Brenda L. Barreto

Ellis Early Learning partners with families to provide high quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood. Ellis was founded in 1885 as a club for working-class boys, before being incorporated as a settlement house in the early twentieth century. Focused on the needs of recent immigrants, settlement houses like Ellis were led and staffed by volunteers and patrons with time and financial resources to help improve the living conditions of poor working families. Education was one of the most important services they provided, and it has continued to be a core part of Ellis’s mission throughout the organization’s history. Today, Ellis is known for offering excellent early education, without regard for a child’s background or means. 65% of students attend Ellis through income-based subsidized vouchers, 80% of students are BIPOC, and 20% of families have open cases with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Our diversity is our strength as well as Boston’s future, so we are constantly striving to ensure our students are prepared for success in school and in life. Ellis Early Learning has locations in two historic buildings at 58 and 66 Berkeley Street in Boston’s South End, as well as at 555 Amory St. in Jamaica Plain.