Emma Willard School
Honoring its founder’s vision, Emma Willard School proudly fosters in each young woman a love of learning, the habits of an intellectual life, and the character, moral strength, and qualities of leadership to serve and shape her world.
As the nation’s first institute of higher learning for young women, Emma Willard School has been a leader in girls’ education for over 200 years. Since 1814, we have been challenging independent school students to question, reason, learn, grow, and lead. Whether you already know your passion, or are still finding your way, Emma Willard School empowers you to discover your authentic self.
Our founder, Emma Hart Willard, was a bold advocate for access to education, wanting young women to have more opportunities than what was available to her at that time. She was empowered to want more–for herself and others–and set forth for a life of extraordinary impact.
With a balance of academic rigor, personalized opportunities to grow and create, and a focus on individual wellness, Emma Willard School prepares boarding and day students in grades 9 through 12 to go out and impact their world