News & Calendar
School News
2022
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September
Finding the Connection: The Healers
We continue our series of stories highlighting connections between Emma students past and present with physician Johane Gildade Boursiquot, MD ’97 and Meli N. ’23, a current student whose interests center around medical research and biomedical engineering. This is the final feature from the series, originally printed in the Spring 2022 edition of Signature magazine.Read More
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One of 360: Crystal S. '23
Mount Ida is back and buzzing with the return of our incredible school community. As we all begin to settle into our routine, it’s time to learn about the faces who make our spaces special. Our One of 360 series kicks off this month with none other than New York City native, Crystal S. ’23! Hear more from Crystal on her discovery of Emma Willard School, surprise poetry, and taking the stage at APOLLO.Read More -
DEI Speaker Series with Dr. Ruha Benjamin: Joyful and Just, Community as Rebellion and the Poetics of Living
Last week saw the start of the 2022-2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Speaker Series at Emma Willard School as we welcomed storyteller, scholar, and advocate Dr. Ruha Benjamin on Tuesday, September 13. Dr. Benjamin’s new book, “Viral Justice: How We Grow the World We Want”, examines the many routes through which race, technology, and justice intersect, and offers creative and innovative solutions for fostering togetherness.Read More -
Finding the Connection: The Filmmakers
We continue our series of stories highlighting connections between Emma students past and present with filmmaker Natasha Kermani ’06 and Carly H. ’25, a current student thinking about a possible career in the filmmaking industry. Carly interviewed and wrote this feature for our Spring 2022 edition of Signature magazine.Read More
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Welcome, EMployees!
As our community grows with the addition of our new students, Emma Willard School welcomes a fresh class of EMployees to Mount Ida for the '22-'23 academic year!Read More -
Starting the New School Year with Open Minds
During the days of preparation for the 2022-2023 school year, the Emma community enjoyed a series of workshops presented by Rosetta Lee, a nationally recognized diversity expert. The topics included creating an inclusive classroom, gender inclusivity in a girls’ school environment, cultural competency, and having courageous conversations.Read More -
Four Questions with Emily Carton: Back in a New York State of Mind
Read MoreMs. Emily Carton is the new Director of Student and Community life at Emma Willard School. She most recently served as the assistant head of school for student life at Hebron Academy in Maine and joined the Emma Willard community this summer. We asked her four questions about her first few months at the school: -
Academic Convocation Launches Emma's 209th Year
Emma Willard School marked the official start of the 2022-2023 school year with Academic Convocation on Thursday, September 1, in Mott Gymnasium. EMployees donned their regalia and students dressed for the day, gathering to hear words of inspiration for the new year.Read More -
August
A New Year at Emma!
It’s been a quiet summer atop Mount Ida without the infectious bouts of laughter we know and love. The months since Commencement, Reunion, and GirlSummer have flown on by (in what feels like the fastest Summer of all time), but that means one thing: Opening Week is finally upon us.Read More -
Finding the Connection: The Ice Dancers
We continue our series of stories (originally printed in the Spring 2022 edition of Signature magazine) highlighting connections between Emma students past and present with ice dancers Polly Sidford Hodgkins ’56 & Victoria H. ’23.Read More -
Finding the Connection: The Explorers
For students at Emma Willard School, it’s always been easy to look to graduates for inspiration. The rapid and revolutionary changes in global society and educational methodologies over the last century, though, sometimes make it difficult for alumnae to see their experiences reflected in the lives of today’s students. This series of stories (originally printed in the Spring 2022 edition of Signature magazine) highlights pairs who found the connection.Read More -
COVID Keepers: Seeing the pandemic as a portal to a better future
Read MoreNearly two years after the height of the COVID pandemic, we live in a world reimagined. Some of what seemed like short-term solutions or operational detours at the moment have proved to be catalysts for reframing the educational experience, engaging our community, and ensuring access. -
Gargoyle ’21-’22: A Book Dedicated to Mr. Berry
Read MoreThis year, the senior class has decided to dedicate the yearbook to a beloved member of the Emma Willard School community, Alan Berry. -
July
Belonging & Equity: Building Bridges And Embracing Accountability
In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have sprung up on campuses and in boardrooms across the country, indicators of an impassioned populace seeking to redress past wrongs and create a more inclusive environment for the future. Emma Willard School is among those institutions who have committed themselves to this work, appointing Christine Gilmore as the school’s inaugural head of institutional equity and inclusion.Read More -
Four Questions for Nick Marchese: Loose Leaf Tea for the Win
Mr. Nick Marchese is the director of academic and strategic technology at Emma Willard. Mr. Marchese joined the Emma Willard community in fall 2018, moving to Troy from Brooklyn, N.Y. where he worked at the Berkeley Carroll School. We asked him four questions about his experience at Emma.Read More -
Summer Reading
We’re about halfway through summer, and odds are you may be looking for your next summer read. Emma Willard School faculty and staff have shared some recommendations, based on their favorite reads so far this summer.Read More -
Mathematics on Mount Ida and Beyond
Junior year is always an incredibly busy time for high school students. Between entering the college search process and mounds of exams, time management becomes one of the most important lessons to learn. While it was a hectic time for all, Stella L. ’23 added a bit more of a challenge to her year by entering the esteemed Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).Read More -
June
The Days are Just Packed: GirlSummer!
