Life at Ellis
Parent Life
Raising Bright, Confident Girls—Hand in Hand with Parents
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
A vibrant school community starts with engaged parents. At Ellis, every parent is automatically part of the Ellis Parent Association (EPA)—a dynamic group that strengthens our community and enhances the student experience through connection, service, and support. Together, we will to work to:
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Build Belonging
Create an inclusive and welcoming community for all Ellis families. -
Encourage Engagement
Offer fun, enriching activities and volunteer opportunities. -
Foster Communication
Bridge meaningful connections between parents and the school. -
Support Our Mission
Lead fundraising initiatives that directly benefit Ellis students.
Your Involvement Makes Ellis Stronger
There are many ways for parents to get involved and make an impact at Ellis! Whether you’re interested in classroom connection, community events, or fundraising efforts, the Ellis Parent Association offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to match your interests and schedule.
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Classroom Representative
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Division Representative
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Ellis Fund Parent Ambassadors
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Heritage Day Subcommittee
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Parent Association Executive Committee
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Spring Her Forward Subcommittee
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Teacher Appreciation Subcommittee
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The Paw Shop Volunteer
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
Ellis dining by CulinArt offers meals that aim to nourish, satisfy, and bring a little joy to every Ellis student’s day.
Featuring cuisines from around the world, our diverse menu offers a variety of meal options per day, each prepared with healthy, fresh ingredients that will fuel her belly and brain for the day ahead. Students can choose from a variety of meals, featuring fresh sandwiches, and comforting homemade soups. Students also have the option to purchase a mid-morning snack.
Transportation
Supporting Your Family’s Journey to Ellis
Reliable transportation plays an important role in choosing the right school for your daughter. At The Ellis School, we’re committed to helping families find convenient options for traveling to and from campus. Below, you’ll find helpful information and resources to support your transportation needs.
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): $4,740 per year for round trip and $2,370 per year for one way.Please note that van service pricing is subject to change annually.
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 will provide bus passes to all students who attend Charter Schools, parochial schools, and private schools in grades K-12. Wilkinsburg School District use buses to transport their students to their schools only (Turner & Kelly). Every other student receives a bus pass.
- 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.
