When it comes to choosing a high school, girls and their families may decide that a parochial or independent school best meets their needs. The Charles E. Ellis Trust for Girls helps eligible young women in Philadelphia attending parochial and independent high schools by awarding grants to ease the cost of their tuition. Grants are provided for current year tuition expense only and do not cover the full cost of tuition or past due amounts.

The Philadelphia region is rich with many fine schools to prepare you for postsecondary success.  We encourage you to explore all of the educational options available and find the school that’s the best fit for you.

Schools We’ve Worked With

Independent High Schools

  • Abington Friends School
  • Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
  • AIM Academy
  • Al-Aqsa Academy
  • Calvary Christian Academy
  • Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School
  • Episcopal High School
  • Friends’ Central School
  • Friends Select
  • Germantown Academy
  • Germantown Friends
  • International Christian High School
  • Mercy Career & Technical High School
  • Merion Mercy Academy
  • Nazareth Academy High School
  • Oakwood Friends School
  • Phil-Mont Christian Academy
  • Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr
  • Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
  • The Agnes Irwin School
  • The Baldwin School for Girls
  • The City School
  • The Crefeld School
  • The Mount Saint Joseph Academy
  • The Perkiomen School
  • The Shipley School
  • Villa Joseph Marie High School
  • William Penn Charter School
  • Westminster School
  • Wyncote Academy

Parochial High Schools

  • Archbishop John Carroll High School
  • Bonner & Prendergast Catholic High School
  • Archbishop Ryan High School
  • Cardinal O’Hara High School
  • Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls
  • Saint Katherine’s School
  • Saint Hubert’s High School
  • Sts. John Neumann & Maria Goretti High School
  • West Philadelphia Catholic Preparatory High School

Application Timeline

The Ellis Trust application for Tuition Assistance Grants is available beginning January 1st and closes on March 15th. Once decisions are made, students and families will be notified by May 1st. Tuition payments are made in the fall and spring of the upcoming school year. Grant payments are sent directly to the school and can only be used for current-year tuition expenses.

Students must apply for funding for the next school year every January 1st until their senior year. Grants are not automatically renewed. Students must reapply each year to renew their eligibility. See more on eligibility requirements before applying.

The Tuition Assistance Grant application is available online via smartphone, tablet and personal computer. Students and their parent/guardian can make arrangements to use the computers at the Ellis office at 123 S. Broad St., Suite 850 if needed. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Teachers, Counselors & Community-Based Organizations

If you are a teacher, a high school guidance counselor or work with an organization that serves young women, we need your help. Your daily work with Philadelphia-area girls puts you in a unique position to reach students who may be eligible for an Ellis Trust grant. If you know of any young women who meet our eligibility requirements, please encourage them to apply. Our aim is to provide as many girls as possible with the resources and opportunities that will prepare them for success in their college and career endeavors.

More Questions?

Check out our FAQ section with answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility and the application process.