The Ellis School

Academics

Upper School Curriculum

Where Bright Minds Become Bold Leaders

At Ellis, our rich academic program builds a rock-solid foundation of knowledge, skills, and confidence that empowers students to lead—in the classroom and beyond. Our graduates consistently report that Ellis prepared them exceptionally well not only for college, but for life.
Ellis students graduate as curious, capable leaders who know how to study, research, and develop creative solutions to complex challenges. They learn to write and speak with clarity and conviction, collaborate effectively with diverse peers, and advocate for themselves and others. Along the way, they discover how they learn best as individuals and gain the confidence to take intellectual risks.

In every classroom, our teachers strike the perfect balance of challenge and support—pushing students just beyond their comfort zones to help them grow into thoughtful, resilient, and empowered young women ready to take on real-world challenges with purpose and poise.

Program of Study

Subject
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Computer Science
Technological Literacy 
Electives: Computer Science I
 Electives: AP Computer Science A, Data Structures & Algorithms
English
World Literature I
World Literature II
American Literature
Poetics of Social Justice
or
AP English: Origin Story
History
World History I
World History II
Survey of American History
or
AP United States History
History Electives
(options include Contemporary Geopolitics, AP US Government)
Co-Labs and Integrated Studies
 Voice & Vision
Culture in Context
 Introduction to Engineering Design
Senior Projects
Mathematics
Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II
 Geometry, Algebra II, or Pre-calculus /Trigonometry
Algebra II, Precalculus/
Trigonometry, Calculus, or AP Calculus AB
Precalculus/Trigonometry, AP Calculus AB or BC, Calculus, or Statistics
Physical Education
Lifetime Wellness
 Electives: Introduction to Sports Marketing, Strength & Conditioning, Sports & Games, Food & Nutrition, Lifetime Fitness
Science
Concepts of Physics
Chemistry
Evolutionary Biology
AP Chemistry
Science Electives 
(options include Everyday Science, Human Anatomy & Physiology, AP Biology, AP Physics)
Visual and/or Performing Arts
Students must take at least one performing or visual arts elective at some point in their Upper School years.
World Language
Students must complete through Level III in Spanish, French, or Latin; Level IV and AP language courses are offered for continued study.
Mini-courses
Mini-courses are required of students in grades 9–11. 

Upper School AP Course Examples

List of 14 items.

  • AP 2D & 3D Art & Design

  • AP Art History

  • AP Biology

  • AP Calculus AB

  • AP Calculus BC

  • AP Chemistry

  • AP Computer Science A

  • AP English: Origin Story

  • AP French Language & Culture

  • AP Latin: Vergil’s Aenied & Caesar’s De Bello Gallico

  • AP Physics

  • AP Spanish Language

  • AP United States History

  • AP US Government & Politics

Upper School Electives

List of 20 items.

  • Acting & Scene Study

  • Advanced Latin Seminar

  • Contemporary Global Geopolitics

  • Data Structures and Algorithms

  • Molecular Biology

  • Glee Club

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology

  • Computer Science

  • Playwriting

  • Introduction to Anthropology

  • Art Now

  • Introduction to Sports Marketing

  • Exploring Everyday Science

  • Statistics

  • Orchestra

  • Physics for Future Presidents

  • Studio Art

  • Voice: Sing Loud for All to Hear

  • Clayworks/Advanced Clayworks

  • Photography/Advanced Photography

Mini-courses

Mini-courses give Ellis girls the chance to explore new ideas, unwind, and have fun before summer break. 
From robot-building and global cooking to biking the Burgh and analyzing history through film, these hands-on experiences spark curiosity and creativity beyond the classroom. Free from pressure and full of possibility, mini-courses help students build confidence, collaborate with peers, and discover new passions in a joyful, supportive environment.

List of 9 items.

  • American History Through Film

  • Biking the Burgh

  • Build-a-bot

  • Bump, Birth, and Beyond: A Look at Baby-making across Cultures

  • Fashion Forward: A Project Runway Challenge

  • Game Theory

  • Global Flavors: Exploring International Cuisine

  • Power & Patience: Yoga and Meditation

  • Shakespeare’s Kings Through Film

Ashley Dotson

Head of Upper School

In the Ellis Upper School, the most significant advantage we provide is the all-girls environment, which fosters confidence in girls ages 14 to 18. The emphasis we place on leadership, voice, and intellectual risk-taking means that Ellis graduates walk out into the world as confident young women who are fully prepared for the challenges of college and careers. As students progress through the Upper School, their intellectual and social growth is fostered through exposure to a diverse curriculum, elective offerings in both the visual and performing arts, a highly successful athletic program, and a thriving activities program. Community engagement is a hallmark of the Ellis Upper School. Through partnerships with nonprofit, for-profit, and research institutions, our girls are engaged in meaningful hands-on, project-based experiences that help them discover what they love. Joyfulness, balance, and wellness are among our core community values. Our beloved mini-course program encourages lifelong curiosity and learning in topics such as yoga, self-defense, the history of women and the law, introduction to philosophy, and financial literacy. Through social activities, dances, talent shows, music events, and plays, we develop deep friendships and celebrate each girl's unique contributions to our community.

Upper School Faculty Directory

6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992   |   admissions@theellisschool.org
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992
admissions@theellisschool.org