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English

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At Emma, English courses ask students to grapple with big questions: What does it mean to be a member of a diverse community? What kind of person do I want to develop into? How does the representation of groups of people in books and films affect how I understand them?

Our students read and analyze works of literature ranging from Sophocles’ Antigone to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Books from the traditional canon of Western civilization are juxtaposed with works representing the experience of other cultures. In addition to extensive work in vocabulary, grammar, and expository writing, students learn to craft personal and creative pieces. The English Department provides the groundwork for university study in writing and literature and develops students’ skills as language artists.

Download our course catalog for more details and graduation requirements.

Course Catalog

two students smiling and looking at Triangle magazine

We celebrated the publication of this year’s Triangle literary and art magazine. Congrats to all the writers, artists, and editors on a great issue!

Keya M. ’26 with her letter to the editor

Keya M. ’26 was the author of one of a few Letters to the Editor recently published on the New York Times site in response to their article on revising classic novels for today’s readers. Keya’s thoughtful response is the third letter listed. Congrats, Keya!

Shakespeare & Company presents their Northeast tour of Romeo and Juliet

For the first time since 2019, Emma Willard School was excited to welcome Shakespeare & Company back to campus for an on-stage performance and workshop. As part of their Northeast Regional Tour of Romeo and Juliet, the company of seven actors each played multiple roles to stage the familiar tragedy with high energy and a touch of humor.

Caroline teaching in her English class at Emma Willard

Caroline Boyajian is an English instructor and the junior class dean at Emma Willard School. Ms. Boyajian joined the Emma community in 2019 after moving from the Bronx, N.Y., where she taught middle and high school English at Riverdale Country School. We asked her four questions about her time here.

Two students discussing a book at desks in English class

English Faculty

Esther Dettmar

Esther Dettmar

English Department Chair, English Instructor
Erin Bennett

Erin Bennett

English Instructor
Caroline Boyajian

Caroline Boyajian

Director of Curriculum and Innovation, English Instructor
Brian Druckenmiller

Brian Druckenmiller

English Instructor
Mary Hunter

Mary Hunter

English Instructor, Head JV Volleyball Coach
Bethany Loffredo-Dempsey

Bethany Loffredo-Dempsey

English Instructor, Assistant JV Field Hockey Coach
Meg McClellan

Meg McClellan

English Instructor, Margaret Wing Dodge Instructor in Literature, Starzinger Writing Center Coordinator
Kathleen McNamara

Kathleen McNamara

English Instructor
Shawna Norton

Shawna Norton

English Instructor
Tom Nygren

Tom Nygren

English Support
Molly Riley

Molly Riley

Assistant Director of Admissions, Writing Support