Read MoreWhen the academic year closes at Emma Willard School, campus gets quiet–but only temporarily. GirlSummer is upon us, and once again our campus is full of campers enjoying the day program for some exploring, playing, and learning. -
Telling Your Story
Literature is beautiful for a myriad of reasons. We look to books to learn about the history of the universe, to escape the present and transport to other worlds, and sometimes, for simple self-expression. For the young students at Albany International Center, Olana S. '24 is helping their approach to literature become a defining identity moment to last a lifetime.Read More -
Signature Magazine Introduces Infinite Horizon
In the Spring 2022 edition of Emma Willard School’s Signature magazine, we introduce the leadership of our recently-announced capital campaign, Infinite Horizon, and explore some of the early gifts of the campaign.Read More -
Alumnae Panelists Lead Insightful Discussions
As a part of the programming for 2022 Reunion, alumnae experts presented panel discussions on two topics: Women & Wellness and Women in Philanthropy. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to learn from their fellow Emma alums on these topics that get to the core of our wellness and our values.Read More -
Reliving Reunion 2022
For the first time since 2019, alumnae ascended Mount Ida to reconnect in person at Reunion. The Classes of 2s and 7s celebrated milestone anniversaries and enjoyed moments of laughter and nostalgia.Read More -
Exploring Identity on Mount Ida
As we ask our students to show up as their best selves in the classroom, challenging their thoughts and perceptions, we ask the same of our adult community. One difficult question is, how do we promote an environment that allows true identity to shine through? Through professional development opportunities curated by various departments at Emma Willard School, we encourage our faculty and staff to come together and expand our horizons on a number of topics. This week, with the help of our Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Mount Ida welcomed Dr. Rodney Glasgow—a Harvard graduate and disruptor of educational norms—to inspire us to uncover how we truly serve our school and each other.Read More -
The 208th Commencement of Emma Willard School
The 208th Commencement exercises were filled with joyful moments after four years of tumultuous changes, both globally and in our individual lives. The Emma Willard School community—students, families, faculty, staff, and alumnae—came together to celebrate the Class of 2022 at the completion of their high school journey.Read More -
Commencement Awards
In a continuation of the tradition of recognizing exemplary academic success, service, and dedication to Emma Willard School as evidenced on Awards Night, two additional honors are presented during the Commencement ceremony: James Adkins Baxter and Clementine Miller Tangeman awards were presented at Commencement on Sunday, June 5.Read More -
Words of Wisdom for the Class of 2022
After four years of incredible trials and triumphs, the Emma Willard School Class of 2022 came together with fellow students, faculty, staff, and families to celebrate the tradition of Baccalaureate on Saturday, June 4.Read More -
Celebrating the Class of 2022
Read MoreThis weekend, we will celebrate the Emma Willard School Class of 2022 at our 208th Commencement exercises. These students are described by teachers and peers as "compassionate," "inspiring," and "resilient" and were the last of the current classes to experience a "normal" year at Emma Willard before COVID-19. However, determined not to be defined by the pandemic, the Class of 2022 is distinguished for its resolve to live out the full Emma experience, support fellow students, and sustain our great traditions, all despite unprecedented challenges and change.We applaud you, seniors, and proudly welcome you as Emma Willard alumnae this weekend. Congratulations to all our graduates! -
Spring 2022 Athletes Honored
Spring at Emma Willard School is always a marvelously busy time. Between Signature celebrations, end of year recitals/concerts, and Commencement preparation, there’s no shortage of commemorative moments. Last week, we added another celebration to the mix as we acknowledged the accomplishments of our 118 Spring athletes and coaching staff. Read on to learn more about the award winners from our Spring ’22 Crew, Lacrosse, Softball, and Track and Field teams!Read More -
