Emma Willard School

Emma Willard is a historic, top-tier all-girls boarding high school, known for fostering academic depth, confidence, and leadership among young women.
The school does not center its curriculum around AP courses but instead utilizes its own Advanced Studies (AS) system, emphasizing critical thinking and subject depth. Upperclassmen can also participate in Signature / Practicum projects, engaging in research-based learning or off-campus internships, with distinct features in STEAM, humanities, and social responsibility.
University admissions are consistently stable and high-quality, with graduates commonly entering Ivy League and other top universities. The college counseling system is mature and provides strong support for international students.
Geographically, it is located in a small town near Albany, the capital of New York State. The environment is safe, the academic atmosphere is strong, the pace of life is relatively quiet, and the local culture is pragmatic and inclusive.
Past families commonly report that the all-girls environment significantly enhances students' communication skills and leadership awareness. The community cohesion is strong, teacher attention is high, making it suitable for self-disciplined students who prefer a quiet academic environment.

Earlier this year, Emma achieved its fundraising goal of $175 million (in less than 3 years). These funds will be used for faculty and staff compensation, advanced academic courses, a performing arts center, and tuition assistance. The school's architecture is a rare example of Gothic style among American high schools, with a beautiful campus environment and a rich historical heritage. Every time I visit the school, I see confident and cheerful students, and sometimes when the weather is nice, teachers even take students to learn on the outdoor lawns.
Emma's mission, from its inception, has been to provide girls with a first-class education that inspires them with the ability to shape their ideal world, a mission maintained for over 200 years. The curriculum design is based on three pillars: Intellectual Flexibility, Purpose & Community, and Equity & Justice. Emma does not offer AP courses; instead, it customizes its own advanced courses called Advanced Studies. The school offers a Practicum program that encourages students to explore their ideas and passions through personalized, independent learning. The Signature Program is Emma's capstone course for 11th-12th graders, helping them delve deeply into personal interests, involving various projects such as STEAM and interdisciplinary independent research. The school also provides short-term travel programs.
The school's arts program is a major highlight, featuring 36 arts courses, expansive galleries and exhibition spaces, various performance venues, and the school is also planning to construct a brand-new performing arts center.

This is one of the oldest and most elite girls' secondary schools in the United States. The school was founded by Ms. Emma Willard, aiming to cultivate young female leaders and well-rounded talents.
The campus boasts beautiful scenery, advanced facilities, and unique architectural styles, predominantly Gothic, making it highly distinctive. The campus was once a filming location for the famous movie "Scent of a Woman," brimming with cultural and artistic ambiance.
The school has advanced teaching equipment and abundant library resources, providing excellent conditions for students' learning. Furthermore, the school has established a Maker Space, encouraging students to experiment with interesting 3D printing projects and fostering their innovative thinking and practical abilities.

The school also offers students a wealth of extracurricular enrichment opportunities, such as internship programs and Signature Programs. Under the guidance of mentors, students can complete year-long research projects or independent creative projects, enhancing their professional skills and innovative capabilities. In addition, the school offers online learning courses, making it convenient for students to study anytime, anywhere.
University Admissions: The school boasts an extremely high university admission rate, with most graduates gaining admission to world-renowned universities such as Harvard University, Yale University, and Columbia University for further study. The school provides comprehensive university admission guidance and support to help students achieve their educational dreams.

Junior students (just in case), get out quickly! This school doesn't allow taking AP exams. If you're caught, it's counted as two periods of unexcused absence. Three periods of unexcused absence will result in disciplinary consequences. This school is really terrible, don't believe what the agents say.

Emma Willard School, founded in 1814, is one of the oldest boarding schools for girls in the United States. Its quaint, castle-like campus is located in Troy, New York.

The school offers over 140 courses for students to choose from, including 21 AP courses. The school's Signature program includes STEAM research, advanced arts, and pure independent research projects. This program is for students who demonstrate passion for a certain subject, allowing them to complete a year-long project during their 11th or 12th grade. Students can determine their collaborating mentors or work with off-campus expert mentors to create their Signature projects. Examples include conducting cutting-edge biotechnology research at a nearby university or producing their own films. All students participating in this program will present their work to the entire school in April or May.

