Lesley Ellis School School History

	School History
	Originally used as a demonstration school, Lesley Ellis was purchased from the Cambridge School by Lesley College in 1949 and renamed in honor of its long-time director, Harriet Ames Ellis. In training early childhood educators in creating curricula within a developmental model, Lesley Ellis has featured small, diverse classrooms since its earliest days.
	When Lesley College divested itself of its demonstration schools in 1981, Lesley Ellis School joined the umbrella organization, Schools for Children. Its relocation to Arlington in 1989 marked the beginning of significant growth. In response to parent interest, the school established an elementary program that brought enrollment up from 40 preschoolers to its current student body of 150 children aged 2.9 – 11.
	Lesley Ellis has taken full advantage of the support provided by its parent organization while crafting its identity as an independent elementary school. Lesley Ellis is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE). Lesley Ellis draws students from within Arlington and its surrounding towns.