May
Celebrating Student Excellence
Read MoreHonoring our founder’s vision, Emma Willard School proudly fosters in each young woman a love of learning, the habits of an intellectual life, and the character, moral strength, and qualities of leadership to serve and shape her world. In accordance with this vision, we annually honor students who show outstanding qualities in these areas. -
Spring Showcase Highlights Curiosity and Accomplishment
In another moment of return to normalcy, we were excited to welcome families back to campus to celebrate their Emma students’ accomplishments through the annual Spring Showcase. Emma Artists and Signature scholars aggregated a years’ worth of work (in some cases more) to present to the Emma Willard School community.Read More -
One of 360: Grace P. '22
As the academic year nears its final days, our One of 360 series bids farewell to our Senior class with the help of Grace P. ’22. Hear from Grace about the infinite creativity behind mathematics, connecting with Emma alum through Revels, and her pup, Loki!Read More -
Fulfillment Meets Literature
In 2020, we announced a plan to “go beyond” Advanced Placement™ classes, replacing AP with our own Emma-specific Advanced Studies (AS) courses. During Summer 2021, faculty spent time together in a coordinated effort to dream of and plan for advanced classes that are student-centered, relevant, and meaningful. English Instructor Caroline Boyajian was among those faculty, pursuing a vision for “going beyond” with AS English Literature.Read More -
Weekend Festivities: Apollo and Prom
Spring on Mount Ida is in full-swing, and with that come the various events, traditions, and celebrations as we start to think about wrapping up the 2021-2022 school year! Though the weekend began with the official launch of Infinite Horizon: The Campaign for Emma Willard School, it wasn’t the only fun on the horizon.Read More -
Community Event Launches Historic Capital Campaign
The Emma Willard School community—Trustees, EMployees, and students—gathered on Mount Ida on Friday, May 13, to celebrate a momentous occasion: the launch of Infinite Horizon: The Campaign for Emma Willard School.Read More -
Emma Willard School Launches Record-Breaking $175 Million Capital Campaign
Emma Willard School today announced the public launch of a $175 million capital campaign that will support and strengthen the school’s commitment to girls’ education.Read More -
Four Questions with Margaret Clark '98
Ms. Margaret Clark ’98 is the director of alumnae relations and campus events at Emma Willard School. Ms. Clark returned to the Emma Willard community in 2019, after a career in sales and marketing for many companies from small businesses to the Fortune 500. We asked her four questions about her experience at Emma.Read More -
AAPI Heritage Month Assembly
May marks the beautiful celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the United States. At Emma Willard School, we gathered for a moving Asian Heritage Assembly to recognize the many contributions of AAPI culture in our country and institution.Read More -
Celebrating Poetry at Emma Willard School
This past April Emma Willard School (being a poetical community that loves a reading recommendation) celebrated poetry month with a variety of events and activities offered by the writing center, the library and its leadership committee, and the Spilled Ink poetry club.Read More -
April
Musical May Day
The Emma Willard School community gathered on this brisk, sunny Friday for the traditional May Day festivities, orchestrated by the Class of 2022.Read More -
Two of 360: Coco and Nini Y. ’25
This month, our One of 360 series makes history by introducing siblings! Meet Coco and Nini Y. ’25, twins from Shanghai, China. Get to know more about their journey to Emma Willard School, how they start their day with music, and the exciting new experiences they are sharing together.Read More -
An Emma Story: Alexandra Schmidt and Tina Q. '22
Read MoreI was walking through Weaver last month when I encountered Tianning Tina Q. '22, who said, “Oh good, I’ve been looking for you.”“Really? Having me as your math teacher for 3 years wasn’t enough? I am complimented!”After having taught Tina her sophomore, junior, and senior years, we have a long and friendly relationship; a certain informality does creep in.“I have an unusual question. Are you able to read and write Yiddish?” -
Honors Convocation: Can We Save the World in Time?
