This week, Emma Willard welcomed 106 new students to our close-knit campus community. These new students represent 15 US states and 16 countries, ten share a family connection with an alumna or current student, and ten more attended Emma’s popular GirlSummer program.

While most of our new Jesters comprise the Class of 2029, others are transferring as sophomores and juniors, each bringing their own unique background, experiences, and interests. Here are some fun facts about our new arrivals!

Blossoming Artists: Many of our new students turn to art for their creative expression, including writing novels, creating fiber art, repurposing everyday materials into showpieces, and running an Etsy shop, just to name a few!

Smooth Talkers: Others already possess the gift of gab, with examples including a medal finisher in the Japanese Linguistics Olympiad, a podcast host, a “Best Speaker” at the Parliamentary Debate Tournament, and one who has addressed the war in Ukraine at the US Capitol. As always, many of our newest Emma students also speak two or more languages.

World Travelers: Speaking of other world languages, several domestic students have traveled or lived abroad before returning to the US for high school, including England, Japan, and Switzerland.

Born Performers: These students will also be right at home in the new Alice Dodge Wallace ’38 Center for the Performing Arts, with too many dance, musical, and theatre talents to list. Some highlights include a songwriting pianist, the guitarist of a rock band, the vice-head of the Suzhou Youth Symphony Orchestra, and a triple-threat singer/flutist/ballroom dancer.

Deep Diver: A clear contender for “most interesting talent” is the student who uses traditional breathing and swimming techniques of the Haenyeo—meaning “women of the sea” in Korean—to harvest sea creatures from the ocean floor near her home in Jeju Province.

The 212th academic year will bring excitement, accomplishments, and opportunities to serve and shape our world—and we can't wait to see it all!

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Visit our SmugMug to see photos: Opening Days | 9th Grade Retreat | 10th Grade Retreat | Academic Convocation