Ellis 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. We were founded in 1885 as one of Boston’s first settlement houses. Located in poor urban areas, settlement houses were led and staffed by volunteers and patrons who had the time and financial resources to help improve the living conditions of working families living in poverty. Education was one of the most important services they provided. Throughout our history, we have maintained the commitment and philosophy of the settlement house movement to build a stronger community by addressing the unmet needs of our city’s working families, especially with regard to education. Ellis programs are located in two historic buildings we own at 58 and 66 Berkeley Street in Boston’s South End.