Earlier this week, Emma Willard School welcomed 104 new students for the 2026–2027 academic year! Among this year's arrivals, we are thrilled to welcome familiar faces from our popular GirlSummer program, several children of current EMployees, and legacy connections including sisters of both current students and alumnae.

While most of our newest Jesters make up the Class of 2030, others are joining us as sophomores or juniors after transferring to Emma Willard from other schools. In all, each student brings their own unique experiences, identity, and perspectives to our campus community—here are a few interesting facts about these new arrivals!

Creative Artists

Artistic expression thrives across every medium among this year’s newest students. One was a competitor in the Olympics of Visual Arts, another a recipient of the “Excellence Prize”  for the Magic Eyes International Children's Comics Contest, and one artist had their work published in The FENCE. Others have designed clothing, painted sets for musicals, and handcrafted custom Halloween costumes (Ms. Maher, “The Queen of ‘Ween” will take note)!

Authors and Storytellers

Emma Willard’s rich literary tradition is in good hands this year! Our newest cohort features a budding author putting the final touches on their debut novel, a published writer of both fiction and nonfiction, a poet, an aspiring playwright, and winners of the World Scholar’s Cup, John Locke Junior Essay Competition, and the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Musical Virtuosos and Stars of the Stage

The Klingenstein Concert Hall will echo with extraordinary musical talent once again. Emma’s arriving students also include a Grammy Award-winning singer from the National Children's Choir, an avid karaoke performer, a student with perfect pitch who plays both viola and piano, and musicians mastering everything from the cello, bass, clarinet, and trumpet to self-taught guitar and violin.

On the stage, these Jesters shine as method actors trained through the Lee Strasberg program, seasoned theater performers, technical crew members, and a past Pep Rally President—along with many, many dancers in ballet, tap, K-pop, hip-hop, jazz, Latin dance, and competitive gymnastics!

Innovative Scholars

The love of learning remains boundless at Emma Willard with the addition of a Science Bowl regional qualifier, a math lover who has memorized 222 digits of Pi, winner of a Rutgers University grant for a community litter reduction initiative (that started as a Science Fair project), a budding engineer designing and building their own computer, and an active member of the Future Farmers of America, helping to promote the science of sustainable agriculture.

Athletes and Adventurers

Out on the fields, courts, and trails, these Jesters bring high-energy athleticism and outdoor spirit. We are joined by:

• Multi-sport athletes excelling in basketball, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, lacrosse, softball, track and field, and flag football (including a former tackle football player!).

• Winter sports enthusiasts who love ski racing, downhill and cross-country skiing, and snowboarding.

• A 4-time state qualifying gymnast, a 6-year fencer, and a taekwondo black belt.

• Equestrians with 9 years in the saddle, high-flying trapeze artists, rock climbers, avid hikers, and a unicyclist!

Compassionate Leaders

Our new students bring great heart and the qualities of leadership to Emma Willard. They serve in many different roles and kinds of leadership, including as youth group volunteers, church helpers, babysitters, and volunteer coaches for youth soccer programs. They also lead equity initiatives such as Dylan’s Wings of Change, which spreads lessons of empathy and kindness, and design community gardens and betterment projects in their hometowns.

Above all, these students bring their authentic selves to Mount Ida this year. You might find some of our newest students hosting a monthly radio show on local FM radio, running an informal cat-sitting business, obsessing over platypuses and snakes, reading animal research, or enjoying a competitive game of mahjong.

Emma Willard's 213th school year will be a time of discovery, excitement, and joy thanks in no small part to these newest members of our community. Welcome!