School’s program, except on the basis of age and gender identity in fulfillment of the School’s mission.