Although it is an all-girls school, Emma Willard also highly values sports, offering programs such as rowing, cross country, field hockey, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball. Its girls' rowing team is particularly outstanding. The Suter Aquatic Center is the best swimming and diving facility in the Capital Region, and the school's outdoor sports facilities and fields are also very comprehensive.

Founded in 1814, Emma is one of the oldest girls' schools in the United States and one of the top all-girls schools nationwide. As a school with extensive experience in single-sex education, Emma deeply understands the unique characteristics of girls in their learning, growth, and daily lives, enabling it to provide tailored education and maximize girls' potential. Located just a 20-minute drive from the New York State capital, the campus buildings feature a typical traditional English castle style. The school's mission is to empower girls to truly discover and express their authentic selves through diverse courses and activities.

It takes over two hours to drive from the school to downtown New York City. Emma is renowned for its rigorous yet innovative high-quality academic programs, offering over 140 academic courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school places great importance on sports, with rowing being one of its prominent athletic programs, and its swimming pool is also one of the best swimming and diving facilities in the capital region. Emma boasts significant strengths in arts, management, and other specialized programs.

This school is located 2.5 hours' drive from New York and boasts a beautiful environment, which is the first impression for many students. However, there are too many ethnic Chinese people at this school. Don't just consider the small number of students recruited directly from China each year, as there are also ethnic Chinese individuals with other nationalities. Therefore, overall, for Chinese students, it lacks an an international flavor. Additionally, the prevalence of LGBTQ+ individuals (referred to as 'comrades') among teachers and students at this school is significant. This is worth noting. The key depends on each individual's self-control.

6. Advanced Facilities: The Maguire Art Center boasts 8 studios, equipped with ample equipment and space for students to engage in art studies. The Searle Aquatic Center is one of the best swimming and diving facilities in the capital region, featuring a six-lane pool and a one-meter diving board. The outdoor tennis courts include 7 tennis courts and 4 softball fields, while the outdoor grounds also encompass soccer fields, lacrosse fields, track and field facilities, field hockey pitches, and more.

7. Beautiful Environment, Rich History: With its medieval castle-like architectural style and two centuries of historical heritage, this most renowned girls' school on the East Coast exudes a unique charm. The annual graduate Shakespeare play further enhances the school's cultural atmosphere.

1. Academic Excellence: Average SAT score 1380/1600, average ACT score 28/36. 34% of students achieve a 5 on AP exams, 61% achieve a 4, and 87% achieve 3 or above.
2. Rich Curriculum: Offers 20 AP courses for students to choose from.
3. Emphasis on Science Subjects: Students entering 10th and 11th grade must complete two lab sciences, one year of physical science, and one year of life science during their high school years. The school also offers interesting science electives such as neuroscience and astrobiology, as well as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) programs that integrate art with science.
4. Emma Signature Program: In this unique program, students propose research topics, and a team composed of relevant teachers, alumni, or external experts and artists collaborates with students on the research. Topics are broad, ranging from bio-genetics and cancer research to robotics, music production, storybook publishing, and art management.
5. High Sports Participation: Although it is an all-girls school, Emma Willard requires all 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students to participate in physical education classes, team sports, or dance. 12th-grade students are required to participate in 10 weeks of physical education classes or an equivalent. All students must also complete a swimming and water safety level test.

Data for Emma Willard School: student body 360, student-teacher ratio 1:6, international students 27%, boarding rate 62.5%, faculty with advanced degrees 90%, number of courses offered 129. Accepts scores from SSAT, TOEFL, TOEFL Junior, SAT, PSAT. Emma Willard School was founded in 1814, one of the oldest girls' day/boarding schools in the United States. From its earliest days, the student body has included girls from all over the world. The school's foundation is to provide girls with a first-class education equal to that of men, an education that challenges and inspires them to serve and shape their character, moral strength, and leadership qualities. In addition to offering an excellent curriculum, the school also provides the necessary skills for learning and research, enabling students to confidently enter colleges and universities in the United States. Each student has an advisor to help with her academic program, and most students choose five courses per semester. Admiring the vision of its founder, Emma Willard School proudly cultivates in every young girl a love for learning, habits of living wisely, and the character, moral integrity, and leadership that will help shape her world.

