Life at Ellis
Parent Life
We know that students thrive best when parents and guardians work in close partnership with the School. Ellis strives to equip parents with the necessary information and tools they need to raise whole and healthy girls in alignment with our values.
Ellis Parent Association
The student experience is greatly amplified by parental involvement. Parents of Ellis students are automatically members of the School’s active Parent Association, which supports programs and initiatives for parents on and off-campus in meaningful ways. The Ellis Parent Association (EPA), in partnership with the school, creates an inclusive and welcoming parent community by providing enriching activities, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising initiatives for parents. The Ellis Parent Association maintains the following values:
- The EPA commits to be inclusive and welcoming to all members of the community.
- The EPA fosters communication between the school and parents.
- The EPA serves the community by building engagement and connection amongst parents.
- The EPA provides opportunities for parents to volunteer and fundraises in support of the School’s mission.
The Uniform
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To show a sense of unity, community, and sisterhood
Ellis students are required to wear a uniform from kindergarten to grade 12. The uniform allows girls to focus on their studies, passions, and ambitions rather than their outward appearance, and simplifies morning routines for parents.
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Dining Services
From a make-your-own waffle station to grab-and-go healthy snacks to homemade, seasonal soups, Ellis dining options made by Metz Culinary Management nourish, delight, and satisfy students.
Featuring cuisines from around the world, our diverse menu offers two main choices per day, each prepared with healthy, fresh ingredients that will fuel her belly and brain for the day ahead. Hot breakfast and lunch options are available daily, and students have the option to purchase a mid-morning snack.
Transportation
Having access to transportation can play an important role in determining where your daughter(s) will attend school. The Ellis School is committed to supporting families in their transportation needs. Please find below, helpful information that will address questions you may have regarding transportation to and from Ellis.
Bus Transportation
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Bus Transportation Eligibility
In accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines, students who live within a 10-mile radius of The Ellis School campus may be eligible for transportation from the public school district in which they reside. -
Arranging Bus Transportation
The Ellis School will notify your district to arrange for available transportation. The school districts alone determine the eligibility, routes, mode of transportation, and if applicable, bus stops and pick-up/drop-off times. Families are generally notified by the district in mid- to late-August of transportation details.While Ellis does submit information to each school district office for every Ellis family, including new families, certain school districts also require various forms of identification from the family directly to confirm the information we submit. Your school district will contact you if additional information is required. -
Districts that Generally provide bus service to Ellis
- Allegheny Valley
- North Allegheny
- Baldwin-Whitehall
- North Hills
- Carlynton
- Penn Hills
- Chartier Valley
- Pittsburgh Public Schools*
- East Allegheny
- Plum
- Fox Chapel
- Riverview/Oakmont
- Gateway
- Shaler
- Hampton
- South Allegheny
- Keystone Oaks
- West Jefferson Hills
- McKeesport
- Woodland Hills
- Montour
*Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) provides transportation for students in kindergarten through grade 8 if they live more than 1.5 miles from The Ellis School. Students in grades 9-12 are only eligible for transportation if they live more than two miles from Ellis. PPS issues eligible students in grades 6-12 a Port Authority ConnectCard for their transportation instead of being assigned to a school bus. -
For PPS Students Moving from Middle to Upper School
Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) provides transportation for students in kindergarten through grade 5 if they live more than 1.5 miles from The Ellis School. Students in grades 6-12 are only eligible for transportation if they live more than two miles from Ellis. PPS issues eligible students in grades 6-12 a Port Authority ConnectCard for their transportation instead of being assigned to a school bus. -
Other Important Information
- Wilkinsburg School District does not provide transportation for its own students in kindergarten to grade 6, and therefore is not required to provide bus transportation to Ellis students in these grades. However, students in grades 9–12 are eligible for a monthly PAT Bus Pass as long as parents provide proof of residency to Wilkinsburg School District.
- Riverview School District provides transportation for students in grades 7–12 only.
- Some school districts provide only one-way transportation for kindergarten students.
- No public school bus transportation is provided for pre-kindergarten students.
Van Service
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Van Service Eligibility
If you reside in one of the following school districts that does not provide bus transportation, the option of a van service that spans the greater Pittsburgh area may be available at an additional cost:Sewickley, Murrysville, South Hills, and Northern Communities (Pine Richland, South Butler, Southwest Butler, Quaker Valley, and Mars areas): $4,600 per year for round trip and $2,300 per year for one way.Please note that van service pricing is subject to change annually.
