Founded in 1814 with the mission to cultivate excellence in young women, Emma Willard School has weathered centuries of change to emerge as one of America's premier boarding and day schools for girls. This distinguished institution not only stands at the pinnacle of academic achievement but continually redefines educational breadth and depth, becoming the preferred destination for ambitious young women pursuing their dreams.
Academic Distinction and Curriculum
Rooted in intellectual curiosity, passion for learning, and commitment to personal growth, Emma Willard's curriculum spans literature, sciences, mathematics, arts, and history. The school offers an exceptional selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses that both challenge students academically and fuel their intellectual exploration. Students enjoy the freedom to pursue specialized academic interests through high-level scholarly activities while developing critical thinking skills through the school's signature pedagogical approach that encourages questioning and discovery.
Historic Campus with Modern Facilities
The school's architectural ensemble, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, presents a breathtaking historical panorama where each building resonates with cultural significance. Modern learning facilities complement these historic structures, featuring well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and art studios designed to maximize student potential. This harmonious blend of tradition and innovation creates an inspiring environment for academic and personal development.
Global Community in New York
With its current enrollment of 355 students, Emma Willard boasts remarkable diversity—29% of students come from international backgrounds. This multicultural environment enriches classroom discussions, extracurricular activities, and social interactions, fostering global perspectives and cross-cultural competencies essential in today's interconnected world.
Exceptional Faculty and Personalized Learning
The academic experience is supported by an outstanding faculty, with nearly 90% holding advanced degrees, including many with international teaching backgrounds. Educators serve as both knowledge facilitators and thought partners, guiding students through personalized learning plans that promote substantive academic progress. Their mentorship encourages intellectual risk-taking and innovative thinking.
Technology-Forward Education
Recognizing technology's vital role in modern society, the school integrates comprehensive STEM education into its curriculum. Students gain proficiency in programming, data analysis, and other technical skills through hands-on projects, internships, and competitions—preparing them for future career success.
College Placement and Student Outcomes
The school's college matriculation records demonstrate exceptional results: 19.44% of graduates attend top-50 U.S. universities, 11.94% gain admission to top-25 institutions, and 5.83% enroll at elite global universities including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT. These outcomes reflect the comprehensive development Emma Willard students achieve in academics, leadership, and social responsibility.
Holistic Student Support
Beyond academic excellence, the school prioritizes student wellbeing through professional counseling services and extensive extracurricular programming in athletics, arts, and technology. The 2024 comprehensive fee of $73,995 covers tuition, housing, and administrative costs, with financial aid available to ensure accessibility.
Prospective students may contact the admissions team at admissions@emmawillard.org to learn more about this transformative educational experience that continues to empower generations of women leaders.