Key points regarding applying to Emma from China:
1. U.S. citizens, even when applying from overseas, are still treated as domestic, local U.S. students.
2. Non-U.S. citizens, even if studying in a U.S. school, are still treated as international students. The criterion for this determination is whether the student requires a student visa.
3. The Admissions Office and Academic Office will jointly review newly enrolled international students to ensure each student finds suitable English language courses. The school's English courses are designed to challenge and support students with varying English abilities and learning experiences, including non-native English speakers. The school provides an English Language Lab for students who require additional support in English language learning.
4. Unless an international student has studied in a local U.S. school for more than one year, they are required to submit TOEFL or Duolingo scores.

Emma Willard School is a very welcoming and top-tier girls' school! Emma's unique Gothic architectural style showcases its proud and long history. It's over a two-hour drive from the school to downtown New York City. The school is renowned for its high-quality, rigorous, yet innovative academic programs, offering over 140 courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school emphasizes sports, with rowing being one of its strong athletic programs. The school's pool is also one of the best swimming and diving facilities in the capital region. Emma also has significant advantages in arts, leadership, and special programs. Notable alumni include: Jane Fonda (actress), Kirsten Gillibrand (U.S. Senator for New York), and Elizabeth Cady Stanton (one of the pioneer leaders of the American women's rights movement, as well as an excellent writer and orator). If you want to know more about Emma's charm, you can follow me, and I'll be happy to answer your questions at any time.

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Could you share with us the situation regarding dormitories and dining halls?

Admissions Officer:
In general boarding schools, teachers take turns being on duty in the dorms. However, at Emma, we have dedicated residential teachers who also live in the dorms. They have a lot of time to organize many activities, which is a big advantage for us. Our restaurant is excellent, offering a wide variety of meals, with a balance of meat and vegetables, and dishes from many different countries.

Could you also share with us about the sports facilities?

Admissions Officer:
Our sports center has a swimming pool, tennis courts, and there's also a sports field next to the gymnasium, including various sports facilities. Physical education classes offer many activities such as basketball, soccer, dancing, hiking, swimming, diving, and more.

If international student parents find it inconvenient to attend school parent meetings, how will the school communicate with them?

Admissions Officer:
If international student parents cannot attend parent meetings, we will arrange a separate time through online software to communicate with them about their child's situation. Alternatively, parents often visit their children in the U.S. before the winter break, and we can also arrange a time to meet with them then. Each of our dedicated teachers is responsible for five to six students, so the level of attention is very high.

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Emma in the Eyes of an Admissions Officer (Part 3):

Admissions Officer:
At Emma, whether inside or outside the classroom, or even beyond the campus, our school offers a wide variety of activities. Our philosophy is to cultivate students to face complex problems and environments, and to develop the ability to solve them. They will have opportunities for growth and development in both depth and breadth, while upholding principles of justice and fairness.

Regarding art, I can speak from three perspectives. The first is art courses. Emma offers both introductory and advanced courses to meet the diverse needs of students. For very experienced students, we encourage them to take advanced courses; if they have no experience, they can take some foundational courses. Our art curriculum is divided into performing arts and visual arts. Performing arts include choir, public speaking, etc. Visual arts include drawing, photography, etc.

Sharing:
Emma in the Eyes of an Admissions Officer (Part 2):

At Emma, student learning doesn't just happen inside the classroom; it extends much more beyond it – on the sports field, in the dorms, and even outside campus. I can proudly say that our school has a very high-quality and highly skilled team of teachers. Teachers bring their own learning experiences and other skills into their teaching, broadening students' horizons. Our student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1, allowing for excellent interaction with teachers.

In Emma's educational system, sports are a very important part. All students are required to participate in sports activities, team sports, dancing, etc. Team sports provide students with more opportunities to make friends and build self-confidence through activities. Our sports programs are divided into Varsity and Junior Varsity. For very experienced students, we will place them in the Varsity teams. If you want to try some new sports, you can join our Junior Varsity teams. Another great feature of our school is teamwork. Even if you are a beginner, you will have the opportunity to learn and collaborate with our school's state and national champions.

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Emma in the Eyes of an Admissions Officer (Part 1):

Admissions Officer:
Founded in 1814, Emma is one of the oldest and most historic girls' schools in the entire United States. Our philosophy is to cultivate in every student a love for learning, and to equip them with the leadership skills, ethics, and knowledge to change the world.

