Beyond the Classroom: The Ellis Outdoor Education Campaign
The Ellis School is excited to reimagine its outdoor spaces with a vibrant renovation that nurtures the whole child and deepens students' everyday connection with nature. Our vision includes refreshing the rubber-turf play area, designing an imaginative new Lower School playground, and adding inviting outdoor study and hangout spots for Upper School students. This lively new space will support over 400 students and become a dynamic hub on campus—bringing our mission to life by empowering young women through a joyful, balanced education that celebrates learning, community, and the environment.
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ForeverLawn
Lovingly called “the Target” at Ellis, our rubber play area is ready for a refresh—and an expansion. By resurfacing and enlarging this beloved space, we’ll create a safe, durable, and inclusive environment for Lower and Middle School students to run, play, and learn outdoors. The upgraded surface will be soft, slip-resistant, and perfect for everything from group games to imaginative play.This expansion will also welcome our youngest community members from Pre-K and Fifth Avenue Daycare, giving them a safe, active space to explore. Designed for movement, teamwork, and creativity, the new play area will become a dynamic, accessible hub where students of all ages can grow, connect, and thrive. -
Lower School Playground
The new Lower School Playground will be a vibrant, age-appropriate space designed for children ages 3 to 10, encouraging active play, creativity, and exploration. For our youngest students, ages 3 to 5, we’re planning low, soft-surfaced structures that support safe and joyful movement. For ages 6 to 10, the playground will feature taller, more complex elements to promote agility, coordination, and confidence. Natural climbing rocks, sensory gardens, and shaded seating will invite both play and peaceful moments.Used year-round and loved by students and the wider community alike, this space is a centerpiece of Ellis life—even serving as a hub for our popular summer camps. It’s more than a playground; it’s where imagination meets connection, and where Ellis’s impact extends beyond the school year. -
Upper School Patios
Our Upper School patios have the potential to become vibrant outdoor classrooms and gathering spots—with just a little help. By adding comfortable, durable furniture and clusters of seating, we’ll transform these underused spaces into welcoming areas for learning, connection, and reflection.Shaded zones and greenery-filled planters will bring a touch of nature to students’ daily routines, while creating a calm, open-air environment for class discussions, study sessions, or simply catching up with friends. These refreshed patios will offer a much-needed breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively—for the Ellis community.
Honoring Mrs. Ludmila Francombe
The newly renovated Lower School Playground will be named in honor of Mrs. Ludmila Francombe, a beloved and longtime member of the Ellis faculty whose impact on generations of students has been immeasurable. This special space will not only celebrate her incredible legacy but will also serve as a place where Ellis girls can climb, explore, and challenge themselves—just as Mrs. Francombe encouraged them to do throughout her many years at Ellis. Known for her thoughtful guidance and unwavering belief in each student’s potential, she inspired all to embrace curiosity, resilience, and the joy of learning. True to her cherished mantra, “Smart people don’t push—unless they’re pushing themselves to new heights,” this playground will stand as a lasting tribute to her spirit. It will offer students a place to stretch their limits, both physically and mentally, in an environment that fosters growth, creativity, and connection.
Planning with Purpose
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Budget and Timeline
The total cost of the project is estimated at $450,000, covering materials, installation, landscaping, and safety features. We’re aiming for an eight-month timeline, with material orders placed in January 2025, groundbreaking and construction beginning in the summer of 2025, and completion by mid-August 2025, just in time for the start of the 2025-26 school year. Your generous support will play a key role in bringing this vision to life, transforming our campus into a vibrant space that nurtures play, learning, and growth for all students. -
Safety and Accessibility
The Ellis School's outdoor renovation is about more than just beautiful, nature-inspired design—it’s also about creating a campus that’s welcoming and accessible to everyone. We’re adding gently sloped ramps to improve access to areas that have long been difficult for those with mobility challenges. These upgrades will also make it easier for our facilities team to move equipment around campus safely and efficiently.A new rubber surface will provide extra cushioning for active play, helping to prevent injuries while meeting ADA accessibility standards. With these improvements, students of all abilities will be able to enjoy the playground fully and safely. This project reflects Ellis’s deep commitment to creating inclusive, high-quality outdoor spaces where every student can feel confident, supported, and free to explore.
With Your Support
With your support, Beyond the Classroom: The Ellis Outdoor Education Campaign represents a transformative opportunity to enrich the daily lives of Ellis students and the broader community. This ambitious renovation will enhance the physical campus and embody The Ellis School’s mission to empower young women through meaningful connections to nature, active play, and collaborative learning. From honoring the legacy of Mrs. Francombe in the Lower School Playground to creating inclusive, innovative spaces for students of all ages, this project underscores our commitment to fostering growth, wellness, and equity. With your support, we can bring this vision to life, creating outdoor spaces that inspire exploration, connection, and lifelong memories for generations of Ellis students. Together, let us build a future where every student has the space to thrive.
