News Detail

A New Year at Emma!

By Sandra Santana
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.
Yesterday, Emma Willard School welcomed 118 new faces from near and far to join our community in the start of another incredible school year. 

Of the 118 new arrivals, 83 make up the Class of 2026, an exciting new addition to Emma Willard School. With new arrivals in each grade for the 2022-2023 school year, get to know our new Jesters through some fun facts!

  • Worldwide: Let’s start by noting how strong the geographical reach is. Currently, our new class spans over 20 states and 36 countries. 
  • A Family Affair: There are 66 students who are Alumnae kids and/or siblings.
  • Twinning: Speaking of family, say hello to two new sets of twins. 
  • Game On: Athletes are showing up in traditional and action sports. This class hosts skateboarders, figure skaters, equestrian riders, water skiers, wind surfers, sailers, martial artists, fencers, and a dual athlete (soccer/swimming) who represented Nigeria in the World School Games in Dubai! 
  • Musical Excellence: Our new musicians play instruments like guitar, piano, ukulele, violin, drums, flute, and the bassoon. Some are members of their respective youth orchestras as well.
  • Helping Hands: Many of our new students are passionate about a number of social justice issues both here and abroad and spend their time advocating for the rights in which they believe. 
  • We Love Furry Friends: Take it from the student who calls a farm home or the one who volunteers their time at a rabies vaccination clinic.
  • Take Center Stage: We welcome a Silver Medalist in a National French Competition, a poetry contest winner, and a member of the Young Actors Guild.
  • Authors in Action: Why write one book when you can work on multiple? One student is crafting several non-fiction books from a writing nook in her attic back home. While we can’t duplicate that special space, our writers can enjoy the many quiet spots on campus to work from!
  • Food: It brings us all together, but don’t take our word for it. One student joins the Emma community from a family who operates a delicious restaurant on an island in the Bahamas.
  • Self-Starters: Using the pandemic as a time to learn something new, one student took to YouTube to learn how to crochet! 

While there is much more to discover about the new faces on campus, we are so excited about the ways they will enhance our community. Year over year, we are delighted to welcome the leaders of tomorrow who continue to find unique ways to serve and shape our world. For more on Opening Day for our new students, check out our SmugMug, and stay tuned for more fun as our returning students arrive tomorrow! 

    • Ximena G.C. '26 arrives at Opening Day check in

    • Arlene Francis-Scarder '89 P '26 returns to Emma Willard School as the proud parent of Azariah '26!

    • Mary Shannon H. '26 in a lucky Dallas Cowboys football jersey for first day fun

    • Student leaders Sam Y. '23, Gevi S. '23, and Crystal S. '23 all smiles at the registration tent

    • Head of School Jenny Rao catching up with Student Leaders

    • Zola K. '25 getting photo ready at the ID station

What's Next?


Our Mission

Honoring its 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.
285 Pawling Avenue, Troy, NY 12180 | P: 518.833.1300 F: 518.833.1815
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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).