Emma is a 20-minute drive from the New York State capital. Our campus is beautiful, and both students and teachers absolutely love it. We have a total of 360 students, coming from 36 countries and regions worldwide. Boarding students make up 62%, with over 220 students living on campus. A significant feature of our school is the very close relationship between boarding students and international students. Many day students live near the school, and their homes become a second home for our international students, who often visit them on weekends and short breaks. Our school frequently organizes international cultural events, giving students more opportunities to experience cultures from different countries. Last year, we hosted Mid-Autumn Festival, Lunar New Year, and events from other countries. I speak Chinese, so I have a very close relationship with students from China.

Emma's signature program is the capstone course for senior students, designed to encourage them to deeply explore their interests. The signature program involves completing a two-semester project with an in-school mentor or an external expert, and students share their work at a school presentation. This opportunity is for students who demonstrate a strong passion for a particular topic and have dedicated sufficient time to complete the project. These projects include STEM, International Issues, Books and Writing, Women in Work, Physical Science, Social Justice, Media and Storytelling, Wellness, Life Science, and more.

Emma Willard has a long and distinguished history, typical of traditional English boarding schools, with campus buildings resembling ancient castles. The school is dedicated to helping girls discover and embrace their true selves through a variety of courses and activities. Although it is an all-girls school, it does not judge ability based on gender. Many science courses, often perceived as less favored by girls, are offered at AP level, such as Physics, Algebra, Biology, and Engineering. Students can participate in STEM programs as early as 9th or 10th grade to cultivate their interest in science. By 11th grade, each student receives one-on-one academic guidance from a dedicated mentor for college admissions, which is extremely helpful. Furthermore, the school provides numerous opportunities for community service, maintaining connections with 32 local non-profit organizations and groups. It frequently organizes students to volunteer, for instance, by tutoring elementary school students or distributing supplies to people in shelters.

Emma Willard School, located in New York State, USA, is a high-quality girls' school with a long and traditional history, providing excellent pre-university education for young girls. Since its establishment in 1814, it has been one of the most successful boarding schools for girls in the United States. The school offers a wide range of AP courses and electives, which are academically challenging. The school also places a certain emphasis on the diversity of students' backgrounds and personalities. The school values sports, requiring all 9th, 10th, and 11th-grade students to participate in physical education classes or team sports. Rowing is one of the school's strongest sports programs. The school's facilities are advanced and well-equipped; its art center has 8 studios, providing ample space and equipment for students to engage in art studies.

Emma Willard School visited this school last autumn. The school gave me an antique feel, like a castle, with beautiful architecture. The school is located in Albany, New York, only 150 miles from New York City. The student who gave us the tour was from Shanghai, and my daughter's senior also studies there. Both spoke highly of the school. The teachers have high qualifications, with over 75% holding postgraduate degrees or higher. During the visit, student-woven artworks could be seen everywhere.

1. The school's internship programs are very unique, offering both on-campus and off-campus academic and non-academic internship opportunities, and students even have the chance to intern at the New York State Legislature.

2. Signature Program: An essential program designed for junior and senior students. After students propose a research topic, relevant teachers and external experts will form a team with the students to conduct joint research. The topics covered are extensive, ranging from biogenetics and cancer research to robot production, music production, storybook publishing, and art management.

3. The school emphasizes sports, and rowing is one of its strong athletic programs. The school's swimming pool is also one of the best swimming and diving facilities in the capital region.

4. STEAM program integrating art into science.

5. Outstanding literature courses and creative writing courses.

6. The school has dedicated dance studios, offering various types and levels of dance classes such as ballet and jazz. Excellent and talented students will be recommended by the school to professional dance groups for performance opportunities.

Every student must complete credits in art courses to graduate, which cover various aspects such as dance, drama, music, craft arts, and photography. The school has dedicated dance studios, offering ballet, jazz, and other types and levels of dance classes. Talented and outstanding students will be recommended by the school to professional dance troupes for performance opportunities. In addition to traditional art courses, the school also offers 2D/3D design, pottery, photography, and distinctive textile arts.
EWS arranges a rich extracurricular life for students. The school currently offers over a dozen sports, including softball, lacrosse, rowing, swimming, cross country, tennis, rugby, and volleyball. The school also organizes sports events with other nearby boys' schools on weekends. Students can also initiate their own extracurricular activities based on their interests. Furthermore, the school provides many opportunities for community service; it is connected with 32 local non-profit organizations and groups, regularly organizing students to volunteer, such as tutoring elementary school students or distributing supplies to people in shelters.