Parent Engagement| Emma Willard School in Troy, New York

Academics

Emma Willard School's curriculum focuses on three pillars: Intellectual Flexibility, Purpose & Community, and Equity & Justice. Our academic program offers more than 140 courses, including Emma's own unique Advanced Studies options. Personalized study programs enable students to dive deep into a topic or field of their choosing, and gain hands-on experience.

School Life

Education at Emma isn’t limited to the classroom—it’s woven into the fabric of our community. With students from around the world and across the United States, and faculty and staff with a wide breadth of life experiences, you will broaden your perspective the moment you walk onto campus.

Bonds created in the residence and dining halls, while practicing for an athletics match or arts performance, at one of our many cherished traditions, and all the little moments in between, define the Emma experience.

Parent EMbassadors Program

Members of the Parent EMbassadors Program (PEP) serve as a resource to Emma Willard School’s administration as well as to current and prospective families. At meetings held on campus each Fall Family Weekend and at least one other time during the school year (in person or virtually), Association members receive updates and a closer look at current priorities and topics of discussion at the School.

Opportunities to Engage

List of 5 items.

RECORDING: PEP Meeting and DEI Conversation with Christine Gilmore

If you were unable to attend the February 28 PEP DEI Conversation with Christine Gilmore, "Understanding the Assignment," the recording is available here (passcode is .vA4w9$k).
Fundraising in partnership with the Advancement Office
Chair: Wencui Zhao P'23
- Set a standard for Parent Philanthropy by making an Emma Fund gift or commitment that is meaningful and significant for them. Doing so raises the bar for others and engenders confidence in asking other parents to give
- Encourage and cultivate philanthropic participation of other parents
- Advise, when requested, Emma Willard School Advancement on strategies around parent philanthropy, including giving, asking, joining, and serving
- Thank families for their gift – this solidifies the personal relationship between the donor and Emma Willard School and helps encourage future philanthropy
Admissions in partnership with the Admissions Office
Co-Chairs - Kara Guthrie P’16 ‘18 ‘22 and Koethi Zan P’21 ‘24

Parent volunteers are an important regional resource to families going through the independent school search and the admission process. Members will be asked to:
- Outreach to new families entering or considering joining the Emma Willard School community
- Attend events with prospective families, including participating in Best Fit Days on campus
Parents' Social Network
Chair - Kelly Lanahan P'20 '23
- Provide an opportunity for casual interaction amongst our parent community
- Offer a place for new members of the parent community to learn about the parent experience at Emma Willard School
- Help parents navigate the obstacles of being a high school parent
Partner with the Experiential Learning Team
Chair - Noriko Iikuni P'22
- Partner with the Director(s) of Practicum and Signature, Assistant Director of Student Life and Director of Service Learning on special projects and initiatives
- Attend Spring Showcase (May) where student work and experiences will be highlighted