In the early years of the 19th century, a young woman named Emma Hart Willard was prevented from attending classes at prestigious Middlebury College simply because she was a woman. Undaunted by the prejudices of her time and hungry for intellectual stimulation, this energetic scholar cultivated an idea: what might the world look like if women received the same education as men? In fits and starts, and against considerable opposition, that daring vision—a radical and courageous concept in its day—ignited an educational revolution. Over time, this notion has empowered and inspired generations of women, preparing them for lives of accomplishment and leadership, thereby transforming the world.
Today, the school she founded in 1814 offers an outstanding boarding- and day-school experience to girls and young women in grades 9 through 12, and the post-graduate year. Known for its intellectual rigor, Emma Willard School is a leader in curriculum innovation. Its challenging program is distinguished by a wide array of electives (including the fine and performing arts), experiential and service learning opportunities, rich co-curricular activities and programs that foster holistic, individual growth. Emma Willard students are intellectually motivated, open-minded young women who love to learn, celebrate difference and cultivate a wide variety of interests. Many plan and pursue internships in professional, artistic and athletic fields. More than half of our students play on interscholastic varsity and junior varsity teams, including basketball, crew, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and volleyball. In addition to an active student government and class leadership system, there are dozens of clubs and organizations reflecting the diverse interests, talents and passions of its students. In a supportive and culturally diverse community representing more than 28 states and 22 foreign countries, every possible resource is dedicated to developing the unlimited potential of each young woman.
Emma Willard School is also committed to ensuring that this exceptional education is affordable for all who wish to attend. Our endowment helps support a financial aid budget of $2.3 million, enabling us to offer generous grants to more than 40 percent of U.S. students.
Emma Willard School is located in Troy, just seven miles east of Albany. The area is well-known for its rich resources in government, higher education, museums and performance centers and the burgeoning Tech Valley district. The historic 137-acre campus blends spectacular Gothic beauty with state-of-the-art educational facilities, permitting the full integration of technology within every course. Recently renovated living spaces include a student center, an e-café and a dining hall that showcases healthful, homemade cooking with local and organic products. Professional residence faculty members reside in and manage the dorm community, and day students are welcome to participate in all the activities and events with the boarding students.
In the 19th century, Emma Hart Willard recognized a social problem of immense proportion. She thought deeply about sound solutions. She shared her vision with all who might be intrigued and supportive. She created a venue in which her novel approach might be modeled and invited others to see the model’s success in action. She continuously sought strategies to increase the realm of her own influence and the influence of her experiment. Because of her efforts—and those of her graduates and the many other pioneers who fought for equitable educational opportunities for women—American girls and women today can expect to receive an education equal to that of their male counterparts.
In the 21st century, the American educational system faces another revolution as it accepts the daunting challenge of ensuring that students can compete in an increasingly complex and intensely competitive worldwide environment. And, as its founder did nearly two centuries ago, Emma Willard School is taking a leadership role. We are creating pilot programs that strike the elusive balance between core knowledge, essential analytical abilities and superb communication skills. We are applying technology in smart, useful ways to enhance the relational aspect of learning and ensure that girls are technologically literate. We are advocating global-perspectives initiatives that help students understand international women’s issues. We are leading the effort to see that all schools provide girls with a math and science curriculum that guarantees their ability to compete in traditionally male-dominated technological fields.
Like Emma herself, we have no intention of wringing our hands about what can’t be fixed. Instead, using her revolutionary example, we see the uncertainty of our times clearly, we are responding boldly and we are expanding our sphere of influence.
To all who care about education today, we invite you to explore, debate, create and prove the educational models that are right for our time. Then help us stand as an example to others who may lack our imagination and verve. To the girls of the world, we say, come here to learn and we send you out with new power as women of sophisticated intelligence who know what it means to be citizens in a global economy.
Please visit www.emmawillard.org to learn more about Emma Willard School. We encourage you to visit our campus, meet our remarkable faculty and students and learn more about our momentous past and promising future. We invite you to experience the Emma Willard Idea for yourself. Please contact us at (518) 833-1320 or admissions@emmawillard.org.
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