Emma Willard School honored the academic excellence and exemplary citizenship of students, as well as extraordinary faculty service at Honors Convocation during Spring Family Connections on Friday, April 15. Families were invited to visit the campus, in-person and virtually, to attend classes, Morning Reports and more.Read More -
Awards Season: Arts, Computing, Mathematics
This spring, it’s apparent that awards season is upon us! We are honored to be represented by exceptional student work in the visual arts, computer science and mathematics. Five students were accepted into the High School Regional Juried Art Exhibition, and 16 participated in the Media Arts Festival. Five computer science students won Regional Awards for Aspirations in Computing, the highest number of students from Emma to win thus far! Six Emma Willard School students were recently recognized in the top five female students in the American Mathematics Competition.Read More -
Speaker Series: Kip Wilson ’86
Emma Willard School Alumna Kip Wilson ’86 returned to Mount Ida this week as the finale to our 2021-2022 Speaker Series. Kip Wilson is the author of “White Rose” (2019, Versify), a critically-acclaimed YA novel-in-verse about anti-Nazi political activist Sophie Scholl, and “The Most Dazzling Girl in Berlin”, (2022, Versify), a YA novel-in-verse about Hilde, an aspiring singer at a queer club in Berlin in 1932. Kip holds a PhD in German literature and was the poetry editor at Young Adult Review Network (YARN) for five years before joining Voyage as Associate Editor in 2020. Her next YA novel-in-verse, “One Last Shot”, about Gerda Taro, the first female photojournalist killed on the front, is forthcoming from Versify in 2023.Read More -
Work in Progress: A Global Perspective
During our all-school Morning Reports, we have the opportunity for community members to give inspirational speeches during a segment called Works in Progress. These talks vary in theme from silly to serious and all points in between. Regardless of the topic, our community members are adept at discovering profound inspiration in all aspects of life. In this speech, Head of Enrollment Management Kristen A. Mariotti shares her reflections on the impact of traveling to new places.Read More -
A Day in the Life with Jenny C. Rao
Read MoreIn response to a recent "Rao Rumbles" — the anonymous comment or question box outside Jenny Rao's office — we followed Ms. Rao around with a camera to answer a student's great question about what fills a "typical day" for our Head of School! -
Four Questions with Megan Labbate
Ms. Megan Labbate is a science instructor at Emma Willard School. Ms. Labbate joined the community in 2015, having spent the first three years of her teaching career in an art and design-based charter school in Michigan. We asked her four questions about her experience at Emma.Read More -
One of 360: Paula S. '23
Read MoreAs we approach the final stretch of the school year, One of 360 returns with Paula S. '23, a junior boarder from Helsinki, Finland! Read on to learn more about Paula’s passion for computer science, breaking into new sports, and what makes Ring Week so special. -
March
A World Awaits You!
Emma Willard School’s AWAY trips give students opportunities to connect with communities and learning opportunities outside of Emma. This year’s trips have returned from their excursions in Boston and California with great stories and photos to share.Read More -
Creating with Calculus
Read MoreLast year, we announced a plan to “go beyond” Advanced Placement™ classes, replacing AP with our own Emma-specific Advanced Studies (AS) courses. Over the summer, faculty spent time together in a coordinated effort to dream of and plan for advanced classes that are student-centered, relevant, and meaningful. Mathematics Instructor Laslzo Bardos was among those faculty, pursuing a vision for “going beyond” with AS Calculus. -
RPI Brings Biomechanics to Emma
A group of Emma Willard School students recently participated in a three-part program on cellular biology and biomechanics, presented on the Emma campus by the Engineering Ambassadors (EAs) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).Read More -
Impact of the War in Ukraine on Emma
As often happens in the Emma Willard School community, world events hit close to home. Our community, representing 38 countries, is often impacted by global tragedies in a very direct way. The recent war in Ukraine is one such instance, as Ukraine is one of those countries represented in our student body.Read More -
Better to Give Than to Receive?
The Emma Willard School Theatre department was excited to open Kiggins Auditorium up to students, employees, and families for their winter production of The Giver.Read More -
Speaker Series: Dawn Riley
Emma Willard School welcomed 2021 Commencement speaker, Dawn Riley, back to Mount Ida this week as part of our 2021-2022 Speaker Series and launch to Women's History Month. Dawn is a world-renowned sailor, speaker, author, commentator, consultant, coach, and mentor. As CEO and captain of America True, she was and still is the youngest person and only female ever to lead an America’s Cup Challenge. She went on to be the first American, man or woman, to sail in four America’s Cups and two Whitbred Round the World races, now known as The Ocean Race.Read More -
Four Questions with Dr. Ashley Bennett
Ashley L. Bennett, EdD is the director of college counseling at Emma Willard School. Dr. Bennett joined the community last year after serving as director of college counseling at KIPP Sunnyside High School in Houston, Texas. We asked her four questions about her experience at Emma.Read More -
February
Celebrating Emma Hart Willard’s 235th Birthday
Read MoreOn Wednesday, February 23, 2022 the Emma Willard School community celebrated the 235th birthday of our founder, Emma Hart Willard, with an investment in our current students and a look back at Madame Willard’s impact on education. -
