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Meet Ellis Students

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Meet Ellis Families

Carrie Sparks and Christopher Palmer, Class of 2029 Parents

Carrie Sparks and Christopher Palmer were not familiar with all-girls education until they started looking at schools for their daughter. After seeing the differences in how their son and daughter learned, they decided to look at The Ellis School and ultimately enrolled Edie, Class of 2029. Firm believers that Ellis cultivates girls to be lifelong, confident learners, Christopher and Carrie share how Ellis has fostered Edie’s individuality and encouraged her growth.
Denise LaRosa, Class of 2030 Parent

Determined to give her daughter access to the best education in Pittsburgh, Denise LaRosa knew that The Ellis School was the only place for her daughter, Gianna, Class of 2030. A pre-kindergarten teacher at Ellis as well as a parent, Denise saw firsthand how transformative all-girls education could be for girls and chose to enroll her daughter in kindergarten so she could get the full Ellis experience beginning in Lower School. Now in first grade, Gianna is thriving in her class—proving to Denise and her husband, Jason, every day that they made the right decision.
Elaine Musgrave and Michael Wood-Vasey, Class of 2032 Parents

Elaine Musgrave and Michael Wood-Vasey first heard about the transformative power of an Ellis education from their friends, and soon enough were experiencing it for themselves through their daughter, Ella, Class of 2032. Attracted to Ellis’ emphasis on community and responsibility, Elaine and Michael wanted to send their daughter to a school where her voice would be respected, heard, and valued from a young age.
Priyanka Jhala, Class of 2030 Parent

The stories Priyanka Jhala heard about The Ellis School from other families in her community stood out to her as she considered where to send her daughter, Saira, to pre-kindergarten. After speaking with Ellis parents and the Enrollment Management team, Priyanka and her husband, Sameer, decided Ellis was the right place for Saira. It was Ellis’ global focus, nurturing faculty members, and commitment to celebrating each individual girl that drove their investment—and they haven’t looked back since.
Sarah Bumsted, Class of 2027 and 2029 Parent

When Sarah ALTMAN Bumsted ’95 moved back to Pittsburgh, there was one decision that she didn’t give a second thought to—sending her two daughters, Kit, Class of 2029, and Annie, Class of 2027, to Ellis. An alumna of the School herself, Sarah knew firsthand the value of an Ellis education and wanted her daughters to have the same experiences and opportunities she had as an Ellis student. From the invaluable role modeling girls witness in older students to the incomparable teachers who truly know, support, and care for them, Sarah chose Ellis for her daughters because she believes wholeheartedly that Ellis is the best educational experience for any child in Pittsburgh.
Tara and Patrick McElfresh, Class of 2024 Parents

When Tara and Patrick McElfresh sought out a new school for their daughter, Liadan, Class of 2024, they wanted a place that would not only challenge her academically, but personally as she moved from elementary to middle school. A place that would encourage her to be an independent thinker, confident student, and compassionate friend. A place that would provide unrivaled educational opportunities in a supportive, safe, and diverse environment. A place where their daughter could truly thrive. After Liadan visited Ellis for a shadow day—and left beaming ear-to-ear—it was clear to them that The Ellis School was that place for Liadan and the right place for them as parents.