Admission

Admission

Exploring The Ellis School

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.
Guided by expert faculty, Ellis girls are uniquely equipped with the confidence and authority to succeed in school and in life. In this girl-centered, immersive environment, tailored specifically to girls’ development and empowerment, students push the limits of their potential, pursuing a rigorous curriculum that offers a breadth and depth of study that meets their individual interests, talents, and goals.

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

Why Choose The Ellis School?

Resources

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.

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

  • What grades does The Ellis School offer?

    Ellis is Pittsburgh’s only independent day school for girls and serves students age three through grade 12. To start pre-kindergarten as a Cub, students must be three-years-old by September 15; to start pre-kindergarten as a Tiger, students must be four-years-old by September 15; to start kindergarten, students must be five-years-old by September 15. The Lower School is comprised of pre-kindergarten through grade 4; the Middle School includes grades 5 through 8; and the Upper School houses grades 9 through 12.
  • When is the financial aid application deadline?

    Financial aid applications for prospective Ellis families are due on January 1. Financial aid applications for current Ellis families are due on December 15. Learn more about the financial aid process here.
  • What is the average class size?

    At Ellis, we believe it is critical that each student is deeply known by her teachers and community—her personality, her gifts, and her opportunities for growth. In order to ensure that students learn at the edge of their comfort zone, Ellis maintains an average student to faculty ratio of 6:1 and an average class size of 12 students.
  • How can I learn more?

    Inquire to learn more about why Ellis is the best school in Pittsburgh for girls.
  • Where is The Ellis School located?

    In the heart of Pittsburgh’s East End, Ellis is located at 6425 Fifth Avenue between Beechwood Boulevard and Shady Avenue. All Ellis students learn together on one campus, ensuring a sense of community and continuity across grade levels. Students from nearly 70 zip codes and 35 school districts attend Ellis, and transportation options are available to many families in and around Pittsburgh.
  • Where do graduates of The Ellis School attend college?

    College advising is woven into the Ellis curriculum; every student takes a two-year college preparatory seminar during her junior and senior years. Additionally, Ellis is the only regional school to offer in-house ACT/SAT test prep. Every Ellis student receives unlimited hours of individual guidance to support her college search, and admission officers from more than 100 colleges and universities make recruiting visits to the Ellis campus each year. The outcomes speak for themselves.
  • When is the admission application deadline?

    Complete applications for admission are encouraged by January 1. Applications are accepted until grade levels are full. If it is after January 1, please call 412-661-4880 or email admissions@theellisschool.org to connect with a member of the Enrollment Management team.

    For prospective pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students who submit their applications by the January 1 deadline, admission decisions are sent in mid-February. For prospective students in grades 1-12 who submit their applications by the January 1 deadline, admission decisions are sent in early March.

Meet Ellis Families

Meet Our Team

Michelle Rust

Director of Enrollment Management

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.

List of 2 members.

  • Photo of Carolyn Frischer

    Ms. Carolyn Frischer 

    Assistant Director of Admission, Middle and Upper School
  • Photo of Olivia Altman

    Ms. Olivia Altman 

    Assistant Director of Admission, Lower School