Jessica Z. '22 and Manu B. '23 Earn Computer Science Honors
Two Emma Willard School students have won National Honorable Mention Awards for the 2022 National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing Awards. Jessica Z. ’22 and Manu B. ’23 were two of 400 selected from more than 3,500 amazing, talented young computer scientists to receive the honorable mention distinction.Read More -
One of 360: Vernette B. '24
Our One of 360 series continues this month with Vernette B. ’24, a sophomore day student from right here in Troy, NY! Read on to learn more about Vernette’s favorite Emma traditions, journey into coding, and how family keeps her inspired.Read More -
Dance Returns: Visiting Guest Artists and the Dance Assembly
Recently, the dance program at Emma Willard School saw a return to some favorite events: the annual Dance Assembly, and visiting Artists in Residence Kellie Ann Lynch and Annie Wang. Read on for photos, videos, and more about the return to in-person for these events.Read More -
Black History Month 2022 with BLSU
Each year, the Black LatinX Student Union (BLSU) hosts a packed assembly for Black History Month (BHM) to share and celebrate important pieces of Black history. The programming for the assembly is led entirely by the students in BLSU and includes informational presentations, art, and music all in one event.Read More -
Art in Three Dimensions
Emma Willard School is proud to announce that the work of six students has been chosen for display at the 23rd annual Art in Three Dimensions juried high school exhibition. Over 220 works were submitted, 79 were selected for display in this year's show; seven pieces from Emma’s six artists were among those chosen.Read More -
Open Air: Sofia P. ’22 and The Wellie Podcast
In September 2020, the first episode of “Open Air,” a podcast hosted by Emma Willard School senior Sofia P. ’22, dropped on Spotify. Described as “a place where students, faculty, and staff can learn and share information regarding health and wellness through fun and honest conversations,” there are now over 30 episodes available covering a range of topics. Read on to hear from Sofia about her journey creating and hosting the podcast over the last two years.Read More -
Celebrating Anne Spencer Thurman '50
We are excited to kick off Black History Month and extend our Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration with a story almost 75 years in the making. On Tuesday, February 1, we dedicated a portrait of Anne Spencer Thurman ’50, Emma Willard School's first Black graduate.Read More -
January
In Search of Deeper Learning
As part of their work developing and honing curriculum aligned with our Academic Program Pillars, Emma Willard faculty spent a day in dialogue and planning with Dr. Jal Mehta, professor of education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and co-author of In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School.Read More -
Unsung Heroes: Health Center Appreciation Day
Read MoreFridays on Mount Ida always bring good times, but today’s Morning Reports revealed a special surprise to some very unsuspecting audience members. -
Signature Spotlight: Publishing Neuroscience Research
Read MoreMeli N. ’23 is pursuing a Signature project on “The Scientific Research Process in Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics.” Her work with Albany Medical College was recently recognized when she was included in the byline in an article published in Frontiers in Pain Research. Meli shares in her own words what inspired her work and what she’s learned thus far. -
One of 360: Carly H. '25
As we settle into the new beginnings of 2022, our very own Carly H. ’25 shares a glimpse into her new start at Emma Willard School. A first year day student from Averill Park, Carly reflects on her journey from GirlSummer to Welcome Week, finding confidence through the Arts, and the beauty of gratitude.Read More -
MLK Day: “Our Journey Continues”
Read MoreThe Emma Willard School community joined together on MLK Day for a series of webinars and an alumnae panel discussion in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. The day was designed to allow space for reflection and exploration of the past, present, and future of justice and equity in the United States and around the world. -
Growing Our Awareness
Read MoreThe Emma Willard School community recently had the opportunity to learn from Harvard Professor Mahzarin Banaji, PhD, who has conducted extensive scientific inquiry into the parts of our brain that guide behavior and are hidden from our conscious mind. Her virtual presentation to students, parents, and alumnae acts as a catalyst for reflection and continued work on equity and inclusion in our community. -
Acting in Community: YouthFx Intensive
Read MoreLast month, two Emma Willard School acting students finished up a six-week program at the YouthFX Open Lab. Manyi L. ’23 and Evangeline W. ’23 attended weekly sessions after school, collaborating with peers and professionals in the industry to learn almost every step of the creative theatrical process. -
Emma News: A Year in Review (2021)
2021 was a year of many firsts, deep reflections, and incredible celebrations. While we have collectively battled against the odds, together we have come out victorious. Join us in remembering a few of our favorite memories from the last year!Read More
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© EMMA WILLARD SCHOOL
emmawillard.org
© EMMA WILLARD SCHOOL
emmawillard.org
Welcome to Emma Willard School, a private day and boarding high school for girls in Troy, NY, and a leader in girls' education for over 200 years.
PLEASE NOTE: All visitors to campus must check in with Campus Safety, which can be found at the red flag entrance to Sage Hall (Pawling Ave. entrance).
PLEASE NOTE: All visitors to campus must check in with Campus Safety, which can be found at the red flag entrance to Sage Hall (Pawling Ave. entrance).