Ellis Early Learning Celebrates 140 Years of Educational History in the South End

Ellis Early Learning is celebrating 140 years of supporting Boston's working families. The nonprofit organization started as an afternoon club for young boys, transitioned to a settlement house serving immigrants in the South End, and now stands as a local and national model for inclusive, equitable early education for infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

"Ellis has continually evolved to meet the needs of Boston's children and families," said Ellis Early Learning CEO Lauren Cook. "Today, we stand at the forefront of our field, enabling parents to continue working while investing in our educators with professional development and support, ensuring they have the tools to strengthen and nurture the next generation."

Ellis will be celebrating its anniversary throughout 2025, culminating on Nov. 6 with its annual benefit event featuring the theme of "Celebrating Ellis and Our 140th Birthday." During the special evening, when supporters come together to support the shared mission of providing affordable and exceptional early education, Ellis will honor a champion of early education, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey.

Ellis's history begins in 1885, when the Ellis Memorial & Eldredge House opened to enhance the education of young boys who shined shoes and sold newspapers. The program — founded by Ida Eldredge, who was inspired by the Rev. Rufus Ellis, pastor of the First Church of Boston — later expanded to serve young girls.

In the early 1900s, Ellis transitioned into a settlement house providing education and a range of services to recent immigrants to the city. Supporters of the settlement movement believed education was a core service necessary to improving the living conditions of working families living in poverty. Throughout its history, Ellis's mission has remained consistent with the settlement house philosophy.

Today, Ellis provides full-time early education and child care services at two adjacent buildings on Berkeley Street and a center in Jamaica Plain that opened in 2021. Ellis currently serves more than 325 children annually from families across the socio-economic spectrum.

"Throughout our long history, our mission has focused on supporting the children of Boston in a developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive learning environment," said Ellis Early Learning Board Chair Coleen Downs Dinneen. "Our leadership team and dedicated staff are committed to ensuring our youngest learners develop the social, emotional and academic skills necessary to succeed in school and in life."

With ongoing philanthropic support, Ellis looks to build on recent initiatives that included an outdoor garden education program; a weekly music program developed in partnership with the New England Conservatory; two STEM labs where toddlers and preschoolers learn and make discoveries; expanded care for children experiencing homelessness; and increased training for educators through the Ellis Center of Excellence.

About Ellis Early Learning: Ellis Early Learning partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education programs in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in its field, Ellis supports children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasures diversity in all forms and celebrates the joy of childhood. For more information, visit www.EllisEarlyLearning.org.