ELLI Classrooms

ELLI — Early Language and Literacy Initiative (SM) — is a high-quality, year-round interdisciplinary approach to early childhood education designed to improve school readiness and close the achievement gap. With locations in Fairfield and Norwalk, ELLI provides essential language and literacy-rich educational experiences for young children that are based on theory, research, and community wisdom about what children need to learn and grow up successfully.

For more information about ELLI’s history and philosophy, see our ELLI Fact Sheet.

Locations in Fairfield and Norwalk

You can fill out an inquiry form online for ELLI Lab School and ELLI at Fairfield University locations. Completion of the form does not guarantee placement for the class.

CARE4KIDS is accepted at all locations.

ELLI Lab School at Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Two girls in a classroom laughing and playing

No Open Houses Available At This Time.

Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT
203 899 0606 ext. 216 / Email
Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm

  • Year-round, five-day-a-week program for children ages
  • 18 months – 5 years old
  • Toddler classroom with 1:4 teacher/child ratio
  • Preschool classroom with 1:10 teacher/child ratio
  • FREE Family Membership to Stepping Stones Museum for Children and free admission and other benefits all year
  • Limited toddler Child Day Care Contract (CDC) spaces available
  • Limited preschool School Readiness spaces available
  • Meal plan option
  • Masks are optional indoors and outdoors for students and families. Staff will continue to wear masks indoors, regardless of a person’s vaccination status.

Call 203 899 0606 ext. 216 to schedule a private tour!

A group of four young children laughing

ELLI at Fairfield University

1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
203 254 4028 / Email
Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm

  • Year-round programs for children ages 12 weeks – 5 years old
  • Infant classroom with 1:4 teacher/child ratio
  • Toddler classroom with 1:4 teacher/child ratio
  • Preschool classroom with 1:10 teacher/child ratio
  • FREE Family Membership to Stepping Stones Museum for Children – enjoy free admission and other benefits all year!
  • Discounted rates for Fairfield University staff
  • Meal plan option
  • Masks are required indoors for students age 3 and older, except when eating and resting. Staff will continue to wear masks indoors regardless of a person’s vaccination status.

Call 203 254 4028 to schedule a private tour!

ELLI in Norwalk Public Schools

School-year program for children ages 32 months – 5 years old
Lottery-based enrollment
1:10 teacher/child ratio
Mask policy follows Norwalk Public Schools guidelines

For more information about ELLI in Norwalk Public Schools, email or call Carol Carrozelli, School Readiness Coordinator, at 203 854 4114. For assistance in Spanish, please contact Johanna Valencia, School Readiness Office Assistant, at 203 854 4113

Read more about school readiness here.

ELLI Pre-Kindergarten Classroom at Fox Run Elementary School

228 Fillow Street, Norwalk, CT
Hours: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

ELLI Pre-Kindergarten Classroom at Kendall Elementary School

57 Fillow Street, Norwalk, CT
Hours: 8:45 am – 2:45 pm

NEW: ELLI Pre-Kindergarten Classroom at Naramake Elementary School

16 King Street, Norwalk, CT
Hours: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

NEW: ELLI Pre-Kindergarten Classroom at Wolfpit Elementary School

1 Starlight Drive, Norwalk, CT
Hours: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm