Emma Willard School

09/24/2026

"Walking through the hallways every day and seeing the students and faculty engaged in their daily activities—always so friendly and enthusiastic—makes you feel happy and a part of this beautiful community."

Aurea Ortiz joined the Emma Willard School housekeeping staff in 2006. Aurea currently works as site supervisor, helping keep campus running smoothly and in order. We asked her four questions about her many years of experience at Emma:

Aurea Ortiz joined the Emma Willard School housekeeping staff in 2006. Aurea currently works as site supervisor, helping keep campus running smoothly and in order. We asked her four questions about her many years of experience at Emma...

09/18/2026

When we say Jestermester, here’s what we mean: One week. No classes. No grades. Only exploration!

Emma Willard School faculty and staff spent an entire Morning Reports block pitching their carefully planned Jestermester experiences to the Emma community. Their enthusiastic appeals, often accompanied by costumes, theme music, and theatrics, led up to a lunchtime Jestermester Fair where students could ask questions and begin ranking their top choices.

09/15/2026

"“All the teachers are so great about thinking outside of the box and giving the students what they need, while also still thinking about being rigorous along the way. It’s always that balance of providing support, but pushing them at the same time.”

From her early days in public education to her current role, Director of Learning Support Amber Towne has transformed how students approach success:

From her early days in public education to her current role, Director of Learning Support Amber Towne has transformed how students approach success. By implementing a sophisticated support framework and launching Emma Willard School's Learning Center, Amber's department balances academic rigor with....

09/14/2026

The quiet days of summer have ended, and excitement returns to Emma Willard as new and returning students arrive on Mount Ida:

The quiet days of summer have ended, and excitement returns to Emma Willard as new and returning students arrive on Mount Ida. ​​​​​​​(Pictured above: First-year Emma students bond with this year's seniors during orientation)

08/28/2026

Drawing on a background in evolutionary biology and academic research, Dr. O’Brien’s journey to Emma Willard School has been defined by a deep curiosity for the natural world. Intellectual flexibility resonates heavily with Dr. O’Brien through his teaching, as it creates the perfect ecosystem for both faculty and students:

Drawing on a background in evolutionary biology and academic research, Dr. O’Brien’s journey to Emma Willard School has been defined by a deep curiosity for the natural world. Intellectual flexibility resonates heavily with Dr. O’Brien through his teaching, as it creates the perfect ecosystem ...

08/13/2026

Infinite Horizon: The Campaign for Emma Willard School has made history!

Because of our dedicated alumnae, faculty and staff, families, and friends—we have ensured access to excellence in girls’ education and extended our school’s legacy for generations to come!

Thanks to your passion and support for our mission, Infinite Horizon surpassed its original goal in January of 2025 and continued to exceed all expectations as we closed the campaign this June.

Please enjoy this short video to learn our final campaign total and see a few of the ways it is already expanding horizons at Emma Willard.

07/27/2026

Signature Magazine is out!

In this issue, we explore the practice of writing—in the classroom, in experiential learning, and as vocation and avocation:

In this issue of Signature magazine, we explore the practice of writing—in the classroom, in experiential learning, and as vocation and avocation.

06/18/2026

"Emma is special to me because everyone here truly believes in each other. I’ve never imagined a place where I could feel so uplifted because students and faculty want to see you succeed while giving you the space to grow and learn along the way. Emma can feel like a lot of scary things at once—meeting new people, trying new things, and finding yourself in a very short timeline, but it all works because people genuinely root for you every single day. There is no failure at Emma simply because everyone here sees your work, dedication, and love for who you are."

This June, as we bid farewell to the Class of 2026, we checked in with senior day student Rachel Greenberg! Read on to hear more about her experience, from finding Emma Willard School, to music and choir, favorite classes, and more:

This June, as we bid farewell to the Class of 2026, we checked in with senior day student Rachel Greenberg! Read on to hear more about her experience, from finding Emma Willard School, to music and choir, favorite classes, and more.

06/10/2026

Time for a Reunion Recap!

Reunion was made even more meaningful for 1s and 6s this year as they marked their first in-person gathering in ten years. Laughter (and bubbles provided by the Class of 1976 for their 50th) filled the air as over 250 Emma alums reconnected, revisited beloved spaces, celebrated one another’s accomplishments, and shared the living legacy of Emma Willard School with their families:

Reunion was made even more meaningful for 1s and 6s this year as they marked their first in-person gathering in ten years. Laughter (and bubbles provided by the Class of 1976 for their 50th) filled the air as over 250 Emma alums reconnected, revisited beloved spaces, celebrated one another’s accom...

06/09/2026

The first batch of Reunion 2026 photos are live! Head to SmugMug to relive the weekend: https://emmawillardschool.smugmug.com/Reunions/Reunion-June-2026 (more coming soon!)

Thank you Liz Lajeunesse Photography '91 for getting photos, especially during your reunion year!!