Admission
Tuition
Investing in an Ellis Education
Tuition at The Ellis School is an investment in an exceptional educational experience—one that is intentionally designed to help every girl be known, challenged, and supported. Tuition supports expert faculty, a rigorous and engaging curriculum, strong athletics and extracurricular programs, and small class sizes that allow for personalized attention and meaningful relationships. Together, these elements create an environment where girls are empowered to grow academically, socially, and as leaders.
The tuition rates listed below reflect the full cost of an Ellis education at each grade level. To support the greatest number of students overall, the majority of school-funded financial assistance is directed toward students entering the Middle and Upper Schools (grades 5–12). Families applying to the Lower School (pre-kindergarten through grade 4) should plan to contribute at least half (50%) of the annual tuition.
The tuition rates listed below reflect the full cost of an Ellis education at each grade level. To support the greatest number of students overall, the majority of school-funded financial assistance is directed toward students entering the Middle and Upper Schools (grades 5–12). Families applying to the Lower School (pre-kindergarten through grade 4) should plan to contribute at least half (50%) of the annual tuition.
Tuition for the 2026-27 Academic Year
| Lower School | |
|---|---|
| Grade | Top Tuition 2026-2027 |
| Pre-kindergarten (5 Half-days) | $14,000 |
| Pre-kindergarten (2 Full/3 Half-days) | $16,750 |
| Pre-kindergarten (3 Full/2 Half-days) | $17,800 |
| Pre-kindergarten (5 Full days) | $20,400 |
| Kindergarten | $24,250 |
| Grades 1–4 | $29,750 |
| Middle School | |
| Grade | Top Tuition 2026-2027 |
| Grade 5 | $33,100 |
| Grades 6–8 | $34,950 |
| Upper School | |
| Grade | Top Tuition 2026-2027 |
| Grades 9–12 | $39,400 |
Additional Costs of Attendance
Tuition covers all instruction, field trips, technology, classroom materials, and most co- and extracurricular activities. Beyond tuition, there are some additional expenses related to attendance, which are itemized below.
List of 6 items.
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After-school Care and Activities
After-school child care, known as the Extended Day Program (EDP), is $605–$2,388 per year, depending on the number of days per week for which the student is registered. Beyond Extended Day, Ellis offers additional after-school enrichment opportunities, including after-school programs, athletics, and Ellis Music Academy. Fees for these activities are published each year, and pre-payment for Extended Day (excluding drop-ins), After-school Enrichment Classes, some athletics, and Ellis Music Academy are required. Fees apply for participation in trips for Pennsylvania Junior Classical League (PAJCL), Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS), Ski Club, and mini-courses. -
Testing Fees
PSATs (which are currently $18) and Advanced Placement (AP) exams (which range from $98–$138) are billed separately. (These rates are determined by the College Board and are subject to change.) Eligible students who receive Tailored Tuition receive a proportional reduction to AP exam fees. -
Textbooks and School Supplies
School supplies are provided in Lower School; students in grades 5–12 are encouraged to budget $50–$150 per year for supplies depending on the student’s grade and course load. Textbooks are provided in Lower and Middle School; students in Upper School should budget $100–$350 per year for books depending on the student’s course load. Students in grades 6–12 must supply their own graphing calculator (around $100). Ellis offers a 1:1 device program in Middle and Upper School at no additional cost. -
Tuition Management and Insurance Fees
Enrollment in FACTS Tuition Management service is required. The fee for the ten-payment plan is $50; the fee for the two-payment plan is $20; the fee for the one-payment plan is $0. Tuition insurance through A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. is required for multi-payment plans, the fee for which is 0.9% of net tuition. -
Uniforms and Merchandise
Uniforms are required for students in kindergarten to grade 12. For new uniform items, including required physical education uniform items, families should budget up to $250; for gently used uniform and physical education items, families should budget up to $150. -
Van Service
If you reside in a school district that does not provide bus transportation for your daughter(s), van service that spans the greater Pittsburgh area is available. The per-student fee for Sewickley, Murrysville, South Hills, and Northern Communities (Pine Richland, South Butler, Southwest Butler, Quaker Valley, and Mars areas) is $4,740 per year for round trip and $2,370 per year for one way. Please note that van service pricing is subject to change.
Payment Plans
Flexible Tuition Payment Options
The Ellis School is committed to partnering with families to ensure a smooth tuition payment process throughout each school year. Families may select one of three payment plan options offered by the School: the one-payment, two-payment, or ten-payment plan. Families select a payment plan when they submit the Evergreen Enrollment Statement. A different payment plan can be selected for a subsequent year during the Annual Re-enrollment Window.
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Ten-payment Plan
This plan is comprised of ten payments dividing the annual tuition into installments beginning in June and ending in March. Tuition insurance through A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. and payment through FACTS Tuition Management Service are required for this payment plan. The five percent enrollment deposit is due upon submission of the Evergreen Enrollment Statement and is applied to the final tuition payment in March. The annual nonrefundable FACTS fee ($55 for the Ten-Payment Plan) and tuition insurance fees will be withdrawn via FACTS alongside your second tuition payment in July. -
Two-payment Plan
This plan is comprised of two payments dividing the annual tuition with 60 percent due by July 31 and the balance of 40 percent due by January 1. Tuition insurance through A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. and payment through FACTS Tuition Management Service are required for this payment plan. The five percent enrollment deposit is due upon submission of the Evergreen Enrollment Statement and is applied to the final tuition payment in December. The annual nonrefundable FACTS fee ($20 for the Two-Payment Plan) and tuition insurance fees will be withdrawn via FACTS alongside your first tuition payment in July. -
One-payment Plan
This payment plan is comprised of one payment of the annual tuition by July 31. Tuition insurance through A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. is optional, though strongly recommended, for families who select this payment plan. Payment through FACTS Tuition Management Service is required. The five percent enrollment deposit is due upon submission of the Evergreen Enrollment Statement and is applied to the July payment. The annual nonrefundable FACTS fee ($20 for the One-Payment Plan) is withdrawn before the first payment and tuition insurance fees with be withdrawn via FACTS alongside the tuition payment in July. -
Tuition Insurance
Tuition insurance is available through A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. for all payment plans for a fee of 0.85% of your daughter’s tuition. This brochure details the plan’s coverage.
Connect With Us
An Ellis education is a powerful investment in your daughter’s future. Choosing Ellis means giving your daughter the chance to explore her passions, embrace every opportunity, and step confidently into a future only she can create. Contact our Admissions team at admissions@theellisschool.org, or click one of the buttons below to get started.
